The annual Spirit of Athens Sippin’ Cider event is 5-8 p.m. Saturday at participating merchants. 

Downtown Athens is hosting a holiday trio that hit familiar notes for the Christmas season: cider, Santa and seasonal sales.

The annual Spirit of Athens Sippin’ Cider event is 5-8 p.m. Saturday at participating merchants. Spirit of Athens is a Main Street organization that works to enhance downtown Athens, and this event is designed to encourage shoppers to support downtown merchants and enjoy family-friendly activities.

“Sippin’ Cider offers families a fun way to shop,” said Spirit of Athens Promotions Committee member Holly Hollman. “There will be seasonal sales to help you finish your Christmas shopping as well as free crafts and activities for the children and music for all ages to enjoy.”

The participating merchants will compete for the coveted Cider Cup and offer free samples of nice and, in some cases, naughty cider. The public votes for its favorite cider, and those who visit the required number of merchants can submit their judging sheets for a door prize drawing.

High Cotton Arts will start the festivities early with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will be in an art studio decorated especially for photo sessions with Santa. Parents can bring a camera and make photos while children make sure their Christmas wishes are known. Santa later will walk around Downtown Athens visiting merchants and shoppers.

The Lions Club Kiddie Carnival Train will offer free rides for children, and there will be a fire pit on The Square on the courthouse side of Washington and Marion streets for marshmallow roasting and S’mores. Music will be provided by Athens High School choir and Tom Newton.

Here is a list of participating merchants, craft stations and musical entertainment locations:

Athens Arts League at High Cotton Arts

Register for in-store ceramic Christmas item giveaway

Make a snowman ornament

Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 3-5 p.m.

Our Little Kitchen Food Truck

CEI Books

Free gift wrap on $20 or more in purchases

15 percent off children’s materials

Register to win a hymnal $15 value and book $45 value

Athens High School choir will perform from 6:30 to 7 p.m.

Crawford’s Gifts

Buy one get one 1/2 off Christmas soy candles

Ornaments 20 percent off

Register for in store giveaway – $50 in Christmas decorations

Epiphany Boutiques

20 percent off storewide

Register for in-store giveaway – $25 gift card

Gray and Holt, Inc.

Register for in-store giveaway – $50 gift certificate

Hendricks-Patton-Rancl Inc.

Free plastic sled with purchase of Flexible Flyer Sled

Register in store to win a Snow Saucer Sled

Football on TV for the big kids

House of Holland

25 percent off all clothing

50 percent off all home goods

Register for in-store giveaway – $50 gift certificate

Live music by Tom Newton

LuVici’s

Register to win one free lunch with beverage – $15 value

Pimentos

20 percent off storewide from 5-8

Register for in-store giveaway – $60 value

Snapdragon Kids

20 percent off all clothes and shoes

30 percent off Christmas

Register to win in-store giveaway – Christmas toy basket ($50 value)

Face painting for kids

Square Clock Coffee

Register to win in-store giveaway – $10 gift card

Make a reindeer ornament

The Right Dress Boutique

20 percent off storewide (excludes sale items)

50 percent off Lovelee Soaps

Game day dresses $20 and under

Register to win in-store giveaway – String Theory Bracelet – $45 Value

Cookie decorating

Trinity’s

Register to win in-store giveaway – $50 gift certificate

U.G. White Mercantile

Register to win in-store giveaway – ENO Hammock

Village Pizza

Register to win in-restaurant giveaway – $20 gift card

Wildwood Deli

Register to win free lunch giveaway – $10 value

Enjoy a fresh baked sweet with your cider