Monday, Nov. 27
Columbus Christmas Tree Lighting — Gather at the pedestrian bridge at the Columbus Riverwalk for the annual lighting of the city tree. From 5:30-7 p.m. enjoy music, crafts, refreshments, plus visits by Santa and Miz Claus, plus Mickey and Minnie. Tree will be lit at about 6:15 p.m. Contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305, for more information.
Starkville Christmas Parade — The Famous Maroon Band, MSU cheerleaders and floats create an old-fashioned “Caroling Christmas” at 6 p.m. downtown. Grand Marshal is Mary Ann Arnold. Find entry applications at starkville.org. For more information, contact the GSDP, 662-323-3322.
Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 29-30
Holiday Bazaar — The 45th annual Holiday Bazaar (formerly MSU Crafts Fair) features 77 vendors open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at The Mill, 600 Russell St., Starkville.
Grant, Lincoln events — Public events for the opening of the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library and Williams Collection of Lincolniana at MSU include: Nov. 29, 4:30-5:30 p.m.-Ron Chernow and noted scholars’ book signing, Old Main Academic Center; Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-“The General vs. the President: Lincoln, Grant and the Battle for Civil War Memory” lecture, Old Main Academic Center; Nov. 30, 2 p.m.-Ceremony opening $10 million expansion to Mitchell Memorial Library, Grant Library. Visit lib.msstate.edu/grantopening.
Thursday, Nov. 30
Twin Kennedy in concert — Back by demand, the sister duo from British Columbia returns at 7:30 p.m. to the Columbus Arts Council with “barn storming” fiddle, guitar and harmonies. Tickets $15 in advance; $17 at the door. Get them at columbus-arts.org, at the arts center at 501 Main St. or by calling 662-327-2787.
Friday, Dec. 1
Wassail Fest — Downtown Columbus will be filled with holiday spirit as merchants serve wassail and woo votes for best Wassail Meister from 5-8 p.m. Music, activities and in-store specials add to the festive atmosphere. (The Columbus Arts Council offers a Parents’ Night Out from 5-8:30 p.m. for ages 5-15, $10; register by Nov. 29 at 662-328-2787.) For more Wassail Fest information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
“Jazz at Christmas Time” — The W’s Jazz Ensemble presents a mix of jazz standards, Christmas classics andmore at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on campus. Free to the public.
Saturday, Dec. 2
Caledonia Christmas Parade — This festive procession begins making its way through downtown Caledonia at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Caledonia Town Hall, 662-356-4117.
Sunday, Dec. 3
Holiday Floral Design show — Celebrate Christmas with floral designers Ralph Null and Terry Conerly at the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. Arrangements will be auctioned. Tickets are $20 in advance at the arts center or by calling 662-328-2787; $25 at the door.
Christmas Concert — The United Harmony Gospel Choir at Mississippi University for Women presents a concert at 7 p.m. in Carrier Chapel on campus. Free to the public.
Starkville Tour of Homes — The Starkville Civic League Christmas Tour of Homes from 1-5 p.m. features six houses decorated for the holidays. Tickets are $25, available at the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, Book Mart and from League members, or Dec. 3 at the Starkville Library beginning at noon. For more information, email [email protected] or [email protected].
Exhibit opening — The West Point/Clay County Arts Council hosts an exhibit opening of paintings by Frances Hairston at 2 p.m. at the Louise Campbell Center for the Arts, 235 Commerce St., West Point. Free to the public.
Monday, Dec. 4
Columbus Christmas Parade — The annual Columbus parade begins at 7 p.m. and makes its way through downtown. For more information about participating, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Tuesday, Dec. 5
MUW Festival of Trees — Students from The W compete to decorate trees on display at 5 p.m. at Cochran Hall on campus. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will stop by for photos.
“Joy Around the World” — Piano majors at The W present a recital of works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin and Liszt as well as beloved Christmas arrangements at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall. Free to the public.
West Point Christmas Parade — West Point’s parade starts at 6:30 p.m. and celebrates the theme “Home for the Holidays.”
Thursday, Dec. 7
Town & Tower holiday luncheon — Town & Tower Club hosts its annual holiday luncheon at 11:30 a.m. in Pope Banquet Room on The W campus. Community Service and Campus Service Awards will be announced. Reservations requested by Monday, Nov. 27 to muw.edu/towntower. $15 payable at the door. Call 662-329-7119 for more information.
Festival of Trees Open House — The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library hosts a Festival of Trees open house from 4-6 p.m. at 314 Seventh St. N. Enjoy live music anad refreshments while strolling through a Winter Wonderland of trees decorated by organizations and businesses. Kids can make crafts; Santa and Miz Claus will visit. Vote for a favorite tree Dec. 2-7 (noon). Call 662-329-5300 for information.
“Real Love Shouldn’t Hurt” — A stage play by Belinda A. Rice raising awareness of domestic violence starts at 7 p.m. at Trotter Convention Center in Columbus. Tickets are $20 in advance; $30 at the door. For information or tickets, call 662-275-1457 or 662-854-1838, or email [email protected].
West Lowndes Fine Arts Bazaar — West Lowndes High School Band and Art Club join in presenting this community event at 6 p.m. that includes a Christmas program by the band and silent auction of student artwork at the school. For more information, contact WLHS, 662-244-5070.
Friday through Sunday, Dec. 8-10
First Christmas — Visit a recreation of Bethlehem from 6-9 p.m. next to the Shops at Brickerton on Military Road in Columbus. Interact with marketplace merchants and soldiers and visit the stable. For more information, contact First Baptist Church, 662-328-3915.
Saturday, Dec. 9
MUW Choral Concert — Mississippi University for Women choirs present holiday selections at this 8 p.m. concert in Poindexter Hall. Free.
Sunday, Dec. 10
“Merry Christmas, Columbus” — This annual presentation by Fairview Baptist Church choirs and orchestra begins at 5:30 p.m. at the sanctuary at 127 Airline Road, Columbus. Free.
A Star(k) Filled Christmas — A community-wide Christmas celebration 4:30 p.m. in front of Starkville’s City Hall downtown is a partnership of eight churches and features music from local choirs, a live nativity and refreshments. Free.
Tuesday, Dec. 12
Columbus Sings Messiah — The Columbus Sings Messiah chorus and orchestra presents this annual concert at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church, 823 College St. Get free tickets for admittance at First United Methodist Church in Columbus, Visit Columbus and Party and Paper.
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