ATHENS, Ala. – Eat, Sip, and Shop at the ninth annual Sippin’ Cider Festival in downtown Athens.

Winter’s favorite drink will take center stage in downtown Athens, Ala. the second Saturday in December when Athens Main Street hosts the ninth annual Sippin’ Cider Festival.

The holiday affair, set for December 14, 2019, offers an evening of roasting marshmallows, shopping among local merchants, special activities for children, visits with Santa Claus, and door prize giveaways as festival goers sip on hot cider prepared by downtown merchants.

From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., participating merchants will offer sample tastings of their favorite cider recipe. Guests will vote by ballot for their favorite, and the cider receiving the most votes wins the coveted Cider Cup and bragging rights for the year.

During Sippin’ Cider, merchants of downtown Athens will also serve up gift ideas and special sales throughout the evening. While sipping on cider, guests can tackle their Christmas shopping and browse for unique holiday decorations while supporting local businesses.

“We have a record number of participating businesses this year! So, come Downtown and enjoy shopping and Sippin around the Square. It’s free and fun for the whole family,’ said Athens Main Street Executive Director Tere Richardson.

The following downtown businesses will have cider for their patrons: Bennett’s Clothing, Belles & Beaus, Boneyard Antiques, CEI Bookstore, Crawfords Gifts, Epiphany Boutiques, Garnet’s on the Square, Hendricks-Patton Co., Inc., High Cotton Arts, Pimentos, Snapdragon Kids, Square Clock Coffee, Tammy’s Fine Jewelry, Terranova, Tootlebugs, Trashy Heart, Trinity’s, The Warten House, UG White, Wildwood Deli, Village Pizza, Bird’s Nest, Love & Aloha Art and Gypsy Market.

Attendees are also encouraged to take photos and videos downtown and tag Athens Main Street on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Other activities include special activities in stores for children, festive holiday music, roasting marshmallows, and a visit by Santa Claus.