The 24th annual Christmas Open House will be held in downtown Athens and countywide Nov. 20-21.

Sponsored by the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce and The Spirit of Athens, events will be held all day Saturday, Nov. 20, and from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 21.

At each participating business countywide, shoppers will have an opportunity to register for a door prize to be awarded by the business and a grand prize from Hobbs Jewelers to be announced at the Athens State University Center for Lifelong Learning at 121 S. Marion St., at 5:30 p.m. Sunday.  

Activities planned for the weekend in downtown Athens include visits from Santa from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, carriage rides, carolers and refreshments.

Participating businesses will be identified with a distinctive window sign.  Businesses may register as a participant in Christmas Open House by calling the Chamber of Commerce at 256-232-2600.  The participation fee to cover promotion of the event is $75 for members of the Chamber or SOA; the fee for non-members is $125.  

Final registration must be recorded Monday.

“This is the third Christmas Open House organized jointly by the Chamber of Commerce and The Spirit of Athens,” said Hugh Ball, Chamber president.  “We look forward to working together again this year on this traditional annual event.”

The Chamber of Commerce offers recreational, relocation, educational and business promotion and support services to residents, visitors, newcomers and businesses of greater Limestone County.  The Spirit of Athens is dedicated to revitalizing and promoting the historic downtown business district.

 “Downtown Athens is the traditional heart of the city and county,” said Trisha Black, SOA executive director.  “Making downtown vibrant reflects positively on the entire Limestone County community.”

Contact the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce, www.tourathens.com at info@tourathens.com, 256-232-2600 or the Spirit of Athens, www.spiritofathens.com, at tblack@athensal.us, 256-278-6436.