Walking Tours of Historic Athens
Athens is steeped in history, with historic homes, churches, cemeteries, and other sites dating back before the Civil War. During the holiday season, the Athens Welcome Center offers guided walking tours that provide a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past. Tours meet at the Visitor Center and last about an hour and cover a half-mile walk, with stops at landmarks like the Taylor-Grady House, First Presbyterian Church, and Oconee Hill Cemetery.
Guides share stories about Athens’ founding fathers, influential citizens, architecture, and role in the Civil War. You’ll learn how Athens was shaped into the charming Southern town it is today. Tours run Fridays-Sundays starting after Thanksgiving and are perfect for history buffs.
706-353-1820
Athens Welcome Center
280 E Dougherty St, Athens, GA 30601
Getting your group to downtown Athens is easy with a charter bus rental. Leave the driving and parking to professionals while you enjoy a leisurely stroll and fascinating history lesson. Reboard your comfortable bus when the tour wraps up to keep exploring Athens!
Athens Christmas Parade of Lights
Kick off the holiday season by attending Athens longest running nighttime parade, the Christmas Parade of Lights. On the first Thursday of December, thousands line the streets as Athens comes alive with festive floats, balloons, music, and of course, Santa. This year’s parade takes place December 1st starting at 7 pm sharp.
The 1.4 mile route begins at the corner of College Avenue and runs along Hancock Avenue, ending at City Hall. Arrive early to grab a good viewing spot and stay late for the tree lighting ceremony immediately after. Enjoy hot chocolate, snacks, live music, and other holiday activities around downtown leading up to the parade.
It’s a beloved Athens tradition the whole family will love. Gather your group and rent a charter bus so everyone arrives together. Your bus driver can drop you off right near College Ave before finding parking nearby. Enjoy the sparkling parade then hop back aboard your cozy bus and let your driver navigate you home.
Ice Skating at Classic Center
From November through January, the Classic Center transforms into a winter wonderland with the Athens Holiday Ice Rink. Lace up your skates and take a spin around the real ice rink with friends and family. The spacious 60 x 120 foot rink accommodates up to 150 skaters at a time.
Daily sessions run morning, afternoon, and evenings with skate rentals available. When you need a break, warm up with hot chocolate and snacks from the concession stand. The Classic Center also hosts fun themed events like ugly sweater skate nights with hot cider.
It’s a favorite Athens holiday tradition that makes a perfect outing for youth groups, college students, company parties, and more. Reserve your spot then rent a charter bus for easy transportation to and from the Classic Center. Your driver will take care of parking while your group enjoys the rink!
300 N. Thomas St, Athens, GA 30601
(706) 208-0900
Holiday Lights at State Botanical Garden
From Thanksgiving weekend through New Year’s Eve, Athens sparkles even brighter with thousands of holiday lights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. One of the Southeast’s brightest holiday displays, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights transforms the gardens into a winter wonderland.
Marvel at creative light displays including a floating sea of clouds, a twinkling Friendship Forest, and the colorful Canyon of Lights. Cozy up by the fire pits, enjoy hot cider and s’mores, and don’t miss the G-Scale Model Train Room. With so much to take in, you’ll want to spend the whole evening.
2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 30605
(706) 542-6156
Make your visit magical by reserving a charter bus or minibus. Everyone in your group will stay warm and comfortable as your professional driver navigates holiday traffic. Leave the parking headaches behind and focus on enjoying a dazzling Athens tradition!
Athenaeum Holiday Gala
Ring in the holidays in style at the Athenaeum’s annual Holiday Gala, taking place December 8th this year. This elegant evening features fine dining, live music, and dancing all within the beautiful historic Hay House.
Sip cocktails then sit down to a gourmet three-course dinner in the ballroom, followed by live jazz. After dinner, swing dance the night away. Attendees also get a first look at the Hay House decorated for Christmas. With only one seating per year, tickets go quickly for this festive Athens tradition.
931 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 30605
(706) 353-0025
Make the night carefree by reserving a charter bus rental for your group. Enjoy Athens’ holiday spirit without a care with roundtrip transportation handled for you. Your professional driver will take you from dinner to dancing and back home again safely.
AthFest Music & Arts Festival
Athens is renowned for its prolific music scene, which you can experience firsthand at the annual AthFest Music & Arts Festival. Held in late June, this massive festival spans over three days on multiple stages and venues across Athens. AthFest showcases over 150 bands, mainly rock, indie, and folk groups hailing from Athens.
In addition to almost nonstop music, you’ll find art vendors, local food trucks, a kids area, and more. Historic downtown Athens comes alive, making this a bucket list event for any music lover. Tickets go on sale in April.
Getting your group around the different music venues is a cinch with a charter bus rental. Leave the parking, traffic, and transportation logistics to your driver. Hop between the best shows and relax aboard your private bus in between.
University of Georgia Campus Tours
The University of Georgia is renowned for its stunning, historic campus. Prospective students can tour the grounds and state-of-the-art facilities on daily campus tours with current student guides. Tours depart from the Visitors Center and are limited to 120 people, so reservations are recommended.
Groups of 10 or more can request a special group tour during weekdays, with options for guided campus or self-guided walking tours. You’ll see famous campus spots like the Grand Archway and historic North Campus while learning all about academics and student life.
Administration Building
220 South Jackson Street
Athens, GA 30602
706-542-8990
Once your reservations are set, let Charter Bus Company Athens handle your group’s transportation. We’ll get your students to campus timely and hassle-free. Our drivers are familiar with the best drop-off spots and parking areas near the Visitors Center.
Rent With Charter Bus Company Athens To Hit Every Attraction
Athens’ rich history, culture, and natural beauty make it a wonderful getaway destination for groups and families. Let Charter Bus Company Athens provide your transportation, so you can fully enjoy special events, campus tours, outdoor adventures, and more. Our fleet of modern buses includes WiFi, TVs, and USB outlets to make your travels comfortable.
Give us a call at 706-583-6708, and we’ll walk you through our affordable rental process. Add roundtrip charter bus service to any Athens itinerary to simplify your holiday travels or campus visits. We look forward to helping your group explore Athens!