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, Coleman Planetarium, North Georgia College, 82 College Circle, Dahlonega. Free. jjones@northgeorgia.edu.

Jingle Jog, Gainesville. 8 a.m. Saturday, Fit 2 Tri, 1292 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville. Kids' 1K fun run; 5K, 10K and half marathon. 770-532-2453.

Bike ride, Gainesville. Chicken City Cyclists. Loop routes with distances between 8 and 50 miles. Leaves 10 a.m. Saturday from Dewberry Church, 4616 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville. unnoldl@charter.net.

Upcoming

 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.

New Year's Day Bike Ride, Gainesville. Chicken City Cyclists. Leaves 10 a.m. Jan. 1 from Tom Ritchie's house. Call for directions. 770-503-9872.

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.