Whether you're looking to enroll in a holiday craft workshop, eat breakfast with Santa or simply "shop your ATH off" this season, Athens offers a multitude of opportunities to get into the holiday spirit. Festivities officially kick off each year with the downtown Parade of Lights, an annual celebration during which various local businesses and organizations march through the streets of downtown alongside their illuminated, hand-decorated floats. This year's "A Charlie Brown Christmas"-themed parade is set for Thursday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. and will meet at the corner of Dougherty and Pulaski streets before winding its way around the block to City Hall on College Avenue for the traditional tree-lighting ceremony, hosted by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Call 706-613-3620 or visit www.athensclarkecounty.com/leisure for more details.

In the spirit of traditions, let Flagpole make shopping locally a little simpler this year with our annual "Holiday Market Roundup," a list of craft markets, open houses and sales going on in Athens and nearby. Check out our list below...

Open Houses and Art Markets in Athens

UGA’s student jewelry and metalsmithing organization, Phi Beata Heata, holds its bi-annual sale on Tuessay, Nov. 27, Wednesday, Nov. 28 & Thursday, Nov. 29 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. at the Lamar Dodd School of Art. The selection of handcrafted jewelry showcases completely original designs, like enameled “sugar skulls” and architectonic assemblages of brass cubes. Credit cards, cash and checks are all accepted. To follow future projects, search for Phi Beata Heata on Facebook.

The UGA Ceramic Student Organization holds its own sale Wednesday, Nov. 28 & Thursday, Nov. 29 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., also at the Lamar Dodd School of Art. Works include functional pottery like teapots, mugs, bowls and ceramic jewelry as well as hand-built sculptures and large-scale pots. Proceeds go towards future educational field trips and bringing in visiting artists for lectures and demonstrations. For more information on the program, visit www.art.uga.edu.

The sixth annual United Way Holiday Market on Thursday, Nov. 29, 5:30–7:30 p.m., promises both silent and live auctions with all proceeds benefiting the United Way of Northeast Georgia’s Early Childhood Literacy Program. Tickets are $10, and the market and auction will take place in Hotel Indigo’s Rialto Room at 500 College Ave. Read up on United Way’s mission at www.unitedwaynega.org.

The Athens Pop Up Art Gallery at ATHICA showcases quilts by Elizabeth Barton, folk art by Beverly Buchanan, jewelry by Annette Hatton and Annette Paskiewicz, knitted items by Gaybriel Jones, $1 portraits by Mark Johnson, pastel and charcoal works by Rich Panico, paintings by Mary Porter, sewn works by Suzanne Reeves and ceramics by Jasey Jones, Daniel Sizemore and Emily Tatum. An Indie Pop Up Shop outdoors includes works by Kayla Cox, Ed Edderson, Anne McKenzie, Stephanie Anne, Tiffany Tunno and Juls Knapp. The pop-up gallery opens with a preview party featuring live music on Friday, Nov. 30, 5–8 p.m. and continues through Saturday, Dec. 1, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. & Sunday, Dec. 2, 12–4 p.m. ATHICA is located at 160 Tracy St. in the Chase Street Warehouses. Visit www.athenspopup.blogspot.com for examples of artists’ works.

ATHICA will additionally host its own Inaugural Pin-Up Show featuring small-scale works by over 60 local and national contemporary artists hung around the room using clothespins on Saturday, Dec. 15. The first-come, first-serve sale begins with a free member preview at 5 p.m. and will be open to the public for a $5 admission from 5:30–7 p.m. For a full list of participating artists, visit athica.org/images/ATHICA_pin_up_show_invite1.pdf.

In addition to the abundance of local and sustainable produce that the Athens Farmers Market regularly offers every Saturday morning at Bishop Park from 9 a.m.–12 p.m., its special Holiday Craft Markets on Dec. 1, 8 & 15 feature a good selection of handmade items including stained glass, knitted hats and scarves, jewelry, metal yard art, candles and more. For details, check out www.athensfarmersmarket.net.

For a little bit of everything, join North Jackson Street businesses—Community, Whole: Mind. Body. Art. and Dynamite Clothing—on Friday, Nov. 30 from 6–9 p.m. for a collaborative Holiday Market. Focusing on sustainability, the market will feature handmade, fair trade and repurposed gifts and clothing, along with holiday sales and special treats. Contact Community at [email protected] for more details. 

Native America Gallery, located at 195 E. Clayton St., hosts its 15th annual Snowpendous Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m.–7 p.m., with a storewide jewelry sale and “snowtacular” door prizes for the first 200 guests who visit. Snacks and libations will be available, as will a pair of Navajo-crafted sterling silver feather earrings as a "thank you" gift, complimentary with each purchase. Call 706-543-8425 for more information.

Treehouse Kid & Craft’s third annual Handmade Hollyday Artist Market, held at 815 W. Broad St. on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., features the best handcrafted works of 30 regional artists, including Appaloosa Design, Double Dutch Press, Sugar Cookie Designs and Songbird Soaps. Farm Cart will be on-site serving lunch. For more information, visit www.treehousekidandcraft.com.

Local potter Carter Gillies offers two different events this season. View his latest works, including a variety of vases, bowls and other kitchen staples, during the Carter Gillies Pottery Open House on Saturday, Dec. 1 & Sunday, Dec. 2. The following weekend on Saturday, Dec. 8 & Sunday, Dec. 9, Carter will be joined by fellow potters Geoff Pickett, Juana Gnecco and Jeff Bishoff for the annual Carter and Friends Pottery Sale. Both events are from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and located at 572 Nantahala Ave. Call 706-546-7235 or email [email protected] for details.

Take a tour of Marmalade Pottery, the home studio of Maria Dondero at 775 Pulaski St., during her fourth annual Holiday Sale on Saturday, Dec. 1 & Sunday Dec. 2, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Maria’s father, Tim Dondero of Donderos’ Kitchen, has created several food dishes to be sampled out of the pottery platters that inspired them. Paintings by Sarah Seabolt will also be for show and sale. To view examples of Maria’s work, visit www.mariadondero.com.

Offering an alternative to the traditional gift exchange experience, the annual Benevolence Market presents a way to give back to the local community this holiday season. Attendees can meet representatives from nearly 35 local, nonprofit agencies, such as the Athens Land Trust, Project Safe and the Athens Area Humane Society, and purchase items from a “shopping list” to donate. The market takes place at the First Presbyterian Church of Athens at 355 Pulaski St. on Sunday, Dec. 2 from 12–3 p.m. For more information, visit www.firstpresathens.org/benevolencemarket.

During the annual Holiday Open House at the State Botanical Garden on Sunday, Dec. 2 from 2–5 p.m., the festively decorated tropical conservatory will be filled with music by the Georgia Children's Chorus, The Solstice Sisters and the Classic City Band. Children are invited to take photos and share their wishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as watch puppet shows at 2:30, 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. in the children's classroom. The gift shop will be open for adults to browse through many holiday ornaments and potential presents, and Donderos’ Kitchen will provide house-made hot chocolate and treats. For more information, visit www.uga.edu/botgarden.

Heirloom Cafe and Fresh Market hosts its holiday market on Sunday, Dec. 2 from 4–7 p.m. Fifteen local artisans will showcase graphic designs, textiles, screen printing, letterpress, jewelry, painting, photography, organic bath and body products, terrariums and knitted items. House-made holiday snacks, hot cider and mulled red wine will be available to sip on while you peruse the booths. Heirloom is located at 815 N. Chase St. Visit www.heirloomathens.com for details.

Deck the Walls, a holiday-themed market held annually by the Lyndon House Arts Center, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12–5 p.m. until Jan. 5. The Gallery Shop and Ronnie Lukasiewicz Gallery are full of wreaths, ornaments, garlands, cards, jewelry, stained glass, pottery, soap, paintings and more by over 80 regional artists. For more details on the Lyndon House, located at 293 Hoyt St., visit www.athensclarkecounty.com/lyndonhouse.

The Lyndon House will also host the Studio Group’s 31st Show and Sale on Thursday, Dec. 6, 5–9 p.m. & Friday, Dec. 7 & Saturday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. As one of the longest existing fine arts organizations in Athens, the Studio Group currently consists of 13 artists, with the newest members including glass-blower Paul Bendzunas, figurative sculpture artist Barbara Odil and travel photographer Sally Ross. Other media include quilts, rugs, furniture, painting, silk, metal works, jewelry, fused-glass and turned wood. For artist bios and examples of work, visit www.thestudiogroup.biz.

Downtown pottery spot Good Dirt Clay Studio and Gallery, located at 510 N. Thomas St., hosts its Holiday Open House on Friday, Dec. 7 from 5–9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. & Sunday, Dec. 9 from 12–5 p.m. Wheel-throwing demonstrations will take place throughout the weekend, and a pottery sale will feature student works, pots by Rob Sutherland and fused-glass jewelry, bowls, plates and wind chimes by Kim Sutherland. Seasonal workshops include a “Holiday Try Clay” session every Sunday to make milk and cookie sets for Santa and “Fused Jewelry and Holiday Ornaments” on Sunday, Dec. 9. To register, call 706-355-3161. For more information on the studio and gallery, visit www.gooddirt.net.

Established in 2007 as the Athens Indie Craftstravaganzaa, the newly named Indie South Fair has broadened its scope to provide more hands-on opportunities for interactivity and creative exploration in the arts, starting with this year’s Holiday Market. Much more than simply a marketplace, Indie South Fair includes various instructional workshops, demonstrations, live musical performances, kids’ crafting activities, local food carts and a vintage market throughout the day. Featuring some of the more established artists in the area while still retaining a strong DIY ethos, this year’s lineup includes handcrafted jewelry by Cameoko, Laurel Hill, Olivia Terrell and Hard Wear Designs, small-batch culinary sea salts by Beautiful Briny Sea, Dia de los Muertos masks by Suzi Linden, aromatherapy oils by Little Yellow Yarrow, mixed-media works by Cap Man and wire sculpture portraits by Noah Saunders—all in addition to a wide selection of paintings, illustrations, bath and body products, candles, pillows, clothing and accessories. The market takes place on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. at Ben’s Bikes, located at 670 W. Broad St. For more details and a full list of participating art vendors, visit www.indiesouthfair.com.

For handmade ceramic and sterling jewelry, funky functional pottery, tree ornaments, scarves, hats and one-of-a-kind carved items, drop by Soup Studios’ eighth Annual Holiday Market on Saturday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Soup Studios is located at 2140 S. Lumpkin St. To see examples of founding potter Jamie Voivedich’s brightly colored, whimsical works, some of which have been featured in Southern Living, visit www.soupstudios.com.

Rebecca Wood and her team of potters are almost as busy as Santa’s elves this holiday season as they gear up for their Holiday Sale on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. R. Wood Studio, housed inside an old produce warehouse at 450 Georgia Dr., will have many brightly colored pieces that the studio is known for, in addition to several one-of-a-kind pieces made by Rebecca herself. To view samples of the potters’ work, check out www.rwoodstudio.com.

The Athens Artist Market’s Handmade for the Holidays event at The Classic Center, located at 300 N. Thomas St., includes 75 artists whose works range from traditional painting, pottery and jewelry to upcycled items, gourmet food and novels. The market will be held on Saturday, Dec. 8 & Sunday, Dec. 9 from 12–8 p.m., the same two days as the free Athens Symphony Christmas concerts. For a complete list of participating vendors, check www.athensartistmarket.com.

Hendershot's Holiday Market at Hendershot’s Coffee Bar on Sunday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., is sure to bring out a nice selection of locally made goods to give as gifts this season. Hendershot’s is located at 1560 Oglethorpe Ave. Check out www.hendershotscoffee.com for more details.

An outdoor patio under twinkling lights makes for a festive setting at the Big City Bread Holiday Market, held Thursday, Dec. 13 & Friday, Dec. 14 from 5–9 p.m. This toasty juried market, complete with bonfires and live music, presents the works of over 40 artists, including Lou Kregel, Normaltown Woodworks, 3 Porch Farms and Jaime Calkin, with items such as bird houses, paintings, lamps, woodwork and tiny play kitchens. Big City Bread Cafe is located at 393 N. Finley St. Find Big City Bread Holiday Market on Facebook.

Ceramic artist group Long Road Studio will host Ceramic Arts Holiday Sales, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15 & Sunday, Dec. 16, and again on Saturday, Dec. 22 & Sunday, Dec. 23. Held at Normaltown Pottery, located at 410 King Ave., the sales include pottery and sculptures by Juana Gnecco, Laura Cooper, Nancy Green, Allya Macdonald, Melanie Sgrignoli, Kendall Steele and Caryn van Wagtendonk. Call 706-549-7007 for details.

Part artist market, part flea market, the relatively new, once-monthly Eclectic Bazaar features a curated selection of handmade items and artwork as well as vintage clothing, records and musical instruments. Likely the last until warm weather returns in the spring, the market offers a diverse spread of interesting finds. The Eclectic Bazaar will take place at the corner of Broad and Church streets outside of Vic’s Vintage during the afternoon on Sunday, Dec. 16. For more details or to participate as a future vendor, email [email protected].

Local art supporter Flicker Theatre & Bar opens its doors early for its own Holiday Market on Saturday, Dec. 22 from 12–5 p.m. Have the bartender mix up an afternoon cocktail to warm up with as you look over the collection of creations from Athens-area artists. Flicker is located at 263 W. Washington St. downtown. Visit www.flickertheatreandbar.com for more information.

Outside Athens

The family-run Bendzunas Glass Studio and Gallery, located at 89 W. South Ave. in Comer, holds its last Holiday Open Houses of the season on Friday, Nov. 30 through Sunday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Although operating primarily as a wholesale business that distributes to galleries country-wide, a public gallery displaying some of the family’s best mouth-blown functional and decorative glass art works will be open, and several glassblowing demonstrations will be held throughout the weekend. For more information, call 706-783-5869.

The Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation’s 18th annual juried Holiday Market includes the works of 70 regional artists and crafters this year, ranging from pottery, paintings, jewelry, handmade books, photography, fiber and folk art, sculpture, woodwork and more. OCAF’s Artist Shoppe, which features original works by 60 regional artists, will also be open in conjunction with the Holiday Market. The Market is open Friday, Nov. 30 from 5–9 p.m. & Saturday, Dec. 1 & Sunday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission for all three days is $3. For more details, visit www.ocaf.com.

For vibrant, richly glazed pieces of pottery that draw inspiration from nature, check out the works of David Morgan, a regional potter who has been creating functional stoneware for the past 30 years. The David Morgan Pottery studio, located at 3747 Old Wildcat Bridge Rd. in Danielsville, opens for a holiday sale Saturday, Dec. 1 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. & Sunday, Dec. 2 from 12–5 p.m. Call 706-795-3418 for more information.

Among the paintings, sculptures, folk art, ceramics and furniture created by the dozen or so members who run the historic Farmington Depot Gallery, the Holidaze market on Saturday, Dec. 1 & Sunday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. features additional handmade creations by other regional artists as well as treats from local food vendors. The gallery is located at the corner of Salem Road and Highway 441 in Farmington. For more information and to view samples of the member artists’ works, visit www.farmingtondepotgallery.com.

While in the area, venture over to Farmington Pottery’s December Open House Pottery Sale on Saturday, Dec. 1 & Sunday, Dec. 2 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. to view the latest creations of Geoff and Lisa Pickett. A wide variety of pottery—including dinnerware, kitchen and tableware, garden pots and other individual pieces—will be on display, as well as a selection of soaps, lotions and skincare products made with herbs from Lisa’s own garden. Farmington Pottery is located at 1171 Freeman Creek Rd. in Farmington. For more information, visit www.pickettpottery.com.

The annual J.B. (Jeff Bishoff) & Friends Pottery and Art Show and Sale features new works by J.B. and Keen Zero. Occurring on Saturday, Dec. 1 & Sunday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m.–5 pm., the sale will be located at 1790 Salem Rd. in Farmington. Call 678-863-1847.

This year’s lineup at Wolf Creek Pottery promises a diverse array of traditional and contemporary pieces, with participating potters including Jorie Berman, Isabell Daniel, Michael DeBerry, Juana Gnecco, Jen Graff, Nancy Green and Allya Macdonald. Located at 1500 Tappan Spur Rd. in Watkinsville, the gallery’s annual Holiday Sale is on Saturday, Dec. 1 & Sunday, Dec. 2 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. For more details, call 706-410-5200.

View the newly completed studio space of Woodruff Pottery, located at 35 S. Main St. in Watkinsville, during its Holiday Open House and Sale on Saturday, Dec. 1 & Sunday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Artist Alice Woodruff creates both decorative and functional stoneware and porcelain works, including cups, bowls, plates and other vessels that are thoughtfully inspired by nature. For details, call 706-207-5175.

The Madison Artists Guild will host its first ever MAG Holiday Market, featuring artwork, unique gifts and seasonal stocking stuffers, at the Cottage Gallery in Town Park, located at 248 W. Jefferson St. in Madison. The market will be open Thursdays–Saturdays, 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. & Sundays, 1–5 p.m., for the entire month of December. For more details, visit www.madisonartistsguild.org

Right down the road at 125 W. Jefferson St. in Madison, the Broughton Artists’ Market includes locally made works by 18 artists. A grand opening soiree on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. officially kicks off a month of holiday shopping at the market, which will be open Thursdays–Sundays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., through December. Search for Broughton Artists’ Group on Facebook for more information.

Holiday Bazaar on the Farm, at Broad River Pastures in Elberton, features local arts and crafts, a kids' craft table, raw cheese and seasonal veggies, book signings by author Tim Young and more, Sunday, Dec. 2, 1:30–4 p.m. Email [email protected] for more info.

A World Away, a gathering of craftspeople, vintage dealers, collectors, musicians and farmers, will make its grand premiere on Saturday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. As the brainchild of Nancy Lendved, who founded and ran Frontier for over a decade, the new, creative outdoor market is tucked away in the woods and features everything from textiles and painting to salvaged building materials and metal art. The grand opening serves partly as a fundraiser to benefit the neighboring Sweet Olive Farm, a sanctuary for rescued animals like llamas, miniature horses and sheep. A World Away is located at 835 Parkview Dr., nine miles from Athens in Winterville. For more details and to stay informed about future developments, visit www.facebook.com/aworldawaymarket.

An Open Studio Holiday Sale featuring birdhouses and prints by Frank Saggus and Melissa Harshman will be held Saturday, Dec. 8, 1–6 p.m. at 1101 Industrial Dr. in Watkinsville. For more details, contact [email protected].