FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Historic Athens Announces “Christmas in July” Ticket Sales for Bloomfield Holiday Gala

ATHENS, Ga. (July 16, 2026)– Historic Athens announces the return of Christmas in July early bird ticket sales for its longest-running tradition: the Historic Athens Holiday Gala, proudly presented by Jarrett Martin Group. This year’s event, The Bloomfield Gala, will celebrate the history and artistry of Bloomfield Historic District on Sunday, December 13, giving guests an opportunity to explore a selection of the district’s beautiful and historic homes. Now through July 31, early bird specials include:

• VIP 4-Pack – $475 (save $125)

• VIP 2-Pack – $250 (save $50)

• Main Event 2-Pack – $130 (save $30)

The Bloomfield Gala will begin with the Main Event, which runs from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Guests are invited to tour the beautiful and “quirky” neighborhood, as long-time resident and Gala planning committee member Rosemarie Goodrum describes it. The Main Event includes historic home tours, trolley rides, live carolers, gourmet holiday bites by Epting Catering, and an open bar provided by The Lark Winespace.

From 7:00 to 9:00 PM, VIP guests will continue the celebration at the restored Thurmond-Repass House (ca. 1887), which has been awarded two Preservation Awards in its lifetime and currently the home of the Athens office of Elwood and Goetz. The VIP party will be an energetic live fundraising event with an open bar and grazing table provided by Butter Bites. Complimentary trolleys by Athens Trolley Tours will transport VIP guests to the party.

Historic Athens is seeking donations for the gala’s silent auction, presented by Arch Orthopedic and Spine. The silent auction will offer local goods and exclusive experiences, with proceeds supporting preservation efforts across Athens.

“Bloomfield is such a beautiful and offbeat neighborhood that is representative of what people often come to visit Athens for – its artistry, craftiness, and unique charm,” says Holiday Gala staff chair, Michelle Nguyen. “As a hospitality professional, I am thrilled for the opportunity to showcase this slice of Athens to the community.”

Sponsorship opportunities at the Tour of Homes level are available for the Gala, and all sponsors receive recognition across print, digital, and social media platforms. Last year’s online reach topped 17.5 million impressions. Tour of Homes Sponsorship includes logo placement on the Tour of Homes, branding in all promotional materials, press recognition, early access to the silent auction, and four VIP tickets.

To purchase tickets, give to the silent auction, or learn more about sponsorships, visit bit.ly/bloomfieldgala. For more news and updates, go to historicathens.com or follow @historicathens on social media.

About Historic Athens (501c3): For nearly 60 years, Historic Athens has worked to be the historic preservation education and advocacy group the Classic City deserves through community programming, educational initiatives, direct preservation action, and advocacy. Our mission is to develop community-wide understanding of the value of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and our shared cultural heritage.

2026 Historic Athens Holiday Gala in Bloomfield Brand Kit availible at bit.ly/galamedia26.

For event details, sponsorship opportunities, media inquiries, or additional information, please contact:

Michelle Nguyen, MPA
Director of Historic Athens Welcome Center
706-389-0293
michelle@historicathens.com

Sarah Frazer
Historic Athens Director of Communications
706-389-0173
sarah@historicathens.com

To support Historic Athens:
1. Make a one-time contribution: historicathens.com/support
2. Renew or become a member: historicathens.com/join
3. Upgrade to our Partner Program: historicathens.com/partner