Connecting the ACCGov Leisure Servces Department with Local School Children

Downtown Parade of Lights - December 4

The 2025 Downtown Parade of Lights is scheduled for Thursday, December 4.

The parade begins at 7:00 p.m. on the corner of Hancock Avenue and Pulaski Street ending in front of the stage at City Hall for the traditional tree lighting ceremony.

This year more than 80 entries including floats and performing units, compete for such prizes as “Most Original Float,” “Best Use of Theme,“ “Best Performance,” and “Best Use of Lights”, and the best overall float receives the “Mayor’s Award.” This year’s theme is “Cooking up a Great Holiday."

The Athens-Clarke County Downtown Parade of Lights is coordinated by the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department. It is sponsored by the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government and the Athens Downtown Development Authority.

Parade information, including a parade route map, is available at www.accgov.com/parade

"Movies by Moonlight"

Free Outdoor Movie Event

The Leisure Services Department will host “Movies by Moonlight,” presented on Friday, December 19 at 6:00 p.m.at Sandy Creek Park.

Celebrate the holidays featuring the 2018 film "Dr. Seuss' The Grinch." Bring blankets and chairs to enjoy classic holiday favorites on the lawn. Warm up with s'mores around the fire and get ready for the holidays!

Free park admission to the event starts at 5:15 p.m. The screening is also free. Staffed fire pits will allow attendees to make a complimentary s’more. Hot drinks will also be available for free. No other food will be available on-site.

Upon arrival, patrons will be directed to the movie viewing area. Restrooms will be available. Children must be accompanied by an adult

Registration is not required. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnics, lawn chairs or blankets and will sit on the field to watch the films on the large inflatable screen.

All park rules will be enforced, including dogs always on leash, no alcohol, smoking, or grills.
This event may use artificial snow and flashing lights.

For more information, please call 706-613-3800.

School Holidays

When school is out, Leisure Services is in!

The Department has a selection of day off school programs and holiday mini camps for those days when class is not in session this December. Online registration is underway.

"Happy Holidaze" at Lay Park
"Winter Wonderland Day off School Program at Memorial Park

For more information, please call 706-613-3800.

Holiday Programs

Planned for December

Santa's elves have been hard at work planning a variety of holiday activities in December.

Winter Program Online Registration Continues

The Leisure Services Department continues registration for its winter program opportunities for 2025-2026.

A diverse selection highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports, and holiday events are planned for adults and children.
Before registering, individuals who have not already done so must establish a free online account at www.accgov.com/myrec. Payment may be rendered using an American Express, debit card, Discover Card, MasterCard, Visa, or a MasterCard or Visa gift card.

Registration will continue until programs are at full enrollment or when they begin. New scholarship applicants and individuals with expired scholarships must visit a Leisure Services Department facility office to apply for a scholarship or to renew an expired one at least five business days prior to registering for a program. Scholarships may not be applied for online. Information regarding scholarship program changes, including required documentation, is available at www.accgov.com/scholarship.

Individuals who do not have access to a computer or smart phone may register online using the computer labs at Heard Park at 400 McKinley Dr., Lay Park at 297 Hoyt St., or Howard Park at 291 Henderson Ext. during regular hours of operation.

For more information, call 706- 613-3800.

"Hot Chocolate Hike"

at Memorial Park

Join staff for a leisurely hike around the Birchmore Trail. Everyone will start and end in the Memorial Park Recreation Hall to warm up with coffee and hot chocolate. Bring a travel mug if you want to sip on the trail!

"Hot Chocolate Hike" is for ages 7 and older and will take place Tuesday, December 16 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Online registration is underway

For more information, please call 706-613-3580.

Renew ACCGov Leisure Services Scholarships Starting January 1

It is almost time to renew your Leisure Services Department's scholarship.

The scholarship program is for qualifying Athens-Clarke County residents under the age of 18.

Individuals with expired scholarships and new scholarship applicants must visit a Leisure Services Department facility office at least five business days prior to registering for a program. Those who wish to use the scholarship when registering for summer camp, must apply by February 28 to guarantee that the scholarship is applied to the account in time for camp registration.

Scholarships must be applied for in person. Scholarships are issued at 25%, 50%, and 75% levels. There is a $400 annual cap in scholarship funds per child.

Requirements for documentation include a recent utility bill (last 90 days), the most recent IRS Tax Form 1040 (with children listed), and a valid photo ID.

Those individuals who have not created an online registration account, may do so at www.accgov.com/myrec. This needs to be done prior to applying for the scholarship so that the scholarship can be credited to the account.

For more information, please call 706-613-3800 or visit www.accgov.com/scholarship

ACCGov Activities and Online Registration

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department offers a diverse selection of activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports, and holiday events for adults and children. All registration takes place online at www.accgov.com/myrec

ACCGov Leisure Services Scholarships

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department offers scholarship to qualifying Athens-Clarke County children. Scholarships allow participants to pay less than the program fee.

For more information, including required documentation, please visit www.accgov.com/scholarships

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