BALDWIN
UNTIL DEC. 20
What: Baldwin County Fire Rescue Toy Drive Where: Drop-off locations include Baldwin County Fire Stations, Exchange Bank in downtown Milledgeville, Baldwin County Courthouse, Century Bank More info: Baldwin Fire Rescue is collecting gifts for local children in need through a partnership with Kids Yule Love. To participate, deliver a new, unwrapped toy to designated drop-off locations. Donations will be accepted at drop-off locations until Dec. 12 and at fire stations until Dec. 20.
UNTIL TREES RUN OUT
What: Buy a Tree, Change a Life Where: New Life Ministries, 385 Log Cabin Rd. NE, Milledgeville More info: New Life Ministries is selling Christmas trees to fundraise for children’s ministries. Half of the proceeds will go to global children’s ministries and the other half will contribute to local children’s ministries. Trees will be sold until they run out, with a major sale on Black Friday.
DEC. 7 & 21
What: Candlelight Tours at the Mansion When: 6-9 p.m. Where: Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion (120 S. Clarke St.) More info: Special evening tours of the Mansion complete with candles lit and choirs singing in the rotunda bring a Holiday warmth to the Mansion. Candlelight tours will be held at 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. on December 7th and 21st. To learn about prices, please contact the mansion staff.
SATURDAY, DEC. 7
What: “Let’s Talk Politics,” a House District 149 Town Hall Meeting When: 1-2 p.m. Where: Trinity Church, 321 N. Wilkinson St. More info: Representative-Elect Floyd Griffin invites all Georgia House District 149 constituents to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas in preparation to build a brighter future together.
What: Children’s Trolley Tour:The Grinch When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. More info: This festive adventure includes a reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss, a scenic ride to Mt. Crumpit with the Grinch, delicious cupcakes, punch, and a special surprise. Secure tickets early by calling (478) 452-4687, as space is limited. Tickets are $20 per person
What: Merry Milly Market When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Downtown Milledgeville More info: Merry Milly Market is set to enchant visitors with an array of one-of-a-kind arts, crafts, and homemade delights. Showcasing the talent of local artisans, craftsmen, and creatives, this market will feature an eclectic mix of handmade jewelry, textiles, pottery, artwork, delectable treats, and much more, providing an opportunity for attendees to discover special gifts for their loved ones while supporting local artists.
SUNDAY, DEC. 8
What: Christmas Parade When: 3 p.m. Where: Downtown Milledgeville More info: Don’t miss Santa at the annual Milledgeville Christmas Parade. The parade starts at 3:00 p.m. through the streets of Downtown Milledgeville beginning at the South Gate of Georgia Military College to Elbert Street and down West Hancock before turning south toward Piggly Wiggly. It is presented by the Milledgeville Exchange Club.
MONDAY, DEC. 9
What: Christmas Open House with GOCHC at the Depot When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Where: Brown-Stetson-Sanford House (601 W Hancock St) More info: The event is free to the public and will have light refreshments and live music from the Baldwin High School jazz ensemble. The historic home will be decorated for the holidays.
DEC. 911
What: Milledgeville Trolley Express When: Times vary depending on date More info: Take a magical ride on the Milly Trolley Express when you purchase a golden ticket. You will be greeted by the trolley conductor who will take you on a journey to the North Pole. Board the trolley and listen to Liam Neeson’s reading of The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg and interact with characters from the movie. Call 478-414-4014 for tickets.
DEC. 1125
What: Reindeer Flight School When: 6-9 p.m. nightly Where: 101 Sportsman Circle, Milledgeville More Info: Santa will be available each Friday and Saturday, unless it’s raining.
DEC. 1314
What: Cookies with Santa When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: 2400 N Columbia St. More info: The Cookie Company is hosting a Cookies with Santa event, featuring cookie decorating and spending time with Santa. Each ticket is $30 per child, or $25 if booking multiple children, and includes a cookie, milk, and a photo of your child with Santa from Carley Sinclair Photography.
SATURDAY, DEC. 14
What: “Let’s Talk Politics,” a House District 149 Town Hall Meeting When: 1-2 p.m. Where: St. Paul AME Church , 2501 Shurling Dr., Macon More info: Representative-Elect Floyd Griffin invites all Georgia House District 149 constituents to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas in preparation to build a brighter future together.
DEC. 1315
What: The Nutcracker When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6-9; 2 p.m. Nov. 10 Where: Russell Auditorium, 200 N. Clark St., Milledgeville More Info: Celebrate this festive holiday tradition in its 28th year, featuring dancers of all ages from the Community Dance and Dance Minor programs. Directed by Natalie King. Tickets $15 general admission; $10 GCSU staff, non-GCSU students, seniors; $5 GCSU students, kids 12 and under. For tickets visit online at tickets.gcsu.edu. For more information call 478-445-4226.
SUNDAY, DEC. 15
What: Jingle Jog When: 6-8 p.m. Where: Lockerly Arboretum More info: Lockerly Arboretum will host the Jingle Jog, inviting participants to run or walk through the beautiful holiday lights at their own pace. This festive event is perfect for all ages, offering a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy the season. The cost is $15 per person, and attendees are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item to be donated to the Chard Wray Food Pantry, spreading joy to those in need during the holidays.
UNTIL DEC. 15
What: PDI Toys for Tots Drive When: Business Hours Where: 151 Roberson Mill Rd., Milledgeville More Info: Every PDI kitchen-and-bath branch and showroom in Georgia is an official Toys for Tots collection point where local residents can drop off donations for children in need this winter holiday.
FRIDAY, DEC. 20
What: Learning in Retirement When: 11:15 a.m. Where: Freedom Church, 500 Underwood Rd., Milledgeville More Info: Third Friday monthly, an informative speaker will talk while lunch is served. Optional lunch is $15. Speakers cover a variety of interesting and thought-provoking topics. Periodically, there will also be area tours via carpool or bus. For information visit online at cpe.gcsu.edu, or contact Wanda Zvanut at 404-259-8771, or Jocelyn Brownlow at 770-833-1217.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 25
What: Hanukkah Menorah Lighting When: 6 p.m. Where: Downtown Milledgeville More info: Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with a menorah lighting ceremony. The event will take place on West Hancock Street in front of The Local Yolkal Cafe.
EACH TUESDAY
What: Hatha Yoga When: 6 p.m. Where: Chappell Hall at GCSU More info: Hatha Yoga is a method of uniting the mind to body through breathing techniques and a series of gentle movements. Through time and practice, Hatha Yoga can be a simple method for increasing our flexibility, balance, and strength, as well as a sense of calm, peace, confidence, increased energy, and the ability to find greater focus. Class costs $30.
What: Walking with Moms in Need When: 1-3 p.m. (Tuesdays only) Where: Aquinas Hall at Sacred Heart Church, 110 N. Jefferson NE, Milledgeville More info: Walking with Moms in Need (WWMIN) is open Tuesdays from 1-3 p.m., except on major holidays. A monthly distribution of 50 diapers is available for infants and toddlers. The parent must register for the diaper program with a valid photo I.D. and a copy of the child’s birth certificate. WWMIN may also be able to provide other baby and toddler necessities. To inquire, please email: WWMINmilly@gmail.com.
EACH SATURDAY
What: Mini Millys When: 9 a.m. Where: Chappell Hall at GCSU More info: High-energy class ($25) for children 18 months to 5 years, with hands-on activities, games, and exercises packed into every session.
PUTNAM
THURSDAY, DEC. 5
What: One Christmas Night in Memphis When: 7 p.m. Where: The Plaza Arts Center, 305 N. Madison Ave., Eatonton More Info: One Night in Memphis is a rocking concert tribute to legendary Sun Records recording artists Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley. Over 90 minutes of country, gospel, and pure 1950’s rockn- roll music performed live and backed by an energetic rockabilly band. Limited tickets remain available at plazacenter.org or call 706-923-1655 for information.
SATURDAY, DEC. 7
What: Christmas at The Plaza When: 10 a.m. to Noon Where: The Plaza Arts Center, 305 N. Madison Ave., Eatonton More Info: Meet Santa, make Christmas crafts, get your face painted at The Plaza. Call 706-923-1655 for information.
What: MAC Annual Christmas Celebration When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Putnam County Recreation Dept., 140 Recreation Park Rd., Eatonton More Info: Mothers Against Crime games, inspirational speakers, indoor hotdogs cookout with “free yard sale” and special gift for all kids up to 18 attending.
TUESDAY, DEC. 10
What: Santa Paws When: 10 a.m. to Noon Where: The Plaza Arts Center, 305 N. Madison Ave., Eatonton More Info: Bring your pets for pictures with Santa Paws!
For a $5 or more donation, your pet can get its picture taken with Santa, a bandana, and a paper paw print stamp ornament. All proceeds benefit The Plaza’s Broadway Intensive Program. Call 706-923-1655 for information.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11
What: Women in Business: Lunch & Learn When: Noon-1 p.m. Where: The Plaza Arts Center, 305 N. Madison Ave., Eatonton More Info: The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce presents its final Women in Business lunch event of the year, welcoming Tara Rocker, local author of My Sweet Home Georgia Cookbook, to inspire with her talk, “Finding Joy Through Sharing: Inspiring Women to Celebrate Through Family, Friends, Food, and Faith.” Tickets $25. Order tickets at eatonton.com or send email to rbradley@eatonton.com for information.
SATURDAY, DEC. 14
What: Annual Eatonton Elks Free Throw Contest When: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Where: Putnam County Recreation Center, More Info: Basketball free throw contest for boys and girls aged 8-13. Local winners can advance to district, state, regional and national finals in Chicago, where winners are eligible for scholarships. Call local Hoop Shoot Director Mike Black at 706-473-9300 for more information.
What: Mini Mistletoe Market When: 4-9 p.m. Where: Putnam County Courthouse lawn More Info: Local vendors will be set up in front of the Putnam County Courthouse before, during, and after the accompanying Christmas parade.
What: Annual Eatonton Christmas Parade When: 6 p.m. start Where: Downtown Eatonton More Info: This year’s parade will take place in the evening with food trucks and vendors on the courthouse lawn before and after the parade. The parade will take place rain or shine; only the presence of lightning would force it to stop. Santa Claus will anchor the parade and will be available for free photos (with your own camera!) from approximately 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., also in front of the Putnam County Courthouse.
SUNDAY, DEC. 15
What: Cookies & Cocoa with Santa When: 1-3 p.m. Where: Putnam General Hospital, 101 Lake Oconee Pkwy., Eatonton More Info: Join PGH to celebrate Christmas with free cookies and cocoa, and a chance for kids to share their holiday wishes with Santa while getting a free photo with him, too.
TUESDAY, DEC. 24
What: 25th Annual Christmas Eve Service When: 5 p.m. Where: All Angels Episcopal Church, 405 N. Jefferson Ave., Eatonton More Info: Join All Angels for its 25th annual Christmas Eve service. Celebrate the season with a beautiful candlelit ceremony. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
FRIDAY, JAN. 10
What: EPCOC Timeless Tribute Awards & Dinner When: 7-8:30 p.m. Where: The Livery Studio, 109 E. Marion St., Eatonton More Info: The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce presents its annual recognition of celebrating and honoring outstanding organizations and individuals in the local community. Visit eatonton.com/annualawards- dinner for tickets, more information, and to make nominations in eight categories. But hurry, as nominations have been extended only to Dec. 6. This will be a 1920s-themed event, so guests are welcome and encouraged to attend in period-correct attire. Tickets $75.
THURSDAY, JAN. 30
What: Lake Country Photography Club Meeting When: 6 p.m. social hour; 7 p.m. program Where: The Peoples Bank Community Room, Harmony Crossing, Eatonton More Info: Monthly club meeting for member education and skills development. The club welcomes photographers of all levels of expertise and experience from Lake Country and beyond. Send email to lcpc01234@gmail.com for more information.