The holiday season has “officially” descended upon the residents of Athens and Limestone County, bringing with it a festive flurry of events, ceremonies and parades to ring in the Christmas time.

“This is an exciting time to be in Athens,” Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks told The News Courier. “Our schedule is jam-packed this week, from lighting Christmas trees to Christmas Open Houses, it’s truly a wonderful time. This is a happy, fun time for all of our residents to come together and enjoy the holiday season.”

Athens-Limestone County Tinsel Trail Tree Lighting Ceremony

Dates: Thursday, Nov. 21, until Tuesday, Dec. 31.

Address: Athens Big Spring Memorial Park — 350 Market St. E, Athens.

Hosted by: Athens Limestone County Tourism Association.

Description: The Athens-Limestone Tinsel Trail — formerly the “North Pole Stroll” — returns for another season. Enjoy a stroll through a dazzling display of decorated Christmas trees starting Thursday, Nov. 21, as the grand unveiling and tree lighting ceremony is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. The event is also set to feature live entertainment, Storytime with Santa at 7 p.m., and treats from Happi Pappi Beignets.

Athens-Limestone County Christmas Open House

Dates: Friday, Nov. 22, until Sunday, Nov. 24.

Address: Historic Downtown District in Athens.

Hosted by: Athens-Limestone County Chamber of Commerce and Athens Main Street.

Description: Kick off the holiday season with the Athens-Limestone County Christmas Open House in downtown Athens. Experience the season’s magic with the Merchants Alley Tree Lighting, Ice Skating on The Square, photos with Santa and the festive Merry Market on Marion. Stroll through downtown to enjoy holiday shopping, live music from local artists, delicious eats from local restaurants and food trucks. Don’t miss this cherished community tradition of family fun and holiday cheer.

Ardmore Tinsel Trail and Tree Lighting

Dates: Friday, Dec. 6, until Wednesday, Jan. 1.

Address: Corner of Ardmore Avenue and 1st Street near Ardmore Town Hall — 26494 1st St., Ardmore.

Description: The idea of the tinsel trail in Ardmore is for the community to actively participate in the fun of decorating trees throughout the town. The Ardmore holiday tradition will be at the corner of Ardmore Avenue and 1st Street near Ardmore Town Hall. A special tree lighting ceremony will occur on Dec. 6, at 5:30 p.m. at the town hall pavilion. The Ardmore High School Choir will perform as the community starts the holiday season festivities.

Cookies and Pictures with Santa at Ardmore Town Hall

Date: Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. until noon.

Address: Ardmore Town Hall — 26494 1st St., Ardmore.

Description: Gather for free photos with the Ol’ Saint Nick as Santa Claus is scheduled to make his way from the North Pole for pictures at the Ardmore Town Hall on Saturday, Dec. 7. Refreshments and goody bags for the kids until supplies run out.

Elkmont Christmas Festivities

Date: Saturday, Dec. 7: 3 p.m. Christmas Parade; 4 p.m. Meet Santa; 5 p.m. Lighting of the Elkmont Tinsel Trail

Address: Downtown Elkmont — 25465 Railroad St. Elkmont.

Description: Spend a Saturday in Elkmont as residents celebrate a full-day of Christmas events. The Elkmont Fire Department will host the annual Elkmont Christmas Parade at 3 p.m. Santa Clause will also be at the town hall at 4 p.m. for a meet and greet. Then at 5 p.m., they will have the lighting of the Elkmont Tinsel Trail.

Ardmore Christmas Parade

Date: Monday, Dec. 9, at 6:30 p.m.

Address: Starts at Ardmore High School and heads down Ardmore Avenue.

Description: Join the city of Ardmore as they cheer on the annual Ardmore Christmas Parade as it rolls through the town. Hear the Pride of the Stateline band and see lots of floats as well.

Athens Main Street 14th Annual Sippin’ Cider Festival

Date: Saturday, Dec. 14, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Address: Historic Downtown District in Athens.

Description: During the Sippin’ Cider Festival, participating merchants prepare and offer complimentary sample tastings of their favorite hot cider recipe. Cider enthusiasts will vote by ballot for their favorite, and the cider receiving the most votes wins the coveted Cider Cup and bragging rights for the year. This is a free event for patrons.

Historic Mooresville Holiday Traditions Walking Tours

Date: Saturday, Dec. 14, from noon to 4 p.m.

Address: Guides will meet ticket holders at the Stagecoach Tavern, and tours will begin at the designated tour time.

Description: Historic Mooresville invites everyone to join a guided walking tour through town showcasing Mooresville’s holiday traditions, past and present. The tour is an hour long and involves less than one mile of walking. It will include Mooresville’s historic public buildings and multiple private residences.