JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Take some time to unwind with friends, family or yourself this weekend. Below you’ll find a list of some fun events going on this weekend (December 6-8) around Mississippi.

Central Mississippi

Christmas by Candlelight Tour – Jackson – Friday

• The tour offers a festive evening filled with live holiday music, crafts, sweet treats, and a photo opportunity with Santa. 

Capital City Lights – Jackson – Friday

• This event will transform Capitol Street in downtown Jackson into a magical place, serving as the official kickoff of the holiday season in the City With Soul.

Fondren Holiday Parade – Jackson – Friday

• This year’s event will acknowledge Jackson State’s The Sonic Boom of the South in their last parade performance before heading to the Rose Bowl Parade, as well as the JSU Football Team, who will compete in the SWAC Championship on Saturday.

Fa La La La La BOOM After-Party – Jackson – Friday

• Keep the holiday vibes going after the Fondren Christmas Parade!

S.T.E.M. with Snowflakes – Jackson – Friday

• Experiment with instant snow, make your own paper snowflakes, explore the fascinating properties of dry ice, and hear the wonderful story of “Snowflake Bentley” – the naturalist and photographer who first captured snowflakes on film.

Movies on the Green: The Polar Express – Jackson – Friday

• Bring the family and enjoy The Polar Express on the Green at Fondren Yard!

The Legacy Gala – Jackson – Friday

• The Legacy Gala is an evening dedicated to celebrating the power of community, empowerment, and generational wealth.

Food Truck Friday – Jackson – Friday

• The multi-vendor event celebrates Jackson’s food truck cuisine and culture.

Natchez Festival of Music presents the annual Christmas Cabaret – Natchez – Friday

• Natchez Festival of Music presents the annual Christmas Cabaret, celebrating the music of the Kings of Swing: Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble’, and Harry Connick, Jr., presented by vocalist Peter Lake.

Christmas Luncheon, Soup and Casserole Sale – Natchez – Friday

• See Magnolia Hall decked out in all her Christmas Splendor, enjoy delicious food and stock your freezer for the holidays with a wide array of frozen soups and casseroles made by members of The Natchez Garden Club!

Fleet Feet Coffee Run – Ridgeland – Friday

• The group usually makes a large loop around the area. After the run, the first round of coffee is free on Fleet Feet!

Christmas Parade – Ridgeland – Friday

• The parade will start and end at Holmes Community College.

Christmas on the Ridgeland Green – Ridgeland – Friday

• Join everyone at Ridgeland City Hall for a festive evening of holiday cheer.

ERDC Under Lights – Vicksburg – Friday

• The route will be adorned with captivating holiday displays, leading visitors past the Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, the ERDC Headquarters Building, Environmental Laboratory, Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory and the Information Technology Laboratory, among many other landmarks on the historic research station.

Deck the District – Jackson – Friday and Saturday

• Enjoy a two-day holiday event held at The District.

Belhaven Singing Christmas Tree – Jackson – Friday and Saturday

• The Singing Christmas Tree is a rich Belhaven tradition, enjoyed by more than a thousand people each year.

Festival of Lights – Clinton – Friday and Saturday

• Each year, the Festival of Lights at Mississippi College delights audiences by retelling the story of Christmas through music.

Natchez Merry Market – Natchez – Friday and Saturday

• Enjoy more than 120 local crafters, boutiques and makers in one location.

The European Christmas Shopping Village – Natchez – Friday and Saturday

• Christmas in Natchez presents The European Christmas Shopping Village. Experience ice skating with socked feet on waxed floors.

Chimneyville Arts Festival – Ridgeland – Friday and Saturday

• Don’t miss out on the ultimate holiday shopping event, featuring handmade treasures and fine crafts by incredible artisans.

Santa Feeds the Fish – Jackson – Friday and Sunday

• Watch Santa scuba dive in the aquariums at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science.

Journey to the North Pole – Jackson – Friday, Saturday & Sunday

• Journey to the North Pole transforms the Gertrude C. Ford Exhibition Hall into a magical winter village of twinkling lights and train cars.

Million Dollar Quartet Christmas – Jackson – Friday, Saturday & Sunday

• Featuring legendary music icons Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley, this jam-packed holiday production will bring the sounds of Christmas and classic rock hits together for an unforgettable experience!

Dinosaurs Around the World – Jackson – Friday, Saturday & Sunday

• With advanced animatronics, a multi-layered narrative, cutting-edge research, in an outdoor environment surrounded by nature, you’ll experience the Age of Reptiles brought back to life.

Of Salt and Spirit: Black Quilters in the American South – Jackson – Friday, Saturday & Sunday

• This exhibition will feature over 50 handmade and machine-stitched quilts from MMA’s permanent collection, including Crossroads Quilters, Gwendolyn Magee, and several collected by American photographer Roland L. Freeman on his travels.

Magic of Lights – Brandon – Friday, Saturday & Sunday

• The Brandon Amphitheater will be transformed into a vibrant drive-through light display and Holiday Village with free Santa photos creating unforgettable memories for all.

Brandon on Ice – Brandon – Friday, Saturday & Sunday

• Brandon on Ice will be a large synthetic ice-skating rink available to the public.

Canton Christmas Festival – Canton – Friday, Saturday & Sunday

• Canton Christmas Festival will be open nightly with special features!

Christmas Pilgrimage Tour of Historic Homes – Natchez – Friday, Saturday & Sunday

• The Christmas tours offer a blend of tradition, history, and holiday cheer, allowing you to immerse yourself in the unique yuletide charm of Natchez.

Pet Photos with Santa – Ridgeland – Friday, Saturday & Sunday

• Grab your furry best friends and head down to Northpark.

Jackson’s Holiday Festival and Parade – Jackson – Saturday

• This year’s theme is “Holidays Through the Ages.”

SWAC Championship – Jackson – Saturday

• Jackson State University will host the 2024 SWAC Football Championship game against the Southern Jaguars.

The Central Mississippi Record Convention – Jackson – Saturday

• Vendors from the surrounding southeastern states bring their best vintage and collectible vinyl.

Access for All: Free First Saturdays – Jackson – Saturday

• The Mississippi Museum of Art offers free admission to exhibitions, drop-in artmaking, and a free guided tour on the first Saturday of every month.

Mississippi Farmers Market – Jackson – Saturday

• From persimmons to peaches, from bok choy to butter beans, the Mississippi Farmers Market is the one place to go for the freshest fruits and vegetables that are grown in the state.

7th Annual Yule Run – Clinton – Saturday

• This race winds through Clinton’s historic Olde Towne Clinton into the heart of our annual Christmas parade route along Clinton Boulevard.

Christmas Parade – Clinton – Saturday

• The annual Clinton Chamber Christmas Parade is back for 2024 with festive holiday fun for the entire family.

Madison Christmas Parade – Madison – Saturday

• The parade starts at Ridgecrest Baptist Church and will conclude with an award presentation!

Wardo’s Rouxdolph Roll – Natchez – Saturday

• The event benefits the Ward Graning Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Natchez Christmas Parade – Natchez – Saturday

• The Annual Christmas Parade will be held in downtown Natchez.

Grand Sale at the Grand Village – Natchez – Saturday

• Amy Bluemel of the Chickasaw Nation will demonstrate finger weaving and twining as well as storytelling. Refreshments will be served, and goodie bags will be available for children to grab and go.

Natchez Farmers Market – Natchez – Saturday

• Every week there will be live fresh produce, baked goods, fresh dairy, and arts and crafts all from local growers and artists.

It’s a WHOVILLE Christmas! – Pearl – Saturday

• Join the City of Pearl for the Annual Christmas Parade.

Cookies and Cocoa with Santa – Ridgeland – Saturday

• There will be homemade cookies, as well as hot chocolate and coffee.

Reindeer Run 5k – Vicksburg – Saturday

• The course begins at Catfish Row and will take participants through historic downtown Vicksburg. Post-race events will include food provided by LD’s Kitchen, Restaurant and Catering, adult beverages, a pet parade, and reindeer games for kids.

O Christmas Tree Historic Home Tours – Vicksburg – Saturday

• “O’ Christmas Tree” features twelve architectural beauties rarely open to the public. Each home will be on tour for one day only.

16th Annual Holly Days Arts and Crafts Show – Vicksburg – Saturday

• Holly Days will feature an assortment of vendors showcasing their products plus local talent will entertain the attendees.

Levee Street Marketplace 10th Annual Christmas Open House – Vicksburg – Saturday

• Activities include Mae Mae’s Forever Linx, Massage Plus, Antique Tractor Club, Outdoor Flea Market, T&J Concessions Food Truck and more!

Vicksburg Massacre 150th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony & Wreath Laying – Vicksburg – Saturday

• This event will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Shirley House in the Vicksburg National Military Park.

Capital City Pride Holiday Brunch – Jackson – Sunday

• Celebrate the holiday season with Capital City Pride Brunch! There will be food and a show.

Breakfast In Bethlehem – Ridgeland – Sunday

• Bring your family and come enjoy worship, breakfast, and a live nativity that transports you to the town of Bethlehem.

Vicksburg Christmas Parade of Lights – Vicksburg – Sunday

• The theme for the 2024 parade is “The Nutcracker,” a whimsical world of magic, friendship, adventure and imagination.

Pine Belt

Victorian Christmas Afternoon Tea – Hattiesburg – Friday

• Celebrate the Christmas season by treating yourself to the unique elegance, culinary excellence, and ambiance becoming legendary at Ross Mansion Tea Experiences.

Whoville Cookie Trail – Hattiesburg – Friday

• Enjoy Seuss-themed cookies, stories, family fun and a bit of snow thrown in for good measure.

Free Play Day – Hattiesburg – Friday

• Join the Oak Grove Public Library for Play Doh free play.

USM Artist Guild: Pottery and Art Sale – Hattiesburg – Friday

• Purchase one-of-a-kind pieces created by faculty and students in USM’s Art and Design program.

FRIYAY Karaoke Night – Laurel – Friday

• The event will be held at 320 5th St.

Cadence Bank Cookie Stroll – Laurel – Friday

• The Cadence Bank Cookie Stroll transforms downtown into a magical holiday wonderland, where local shops keep their doors open late while offering free Christmas cookies and festive experiences for families.

Cadence Bank Christmas Tree Lighting – Laurel – Friday

• Cadence Bank presents the downtown Christmas tree lighting, complete with Christmas carols and candlelight.

Pancakes with Santa – Hattiesburg – Friday and Saturday

• Enjoy a night of all-you-can-eat Midtowner pancakes with festive holiday topping for decorating your stack and pictures with Santa.

Merry on the Midway – Laurel – Friday and Sunday

• Experience the magic of the holiday season this December at the Laurel Fairgrounds!

Lights of the Wild – Hattiesburg – Friday, Saturday & Sunday

• This family-friendly holiday event at the Hattiesburg Zoo will immerse visitors in an animal-themed light exhibit featuring hundreds of expansive, sculptural LED lanterns.

New Exhibit at Hattiesburg Pocket Museum – Hattiesburg – Friday, Saturday & Sunday

• The Hattiesburg Pocket Museum has a new exhibit every month, so be sure to head downtown for a small surprise!

Ballet Magnificat: Light Has Come – Hattiesburg – Saturday

• Light Has Come – The Angels’ Story powerfully depicts the story of salvation from the unique perspective of the angels.

Christmas Candlelight Tea – Hattiesburg – Saturday

• Celebrate the Christmas season by treating yourself to the unique elegance, culinary excellence, and ambiance becoming legendary at Ross Mansion Tea Experiences while immersed in a dazzling array of Christmas-themed trees, displays, garland, and lights.

A Cool Cat Christmas – Hattiesburg – Saturday

• The evening promises to be a smooth and stylish soirée inspired by all swagger and sophistication of the Rat Pack era.

Breakfast with Santa – Hattiesburg – Saturday

• Enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast, music, and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Forrest County Farmers Market – Hattiesburg – Saturday

• You’ll be able to find fresh fruit and vegetables, jellies, baked goods, casseroles,
  soaps, flowers and more!

The Pink Market – Hattiesburg – Saturday

• Enjoy holiday shopping with women-owned businesses featuring clothing, makeup, jewelry, accessories, and more.

Southern Miss Piano Institute Fall Semester Recital – Hattiesburg – Saturday

• This recital will feature performances from pre-college students and adults in the community.

Pancake Day – Laurel – Saturday

• The Kiwanis Club of Laurel is holding its annual Pancake Day fundraiser.

Annual Laurel Sertoma Christmas Parade – Laurel – Saturday

• The state’s largest Christmas Parade is a must see for the young and old alike. Bring your lawn chairs early and pick your spot to enjoy floats, bands and old cars as you anxiously await the arrival of Santa!

Christmas at Landrum’s Homestead and Village – Laurel – Saturday

• Enjoy a marshmallow roast, wagon rides, food, Christmas music and thousands of Christmas lights.

Open Mic Night – Laurel – Saturday

• Local musicians, poets, etc. come and perform original material, as well as covers, for a laid-back, supportive audience.

Santa’s Boogie Woogie Choo Choo Train Christmas Parade – Petal – Saturday

• Mark your calendars for the Petal Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Christmas Parade!

O Little Town of Bethlehem – Hattiesburg – Sunday

• The 38th Avenue Drama Team and Sanctuary Choir will present “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”