Events Calendar
Historic Athens Holiday Gala: Boulevard in Lights
On Sunday, December 14th, guests will gather along Boulevard in Athens' historic streetcar suburb for Boulevard in Lights, an evening of history, hospitality, and holiday cheer.
The 2025 Historic Athens Holiday Gala marks the return of this beloved tradition to the Boulevard Historic District, where century-old trees, costumed carolers, and trolley rides evoke the neighborhood's storied past. Guests are invited to step inside some of the district's finest homes and celebrate the community that continues to protect them.
Set against the backdrop of Athens’ first planned suburb, the evening will feature exclusive home tours, trolley rides retracing historic streetcar routes, and seasonal fare, all culminating in a VIP celebration at The Athenian, the newly restored Stevens-Thomas House (c. 1850) and recipient of the 2025 Historic Athens Outstanding Rehabilitation Award.
Every ticket and every toast directly support Historic Athens’ meaningful work to conserve and celebrate the cultural and architectural heritage of our community. Together, we help make sure that Athens' history continues to shine for generations to come.
Boulevard Gala Hosts Needed!
Why Host the Holiday Gala?
Free professional photos of your home
Custom house history by our interns
2 VIP Gala tickets and a thank-you gift
Volunteer support during the event
You set the rules for your space
To participate as a House Host, please complete and submit the registration form below. You will be contacted by Michelle Nguyen (michelle@historicathens.com) to confirm your participation and provide further details.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available!
Be a part of Boulevard in Lights and support the preservation of Athens’ history with a sponsorship! For over 40 years, this cherished event brings together over 500 Athens residents, local leaders, and preservation enthusiasts to celebrate the charm of historic neighborhoods while protecting our community’s heritage. To support the Historic Athens Holiday Gala, please email michelle@historicathens.com.
Main Event | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Historic Home Tours
Step inside stunning homes throughout the Boulevard Historic District, each brimming with stories of Athens’ past. During the Gala, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to these remarkable homes and the chance to meet the residents who care for these historic treasures today.
Trolley Tours & Carolers
Step aboard trolleys operated by Athens Trolley Tours and travel along routes once traced by Athens’ historic streetcars through the Boulevard Historic District.
As you ride, the Classic City Carolers will fill the neighborhood with music, adding warmth and holiday spirit to your journey through Athens’ past.
Holiday Bites & Beverages
Enjoy delicious bites and holiday-inspired treats crafted by Epting Catering, featuring warm and sweet seasonal goodies. Raise a glass at our open bar, featuring wines from The Lark Winespace.
Silent Auction
Bid on a curated selection of local goods, exclusive experiences, and treasures you won’t find anywhere else. Your winning bids help preserve Athens’ historic places for generations to come.
Wine and Whiskey Pull
Take your chances in our Wine and Whiskey Pull, where every bottle is a winner and every ticket supports historic preservation. Will you discover a hidden gem for your holiday table or a rare bottle to savor?
VIP Party at The Athenian
A VIP ticket includes admission to both the Main Event and the VIP Party, creating the complete Historic Athens Holiday Gala experience. After the Main Event concludes at 7 PM, complimentary trolley service by Athens Trolley Tours will transport VIP guests directly to The Athenian for an unforgettable evening finale.
The VIP Party is both a celebration and a live fundraising event that supports Historic Athens’ mission-driven work to preserve the character and history of our city. Attendance is limited for those who wish to experience the Gala at its most memorable.
Exclusive Access to The Athenian
After the Main Event, VIP guests will ride by trolley to The Athenian, Athens’ newest boutique hotel inside the historic Stevens-Thomas House, built around 1850. Recipient of the 2025 Historic Athens Outstanding Rehabilitation Award, The Athenian blends original fireplaces and hardwood floors with refined finishes and warm light. In this intimate setting, guests will enjoy gourmet fare, drinks, and spirited live bidding.
Open Bar and Gourmet Bites
VIP guests will enjoy an open bar featuring specialty cocktails and wines, paired with gourmet bites served in The Athenian’s stylish parlors and on its grand porch.
Exclusive Live Auction
The evening concludes with a lively auction of unique items and experiences, offering VIP guests the chance to take home something special while supporting Historic Athens.
Historic Athens Holiday Gala: Cobbham by Candlelight
The Historic Athens Holiday Gala is an annual fundraising event for Historic Athens, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It will be an evening of history, community, and holiday festivities. The event will feature tours of beautifully appointed homes, a curated auction, food, beverages, and much more.
Historic Athens Holiday Gala on Henderson Avenue
The Historic Athens Holiday Gala is an annual fundraising event for Historic Athens, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It will be an evening of history, community, and holiday festivities. The event will feature tours of beautifully appointed homes, a curated auction, food, beverages, and much more.