Monday, Nov. 26
Columbus Christmas Tree Lighting — Festive family activities from 5:30-7 p.m. surround the official lighting of the city Christmas tree at the east end of the Old Highway 82 pedestrian bridge at the Columbus Riverwalk. For information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Starkville Christmas Parade — Starkville welcomes the season with its city Christmas parade beginning at 6 p.m. on Main Street. The event features the Famous Maroon Band, cheerleaders, floats and more. For information, visit starkville.org.
Wednesday, Nov. 28
Book launch — A book launch event for Erin Kempker’s book “Big Sister: Feminism, Conservatism and Conspiracy in the Heartland” begins at 4:30 p.m. at Fant Memorial Library on The W campus. Free to the public. Kempker is a professor of history and chair of The W’s Department of History, Political Science and Geography.
Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 28-29
46th Annual Holiday Bazaar — Shop with more than 85 vendors of hand-crafted items from 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. each day at The Mill, 600 Russell St., Starkville.
Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 29-Dec. 1
“Christmas Belles” — Columbus Community Theatre presents this comedic play at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29-30, and at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. CAC member tickets $15 advance; $17 at the door. Non-member tickets $20 advance; $22 at the door. Youth tickets (18 and under) $10. Get them at columbus.arts.org, at the arts center, or call 662-328-2787.
Friday, Nov. 30
Holiday Choral Concert — Mississippi University for Women presents a holiday concert featuring the Chorale and Chamber Singers at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on campus. Free to the public.
Caledonia Tree Lighting — Join the town of Caledonia for the community Christmas tree at Ola J. Pickett Park. The lighting takes place at 7 p.m., but come early for hot cocoa, Santa and carolers. Hosted by Caledonia Days.
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1
“Twas the Night Before Christmas” — Blackfriars Drama Society presents Ken Ludwig’s “Twas the Night Before Christmas” at the McComas Hall Mainstage at 6 p.m. Nov. 30 and, 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 1. Adult tickets are $5; children 10 and under attend free. Get tickets at eventbrite.com.
Saturday, Dec. 1
Caledonia Christmas Parade — Caledonia’s parade begins at 6 p.m., with participant line-up at Caledonia Elementary School at 4 p.m. For information or applications to take part, contact Caledonia Town Hall, 662-356-4117, or Jackie Savage, 662-435-2635. Deadline to enter is 1 p.m. Nov. 29.
Pop Up Art Show — Handmade ceramics, jewelry and more by local artists are featured in a Pop Up Art Show at Pop Porium from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., 119 E. Main St., Starkville.
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 1-2
Columbus Choral Society — The Choral Society presents “The Story of Christmas,” featuring John Rutter’s “Gloria,” at 7 p.m. Dec. 1 at First Baptist Church, Columbus, and at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 2 in West Point at the Louise Campbell Center for the Arts, 235 Commerce St. Suggested donation, $10.
Monday, Dec. 3
Columbus Christmas Parade — “Sounds of the Season” is the theme of Columbus’ Christmas Parade that starts at 7 p.m. and makes its way through downtown Columbus. For more information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
West Point Christmas Parade — West Point’s Christmas Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. and will go through downtown. The theme is “It’s a Wonderful Life, West Point.” For more information, contact the Growth Alliance, 662-494-5121.
Wednesday, Dec. 5
Artesia Christmas Parade — All entries are welcome in this 6 p.m. parade; cash prizes given. Refreshments served. For entry information, call 662-272-5104 or 662-386-3065.
Thursday, Dec. 6
Town & Tower — Town & Tower hosts its annual holiday luncheon and awards Community Service and Campus Service awards. Cost $15; payable at the door. RSVP by Dec. 3 to muw.edu/towntower. Call 662-329-7119 for more information.
Festival of Trees — Stroll through a wonderland of trees decorated by local businesses and organizations at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, 314 Seventh St. N., from 4-6 p.m. Visit with Santa and enjoy live music, refreshments and crafts. Vote for your favorite tree from Dec. 1-noon Dec. 6. For more information, contact the library, 662-329-5300.
Thursday and Friday, Dec. 6-7
A Few of My Favorite Things — The Columbus Arts Council hosts a Christmas and Finer Things (indoor) Yard Sale featuring a preview sale Dec. 6 from 5-8 p.m.; $5 entry. The sale continues during Wassail Fest Dec. 7, 5-8 p.m.; free admission. For more information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787 (closed Mondays).
Friday, Dec. 7
Wassail Fest — Holiday spirit fills downtown Columbus as merchants vie for your “best wassail” vote, carolers sing on the street and stores offer demos and promotions. For more information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7-8
Holiday Extravaganza — The W’s Department of Music and Department of Theatre collaborate for this production at 7:30 p.m. in the Cromwell Black Box Theater in Cromwell Communications Building at the corner of 10th Street and Sixth Avenue South. Free tickets at the door, as long as they last.
Friday through Sunday, Dec. 7-9
First Christmas — Columbus’ First Baptist Church presents this recreation of Bethlehem on the night of Jesus’ birth. The village erected at The Shops at Brickerton near the intersection of Military and Bluecutt Roads, is open from 6-8 p.m. nightly. Free admission. Costumed participants portray merchants, soldiers, villagers and a live nativity. For more information, contact FBC, 662-328-3915.
Sunday, Dec. 9
A Merry, Merry Christmas — The Columbus Arts Council presents the Lane Chapel Quintet at 3 p.m. at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. CAC member tickets are $15 in advance/$17 at the door; non-members $20 advance/$22 at the door. For tickets or information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787 (closed Mondays).
Holiday Tour of Homes — The Starkville Civic Leagues presents four Starkville homes decorated for the holidays from 1-4:30 p.m., with a reception at the Starkville Library. Tickets are $20, through The Partnership or from Civic League members.
Merry Christmas, Columbus — Fairview Baptist Church presents this annual production featuring drama teams, choirs and orchestra at 5:30 p.m.; free to the public.
A Star(k)filled Christmas –Eight churches combine for this community-wide Christmas celebration on Starkville’s Main Street in front of City Hall, beginning with hot chocolate and cookies at 4:30 p.m.; music begins at 5 p.m., followed by viewing of a live nativity scene.
Tuesday, Dec. 11
Columbus Sings ‘Messiah’ — Presentations of Columbus Sings Messiah take place at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church, 823 College St. Free tickets to ensure seating will be available at Visit Columbus, 117 Third St. S.; Tennessee Williams Home, 300 Main St.; and Impressions by Susan, 434 Main St.
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