The Auburn-Opelika area typically slows down this time of year, mostly from losing around 25,000 student residents to Christmas break. However, the loss of Auburn’s younger demographic doesn’t mean the cities shut down until the students return.

Plenty of festive activities are planned for the next two weeks with Christmas and New Year’s quickly approaching. Below is a list of some of what the area offers.

Dec. 15: Collinwood Luminaries

From 5 to 9 p.m. you can follow Collinwood Street in Opelika and see more than 1,500 sacks with candles prepared by the Collinwood neighborhood residents. The popular holiday tradition is a symbol of Christmas, saying to “light the path” on the “journey to the manger.” Attendees will see shepherds, wise men and angels all following the star along the way to see the Christ Child. The Collinwood Luminaries first started in 1967.

Dec. 15-29: Auburn Athletics

The local sports fan can avoid an uneventful holiday season — and avoid large crowds — by attending any of Auburn’s six sporting events taking place Dec. 15 through 29. Bruce Pearl’s men’s basketball team is in action against Coastal Carolina on the 15th, playing Mercer the 18th and opening home conference play against Georgia on the 29th. The women’s basketball team will play host to Virginia Tech on the 18th and Jacksonville on the 28th.

The diving team will provide fans a multi-day event, hosting the AU Diving Invitational from Dec. 16 through 19.

Dec. 17: Holiday Double Feature

The Boykin Community is opening its doors Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. to show A Charlie Brown Christmas. It will be immediately followed by the original How the Grinch Stole Christmas. For any unable to attend the early showing, there will be a second showing at 5:30 and 6:15.

Dec. 24: Christmas Dinner At Ariccia

Reservations to have Auburn University’s culinary team to cook and serve you a four-course holiday meal on Christmas Eve. The meal costs $39 for adults and $19 for children and will be at Ariccia at the Hotel & Conference Center. Reservations can be made by calling (334) 844-5140.

Dec. 30: New Year’s Eve Eve

A nightlife event, downtown Auburn will shut down its streets to automobiles and allow pedestrians to roam from store to store. Join downtown merchants from 6 to 10 p.m. for New Year’s Eve Eve. Visit downtownauburnonline.com for more information.

Dec. 31: Ariccia’s New Year’s Eve

Ariccia’s Christmas dinner is joined by a five-course menu for New Year’s Eve. The $60 reservation includes a champagne toast at midnight and live jazz band. Dinner runs from 5:30 through 11 p.m. The jazz band will begin at 9. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (334) 844-5140.