5 things to do this weekend: Holiday Artists' Market, Breakfast With Santa and more

Andrew Shearer, Athens Banner-Herald
·2 min read

Though there's never a shortage of festivals, markets and other cultural happenings in the Classic City, we've chosen to spotlight these events for the weekend of Dec. 8-10.

Each week, the Banner-Herald will publish a list of five options for things to do in the Athens area. Please note that the events in this list are subject to rescheduling, cancelation or tickets selling out.

Jazz pianist and composer Madoca Kawahara will perform at the Segar Jazz Affair concert in Athens, Ga. on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023.
Jazz pianist and composer Madoca Kawahara will perform at the Segar Jazz Affair concert in Athens, Ga. on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023.

Madoca Kawahara

WHERE: The Rialto Club at Hotel Indigo (500 College Ave.)

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. ($20 at the door; ages 21 and up only)

DETAILS: Athens-based jazz musician and radio personality Dwain Segar's monthly Segar Jazz Affair concerts always feature a special guest, and this time he'll be closing out the year with a performance by world-class keyboardist and composer Madoca Kawahara and her band. For $15 advance tickets, visit https://bit.ly/SegarJazzDec17.

The Original Splitz Band are scheduled to perform at Creature's Holiday Artists' Market in Athens, Ga. on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023.
The Original Splitz Band are scheduled to perform at Creature's Holiday Artists' Market in Athens, Ga. on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023.

Creature's Holiday Artists' Market

WHERE: Creature Comforts Brewing Co. (271 W Hancock Ave.)

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 16 from noon to 10 p.m. (Free admission)

DETAILS: Looking to shop local for a unique gift? This day-long event will feature vendor booths with more than 50 artists and makers, Café Racer and Official Street Eats food trucks on site and live performances by blues/jazz duo Tracy & Jeff, Mary & The Hot Hotty-Hots, Hibbs Family Band, The Original Splitz Band, and DJ Mahogany.

Athens-Clarke County Library on Sunday, Nov. 17 will host a play time event for neurodiverse and special needs children ages 3 and up.
Athens-Clarke County Library on Sunday, Nov. 17 will host a play time event for neurodiverse and special needs children ages 3 and up.

Neurofabulous Open Play

WHERE: Athens-Clarke County Library (2025 Baxter St.)

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 17 at 2:30 p.m. (Free admission)

DETAILS: The ACC public library has designated this open playtime event specifically for neurodiverse and special needs friends and family ages 3 and up. Folks with questions about this or any other ACC library event can call (706) 613-3650. Can't make it this time? For a full calendar of upcoming activities, visit athenslibrary.org/events.

A scene from the computer animated motion picture "The Polar Express," screening for free on Friday, Dec. 15 at Sandy Creek Park in Athens, Ga.
A scene from the computer animated motion picture "The Polar Express," screening for free on Friday, Dec. 15 at Sandy Creek Park in Athens, Ga.

Movies By Moonlight

WHERE: Sandy Creek Park (400 Bob Holman Rd.)

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 15 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Free admission, gates open at 5:15 p.m.)

DETAILS: Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services will present a free screening of the 1969 animated classic "Frosty the Snowman" followed by the 2005 G-rated film "The Polar Express". Chairs and blankets are recommended for this outdoor event. Weather forecast is cloudy with a high of 56 degrees and a low of 45 degrees.

This photo from December 2023 shows Santa with a child and their grandmother on Pancake Day in Ocala, Fla. Young Harris Church of Athens will host a Breakfast With Santa event on Saturday, Dec. 16.
This photo from December 2023 shows Santa with a child and their grandmother on Pancake Day in Ocala, Fla. Young Harris Church of Athens will host a Breakfast With Santa event on Saturday, Dec. 16.

Breakfast With Santa

WHERE: Young Harris Church of Athens (973 Prince Ave.)

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 16 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (Free with RSVP)

DETAILS: This event hosted by Young Harris Methodist church is free and open to the public, and will feature a pancake breakfast with opportunities for kids to get their photos taken with Santa, Elsa & Olaf from Disney's "Frozen" and the good ol' Grinch. Advance registration is required to attend. RSVP by calling (706) 206-1565.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Five things to do in the Athens area this weekend (Dec. 15-17)