Looking for a way to celebrate the holiday season with loved ones? Check out this list and your search is over. From train rides to carols to meetings with Santa and gingerbread houses, Athens seems to have an event for everyone.
What: Uptown Athens Holiday Celebration?
When: 6-8 p.m., today
?Where: Court Street?
Admission: Free
Join Athens Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the holiday season. The night will include visits with Santa, free wagon rides and special store hours and sales until 7 p.m. at Court Street favorites such as the Athens Book Center, College Bookstore, UniversiTees, Donkey Coffee, Court Street Coffee, Keith Chapman Jewelers, Passion Works, and Little Professor Book Center. Free parking will also be included at Athens City Parking Garage.
http://www.athensohio.com/events/holiday-events/holiday-events-in-uptown-athens2
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What: The North Pole Express
When: 7 p.m., Dec. 16-17
Where: 33 East Canal St.
Admission: $25 adults, $20 seniors (60+), $17 children (3-17) ?Note: skate rental is $2.
All aboard the train to the North Pole! With this special treat, pajama-dressed children and adults are invited to join the journey to visit Santa Clause. With hot chocolate, cookies and an original Athens version of Chris Allsburg’s Christmas tale, not a soul could resist, not even a mouse. During the two-hour, heated train ride children will receive a bell from Santa’s sleigh. After the journey, riders will follow the train’s conductor to finally see Santa and ice skate free of charge. Make sure to purchase train tickets ahead of time as Santa has a busy schedule.
http://www.hvsry.org/home_page/northpole.htm
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What: The Homeless Musicians Caroling Party
When: 6:45 p.m., Dec. 16?
Where: Nelsonville Public Square-54 W. Washington St.
?Admission: Free
Grab your instruments and family and join the 2nd Annual Homeless Musicians Christmas Caroling Party! The troupe will be playing around town including the Nelsonville Square, the ice rink and the train station. Make sure to send your name, instrument and number of participants to Andy Stone at astone@ci.athens.oh.us if you would like to participate.
http://www.athensohio.com/events/holiday-events/homeless-musicians-christmas-caroling-party
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What: Winter Warmth?
When: 12-1 p.m., Dec. 17
?Where: Nelsonville Public Library?
Admission: Free
Merry makers of any size are invited to the library’s open house. Activities will include live music, cookie decorating, card making, gingerbread houses and refreshments. The library will also be collecting new, used or handmade winter clothing such as scarves, gloves, and jackets for those in need throughout the holiday season.
?www.myacpl.org?
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What: The Santa Train
When: 11 a.m., 2 p.m. or 6 p.m., Dec. 17-18
?Where: 33 East Canal St.?Admission: $16 adults, $14 senior (60+), $12 children (3-12)
Enjoy a magical night with Santa on his decorated Christmas train. The night will be full of Christmas poems, music, a special visit from the big man himself and treats from Mrs. Claus. Make sure to call ahead or go online to reserve tickets ahead of time! ?
http://www.hvsry.org/home_page/santatrain.htm
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What: The New Years Eve Train?
When: 10:30 p.m., Dec. 31
?Where: 33 East Canal St.?
Admission:
Wine/cheese cars: $35 adults, $30 seniors (60+)?
Pizza/Pepsi cars: $25 adults, $20 seniors, $15 children (3-12), free
children under 3-years old
Bring in the 2012 year on a train with fireworks, food, friends and family. With two separate cars, the wine car and the pizza car, there is something for everyone. A reservation is required and must be made by Dec. 29.?
http://www.hvsry.org/home_page/newyear.htm
