Get thrilled for the holidays in Athens! Our guide will help you find all the best festive events. For Athens regulars and holiday explorers alike, this guide is your passport to seasonal delight.
Popular Events: One charming experience to enjoy this season is the AACC Uptown for the Holidays, where local shops come alive with festive decorations and unique gift offerings. Twinkling lights and holiday cheer fill the air! Another highlight is the Selfies with Santa in Santa’s Workshop, where families can capture memorable moments with Santa in a whimsical setting. And definitely don't forget the Horse-drawn Wagon Rides, a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the season while gliding through the picturesque streets. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Athens
- AACC Uptown for the Holidays
- Horse-drawn Wagon Rides
- Selfies with Santa in Santa’s Workshop
- Holiday Film Series
- North Pole Nelsonville (Nelsonville)
- Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights (Delaware)
- Central Ohio Symphony Holiday Concerts (Delaware)
- Lucy Depp Park Light Show (Powell)
- Candlelight Holiday Tours (Lucas)
- Christmas by Candlelight (Marion)
See these and even more events listed below!
Athens Holiday Light Displays
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
What to Expect:
Largest silhouette light display in Ohio with over 16 million color shades.
Description:
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights is a drive-thru holiday light show at Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds, featuring over 170 LED displays, RGB tunnels, and a 500-foot RGB light wall. The event includes a new layout and new displays each year, with Mrs. Claus helping children write letters to Santa and passing out cookies.
Where: Delaware | More Info: Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
Lucy Depp Park Light Show
What to Expect:
Individually controlled pixel lights in a 12-mile show loop.
Description:
Lucy Depp Park Light Show is a free, drive-through holiday light display featuring 9 houses and over 13 acres of intricately controlled lights, with nearly 250,000 channels and an extensive network delivering connectivity across the entire display.
Where: Powell | More Info: Lucy Depp Park Light Show
Christmas by Candlelight
What to Expect:
Thousands of lights and live animals tell the story of Christmas.
Description:
Drive through the Marion County Fairgrounds to see thousands of Christmas lights and displays, accompanied by festive music and live animals.
Where: Marion | More Info: Christmas by Candlelight
Athens Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Film Series
What to Expect:
Classic holiday films with a community-driven canned food drive.
Description:
The Athena Cinema's Holiday Film Series features classic Christmas movies on the big screen, supporting Athens Food Pantries with a canned food drive.
Where: Athens | More Info: Holiday Film Series
Central Ohio Symphony Holiday Concerts
What to Expect:
Holiday concert with a sing-along led by Kate Merryman.
Description:
The Central Ohio Symphony presents a festive holiday concert featuring Christmas Memories and other seasonal selections, led by singer and actor Kate Merryman.
Where: Delaware | More Info: Central Ohio Symphony Holiday Concerts
Athens Other Holiday Activities
AACC Uptown for the Holidays
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday festivities with horse-drawn wagon rides and local business activities.
Description:
The AACC Uptown for the Holidays event features a community tree lighting, horse-drawn wagon rides, and various holiday activities hosted by local businesses.
Where: Athens | More Info: AACC Uptown for the Holidays
Selfies with Santa in Santa’s Workshop
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa's Workshop with photo opportunities.
Description:
Visit Santa's Workshop at the corner of Court and Washington Street to take a selfie with the big man himself. Tell him what you want for Christmas or simply capture a special moment with Santa.
Where: Athens | More Info: Selfies with Santa in Santa’s Workshop
Horse-drawn Wagon Rides
What to Expect:
Charming horse-drawn wagon rides through festive Uptown Athens.
Description:
Horse-drawn wagon rides offer a charming way to explore Uptown Athens, taking passengers through the festive holiday scene.
Where: Athens | More Info: Horse-drawn Wagon Rides
North Pole Nelsonville
What to Expect:
Santa Train and festive holiday activities.
Description:
North Pole Nelsonville is a vibrant holiday event featuring a Santa Train, Christmas parade, and Santa’s Workshop, offering a variety of activities for all ages.
Where: Nelsonville | More Info: North Pole Nelsonville
Candlelight Holiday Tours
What to Expect:
Self-guided tours with volunteer guides and holiday treats.
Description:
Explore Louis Bromfield's Big House at Malabar Farm State Park during the 50th Annual Candlelight Holiday Tours. Volunteers will guide you through each room, providing short backgrounds on the rooms used during Bromfield's life. Enjoy cookies and warm drinks as you take in the holiday decorations.
Where: Lucas | More Info: Candlelight Holiday Tours
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Parkersburg (29 miles)
- Lancaster (38 miles)
- Zanesville (42 miles)