Monday, Nov. 26
Starkville Christmas Parade — “The Polar Express” is the theme of this year’s 6 p.m. Starkville parade, complete with the MSU Maroon Band and floats from businesses and organizations. For more information, contact the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, 662-323-3322.
Exhibit reception — Main Street Macon hosts a 4-6 p.m. reception opening an exhibit of paintings by Lisa Spinks at the Macon Welcome Center, in conjunction with the annual Holiday Open House. For more information, contact MSM, 662-574-5680.
Tuesday, Nov. 27
MUW concert — The public is invited to the Mississippi University for Women Department of Music fall concert at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on campus. Free. For information, contact the department at 662-241-6399.
Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 28-29
Holiday Bazaar — More than 90 vendor booths with hand-crafted items are featured in Starkville’s 40th annual Holiday Bazaar at the Starkville Sportsplex, 405 Lynn Lane, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. For more information, contact the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, 662-323-3322, or email [email protected].
Friday, Nov. 30
“Carols for Christmas” — This Columbus Arts Council holiday program at 7 p.m. features virtuoso Stephanie Jackson on guitar and harp guitar, with cellist Courtney Blackwell and vocalist Stephanie Stubbs, in Carrier Chapel on the Mississippi University for Women campus. Tickets are $10 in advance; $12 at the door. For tickets or information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Saturday, Dec. 1
Gallery talk — Artist Melissa Smith gives a free gallery talk on plein air (open air) painting at 10 a.m. at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St., Columbus. Painters of all levels of experience are welcome. For more information, contact the Columbus Arts Council, 662-328-2787.
Snacks with Santa — Visit with Santa and Miz Claus at the downtown Columbus Y, 602 Second Ave. N., from 10 a.m.-noon. For $5 each, children 12 and younger can enjoy activities such as Letters to Santa, crafts and games. For information, contact the Y, 662-328-7696.
“Christmas for Columbus” — A host of singers and orchestra come together for the inaugural Christmas for Columbus concert at 7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church. FUMC choirs, Mississippi University for Women choirs and ensembles from First Baptist Church are among those participating. The festive program directed by Doug Browning benefits four selected charities for 2012: Father’s Child Ministry, Good Samaritan Clinic, Habitat for Humanity and Helping Hands. Your donation is your admission. For information, contact FUMC, 662-328-5252.
SAAC Gala — The Starkville Area Arts Council hosts its annual gala featuring gourmet foods, wines, silent auction and entertainment. For more information, contact the SAAC, 662-324-3080, or visit starkvillearts.org.
Sunday, Dec. 2
Author’s visit — A book signing with Jill Pascoe for her new book, “Mississippi’s Haunted Mansions,” will be from 3-6 p.m. at the Lincoln Home, 714 Third Ave. S. Several of Columbus’ historic homes are featured in the book. Refreshments will be served; tour the Lincoln Home and Amzi Love gardens. For more information, contact Brenda Caradine, 662-328-5413.
Monday, Dec. 3
Columbus Christmas Parade — This holiday hallmark through downtown Columbus begins at 7 p.m. and incorporates the theme “Going Green: Recycle, Reuse, Renew.” For parade applications, go to columbusmainstreet.com or contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
West Point Christmas Parade — West Point’s parade begins at 6:30 p.m., with the theme “A Christmas Story.” Applications to participate are due by Nov. 28. For more information, contact the Growth Alliance, 662-494-5121.
Tuesday, Dec. 4
Swamp Cabbage — The Columbus Arts Council welcomes Walter Parks, Richie Havens’ longtime lead guitarist, back to Columbus, this time with his Swamp Cabbage bandmates and their “swamp boogie blues.” Show time is 7 p.m. in the Rosenzweig Arts Center Omnova Theater, 501 Main St. Tickets are $10 in advance; $12 at the door. For tickets or information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Criss Christmas concert — The Starkville/MSU Symphony Orchestra Association presents this free Christmas concert at Starkville’s First Baptist Church at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Michael Brown conducts. For more information, visit starkvillemsusymphony.org.
Thursday, Dec. 6
Festival of Trees Open House — The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, 314 Seventh St. N., hosts an open house from 4-6 p.m. for its Victorian Christmas Festival of Trees. For more information, contact the library at 662-329-5300.
Friday, Dec. 7
Wassail Fest — Catch the holiday spirit at the ninth annual Wassail Fest in downtown Columbus from 5-9 p.m. Numerous businesses will vie your vote as best wassail. Enjoy musical entertainment, special store presentations and the lighting of the city Christmas tree at 6 p.m., next to the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center. For more information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Rufus Ward book signing — Historian and author Rufus Ward will attend a book signing from 5-7 p.m., during Wassail Fest, for his just-released book, “Columbus Chronicles,” at The Commercial Dispatch, 516 Main St., Columbus.
Friday and Sunday,
Dec. 7 and 9
“Home for Christmas” — First Baptist Church in Columbus presents “Home for Christmas: A Story of Lost and Found” Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. This musical drama written by Bobby Sanderson features adult and youth choirs, as well as instrumental teams. Free to the public. To make group reservations, contact the church at 662-328-3915.
Saturday and Sunday,
Dec. 8-9
Musical and drama — East End Baptist Church presents “Come See the Lamb,” a Christmas musical and drama Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. and Dec. 9 at 4 p.m. at the church located at 380 Highway 50 W. The community is also invited to see the church’s live nativity Dec. 15-16, from 6- 8 p.m. For information, call 662-328-5915.
Sunday, Dec. 9
Christmas Tour of Homes — Six homes at Old Waverly Golf Club in West Point are open for tours from 2-5 p.m., with refreshments at the Old Waverly Clubhouse from 4-6 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance; $35 on Dec. 9. Get advance tickets at the Growth Alliance, 510 E. Broad St., West Point, or at the Old Waverly Clubhouse and Fore Seasons Shop, Culin-Arts, Petal Pushers and Bits ‘n Pieces in downtown West Point. For more information, contact the Growth Alliance, 662-494-5121.
Tuesday, Dec. 11
Columbus Sings “Messiah” — Singers and orchestra from Columbus and surrounding communities present this treasured Christmas tradition at Annunciation Catholic Church in Columbus, at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. The program is free to the public, but tickets to ensure seating will be available in Columbus at First United Methodist Church, Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau and Party & Paper. For those wishing to sing in the production, rehearsal is Monday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. at Annunciation. For information, contact First United Methodist Church, 662-328-5252.
Friday, Dec. 14
Girlchoir concert — The Columbus Girlchoir Christmas Concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on the campus of Mississippi University for Women. The program is free to the public. For more information, contact director Dr. Cherry Dunn, [email protected].
Saturday, Dec. 15
Mistletales — The Columbus Arts Council’s Mistletales from 9 a.m.-noon at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St., includes storytelling, crafts and entertainment for ages 6-12, while parents go shopping. For information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Tuesday, Dec. 18
Tuesday Tunes — Take a noon-time break in the Rosenzweig Arts Center gallery, with live music by the Sumic String Trio of Lucy and Laura Sandifer on violin and Scott Sandifer on cello. Lunch by Zachary’s will be available ($7). Lunch reservations by Dec. 17 are appreciated. For more information, contact the Columbus Arts Council, 662-328-2787.
Ongoing
Historic home tours — Daily tour schedules of some of Columbus’ most historic homes are available from the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center at 300 Main St., or by calling 662-328-0222. Tour fees may apply. Homes open for tours year-round include: Amzi Love Home (c. 1848), Lee Home/Museum (c. 1847), Rosedale (c. 1856), Rosewood Manor (c. 1835), Temple Heights (c. 1837), Tennessee Williams Home (c. 1875), Waverley Mansion (c. 1852) and Whitehall (c. 1843).
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