Today
Holiday Floral Design show — Celebrate Christmas with floral designers Ralph Null and Terry Conerly at 2 p.m. at the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. Arrangements will be auctioned; a light reception follows. Tickets are $25 at the door at the arts center or by calling 662-328-2787.
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 houses decorated for the holidays. Tickets are $20 beginning at noon at the Starkville Library, 326 University Drive, which hosts an ongoing reception from 1-4:30 p.m.
Hairston exhibit — 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. Hairston presents a gallery talk at 2:30 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 4
Columbus Christmas Parade — The annual Columbus Christmas parade begins at 7 p.m. and makes its way through downtown. For more information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Tuesday, Dec. 5
MUW Festival of Trees — Students from The W compete to decorate trees which are 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.” Grand marshal is MSU football player and West Point native Aeries Williams; honorary grand marshals are the West Point High School football team.
Wednesday, Dec. 6
Exhibit talk, reception — A presentation starts at 3:30 p.m. for “Americans at Work: WPA Prints from the Permanent Collection” at Mississippi University for Women’s Summer Hall. A reception follows. Free.
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 to muw.edu/towntower. 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 6-8 p.m. next to the Shops at Brickerton on Military Road in Columbus. Interact with marketplace merchants and soldiers and visit the stable. Live music and refreshments. For more information, contact First Baptist Church, 662-328-3915.
Saturday, Dec. 9
Jingle Bell Jog — This 5K run/walk at Marshall Park in West Point begins at 9 a.m. (registration 8 a.m.) Proceeds benefit Fifth Street Jr. High School. Adults $25; students $20. (Holiday-themed clothes and jingle bells tied to shoes are encouraged.)
MUW Choral Concert — Mississippi University for Women presents “Rejoice and Sing,” featuring MUW Chorale and Chamber Singers with 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 at 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.
Thursday, Dec. 14
Exhibit reception — A free reception begins at 5 p.m. at Mississippi University for Women’s Summer Hall for “Visions: An Anthology,” artwork by six graduating art majors.
Friday, Dec. 15
Night of Service Gala — The second annual Building Bridges of Hope gala at 7:30 p.m. at Trotter Convention Center honors Columbus Mayor Robert Smith and nonprofit organizations. Tickets are $20.
Saturday, Dec. 16
“Christmas Dinner at Sister Velvit’s” — GodCynt Productions presents this stage play at 7 p.m. at First Assembly of God, 2201 Military Road, Columbus. Tickets are $20 for adults; $10 for children 12 and under at the door.
Friday, Dec. 22
Christmas with the Menders — Break from the bustle for an evening of secular and sacred Christmas music at the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center, performed by musicians from Hope Community Church. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. event at 501 Main St. are $15 in advance at columbus-arts.org, at the arts center or call 662-328-2787. Tickets $17 at the door, if available.
Friday, Dec. 29
Rockin at the Ritz — This New Year’s party from 7-11 p.m. at The Ritz in downtown West Point. The Friday Night Jams Band plus “surprise legends” entertain. Cash bar. Tickets are $25 at the Growth Alliance, 746 E. Broad St., West Point; 662-494-5121.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.