Christmas Events for Kids in Athens, GA (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

14 min read

The Athens, GA area has 17 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Winter WonderLights in Athens on November 19 to Glow into the New Year in Lexington, on December 31. 10 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Georgia, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 17 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Athens, GA for 2026, in Athens, Lexington and Bogart
  • First: Winter WonderLights, Athens, November 19. Runs latest: Glow into the New Year, Lexington, through December 31
  • Free: Story Time with Santa @ Oglethorpe Co Library, Story Time @ Oglethorpe - Twas the Night Before Christmas with OCMS Guest Readers, Jolly Jamboree at Lay Park, Saturday Cinema: A Holiday Marvel on an Avenue, Come Make Your Own Christmas Ornament, Storytime with Santa, Holiday Crafternoon & Cookie Swap, The Best Muppet Christmas Carol, Pajama Day at the Library! and Glow into the New Year
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Georgia Christmas train rides page.

Athens, GA Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
17 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Athens, Lexington and Bogart
Season
November 19 to December 31, 2026
Free events
10
Kinds of events
holiday crafts, holiday show, Santa visit and holiday lights
Last checked

Plan your December

When each Athens, GA Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Winter WonderLights in Athens on November 19; the last runs to December 31. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Athens, GA? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Athens

8 confirmed events for kids in Athens, soonest first.

Athens: Winter WonderLights

Holiday lightsState Botanical Garden of Georgia · Athens

Host
State Botanical Garden of Georgia (opens in a new tab)
Where
State Botanical Garden of Georgia, 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 30605
When
Thursday, November 19, 2026 to Wednesday, December 30, 2026 (select nights)
Cost
Ticketed, see host page
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Winter WonderLights transforms the State Botanical Garden of Georgia into an evening light display, presented by the UGA Office of the President. The fully accessible half-mile path passes through a Winter Wondercave, down Jingle Bell Lane, beneath the Northern Lights and across a Cone Tree Forest. Guests can toast marshmallows for s'mores at an open fire and purchase hot chocolate and other treats.

The display is open on chosen nights between November 19 and December 30, 2026, with advance tickets available on the garden website. Parking is free at the Turner Soccer Complex, 2330 S. Milledge Ave., and shuttles to the display begin at 5:25 p.m. You can add VIP and Premium parking when you purchase tickets. To get ready for the show, the garden closes to daytime visitors at 4 p.m. each day from November 10.

Parent tip: Purchase tickets in advance and see which nights are open. Wear warm clothes for the outdoor path.

See dates and details from State Botanical Garden of Georgia (opens in a new tab)

Athens: Downtown Parade of Lights

Holiday paradeAthens-Clarke County Leisure Services · Athens

Host
Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services (opens in a new tab)
Where
Downtown Athens, Athens, GA 30601
When
Thursday, December 3, 2026, 7 pm
Cost
Not stated on the host page
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Downtown Parade of Lights kicks off the holiday season in downtown Athens on Thursday, December 3, 2026, starting at 7:00 p.m. It is presented by the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government and the Athens Downtown Development Authority, and the 2026 theme is Holiday Party.

This year's parade marshal is longtime Athens caterer and party planner Lee Epting. The parade runs rain or shine, though it may be canceled if severe weather makes it unsafe for participants and spectators. The county lists downtown parking options on the parade page. Lyndon House Arts Center and Lay Park have limited parking because of nearby construction, so families may want to arrive early and walk in from a farther lot.

Parent tip: Plan extra time for parking and bring warm layers for an evening outdoors. Call 706-613-3800 with questions.

See dates and details from Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services (opens in a new tab)

Athens: Breakfast with the Grinch at Howard Park

Holiday breakfastAthens-Clarke County Leisure Services · Athens

Host
Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services (opens in a new tab)
Where
Howard Park & Community Center, 291 Henderson Ext, Athens, GA 30606
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 to 11:30 am
Cost
$7 ACC resident, $10.50 non-resident, parents pay too
Ages
Ages 2 and older
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services hosts Breakfast with the Grinch at the Howard Park and Community Center on Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. The Grinch is heading to Rocksprings to spoil the holiday cheer, and families can enjoy some Whoville magic and Grinchmas surprises.

Everyone attending must register and pay admission, including parents and guardians. The fee is $7 for Athens-Clarke County residents and $10.50 for non-residents. The county notes the activities are not scholarship eligible. Children must be at least 2 years old. Registration is online, and the community center can be reached at 706-613-3602.

Parent tip: Parents and guardians need their own paid registration.

See dates and details from Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services (opens in a new tab)

Athens: Cookies with Santa at Sandy Creek Nature Center

Santa visitAthens-Clarke County Leisure Services · Athens

Host
Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services (opens in a new tab)
Where
Sandy Creek Nature Center, 205 Old Commerce Rd, Athens, GA 30607
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 11 to 11:45 am
Cost
$5 ACC resident, $8 non-resident
Ages
Ages 3 to 12
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Sandy Creek Nature Center hosts Cookies with Santa on Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. The county invites children to treat it like Christmas morning and come in their pajamas.

Each child receives cookies to decorate and crafts to make, and every child gets a chance to talk to Santa. Adults are reminded to bring their cameras. The program is for ages 3 to 12 and costs $5 for Athens-Clarke County residents or $8 for non-residents. Registration is online, and the nature center phone number is 706-613-3615.

Parent tip: Register online ahead of time and wear pajamas.

See dates and details from Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services (opens in a new tab)

Athens: Gingerbread Workshop at Lay Park

Holiday craftsAthens-Clarke County Leisure Services · Athens

Host
Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services (opens in a new tab)
Where
Lay Park & Community Center, 297 Hoyt St, Athens, GA 30601
When
Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 6 to 7 pm
Cost
$10 ACC resident, $15 non-resident per family
Ages
Ages 12 and younger
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Lay Park invites families to design their own gingerbread house on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Each family receives a pre-baked gingerbread house, icing, and a supply of gumdrops, candy canes, sprinkles and specialty candies to build a one-of-a-kind creation.

The finished house goes home with the family to show off for the holidays. The county allows one house per family, and the program is for children 12 years and 11 months and younger. The fee is $10 for Athens-Clarke County residents and $15 for non-residents. Registration is online, and Lay Park can be reached at 706-613-3596.

Parent tip: One house per family, so plan to build together.

See dates and details from Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services (opens in a new tab)

Athens: Whoville: Sprinkles & Sweaters

Holiday craftsAthens-Clarke County Leisure Services · Athens

Host
Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services (opens in a new tab)
Where
Howard Park & Community Center, 291 Henderson Ext, Athens, GA 30606
When
Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 11 am to noon
Cost
$4 ACC resident, $6 non-resident
Ages
Ages 7 to 12
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

This Whoville-themed craft session at Howard Park and Community Center is for older kids, ages 7 to 12. Participants come out to decorate a Christmas sweater on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The fee is $4 for Athens-Clarke County residents and $6 for non-residents, with registration online. For questions, call the community center at 706-613-3602. A younger session, Whoville: Cookie and Sweater Shop, runs the day before for ages 3 to 5.

Parent tip: Register online; the preschool version is the day before.

See dates and details from Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services (opens in a new tab)

Athens: Jolly Jamboree at Lay Park

Santa visitFreeAthens-Clarke County Leisure Services · Athens

Host
Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services (opens in a new tab)
Where
Lay Park & Community Center, 297 Hoyt St, Athens, GA 30601
When
Thursday, December 17, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 10 and younger
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Lay Park and Community Center celebrates the holidays with the Jolly Jamboree on Thursday, December 17, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Santa stops by for the evening, and children can get a picture with him.

There are also holiday crafts and games for the whole family. The event is free and listed for children 10 years and younger, with registration available online through the county. Lay Park's phone number is 706-613-3596. It is a relaxed evening activity that works well after school or work.

Parent tip: Register online even though it is free.

See dates and details from Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Lexington

5 confirmed events for kids in Lexington, soonest first.

Lexington: Story Time with Santa @ Oglethorpe Co Library

Story time with SantaFreeAthens Regional Library System · Lexington

Host
Athens Regional Library System (opens in a new tab)
Where
Oglethorpe County Library, 861 Athens Rd, Lexington, GA 30648 (near Athens)
When
Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 10:30 to 11:30 am
Cost
Free
Ages
Toddlers and preschoolers
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Oglethorpe County Library hosts a special Christmas-themed story time with Santa on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children enjoy stories, rhymes, songs and movement that support early literacy, and crafts and activities are provided.

The library encourages all toddlers and preschool-aged children to attend. The calendar lists the audience as children and does not show a registration requirement. Lexington is about 20 minutes east of Athens, so it is an easy morning outing for families who want a smaller-town library event.

Parent tip: Meant for toddlers and preschoolers; older siblings are welcome to tag along.

See dates and details from Athens Regional Library System (opens in a new tab)

Lexington: Story Time @ Oglethorpe - Twas the Night Before Christmas with OCMS Guest Readers

Holiday story timeFreeAthens Regional Library System · Lexington

Host
Athens Regional Library System (opens in a new tab)
Where
Oglethorpe County Library, 861 Athens Rd, Lexington, GA 30648 (near Athens)
When
Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 10:30 to 11:30 am
Cost
Free
Ages
Toddlers and preschoolers
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

This special story time at the Oglethorpe County Library has a Night Before Christmas theme and features guest readers from OCMS. Families are invited to come in their pajamas on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Children enjoy stories, rhymes, songs and movement that support early literacy, and crafts and activities are provided. The library encourages all toddlers and preschool-aged children to attend. The calendar lists the event as family friendly and shows no registration requirement.

Parent tip: Pajamas are encouraged.

See dates and details from Athens Regional Library System (opens in a new tab)

Lexington: Pajama Day at the Library!

Holiday eventFreeAthens Regional Library System · Lexington

Host
Athens Regional Library System (opens in a new tab)
Where
Oglethorpe County Library, 861 Athens Rd, Lexington, GA 30648 (near Athens)
When
Wednesday, December 23, 2026, 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

On Wednesday, December 23, 2026, the Oglethorpe County Library invites families to stop in wearing their favorite pajamas. Visitors who come by any time between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. get a holiday treat.

Holiday movies play all day, so kids can settle in with a favorite or just pop in for the treat. All ages are welcome and encouraged. Because this is a drop-in day with no set program time, it fits easily into a busy week just before Christmas.

Parent tip: Drop in any time during the day; the calendar listing shows 10:30 am to 5:30 pm while the text says 10 am to 6 pm, so call ahead for exact hours.

See dates and details from Athens Regional Library System (opens in a new tab)

Lexington: Glow into the New Year

Holiday showFreeAthens Regional Library System · Lexington

Host
Athens Regional Library System (opens in a new tab)
Where
Oglethorpe County Library, 861 Athens Rd, Lexington, GA 30648 (near Athens)
When
Thursday, December 31, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Families can close out the holiday week at the Oglethorpe County Library's Glow into the New Year dance party on Thursday, December 31, 2026, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. The library says DJ Bakins is back with the best dance hits of 2026.

The party is listed for children and families, and all ages are welcome and encouraged. It is an early afternoon celebration, so younger kids do not need to stay up late to ring in the new year. No registration is shown on the library calendar.

Parent tip: Wear something that glows if you have it.

See dates and details from Athens Regional Library System (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Bogart

4 confirmed events for kids in Bogart, soonest first.

Bogart: Saturday Cinema: A Holiday Marvel on an Avenue

Holiday showFreeAthens Regional Library System · Bogart

Host
Athens Regional Library System (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bogart Library, 2065 Monroe Rd, Bogart, GA 30622 (near Athens)
When
Saturday, December 19, 2026, 3 to 5 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Bogart Library's Saturday Cinema series shows a 1947 Christmas classic on December 19, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. The library notes the film won three Academy Awards and proved to the world that Santa Claus does in fact exist.

Christmas cookies and snacks are offered during the screening. The library lists the afternoon as family friendly and open to all ages. Because it is an older black and white style classic, it works best for children who can follow a longer story, but younger kids are welcome with a grown-up. No registration is shown on the calendar.

Parent tip: Longer classic film, so bring a blanket for little ones.

See dates and details from Athens Regional Library System (opens in a new tab)

Bogart: Come Make Your Own Christmas Ornament

Holiday craftsFreeAthens Regional Library System · Bogart

Host
Athens Regional Library System (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bogart Library, 2065 Monroe Rd, Bogart, GA 30622 (near Athens)
When
Monday, December 21, 2026, noon to 1 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Bogart Library invites kids, teens and adults to make their own Christmas ornament on Monday, December 21, 2026. Each person can pick a snowman or a reindeer, decorate it however they like, and add some snow for a cute memento to take home for the holiday season.

The session runs from noon to 1:00 p.m., right after the library's Storytime with Santa, so families can easily do both on the same day. The library lists the program as family friendly for all ages, and no registration is shown on the calendar. Materials are part of the program.

Parent tip: Pair it with the 10:30 am Storytime with Santa the same morning.

See dates and details from Athens Regional Library System (opens in a new tab)

Bogart: Storytime with Santa

Story time with Mrs. ClausFreeAthens Regional Library System · Bogart

Host
Athens Regional Library System (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bogart Library, 2065 Monroe Rd, Bogart, GA 30622 (near Athens)
When
Monday, December 21, 2026, 10:30 to 11:30 am
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 3 to 7
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Young book lovers ages 3 to 7 and their caregivers are invited to a holiday storytime at the Bogart Library. The library says Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming from the North Pole for the morning, so children can hear a story with the two of them.

After storytime ends, families can stay for playtime and creative activities with other children. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to join in the fun. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The program runs from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, December 21, 2026, and the library calendar does not list a registration requirement.

Parent tip: Children must stay with an adult the whole time. Bring a camera if you want a photo with Santa.

See dates and details from Athens Regional Library System (opens in a new tab)

Bogart: The Best Muppet Christmas Carol

Holiday showFreeAthens Regional Library System · Bogart

Host
Athens Regional Library System (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bogart Library, 2065 Monroe Rd, Bogart, GA 30622 (near Athens)
When
Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 6 to 7:45 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Families are invited to settle in at the Bogart Library for one of the most beloved adaptations of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, performed by Jim Henson's colorful cast of puppets. The library describes the evening as sing-along holiday fun.

Hot chocolate, cookies and popcorn are served during the movie. The program is open to all ages and runs from 6:00 to 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday, December 22, 2026. The library calendar does not list a registration requirement, so families can simply come and find a seat.

Parent tip: Evening showing, so plan for bedtime. Wear cozy clothes.

See dates and details from Athens Regional Library System (opens in a new tab)

Looking further afield? Our Georgia Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, GA and Columbus, GA. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Athens, GA Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Athens, GA in 2026?

We confirmed 17 Christmas events for kids in Athens, GA for 2026 on each host’s own page: Winter WonderLights in Athens (November 19), Downtown Parade of Lights in Athens (December 3), Story Time with Santa @ Oglethorpe Co Library in Lexington (December 9), Breakfast with the Grinch at Howard Park in Athens (December 12), Cookies with Santa at Sandy Creek Nature Center in Athens (December 12), Whoville: Cookie and Sweater Shop in Athens (December 15), Gingerbread Workshop at Lay Park in Athens (December 16), Story Time @ Oglethorpe - Twas the Night Before Christmas with OCMS Guest Readers in Lexington (December 16), Whoville: Sprinkles & Sweaters in Athens (December 16), Jolly Jamboree at Lay Park in Athens (December 17), Saturday Cinema: A Holiday Marvel on an Avenue in Bogart (December 19), Come Make Your Own Christmas Ornament in Bogart (December 21), Storytime with Santa in Bogart (December 21), Holiday Crafternoon & Cookie Swap in Lexington (December 22), The Best Muppet Christmas Carol in Bogart (December 22), Pajama Day at the Library! in Lexington (December 23) and Glow into the New Year in Lexington (December 31). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Athens, Georgia?

For families in and around Athens, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Winter WonderLights (Select nights, Nov 19 to Dec 30, ticketed, see host page); Downtown Parade of Lights (Thu, Dec 3, 7 pm, not stated on the host page); Breakfast with the Grinch at Howard Park (Sat, Dec 12, 10 to 11:30 am, $7 acc resident, $10.50 non-resident, parents pay too); Cookies with Santa at Sandy Creek Nature Center (Sat, Dec 12, 11 to 11:45 am, $5 acc resident, $8 non-resident); Whoville: Cookie and Sweater Shop (Tue, Dec 15, 10:30 to 11:30 am, $3 acc resident, $4.50 non-resident); Gingerbread Workshop at Lay Park (Wed, Dec 16, 6 to 7 pm, $10 acc resident, $15 non-resident per family); Whoville: Sprinkles & Sweaters (Wed, Dec 16, 11 am to 12 pm, $4 acc resident, $6 non-resident); Jolly Jamboree at Lay Park (Thu, Dec 17, 6 to 7:30 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Athens section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Lexington, Georgia?

For families in and around Lexington, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Story Time with Santa @ Oglethorpe Co Library (Wed, Dec 9, 10:30 to 11:30 am, free); Story Time @ Oglethorpe - Twas the Night Before Christmas with OCMS Guest Readers (Wed, Dec 16, 10:30 to 11:30 am, free); Holiday Crafternoon & Cookie Swap (Tue, Dec 22, 3:30 to 4:30 pm, free); Pajama Day at the Library! (Wed, Dec 23, drop in 10 am to 6 pm, free); Glow into the New Year (Thu, Dec 31, 3:30 to 4:30 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Lexington section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Bogart, Georgia?

For families in and around Bogart, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Saturday Cinema: A Holiday Marvel on an Avenue (Sat, Dec 19, 3 to 5 pm, free); Come Make Your Own Christmas Ornament (Mon, Dec 21, 12 to 1 pm, free); Storytime with Santa (Mon, Dec 21, 10:30 to 11:30 am, free); The Best Muppet Christmas Carol (Tue, Dec 22, 6 to 7:45 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Bogart section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Athens, GA?

Yes. 10 of the 17 events here are free: Story Time with Santa @ Oglethorpe Co Library in Lexington, Story Time @ Oglethorpe - Twas the Night Before Christmas with OCMS Guest Readers in Lexington, Jolly Jamboree at Lay Park in Athens, Saturday Cinema: A Holiday Marvel on an Avenue in Bogart, Come Make Your Own Christmas Ornament in Bogart, Storytime with Santa in Bogart, Holiday Crafternoon & Cookie Swap in Lexington, The Best Muppet Christmas Carol in Bogart, Pajama Day at the Library! in Lexington and Glow into the New Year in Lexington. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Athens, GA this December?

Santa appears at Story Time with Santa @ Oglethorpe Co Library in Lexington (December 9), Cookies with Santa at Sandy Creek Nature Center in Athens (December 12), Jolly Jamboree at Lay Park in Athens (December 17) and Storytime with Santa in Bogart (December 21). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Athens, GA?

Holiday story times on this page: Story Time with Santa @ Oglethorpe Co Library in Lexington, Story Time @ Oglethorpe - Twas the Night Before Christmas with OCMS Guest Readers in Lexington and Storytime with Santa in Bogart. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Where can we have breakfast or a meal with Santa in Athens, GA?

Meals with Santa confirmed for 2026: Breakfast with the Grinch at Howard Park in Athens (Sat, Dec 12, 10 to 11:30 am). These usually sell out, so book as soon as you pick a date.

Which Athens, GA Christmas events are best for toddlers?

These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Story Time with Santa @ Oglethorpe Co Library in Lexington (Toddlers and preschoolers) and Story Time @ Oglethorpe - Twas the Night Before Christmas with OCMS Guest Readers in Lexington (Toddlers and preschoolers).

Are there kids' Christmas events in Athens, GA on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: Winter WonderLights in Athens (through December 30) and Glow into the New Year in Lexington (through December 31).

How much is Winter WonderLights in Athens?

Ticketed, see host page. Winter WonderLights is on Thursday, November 19, 2026 to Wednesday, December 30, 2026 (select nights) at State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Downtown Parade of Lights in Athens?

Not stated on the host page. Downtown Parade of Lights is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 7 pm at Downtown Athens. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Story Time with Santa @ Oglethorpe Co Library in Lexington?

Free. Story Time with Santa @ Oglethorpe Co Library is on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 10:30 to 11:30 am at Oglethorpe County Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Breakfast with the Grinch at Howard Park in Athens?

$7 ACC resident, $10.50 non-resident, parents pay too. Breakfast with the Grinch at Howard Park is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 to 11:30 am at Howard Park & Community Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Cookies with Santa at Sandy Creek Nature Center in Athens?

$5 ACC resident, $8 non-resident. Cookies with Santa at Sandy Creek Nature Center is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 11 to 11:45 am at Sandy Creek Nature Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Whoville: Cookie and Sweater Shop in Athens?

$3 ACC resident, $4.50 non-resident. Whoville: Cookie and Sweater Shop is on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 10:30 to 11:30 am at Howard Park & Community Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Gingerbread Workshop at Lay Park in Athens?

$10 ACC resident, $15 non-resident per family. Gingerbread Workshop at Lay Park is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 6 to 7 pm at Lay Park & Community Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Story Time @ Oglethorpe - Twas the Night Before Christmas with OCMS Guest Readers in Lexington?

Free. Story Time @ Oglethorpe - Twas the Night Before Christmas with OCMS Guest Readers is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 10:30 to 11:30 am at Oglethorpe County Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Whoville: Sprinkles & Sweaters in Athens?

$4 ACC resident, $6 non-resident. Whoville: Sprinkles & Sweaters is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 11 am to noon at Howard Park & Community Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Jolly Jamboree at Lay Park in Athens?

Free. Jolly Jamboree at Lay Park is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm at Lay Park & Community Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Saturday Cinema: A Holiday Marvel on an Avenue in Bogart?

Free. Saturday Cinema: A Holiday Marvel on an Avenue is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 3 to 5 pm at Bogart Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Come Make Your Own Christmas Ornament in Bogart?

Free. Come Make Your Own Christmas Ornament is on Monday, December 21, 2026, noon to 1 pm at Bogart Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Storytime with Santa in Bogart?

Free. Storytime with Santa is on Monday, December 21, 2026, 10:30 to 11:30 am at Bogart Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Crafternoon & Cookie Swap in Lexington?

Free. Holiday Crafternoon & Cookie Swap is on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm at Oglethorpe County Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is The Best Muppet Christmas Carol in Bogart?

Free. The Best Muppet Christmas Carol is on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 6 to 7:45 pm at Bogart Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Pajama Day at the Library! in Lexington?

Free. Pajama Day at the Library! is on Wednesday, December 23, 2026, 10:30 am to 5:30 pm at Oglethorpe County Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Glow into the New Year in Lexington?

Free. Glow into the New Year is on Thursday, December 31, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm at Oglethorpe County Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Athens, GA?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Athens, GA Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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Christmas Events for Kids in Tallahassee (2026)
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Christmas Events for Kids in Columbus, GA (2026)