With colder temperatures and a dusting of snow possible Saturday, a cup of warm cider may hit the spot.

To that end, Athens Main Street will host the seventh annual Sippin’ Cider Festival in downtown Athens Saturday. The event runs from 5 to 8 p.m.

Participating merchants will offer sample tastings of their favorite cider recipes. Guests will vote by ballot for their favorite. The cider with the most votes will be awarded the coveted cider cup and bragging rights for the year.

In addition to a variety of ciders, there will also be roasted marshmallows, holiday music, activities for children and a visit from Santa Claus. Ballots will also enter patrons into a drawing for door prizes.

“During Sippin’ Cider, merchants of downtown Athens will also serve up gift ideas and special sales throughout the evening,” said a press release about the event. “While sipping on cider, guests can tackle their Christmas shopping and browse for unique holiday decorations while supporting local businesses.”

Cider and Santa at High Cotton

Athens Arts League is hosting High Cotton Arts Holiday Shopping Shindig as part of the Sippin’ Cider festivities with Santa, cider and sensational art.

Santa will be at High Cotton Arts from 4–5:30 p.m. to interact with children. High Cotton Arts is at 103 W. Washington St.

“I won’t be sitting in a chair, but instead, I want to walk around High Cotton and joke around with the children and let parents take pictures of the kids and I having fun,” Santa said. “I’ll also try out the cider while I’m there.”

High Cotton Arts will be competing for the Cider Cup but will do it with a punch recipe instead of the typical hot cider.

“Just like an artist, we’re thinking outside of the box and trying something different,” said Athens Arts League Promotions Chair Holly Hollman. “I hope being unique will draw attention to our concoction and garner us some votes.”

In addition to Santa and cider, High Cotton Arts will have locally made holiday-based art and other art themes for sale from stained glass and pottery pieces, to Christmas cards and paintings and photography. Also, children can come by to make a free Christmas craft.

“We want High Cotton Arts to be for all ages, and we want children to embrace art and not be intimidated by it,” said Athens Arts League Vice President and program director Diane Lehr. “That’s why part of our mission for Athens Arts League is to provide art education, and Christmas crafts are a fun way for children to explore their creativity.”