By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
It’s coming soon… that time of year that transforms our already amazing city and county into a place of lights, laughter, and, by grace, love. Pammie Jimmar of the Chamber 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 2024 season a special one. We spoke recently, and there are some new features, classic favorites, and the chance to re-kindle the true “reason for the season.” It is also the 38th year that the Christmas Open House has been a part of our holiday festivities.
For several years we have had the North Poll Stroll 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. “This year there will be a few changes. For starters, the North Pole Stroll has been renamed the Athens-Limestone County Tinsel Trail. Athens City Parks and Recreation has generously provided additional electrical power throughout the park, allowing us to illuminate the trees around the pond for a truly magical experience that the entire community can enjoy,” shared Pammie Jimmar, President of the Chamber of Commerce. The trees are $150 each, and as of this writing, there is room for 48 more to round out the 100 total.
Pammie hopes that next year we will be able to have a train go through the park and make it into a true winter wonderland, possibly even adding a spectacular Bright Lights in the Park walking tour as part of the Tinsel Trail. On Thursday, November 21 at 6 p.m., the Athens-Limestone County Tinsel Trail Tree Lighting will occur, and for the first time, all the trees will be lit at the same time. There will be a story time with Santa and Happy Pappi Beignets will be on hand to make a sweet start even sweeter.
It seems this is the “Year of Trees” with a total of three Christmas tree lightings throughout the season. The second one is Friday, November 22 in the Merchants’ Alley at 5 p.m. That night will also feature music performed by the Athens High School Choir as a kickoff to Christmas Open House. The third one is sponsored by the County Commission and will be at the southwest corner of the Limestone County Courthouse on Thursday, December 5, 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 delicious local food trucks. 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 14 with Sippin’ Cider by Athens Main Street.
Oh, and don’t forget the Athens Elf on the Shelf Challenge: Can You Find Athie the Elf! If you go on Facebook Nov. 18 through the 24, 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.
As you can see, a whole lot of care has gone into crafting a beautiful holiday season here in Athens-Limestone County. So may you and your family enjoy each moment. Merry Christmas!
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
November 1, 2024
