The Spirit of Athens is getting into the spirit of Christmas by hosting the Holiday Open House.

This year’s special shopping day, which ushers in the season, will be Sunday, Nov. 18, from 1 to 5 p.m.

“We’re having outstanding entertainment this year,” said Regina Crawford of Crawford’s on the south side of the Athens square. “I think it shows how popular this event is becoming when we’re drawing people from out of town.”

There will also be a visit from Father Christmas at Bennetts. Hobbs Jewelers will hold a drawing for a diamond pendant.

Slated to perform on the square are:

• 1-1:30 p.m. – “Birds of a Feather,” Dr. Mary Crowell and friend singing and playing the piano and base.

• 1:30-2 p.m. – Joe Brasher, pianist

• 2-2:30 p.m. – Footlight Theatre troupe performing an excerpt from “Best Christmas Pageant Ever”

• 2:30-3 p.m. – To be announced

• 3-3:30 p.m. – Heritage Children’s Chorale directed by Mary Stephenson

• 4-4:30 p.m. – Joe Brasher, pianist

• 4:30-5 p.m. – To be announced

These are the participating merchants: Bennetts, Crawford’s Gifts, Pablo’s on Market, Gray & Holt, CEI Bookstore, Pimentos, Shoe Gallery, Kathleen’s Corner Salon, Kids World, The Grasshopper, Grayson Scott, Carole Forét Fine Art and Photography, Salon Le Jules, All About Me, Suzanne’s Bakery & Eatery, Diesel & Lola, Tortilla’s Blanco, Mama Bear’s Restaurant, Sassy’s Fraz, Market Street Antiques, LuVici’s, U.G. White, Hyatt & Sims, Changes/Athens Consignment and Chick Peas.