This week
"Star of Bethlehem" show, Dahlonega. Explores scientific explanations about the celestial event described in Matthew. Observatory open following the show. 7 and 8 p.m. Friday and Dec. 17, Coleman Planetarium, North Georgia College, 82 College Circle, Dahlonega. Free. jjones@northgeorgia.edu.
Bike ride, Gainesville. Chicken City Cyclists. Loop routes, easy to strenuous, 8-50 miles. No ride in precipitation or if high is predicted to be below 45 degrees. 10 a.m. Saturday, Dewberry Church, 4616 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville. 770-534-7075 or unnoldl@charter.net.
Stars Over Elachee, Gainesville. Learn how a telescope works, how to set one up and use one of eight 6-inch Dobsonian telescopes to view the moon, planets, stars and constellations. 5 p.m. Saturday, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville. Reservations required; recommended for ages 8 and older. $10 adults, $5 age 11 and younger, free for Elachee members. 770-535-1976.
"Get Back to Nature" day, Gainesville. Hike Elachee's 13 miles of trails, take part in a candy cane hunt and more. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville. Free admission. 770-535-1976.
Reindeer Run 5K, Dawsonville. Benefits Ric Rack Food Bank. 9 a.m. Saturday, Food Lion, 59 Main St., Dawsonville. $20 and 3 canned food items for age 14 and older; $15 and 3 canned food items for age 13 and older. lstarr@mindspring.com.
After School Enrichment: Reindeer Relatives, Helen. Compare reindeer and deer native to North Georgia. Learn about physical characteristics, habitat and behavior. 3:45-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Smithgall Woods, 61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen. $1 per child. 706-878-3087.
Upcoming
Jingle Jog, Gainesville. 8 a.m. Dec. 18, Fit 2 Tri, 1292 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville. Kids' 1K fun run; 5K, 10K and half marathon. 770-532-2453.
Holiday Hike 1, Helen. Wayne Barrios will lead a moderate 1-mile hike on Martin Mine Trail. 2 p.m. Dec. 26, Smithgall Woods, 61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen. $2; $5 parking. 706-878-3087.
Holiday Hike 2, Helen. Wayne Barrios will lead a hike based on the preferences of participants. Length, difficulty and scenery will be considered as trail options. 10 a.m. Dec. 29, Smithgall Woods, 61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen. 706-878-3087.
Ongoing
The Historic Downtown Gainesville Market on the Square, Gainesville. Farmers market with plants, herbs, honey, bread and local produce. 2:30-6:30 p.m. Fridays, Main Street Market, downtown Gainesville Square. 678-943-4442 or steve@hallfarmers.org.
Triathlon Club, Gainesville. No experience necessary. Meets 7 p.m. second Tuesdays, Fit 2 Tri Store, 1292 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville. 770-712-9129 or fit2tri@gmail.com.
ISI Cycling ride, Gainesville. No ride in rain. 6 p.m. Thursdays, Dewberry Baptist Church, 4616 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville. Free. 678-231-0417.
ISI Cycling ride, Gainesville. Three group rides varying in distance from 15 to 60 miles. No ride in rain. 7 a.m. Saturdays, Corinth Baptist Church, 3590 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville. Free. 678-231-0417.
ISI Cycling ride, Gainesville. 35- to 50-mile ride. No ride in rain. 1 p.m. Sundays, Kroger Shopping Center, 3630 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville. 678-231-0417.
Observatory & Planetarium Public Education Nights, Dahlonega. Star and planet viewing. Planetarium viewing, 8 p.m.; observatory 9:30 p.m. Friday, Coleman Planetarium, Health and Natural Sciences Building, North Georgia College & State University, 82 College Circle, Dahlonega. Free; seats limited. jjones@northgeorgia.edu. Observatory opens for star and planet viewing.OPPEN continues every Friday night through Nov. 19. Free. jjones@northgeorgia.edu.