Saturday, Nov. 22
■ Holiday Farmers’ Market: Local vendors will be selling specialty, homemade and handmade goods from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hitching Lot Farmer’s Market in downtown Columbus. The event is free and open to the public.
■ Holiday Car Cruise: Southern Cruisers Car Club invites the community to a car show held during the Hitchin’ Lot Farmers Market’s Holiday market. The show will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on 3rd Street N., next to Munson and Brothers. The event is free to participate in and attend. For more information contact Carl Ulmer at (662) 574-2678
■ Sip, Swap, and Socialize: Magnolia State Women of the Wild hosts a relaxed morning of food, conversation and community at 10 a.m. at Gratia Artisanal Eatery, 224 Fifth St. S. in Columbus. Guests are encouraged to bring a favorite wild game or foraged food recipe to share, but all are welcome to attend and enjoy the company. The event is open to anyone interested in learning more about Magnolia State Women of the Wild.
■ Floral Design Class: The Columbus Arts Council will host “Romancing the Bunch,” a hands-on floral design class with Ralph Null, from 9–11:30 a.m. at the Rosenzweig Arts Center. Participants will learn how to turn a supermarket bouquet into a custom arrangement. Registration is $35. To reserve a seat, call (662) 328-2787 or visit columbusartscouncil.com/tickets.
■ Friendly City Books hosts Landon Bryant: Friendly City Books will host an afternoon of children’s activities with Southern personality Landon Bryant, known online as @landontalks, at 2 p.m. at the bookstore, 423 Main St. in Columbus. The event will include a kids’ craft activity, storytime, a meet-and-greet, Christmas cookies and eggnog. Attendees may also take photos and have books signed. The event is free and open to the public.
■ Starkville DIY Charity Donation Show: Starkville DIY will host a charity show benefiting Starkville Strong, which supports local efforts to fight food insecurity. Admission is $5 per show or $15 for all four shows. Donations of nonperishable food items are welcome. More details about the lineup are available on Starkville DIY’s Instagram (@starkville.diy)
■ Swing Dance Lesson and Social Dance: A free beginner swing dance lesson will be held from 6–7:30 p.m. in Room 104 of Simrall Hall on the Mississippi State University campus, followed by an open social dance until about 8 p.m. No partner or experience is required. Attendees should text the instructor upon arrival to be let into the locked building; the contact number for this week is (609) 786-0944.
Sunday, Nov. 23
■ Free Community Meal: BBQ Drippins food trailer owners Robert Latham and Terrance Sykes will host a free hot meal for individuals and families in need at 11 a.m. in West Point, next to the BP gas station at 25825 W Main St. Meals will be served on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. The event is open to everyone, with no explanations or requirements necessary to attend.
■ Starkville-MSU Community Band Concert: The Starkville-MSU Community Band will conclude its fall concert series with a free performance at 2 p.m. in the Kent Sills Band Hall, 72 Hardy Road, on the Mississippi State University campus.
■ Tennessee Williams House Museum 150th Anniversary: The 150th anniversary of the Tennessee Williams House Museum and Welcome Center will be commemorated with a ceremony at 2:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on the Mississippi University for Women campus, followed by a reception and tour at the Williams House.
Thursday, Nov. 27
■ From Turkey to Treasures: Downtown Columbus will host “From Turkey to Treasures” from 8–11 p.m. on Thanksgiving night. Participating stores will offer special deals, sales, discounts and doorbusters to help shoppers get a head start on holiday gift buying.
Friday, Nov. 28
■ Black Friday Downtown Shopping: Downtown Columbus merchants will offer holiday discounts, promotions and gift ideas as part of Black Friday. Stores will be open during their regular business hours.
Saturday, Nov. 29
■ Small Business Saturday: Downtown Columbus merchants will participate in Small Business Saturday with special promotions and holiday discounts. Shoppers are encouraged to support small, local businesses.
Sunday, Nov. 30
■ Christmas Tree Lighting: The annual Christmas Tree Lighting will take place at 6 p.m. on the lawn beside the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center at Main Street and Third Street. Caroling by the Hunt Harmony Choir begins at 5:30 p.m. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served by the Mayor’s Youth Council.
Monday, Dec. 1
■ Downtown Columbus Christmas Parade: Main Street Columbus is hosting their annual Christmas Parade. The parade will start and end at the Hitchin’ Lot Farmer’s Market and will begin at 7 p.m., rain or shine. The theme this year is “Christmas in Paradise!”
■ Starkville Christmas Parade: The Famous Maroon Band leads a host of floats from community businesses and organizations for an old-fashioned Main Street Christmas celebration. The 2025 parade theme is “Building Christmas Cheer.” The parade runs from 6 to 7 p.m. in Starkville. For registration and more information, visit https://starkville.org/things-to-do/starkville-christmas-parade/
Monday, Dec. 1–Friday, Dec. 19
■ Christmas Window Decorating Contest: Downtown visitors may vote for their favorite storefront in the Christmas Window Decorating Contest, featuring 26 decorated businesses. Ballots are available at participating businesses and may be returned to the Main Street Columbus office at 107 Fifth St. N. during business hours.
Wednesday, Dec. 3
■ Christmas Movie Night: The Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum and the American Society of Landscape Architects will host a Christmas movie night at 6:30 p.m. at the museum, 206 Fellowship St. in Starkville. The event will include concessions and a kids’ craft. It is free and open to the public.
Friday, Dec. 5
■ Wassail Fest: Wassail Fest will be held from 5–8 p.m. in downtown Columbus, featuring live entertainment, in-store specials, door prizes and wassail samples at participating businesses. Ballots for the “Wassail Meister” People’s Choice Award will be available at each location. Completed ballots qualify for prizes.
■ Ugly Sweater Showdown: Attendees wearing ugly Christmas sweaters may enter the Ugly Sweater Showdown by stopping at the Main Street Columbus office, 107 Fifth St. N., for a photo. Prizes will be awarded for most creative, funniest and most original sweaters.
■ Pictures with Santa and Miz Claus: Santa and Miz Claus will greet visitors for photos at The Southern – A Social Venue, 513 Main St., during Wassail Fest.
■ Holiday Activities During Wassail Fest: Family-friendly activities include a giant snow globe photo op, Frosty the Snowman, a Columbus Fire & Rescue ladder truck display, a 360-degree photo booth, and showings of “Elf” at 6 and 7 p.m. on Main Street.
■ The Ornaments Performance: The Ornaments will perform holiday music in Leadership Plaza during Wassail Fest.
Friday, Dec. 5 – Saturday, Dec. 6
■ Gingerbread Holiday Market: Join Columbus Arts Council for an indoor market full of festive cheer, holiday vendors and community fun. The market will be open at 1-7 p.m. Friday and again from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. This event is free and open to the public.
Saturday, Dec. 6 – Sunday, Dec. 7
■ The Nutcracker: The Wherehouse Ballet Theatre presents its first classical production of The Nutcracker in Columbus. Performances are at noon Saturday, and 7 p.m. Sunday.
Saturday, Dec. 6
■ Holiday Orchestra Concert: The Leslie Farrell Threadgill Lecture and Artist Series will host a holiday orchestra concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on the Mississippi University for Women campus. The event is free and open to the public.
Wednesday, Dec. 10
■ Community Event Series – Juan Corrigan: The Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum will host Juan Corrigan at 10:30 a.m. at the museum, 206 Fellowship St. in Starkville. Corrigan will discuss his book “Betrayed by Politics”, his acting career and his continued military service. The event is free and open to the public.
■ Sensory-Friendly “Elf The Musical Jr.”: The Rowdy Foundation, in partnership with Golden Triangle Theatre, will present a sensory-friendly performance of “Elf The Musical Jr.” at 6 p.m. at Golden Triangle Theatre. Adjustments to sound, lighting and seating will be made to create a welcoming environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities and their families. Tickets require a $5 refundable deposit; reserve a spot at www.getrowdy.org
Saturday, Dec. 20
■ Festival of the Fae: Yule Market: Step into a winter wonderland in Columbus for a one-day celebration of holiday magic. The market features artisan vendors, whimsical experiences, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa for children. Guests are encouraged to bring toys for the event’s donation drive supporting local families. Admission is $5 for ages 15 and up.
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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 30 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
