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The big return of the annual Downtown Parade of Lights will signal the official start to the holiday season in Athens, with craft fairs, concerts and activities scheduled around the city through the end of 2021.

Here's a look at a few of the things you and your family can do in town throughout December.

Dec. 2

Downtown Athens Parade of Lights: This year's theme is "A Super Hero Holiday." Free admission.

Holiday Wreath Workshop at the Athens Welcome Center: Lead by florist Maggie Hayden. $65 with all materials provided; RSVP only.

Public ice skating at the Classic Center: Skate rental and 75 minutes on the indoor rink for $15 per person. Runs through Jan. 9.

Dec. 3-5 and 10-12

Deck the Hollow at Bear Hollow Zoo: Evening visits illuminated by holiday-themed lights are $5 for Athens-Clarke County residents and $7.50 for non-residents.

Dec. 4

Holiday Market at Flicker Theater & Bar: Outdoor pop-up market with local vendors. Free admission.

Holiday Market at West Broad Farmers Market: Artisan market and craft fair helps support Athens and Athens-area artists. Free admission.

Holiday Open House at Lyndon House Arts Center: Holiday shopping will be available at the Deck the Walls featuring works by local artists. Free admission.

Toddlers in the Kitchen at East Athens Community Center: Bring your little elves to help Ms. Portia make gingerbread cookies and Grinch Punch. $4 for Athens residents and $6 for non-residents.

Dec. 4-5

Heirloom Holiday Market at Heirloom Caf and Fresh Market: Brunch and shopping with different vendors each day. Free admission.

Holiday Pottery Sale at Southern Star Studio: Annual sale and Open House partnered with Marmalade Pottery. Free admission.

Dec. 6

Athens Choral Society at the UGA Performing Arts Center: A Baroque Christmas featuring the music of Vivaldi, Bach, Corelli, and Handel. Free admission.

Dec. 6-13

Irish Christmas in America at the Classic Center: Performance features instrumental music and old-style Irish dancing. Tickets range from $27-34.

Dec. 7-8

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis at the UGA Performing Arts Center: Big band versions of holiday classics. Tickets range from $59 to $89.

Dec. 8

Gingerbread Workshop at Lay Park: Construct and design your own gingerbread house. Fee of $10 per house includes all materials provided.

Dec. 9-10

Athens Holiday Market at Big City Bread: Food, live music and handmade art from local craftspeople. Free admission.

Dec. 10

Pottery Sale at Normaltown Pottery: Pottery and ceramics by local artists Juana Gnecco and Nancy Green. Free admission.

More: The Athens Symphony Orchestra is returning to the stage

Dec. 11

Athens Symphony Orchestra at the Classic Center: A selection of holiday classics plus music from Charlie Brown Christmas performed by the Good Grief Trio. Free tickets available at classiccenter.com.

Breakfast with Santa at Memorial Park: To-go biscuit breakfast, craft pack and snow globe photo with Santa. $5 for ACC residents, $7.50 for non-residents.

Family Day at the Georgia Museum of Art: Photography demonstration in the lobby and free Faberg-inspired to-go art kit. Free admission.

Holiday Market at West Broad Farmers Market: Artisan market and craft fair helps support Athens and Athens-area artists. Free admission.

Indie South Fair at Bishop Park: 100 vendors selling handmade and vintage goods from Athens and surrounding areas. Free admission.

Pottery Sale at Normaltown Pottery: Pottery and ceramics by local artists Juana Gnecco and Nancy Green. Free admission.

Dec. 12

Athens Symphony Orchestra at the Classic Center: A selection of holiday classics plus music from Charlie Brown Christmas, performed by the Good Grief Trio. Free tickets available at classiccenter.com.

Indie South Fair at Bishop Park: 100 vendors selling handmade and vintage goods from Athens and surrounding areas. Free admission.

Dec. 12-13

Holi-LADDER-day Market at tiny ATH gallery: Unique vertical display will present the work of ten local artists per day. Free admission.

Dec. 14

Georgia Children's Chorus Holiday Concert at the UGA Performing Arts Center: This year's program is "Make the Season Bright. $12 general admission.

Toddler Tuesday Art Gifts at the Georgia Museum of Art: Storytime and art activity for children 18 mo.-3 yrs.. To reserve a free spot, email sagekincaid@uga.edu.

Dec. 15

Grinch and Go Preschool Playgroup at Rocksprings Park: Snacks, games, crafts, and a visit from The Grinch with photo opportunity. $5 for children ages 1-5 yrs..

Dec. 16

Grinchmas Tea Party at Rocksprings Park: Holiday feast with The Grinch featuring who-pudding, who-hash and who-roast beast. $6 for ACC residents, $9 for non-residents.

Dec. 17

Movies by Moonlight at Sandy Creek Park: Drive-in double feature of "The Year Without A Santa Claus" and "The Muppet Christmas Carol. Free tickets can be reserved at accgovga.myrec.com/info/activities.

Dec. 18

Christmas With the King's Singers at the UGA Performing Arts Center: British vocal ensemble performs holiday favorites. Tickets range from $42 to $62.

Kids in the Kitchen with Ms. Portia at East Athens Community Center: Kids ages 7-12 will make Gingerbread Bars and Rudolph Punch. Admission is $4 for ACC residents and $6 for non-residents.

Dec. 18-19

The Nutcracker at the Classic Center: Tchaikovsky's classic performed by the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine. Tickets range from $16 to $42.

Please note that this story will continue to be updated as more information becomes available. If your family-friendly event isn't listed here, send an email to ashearer@onlineathens.com.

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Downtown Parade of Lights will kick off a month of family-friendly activities in Athens - Online Athens