Through Nov. 30
Peanut butter drive — Join Operation Ukraine in collecting 10,000 jars of peanut butter to be shipped to Haiti in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. More than 100,000 children have been left in need of food. Drop-off point is Trustmark Bank, 624 Main St., Columbus.
Monday, Nov. 28
Columbus Tree Lighting — Festivities surrounding the lighting of Columbus’ community Christmas tree are 5:30-7 p.m. at the east end of the Old Highway 82 pedestrian bridge at the Riverwalk. Enjoy music, refreshments, craft activities and photos with Santa and Miz Claus. Mayor Robert Smith will “flip the switch” at approximately 6:15 p.m. For information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Starkville Christmas Parade — Starkville’s Christmas Parade begins at 6 p.m. making its way through downtown.
Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1
Holiday Bazaar — Starkville’s 44th annual indoor Holiday Bazaar from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. features 92 booths at the Starkville Sportsplex, 405 Lynn Lane. For more information, call 662-323-3322.
Thursday, Dec. 1
Holiday Express train — The Kansas City Southern Holiday Express train stops at West Point’s Sam Wilhite Transportation Museum, 201 Depot Dr. (just off West Main, not far from the Howlin’ Wolf mural). From 4 p.m.-until, visit Santa and elves, see Santa’s sleigh, a miniature village, gingerbread boxcar, elves’ workshop, reindeer stable and more. Free; be prepared for a line. For more information, contact the Growth Alliance, 662-494-5121.
Thursday and Sunday, Dec. 1 and 4
Columbus Choral Society — The Choral Society’s Christmas concert begins at 7 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on the Mississippi University for Women campus and Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. at the Louise Campbell Center for the Arts in downtown West Point. Free to the public.
Friday, Dec. 2
Wassail Fest — Holiday spirit fills downtown Columbus from 5-8 p.m. as merchants serve their best wassail and shoppers vote for the People’s Choice. The event includes live music, in-store demonstrations, activities and door prizes. For more information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Saturday, Dec. 3
Mistle Tales — Bring the kids to enjoy Christmas crafts, snacks, storytelling by Miz Claus and more at this Columbus Arts Council “Arts for All” event from 9 a.m.-noon. For more information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Caledonia Christmas Parade –Caledonia’s “Ole Time Country Christmas” parade begins at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Tammy Luckey, 662-574-2857, call 662-356-9122, or email [email protected].
Sunday, Dec. 4
United Harmony Choir — The United Harmony Gospel Choir at Mississippi University for Women presents “The Greatest Gift of All” Christmas concert at 5 p.m. at Carrier Chapel on campus. Free admission; bring non-perishable food items, laundry/dish detergent and toiletry items to benefit Palmer Home for Children.
Starkville Christmas Tour of Homes — The Starkville Civic League Tour of Homes features six homes from 1-5 p.m. (Refreshments will be served at a reception at the Starkville Public Library.) Tickets are $25 at the GSDP office, 200 E. Main., at The Book Mart, 120 E. Main, or from league members. Tickets sold at the library Dec. 4 starting at noon. For more information, contact Lynn Infanger at [email protected].
Monday, Dec. 5
Columbus Christmas Parade — Don’t miss Columbus’ parade that will make its way down Main Street and College Street, beginning at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Tuesday, Dec. 6
W Festival of Trees, Jazz — Mississippi University for Women’s Festival of Trees is 5 p.m. in The W Room as students decorate trees for the holidays. Santa and his missus stop by for photos. At 7:30 p.m., join Beta Kappa Tau and The W social clubs in Nissan Auditorium for caroling and cookies. The Jazz Ensemble performs in Poindexter Hall at 8 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 8
Library Festival of Trees — The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library hosts an open house from 4-6 p.m., with refreshments, live music, crafts and a “Winter Wonderland” of trees decorated by local businesses and organizations. For more information, contact the library, 662-329-5300.
Friday and Saturday, Dec. 9-11
First Christmas — First Baptist Church again recreates an interactive Bethlehem marketplace on the grounds from 6-8 p.m. of The Shops at Brickerton, Military Road, Columbus. Outdoor drama scenes and live animals highlight the experience. For more information, contact FBC, 662-328-3915.
Saturday, Dec. 10
“Snow Day” party — The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library hosts this holiday event from 1:30-3 p.m. at 314 Seventh St. N. Crafts, readings and a movie at 1:30, plus pictures with Santa and Miz Claus. For more information, contact the library, 662-329-5300.
MUW Choral Concert — Mississippi University for Women choirs serenade at 8 p.m. with a selection of holiday songs at Poindexter Hall on campus. Dr. Phillip Stockton directs. The Columbus Girlchoir performs a selection with The W choirs. Free.
Jingle Bell Ball — The Starkville Area Arts Council presents this fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. at the Hunter Henry Center on MSU’s campus. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, wine tasting, silent auction, plus music by Lady L and the River City Band. Tickets $75 from board members, at starkvillearts.net or call 662-324-3080.
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10-11
“A Motown Christmas” — The Boys & Girls Club of the Golden Triangle present this stage play with music at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10 and at 3 p.m. Dec. 11 at McComas Hall on the MSU campus. Tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for youth. For more information, call 662-418-7285 or email bgcgoldentri.org.
Sunday, Dec. 11
Girlchoir Christmas concert — The Columbus Girlchoir presents a Christmas concert at 3 p.m. at Poindexter Hall on the Mississippi University for Women campus. Free to the public.
Tuesday, Dec. 13
Columbus Sings “Messiah” — This annual Christmas tradition takes place at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church, Columbus. Tickets are free, but needed to ensure seating. They will be available at First United Methodist Church, Party and Paper, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Tennessee Williams Welcome Center and the Golden Triangle Link.
Thursday, Dec. 15
Tim and Myles Thompson in concert — The Columbus Arts Council presents 2008 International Guitar Fingerstyle Champion Tim Thompson and his son, Myles, on fiddle. High energy country to innovative jazz and classical, plus Christmas music for the season. Show is 7:30 p.m. at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. Tickets $10 advance, $12 at the door. Get them at columbus-arts.org or call 662-328-2787.
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