Thanksgiving is soon to come and it looks like the Christmas Holiday Shopping Season is off to a roar in the Athens, Georgia area!  Take some time to just have fun and then visit some unique shopping venues filled with Holiday gifts sure to delight!

Santa Arrives in Athens - Parade!  A fun and festive holiday parade in the Georgia Square Mall  parking lot in Athens (Bogart). FREE- no cost to party!  Thursday, November 8, 2007;  6:30 pm

2nd Annual Madison County (Georgia) Artist Marketl Shop for your Holiday presents here!   Features the work of multiple artists. Food and coffee provided by The Buzz Coffee Shop and Deli.  No admission charge.  Danielsville Historic Courthouse on the square at Highway 29, North in Danielsville, Georgia 30633 on Saturday, November 10, 2007; 9am -5 pm

Terry Tunes Concert Series  A free lunchtime concert series featuring Athens area artists.   The concert location, Herty Field, is located between Moore College and the law school on North Campus near downtown. In the event of inclement weather, the scheduled concert will be canceled. The Terry College has conducted the Terry Tunes concert series each fall and spring since September 1999, usually featuring UGA student and faculty instrumental ensembles from the Hodgson School of Music.  Bring your lunch!   Friday, November 16, 2007; noon until 1 pm

Happy Valley Pottery and Chappelle Gallery: Holiday Open House and Sale  Visit downtown Watkinsville, Georgia for the much-anticipated Holiday Open House and Sale at Happy Valley Pottery, Chappelle Gallery, and Georgia Originals. Enjoy open artists studios and demonstrations and a wide range of truly one-of-a-kind gifts in pottery, glass, jewelry, paintings, photography, fabric, rugs, sculpture, wood, candles, soap and more. Refreshments will be served. This event has become a Thanksgiving weekend tradition among thousands of devoted shoppers!  TIME: 10 a.m .- 6 p.m.  Friday, November 23, 2007 until Sunday, November 25, 2007.    HAPPY VALLEY POTTERY - All studios open with demonstrations. A clay area for children.
1210 Carson Graves Rd; Watkinsville; 706-769-5922.

United Way Holiday Market!  Items for bid will include unique holiday wreaths created by area designers and featured in Athens Magazine's 3rd Annual Wreath Challenge, plus other holiday decor items and one-of-a-kind gift baskets. Enjoy include hors d'oeuvres, door prizes, and a cash bar. Taking place at The Historic Georgian, 247 E. Washington St., Athens, GA 30601.  Call for more info:  (706) 543-5254.  Cost:  $10.00 Tuesday, November 27, 2007; 5:30 pm

ART GALORE at the Blue Bell Gallery, 89 East North Avenue, Suite 1, Comer, Georgia 30629. 6th Annual Holiday Open House in Historic Downtown Comer, GA. Come out and enjoy the creations of over 30 Georgia Artisans with pottery demonstrations and glass-blowing demonstrations at Bendzunas' Glass across the RR Tracks. Meet The Artist's Reception on Friday, November 30 @ 7pm until 10pm at the Blue Bell Gallery with MUSIC, FOOD & FUN!    Friday, November 30;  7:00 pm -10:00 pm

Downtown Athens Christmas Parade of Lights Athens, Georgia's annual downtown Christmas Parade of Lights ushers in the holiday season. Over 60 floats, bands, and other groups parade through downtown streets awash in twinkling lights. The parade begins on the corner of Dougherty and Pulaski Streets ending in front of City Hall for the traditional tree lighting ceremony, hosted by none other than Santa and Mrs. Claus. Come early for the Downtown Open House, with great deals and extended hours by great downtown retailers!  Thursday, November 29, 2007; Start Time: 7 p.m.