By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
It’s coming in a fortnight… that time of year that transforms our already amazing city and county into a place of warm lights, warm laughter, and hopefully warm hearts. Pammie Jimmar of the Chamber of Commerce always likes to describe it as “when we become a Hallmark movie,” and the purpose of this article is to let folks know some of the things that are going to make the 2025 season just grand. The “purpose of the party” is to give everyone a chance to re-kindle the true “reason for the season,” and this is the 39th year that the Christmas Open House, which is also hosted by Athens Main Street, has been a part of our holiday festivities. This year’s theme is Christmas Movies and Magic, and I hope all of us will be able to say from the bottom of our hearts that “It’s A Wonderful Life” by the time the festivities are finished.
For several years we have had the Tinsel Trail in Big Spring Park, which is essentially a festival of beautifully decorated and well-lit trees. Businesses, not-for-profits, individuals, and families have purchased trees and decorated them to uniquely celebrate the season or remember a recently passed loved one. Each tree is an original, and the decorating styles are as individual as those who have purchased the trees. Athens City Parks and Recreation has generously provided additional electrical power throughout the park, allowing the trees to be luminated all around the pond for a truly stunning visual experience that the entire community can enjoy. Research conducted by the Chamber indicates that Tinsel Trail is one of most popular and well-attended features of the entire Open House. The trees are $175 each, and to purchase one, go to https://business.alcchamber.org.
On Thursday, November 20th the Athens-Limestone County Tinsel Trail Tree Lighting will occur, starting off with a story hour at 6 pm. At 6:30, all the trees will be lit at the same time, and their reflection on the water is stunning. Santa will be on hand and hot chocolate will be served to make a sweet start even sweeter.
Once again beautiful trees will be front and center for the kick-off of the Open House. There will be a total of three Christmas tree lightings throughout the season. The second one is Friday, November 21 in the Merchants’ Alley at 5 p.m. That night will also feature music performed by Downtown With Devon and Things Inc Common Choir. The third one is sponsored by the County Commission and will be at the southwest corner of the Limestone County Courthouse on Thursday, December 4, the same day as the Christmas Parade.
For Christmas Open House, skating is back once again, beginning on Friday night and continuing through the weekend. It is $5 per person, CASH ONLY. I have never gotten over the fact that they can even manufacture a bit of falling snow, no matter the weather, which adds to the ambience.
Once again there will be a Merry Market, which will be held outside the Courthouse. All kinds of vendors and artisans will be present with their wares, alongside local food trucks with treats abounding. Stan Smith will have his horse-drawn carriage available for memory-making rides, and Fly Leaf will offer Christmas photos starting Friday, with Santa joining the photo fun on Saturday and Sunday.
There is so much more happening this season than the Christmas Open House or the annual Christmas Parade in Athens. As you will notice, the rest of Limestone County has several events. Ardmore will have its own Tinsel Trail and Christmas Parade, along with cookies with Santa in the Ardmore Town Hall. Elkmont is following suit with a Tinsel Trail and holiday parade, Mooresville will host historical walking tours, and the festivities will finish on December 13 from 3-7 pm with Sippin’ Cider by Athens Main Street and participating downtown merchants.
Oh, and don’t forget the Athens Elf on the Shelf Challenge: Can You Find Athie the Elf! If you go on Facebook Nov. 17 through the 23, you’ll see that Athie will be giving clues each morning at 8 a.m. about his whereabouts, and if you find him, the shop where he was hiding will give you goodies and gift cards.
We hope you can tell that a whole lot of care has gone into crafting a beautiful holiday season here in Athens-Limestone County. May you and your family enjoy each moment, and see you soon!
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
