UGA Sports

There’s still time to catch a few fall football games! Whether you are requesting in-person ticket information, sneaking in a few final tailgates, or watching on TV, cheering the Dawgs on to victory is a town favorite when the leaves are falling outside.

As the football season ends, ice hockey kicks off! The UGA Ice Dawgs are returning with home games in December and January at the 440 Foundry Pavilion at The Classic Center. All games are outdoors this year, making them the perfect opportunity to bundle up and enjoy that nip in the air. This season, The Classic Center will have even more hockey to enjoy! In addition to the beloved Division I UGA Ice Dawgs, fans will be able to cheer on a new Division III hockey team and the Women’s Club Hockey team, who will all play their home games in the 440 Foundry Pavilion.  

Ice Skating

There are few things more picturesquely wintry than twirling around an ice rink. We may not get much snow in Georgia, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find ice! Athens on Ice Public Ice Skating is perfect for date nights, family time, or group outings. With skates included in your ticket price, it’s a great way to get out and soak in the chilly weather. Tickets must be purchased online, so keep an eye on The Classic Center’s social channels for session availabilities and times, then head to the website to purchase tickets.  

Events & Performances

Ring in the holiday season with a magical, musical event. The UGA School of Music Holiday Concert is a local favorite, with performances on November 30 and December 1 this year. Student tickets are only $10, with adult tickets still very reasonably priced at $25.

A local family favorite is returning on December 9. Dig into a delicious breakfast, meet Santa, and have family photos taken all in one morning at Breakfast with Santa! Not only is this event a wonderful time, but you can also feel good about buying tickets because all proceeds benefit The Classic Center Cultural Foundation, which awards over $60,000 in grants and annual hospitality education, performing, and visual arts scholarships.

The week leading up to Christmas is also packed with nostalgic performances. Grammy® award-winning country star John Berry is returning to the Classic City for his 27th Annual Christmas Tour on December 17. His outstanding rendition of “O Holy Night” is sure to get anyone in the holiday spirit.

Witness a young girl’s journey through a fantasy world of fairies, princes, toy soldiers - and an army of mice with The Nutcracker, set to Tchaikovsky's beloved score. Performed by The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine, this show is in town for two nights only at The Classic Center Theatre – make sure to get your tickets before they’re gone.

Outdoors

If you’re a fan of chilly winter weather (or at least the chilly-ish weather we get in Georgia), then these outdoor events are must-dos.

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department will host “Deck the Hollow” Holiday Lights at Bear Hollow Zoo from December 1-3, and 8-10 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Beloved Bear Hollow will be decked with holiday lights, and the event will feature artist vendors, animal encounters, and photo opps.

The annual Downtown Parade of Lights will be held December 7 this year at 7:00 p.m. Because of its central downtown location, the parade is the perfect opportunity to park, grab a local hot chocolate or coffee from Jittery Joe’s, Walkers Coffee Shop & Pub, or 1000 Faces Coffee, and then conveniently walk with your family to settle into a spot to watch the festivities.

Winter Wonderlights, presented by the UGA Office of the President, is returning on select nights from November 22 through December 30 at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Spectacular light displays adorn the garden along a fully accessible, half-mile trail. Interspersed between displays are s’mores stations and hot chocolate carts.

Even just walking along downtown streets in Athens is filled with holiday spirit during the month of December. Lights adorn the trees lining several central streets, and an approximately 35-ft tall Christmas tree graces the sidewalk in front of City Hall. Stay tuned for the next installment of the Christmas in the Classic City blog series to get the inside scoop on even more festive activities in Athens – coming