Happy Tuesday, Augusta. In today’s edition: Energy bill relief applications, a Christmas craft show, Augusta Symphony’s holiday celebration, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Energy bill relief available: Applications have opened for Georgia’s LIHEAP. Seniors 65+ and medically homebound may apply now. Others can schedule starting Jan. 2, 2026. Funds are first come, first served — see how and when to apply.

Community generosity at work: The 25th annual iHeart Media Cares for Kids Radio and Telethon kicks off Dec. 4 to benefit Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia, funding facility dogs, upgrades, and NICU support — see how funds help.

Holiday warmth for neighbors: Compass for Hope continues its Sunday outreach at James Brown Arena, offering showers, laundry, clothing, and prayer support, while volunteers distribute winter essentials after donations of about 200 blankets — learn how you can help.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Scams are rampant: My step-dad recently got a call from someone pretending to be his grandson, all beat up and asking for bail money. They knew his grandson’s name, how old he is, and what city he lives in. How? Data brokers. They sell your info to anyone willing to pay for it (yup… anyone). Incogni removes your info from all of those sites so scammers can’t use it against you. Cyber Monday discounts are available all week — check ’em out here.

Highlights this week

• Celebrate community with symphony, choir, ballet
• Watch Napoleon Dynamite with the cast
• Shop local gifts and meet Santa
• Kids process emotions during supportive library sessions
• Support Phinizy, bid on vintage nature books
• Need new windows? Check out RBA’s latest deals

🫶 We got your back

Statue’s next act begins: A 12-foot Kermit the Frog statue, dressed as Charlie Chaplin’s Tramp, is heading from The Jim Henson Company’s Hollywood gates to Atlanta’s Center for Puppetry Arts as the studio relocates. Home to the largest Henson collection, the center will steward the piece. No arrival date yet, but the green icon is en route. Read the full story.

CSRA holiday events roundup: The CSRA’s holiday calendar is stacked with tree lightings, markets, parades, and concerts through Dec. 23. Highlights: Augusta’s Christmas parade and tree lighting on Dec. 6 at 1 p.m., the 47th annual Singing Christmas Tree Dec. 11-14 in Martinez, and Aiken’s Christmas in Hopelands Dec. 13-23. Lace up for Winter Whirl ice skating starting Dec. 3. Find dates and locations.

Burrito fix, sorted: Whether you’re craving heat or a midweek burrito hug, Nacho Mama’s rolls hefty, flavor-packed burritos with pulled pork, shrimp, or beans, plus a bright mango-habanero kick. A margarita pairs nicely, and dinner basically takes care of itself.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

Wellness on easy mode: Most probiotics don’t work because they dissolve too early. Seed’s double capsule design means all the right stuff gets delivered to all the right places… at the right time. After decades of gut issues, it’s one of the few things that’s actually helped. Their Daily Essentials Duo covers nutrient gaps and supports everyday health + it’s 40% off right now so it’s a great time to give it a try.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

🎤 A Motown Christmas @ Miller Theater | Wednesday (12/3) at 6:00pm – Holiday season calls for Motown done right, not another ugly sweater. A Motown Christmas brings alumni from the Temptations, The Miracles, and The Contours for velvet harmonies, slick choreography, and hits wrapped in holiday classics. Bring the family, pretend you still know the steps.

🎄 Edgar’s Above Broad – Up on the Rooftop – Annual Christmas Tree Lighting @ Edgar’s Above Broad | Thursday (12/4) at 5:00pm – Ready to feel festive without fighting for a parking spot at the mall? Head up to the rooftop for Augusta’s tallest Christmas tree, live music, festive drinks, and sweet treats, all with community spirit. Bonus, toast Goodwill of Middle Georgia and CSRA’s 50 years.

🎶 Augusta Symphony | Sounds of the Season: A Celebration of Community @ Miller Theater | Thursday (12/4) at 7:30pm – Miller Theater is going full hometown holiday, with the Augusta Symphony leading a Pops-style celebration that actually feels fun. Expect the Augusta Players, Colton Ballet, the Augusta Choral Society, and Russell Joel Brown, plus familiar tunes, festive vibes, and zero pretension.

✂️ Christmas Craft Show@ Odell Weeks Activity Center | Friday (12/5) at 8:00am – Skip the mall and wander the indoor and outdoor Christmas craft show at Odell Weeks on Whiskey Road, free admission, handmade goods from across the Southeast, and local bites. Saturday spotlights young Aiken entrepreneurs. Leave the dog at home, bring your gift list.

🍺 Illuminating Savannah River Brewing Co. @ Savannah River Brew Co. | Friday (12/5) at 4:30pm – Lighting up the taproom, Savannah River Brewing is teaming with Illuminate for a feel-good night where your pint, your candle, and even your impulse merch buy do some real good. Ten percent goes to SafeHomes, so you can sip, shop, and justify a second round.

This weekend

🍪 Saturday Chef Community Cooking Class – Holiday Sweet Treats @ Helms College | Saturday (12/6) at 10:00am – Trade your stress baking for an apron and get some quality time at Helms College’s culinary labs for a hands-on holiday desserts class taught by chefs. Learn easy French-style treats that look fancy, taste better, and impress the in-laws, then sample your handiwork, no judgment.

🩰 Aiken Civic Ballet’s Nutcracker Tea @ Aiken County Historical Museum | Saturday (12/6) at 1:00pm – If your holiday spirit needs a refill, the Civic Ballet is pouring Nutcracker Tea. Think bite-sized scenes from the classic, photo ops with Clara and company, and enough treats to keep the kids cheerful and you caffeinated, all without sitting through a full-length overture.

🌕 “Cold” Moon Hike @ Phinizy Swamp Nature Park | Saturday (12/6) at 5:00pm – Whether you bring the kids for crafts and pics, or skip straight to the moonlit miles, this Christmas Cold Moon hike is a small-town win. Expect a shorter route option, s’mores, burger and dog plates, and the legendary Hot Swamp Water Bar, naturally.

🎓 CNBN of CSRA 15th Anniversary/Scholarship Gala @ Saint Paul’s Church | Saturday (12/6) at 6:00pm – Break out the good shoes, the CNBN of CSRA is celebrating 15 years with a scholarship gala that actually does some good. Expect familiar faces, a proper toast, and the satisfaction of backing future leaders, not just another rubber-chicken dinner.

🏛️ The Museum Express @ Augusta Museum of History | Sunday (12/7) at 11:00am – Think your holiday spirit needs a tune-up? Augusta Museum of History turns the classic movie into a ride, with golden tickets, the Conductor’s story time, hot chocolate, cookies, and a North Pole cameo. Kids are $10, adults grab $5 admission for photos, and buy direct.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/2 The Aiken Concert Band @ The Etherredge Center – 7:30 pm
• 12/4 Up on the Rooftop – Annual Christmas Tree Lighting @ Edgar’s Above Broad – 5 pm
• 12/5 Napoleon Dynamite Live! @ Miller Theater – 7:30 pm
• 12/5 Mary Kate Farmer @ Dirty Boots – 9 pm
• 12/6 Denim, Desserts & Drama @ The Warehouse @ King Mil – 6 pm
• 12/6 Who’s Bad (Michael Jackson tribute) @ Miller Theater – 8 pm
• 12/8 The Jest Joust Comedy Calamity @ The Fox’s Lair – 8 pm
• 12/11 Andrew Prystai @ Sacred Heart Cultural Center – 8:45 pm
• 12/12 Bryan Bielanski @ Highlander – 10 pm