Holidays in the hills: 2025 winter events in Athens County (Updated)

holiday events abound athens county artwork

ATHENS COUNTY, Ohio –– The first snow has fallen and events celebrating the winter holiday season are underway. We’ve gathered a list of places throughout Athens County where you can join in the festivities, come together and celebrate.

Did we miss something? Email info@athensindependent.com!

Ways to give back in Athens County this holiday season

Outdoor festivals

Friday, Dec. 5

6–8 p.m.: Community Tree Lighting and Opening Night Festivities. Featuring Santa’s Workshop, the Community Tree, horse-drawn wagon rides, musical performances, and other holiday activities. Sponsored by Athens Area Chamber of Commerce. Uptown, Athens.

Saturday, Dec. 6

2:30 p.m.: Albany Christmas in the Village. Parade, carols, food, vendors, Santa, and tree lighting. Washington Street, Albany.

5–8 p.m.: Stewart Christmas Tree Festival. Displays, hot cocoa, music, vendors, games for kids, Santa and Grinch. Federal Valley Resource Center, 8225 SR 329, Stewart.
6:00-9:30 p.m.: 2025 Athens County Agricultural Society Christmas Drive-thru Display. Athens County Fairgrounds, 286 W. Union St., Athens.

6 p.m.: Christmas Parade. Featuring Santa. Public Square, Nelsonville.

Saturday, Dec. 13

8–11 a.m.: Christmas on Hooper Road. CommonHouse’s third annual Christmas event. Free. Breakfast, pictures with Santa, free winter clothing and gifts, toy shop, and crafts for the kids. 9365 Hooper Road, Athens.
4 p.m.: Christmas at Lake Hope. Featuring Santa and horse-drawn wagon rides. 27331 SR 278, McArthur.
6–8 p.m.: The Plains Christmas in the Park. Nut-free event with cookies, hot chocolate, coffee. Santa appearance. The Plains Community Parks, 65 Connett Road, The Plains.

Parties and open houses

Thursday, Nov. 20

5:30–6:30 p.m.: O’Bleness Hospital Guild Holiday Open House and Silent Auction. Refreshments and entertainment; decorated tree auction. Winners announced at 6:45 p.m. Willow View Café, O’Bleness Hospital, 55 Hospital Drive, Athens.

Thursday, Dec. 4

5–8 p.m.: ACENet Holiday Open House. Shop, sample and socialize; live music, food, cake walk, and vendors. ACENet, 94 Columbus Road, building C, Athens.

1–3 p.m.: The Barn at Joy Creek Christmas Party. Games, cookie decorating, and barn fun. Providing meats and table service; bring a side dish to share. Ugly Christmas sweater contest! 16990 Joy Road, Chesterhill. RSVP here.

Saturday, Dec. 6

10 a.m.–1 p.m.: Reindeer Games Family Fun Day. Free and open to all community families, featuring activity tables, a reading room with local children’s authors, hands-on science experiments, and Santa. John C. Calhoun Baker University Center, 1 Park Place, ballroom, Athens.
5–8 p.m.: Annual Holiday Toy Drive with Fat Head’s Brewery. Collecting new toy donations to benefit Joys of Toys with the Athens County Sheriff’s Department; $1 of every pint of Fat Head’s sold back to Joys of Toys. Eclipse Company Store, 11309 Jackson Drive, The Plains.

Tuesday, Dec. 9

5:30–8 p.m.: Rural Action Holiday Open House, meet the staff, tour the facilities and enjoy refreshments. UpCycle Ohio Community Makerspace, 751 W. Union St., Athens.

Sunday, Dec. 14

11 a.m.: In Celebration of the Season. Cookie decorating and holiday sing-a-longs. Universalist Fellowship of Athens, 184 Longview Heights Road, Athens.

Wednesday, Dec. 17

4–6 p.m.: Annual Solstice Celebration, Glouster Public Library, 20 Toledo St., Glouster.

Thursday, Dec. 18

10 a.m.–1 p.m. Visit Athens County Open House, 8 W. Stimson Ave., Athens.

Friday, Dec. 19

4:30–6:30 p.m.: Annual Solstice Celebration. The Plains Public Library, 14 S. Plains Road, The Plains.

Sunday, Dec. 21

3 p.m.–bedtime: Winter Solstice Celebration. Beeswax candle making, tarot, food, games. Bring a dish to share. Tend Space, 48 Converse St., Chauncey.

Live music and performances

Friday, Nov. 21 and Nov. 22

7:30–8:30 p.m. and 4–5 p.m.: Calliope Fall Choir Concert. Athens feminist choir’s annual fall concert will feature songs chosen with inspiration from Sikh activist Valarie Kaur’s Revolutionary Love movement. Athens First United Methodist Church, 2 S. College St., Athens.

Saturday, Nov. 22

9 p.m.: Talk Turkey to Me Drag Show. Show starts at 10 p.m.; $10/person. 18+.The Side Bar, 24 ¼ E. State St., Athens.

Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6

7 p.m.: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Lightside Acting Troupe youth; free, donations welcome. Federal Valley Resource Center, 8225 SR 329, Stewart.
7 p.m.: Athena Cinema Holiday Film Series “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (1966) and the Ohio University Trombone Choir. Admission is a non-perishable food item or monetary donation to a food charity. 20 S. Court St., Athens.
1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.: ABC Players present A Christmas Story. A holiday favorite about a boy’s quest for a BB gun. Two Saturday shows. Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square, Nelsonville.

Saturday, Dec. 6

1 p.m. and 3 p.m.: Athena Cinema Holiday Film Series “Elf” and a cappella music by the Tempo Tantrums. Admission is a canned or non-perishable food product, or a monetary donation to a local food charity. The Athena Cinema, 20 S. Court St, Athens.

Sunday, Dec. 7

3 p.m.: Hocking County Children’s Chorus Christmas Concert. Bring warm clothing for drive, donations for Inspire Shelter. Free. Logan Church of the Nazarene, 650 Walhonding Avenue, Logan.
4 p.m.: Advent Lessons and Carols. Performed by the choir of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd with live instrumental accompaniment. Free; donations accepted. Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 64 University Terrace, Athens.
4 p.m.: Coolville Community Choir. Traditional and contemporary seasonal selections, directed by Martha Sue Matheny. Federal Valley Resource Center, 8225 SR 329, Stewart.

Monday, Dec. 8

7:30 p.m.: Kenny G: The Miracles Holiday and Hits Tour 2025. Tickets $45, buy here. Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium, 1 Ohio Ave., Athens.

Friday, Dec. 12

6:30 p.m.: Holiday Choir and Chimes Concert. Lightside Choir and Bells youth groups perform carols and holiday favorites. Free. Federal Valley Resource Center, 8225 SR 329, Stewart.

Saturday, Dec. 13

3 p.m.: Athena Cinema Holiday Film Series “The Muppet Christmas Carol”. Admission is a nonperishable food item or monetary donation to a food charity. 20 S. Court St., Athens.
7 p.m.: Annual Bruce and Gay Dalzell Holiday Performance. Holiday show with originals and favorites; 20 years running. Federal Valley Resource Center, 8225 SR 329, Stewart.
7:30–9:30 p.m.: Columbus Symphony: Holiday Pops Spectacular. The Columbus Symphony will perform classic carols and seasonal favorites. Doors at 6:30 p.m.; music starts at 7:30 p.m. Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square, Nelsonville. Tickets here.

Saturday, Dec. 14

11 a.m.: The Stories We Tell in Song and Season. Decorate cookies and enjoy live music from Metra Peterson and Athens Record Consort. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 184 Longview Heights Road, Athens.
2 p.m.: Singing in the Light. Calliope Feminist Choir’s community sing, Donations are welcome at the door. Arts West, 132 W. State St., Athens.

Sunday, Dec. 14

2–4 p.m.: Holiday Jam. Listen or join in. Federal Valley Resource Center, 8225 SR 329, Stewart.
4 p.m.: Communiversity Holiday Concert. Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium, 1 Ohio Ave., Athens.

Holiday shopping and bazaars

Saturday, Nov. 15 and Sunday, Nov. 16

9 a.m.–5 p.m. and 11 a.m.–3 p.m.: Athens Holiday Shoppe. Local artisans, handcrafted wares, raffles, door prizes. Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens.

11 a.m.–4 p.m.: 21st Annual Spartan Holiday Craft Show. Seventy vendors, food, raffle. All proceeds benefit the Alexander Junior/Senior High School’s 14 high school sports teams. Alexander Recreation Center, 6091 Ayers Road, Albany.

Sunday, Nov. 29

10 a.m.–2 p.m.: Christmasfest: A Wicked Good Time. Shop local vendors and meet Santa and Mrs. Clause and characters from Wicked, and The Wizard of Oz. The Market on State, 1002 E. State St., Athens.

Thursday, Dec. 4

5–8 p.m.: Kennedy Museum of Art Pop-Up Holiday Sale, 20% off books, art, and more. Refreshments provided. Kennedy Museum of Art, 100 Ridges Circle, Athens.

Friday Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6

4–6 p.m. and 10 a.m.–4 p.m.: Prints, Plants and Pots Sale. Nature-inspired art and gifts. Central Venue, 29 E. Carpenter St., Athens.

Saturday, Dec. 6

10 a.m.–6 p.m.: Holiday in the Holler, art market featuring local and regional artists. Canaanville Art Center, 8773 Mine Rd., Athens.
10 a.m.–2 p.m.: The Birth Circle’s 3rd Annual Toy Swap. Bring coats and toys in gift-able condition for a 1:1 swap. Donate tickets to families without toys to swap. The Market on State, 1002 E. State St., Athens.
1–5 p.m.: Sidewalk Christmas Market. Artists, bakers, potters, crafts, food trucks. Public Square, Nelsonville.
2–4 p.m.: No Spend Holiday Market. Free gifts and needed items; open to the public. Fairfield by Mariott, 924 E. State St., Athens.

Sunday, Dec. 7

Noon–4 p.m.: Winter Artisan Market, Little Fish Brewing Company, 8675 Armitage Road, Athens.

Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13

3–8 p.m. and 10 a.m.–5 p.m.: The Dairy Barn Holiday Bazaar, featuring 40+ vendors, cocoa bar, raffle, and more. The Dairy Barn, 7990 Dairy Lane, Athens.

Saturday, Dec. 13

10 a.m.–2 p.m.: Chesterhill Produce Auction Holiday Auction. No livestock. Chesterhill Community Center, 7474 College St., Chesterhill.
11 a.m.–4 p.m.: 2025 Hocking Hills Book Fair. The Dairy Barn, 8000 Dairy Lane, Athens.

Saturday, Dec. 20

11 a.m.–1 p.m.: Stocking Stuffer Saturday. Gifts including shirts, hand-made holiday gifts, glass paws, dog face magnets. Adoptable dogs on site! Proceeds go to Friends of the Shelter Dogs. Santa’s House, Washington Street and Court Street, Athens.

Family-friendly events, furry friends welcome, and for kids only

Saturday, Nov. 15

1–4 p.m.: 2025 Fall Family Day. Family-friendly hike to forage and collect tinder, kindling, and wood to build individual, then communal, fire with Rising Appalachia Warriors. Solid Ground School, 13262 Liars Corner Road, Millfield. Tickets here.

Thursday, Nov. 20

4–5 p.m.: A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Showing the classic film for kids and families; snacks include pretzels, jellybeans, butter-toast, and sundaes. Glouster Public Library, 20 Toledo St., Glouster.

Saturday, Nov. 22

Noon–1 p.m.: Motor Car Toy Drive. Donate new/unopened toys to spread Christmas cheer while admiring railroad motor cars with festive decorations. Santa and Mrs. Claus, hot apple cider, and hot chocolate! Nelsonville Depot, 33 W. Canal St., Nelsonville.

Thursday, Nov. 27

8:30 a.m.: 17th Annual Athens Turkey Trot. Pumpkin pies awarded to the top three finishers; t-shirts for all registered participants. Register by Thursday, Nov. 20; race-day registration available up until 30 minutes before the race. West State Street Park shelter house, Athens.

Tuesday, Dec. 2

4–5 p.m.: Santa’s Workshop (Kids and Teens Edition). Step into the magic of the holidays. Coolville Public Library. 26401 Main St., Coolville.

Saturday, Dec. 6

1–3 p.m.: Santa’s Drive-Thru. Santa and elves, goodie bags by Happy Snacking Athens, North Pole letter drop-off. Fairfield by Marriott, 924 E. State St., Athens.
5–7 p.m. Build-a-Buddy at North Pole Nelsonville. $20 or two for $30. Santa follows Square Ceremony. 31 Public Square, Nelsonville.

Wednesday, Dec. 10 and Thursday, Dec. 11

5–7 p.m.: Annual Jim Conrad Memorial Christmas Toy Giveaway. One toy per child; open to all children in Nelsonville-York School District. Guardians need photo ID to verify address. Pictures with Santa. City Hall, 211 Lake Hope Drive, Nelsonville.

Friday, Dec. 12

10–11 a.m.: Holiday Lullabies for Healthy Lives at Hickory Creek Nursing Home. Little ones welcome to participate in an intergenerational holiday music experience. All ages invited to join. Hickory Creek, 51 E. 4th St., The Plains.
3–5 p.m.: Gingerbread Village Decorating. For kids, teens and families. Decorate gingerbread houses to be used in library displays while enjoying treats. Nelsonville Public Library, 95 W. Washington St. Nelsonville.

Saturday, Dec. 13

10 a.m.–2 p.m.: Holiday Pet Pictures. Fundraiser for Nelsonville Dog Park, $5. Hocking College Boarding & Grooming Facility, 222 Myers St., Nelsonville.
4:30–5:30 p.m.: Gift Wrapping Palooza. All ages. Festive paper, ribbons, and bows provided. Chauncey Public Library, 29 Converse St., Chauncey.

Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14

10 a.m.–7 p.m.; 11 a.m.–5 p.m.: Railfair 2025. Free; presented by The Railroad Model and Historical Society of Southeastern Ohio. The Market on State, 1002 E. State St., Athens.

Sunday, Dec. 14

11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.: Pet Photos with Santa. $10 donation for pet food bank. Santa Village, The Market on State, 1002 E. State St., Athens.

Friday, Dec. 19

8 p.m.: Polar Express Night at Big Run Kava Bar. Free film showing. Big Run Kava Bar, 72 N. Court St., Athens.

Saturday, Dec. 20

3 p.m.: Athena Cinema Holiday Film Series “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Admission is a nonperishable food item or monetary donation to a food charity. 20 S. Court St., Athens.

Sunday, Dec. 21

11 a.m.–4 p.m.: Nightmare Before Kava with Athens Scream Park. Family-friendly spooky holiday fun; pictures with Santa, The Grinch, Jack Skellington, Krampus. Big Run Kava Bar, 72 N. Court St., Athens.

Thursday, Dec. 31

4:30–6:30 p.m.: Family Friendly 2025 Jive. New Years Eve party for kids and families. The Nest, 217 Columbus Road, suite 103, Athens.

Food-focused gatherings

Sunday, Nov. 16

11 a.m.: Tony’s Souper Bowl. Celebrate soup season and raise money for Rising Suns nonprofit pharmacy. $10 for Tony’s coffee mug and all the soup you can eat. Stop in the bar to sign up for soup donation at the bar. Tony’s Tavern, 7 W. State St., Athens.

Thursday, Nov. 20

5–7 p.m.: Pies for Paws Fundraiser. Bring a pie for the potluck-style table and help raise funds for Friends of the Shelter Dogs, adoptable dog on site ready to steal your heart. Big Run Kava Bar, 72 N. Court St., Athens.

Tuesday, Nov. 25

5–7 p.m.: Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Free for all, dessert and meals-to-go available. 1 Tomcat Drive, Glouster.

Thursday, Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving Day)

Noon–6 p.m.: Cutler’s Restaurant: Thanksgiving Day Buffet. $55/adult; $32/child. Price includes non-alcoholic beverages, tax, and 22% service charge. Dine-in or carry out. Call 740-589-3714 or book through link.
1–3 p.m.: Kiser’s Barbeque Thanksgiving Feast. Donations will be accepted for the Santa Tree Project. Smoked turkey, gravy, chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, collard greens, three-cheese macaroni, vegetarian main dish, dressing, salad, rolls, dessert. Dine in or to-go boxes. 355 E. State St., Athens.
1–4 p.m.: VFW Thanksgiving Dinner. All invited, special welcome to veterans, unhoused neighbors. VFW Post 7174, 12 Pine St., The Plains.
5–7 p.m.: 8th Annual Community Meal. Tavolino, 9 N. Shafer St., Athens.

Saturday, Dec. 6

7 a.m.–noon: The Nelsonville Division of Fire Breakfast Buffet. $9.00 for adults, children under 3 are free. For delivery or pickup orders, call 740-731-5325. Nelsonville Elks Lodge, 53 Rocky Boot Way, Nelsonville.
8–11 a.m.: Breakfast with Santa and the Grinch. Donations welcome. The Plains Volunteer Fire Department, 29 Connett Road, The Plains.
9 a.m.–noon: 13th Annual Breakfast with Santa at Beacon School. Admission $5; kids under 3 get in free. Beacon School, 801 W. Union St., Athens.
5 p.m.: Santa Fest Samplings. Adults only alcohol tasting. Tony’s Tavern, 7 W. State St., Athens.
3–5 p.m.: Holiday Dinner for Alexander School District. Open to anyone in ASD, no questions asked. 275 dinners available, first come, first serve. Albany Volunteer Fire Department.

Creating gifts and take-home crafts

Thursday, Nov. 20

2–4 p.m.: Coolville Crafternoons: Gnome for the Holidays. For teens–50+. All supplies provided to create a Mason Jar craft jar. Coolville Public Library. 26401 Main St., Coolville.

Monday, Dec. 1

5 p.m.: Christmas Cracker Make and Take, UpCycle Ohio Community Makerspace, 751 W. Union St., Athens.

Wednesday, Dec. 3

2–5 p.m.: Santa’s Workshop. For adults and families. Come dressed up and make homemade gifts and crafts. Nelsonville Public Library, 95 W. Washington St. Nelsonville.

Friday, Dec. 5

5 p.m.: Make Your Own (Ugly?) Christmas Sweater. Bring a sweater or use a provided option. UpCycle Ohio Community Makerspace, 751 W. Union St., Athens.

Sunday, Dec. 7

2–4 p.m.: Open Studio Art Card Making. All ages welcome to come create greeting, gift, or post cards. Materials provided, all skill levels welcome. Kennedy Museum of Art, 100 Ridges Circle, Athens. Register here.

Monday, Dec. 8

Paint & Sip w/ Alyssa Lee (Starry Snow Globe). $30, materials and drink included. Reserve at athens@bigrunkavabar.com. Big Run Kava Bar, 72 N. Court St., Athens.

Tuesday, Dec. 9

4–5 p.m.: Cookie Decorating. All ages; materials provided. Coolville Public Library. 26401 Main St., Coolville.
7–9 p.m.: Holiday Cookie Decorating with Luke Boyd. Supplies provided. Tickets here. Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square, Nelsonville.

Thursday, Dec. 11

4–5:30 p.m.: Cookie Decorating. All ages; materials provided. The Plains Public Library, 14 S. Plains Road, The Plains.

2–4 p.m.: Coolville Crafternoons: Melted Crayon Ornament. All ages; materials provided. Messy activity, dress accordingly. Coolville Public Library. 26401 Main St., Coolville.

Sunday, Dec. 14

1–3 p.m.: Hand-Burning Holiday Ornament Workshop. $40 per person, $70 for two. Ages 12+ welcome. Register here. FireGirl Boutique, 4451 Fisher Road, Athens.

Monday, Dec. 15

5–7 p.m.: Family Make It Night. Handpaint Christmas ornaments to take home. Materials provided. UpCycle Ohio Community Makerspace, 751 W. Union St., Athens.

Thursday, Dec. 18

2–4 p.m.: Coolville Crafternoons: Wooden Christmas Craft. For adults. Limited to 15 people. Register with a librarian. Coolville Public Library. 26401 Main St., Coolville.

Wednesday, Dec. 31

4–5 p.m.: Craft a 2026 Vision Board. For teens. Magazines and other materials provided. Chauncey Public Library, 29 Converse St., Chauncey.

Game time get-togethers

Thursday, Nov. 13

2–4 p.m.: Ornament Bingo. For teens–50+. Bingo prizes are hand-picked holiday ornaments. Light refreshments served. Coolville Public Library. 26401 Main St., Coolville.

Tuesday, Dec. 9