Saturday, Nov. 29
■ Small Business Saturday: Downtown Columbus stores will participate in Small Business Saturday with special promotions and holiday discounts. Shoppers are encouraged to support small, local businesses. Stores will be open during their regular business hours.
Sunday, Nov. 30
■ Columbus Christmas Tree Lighting: The annual Columbus Christmas Tree Lighting will take place at 6 p.m. on the lawn beside the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center at Main and Third streets. 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.
■ Church Cross Re-Lighting Ceremony: First United Methodist Church of Columbus, historically known as the Church of the Lighted Cross, will host a ceremony at 6:30 p.m. to celebrate the re-illumination of its iconic cross, first installed in 1940 and dark since the late 1990s. The event is free and open to the public.
Monday, Dec. 1
■ Downtown Columbus Christmas Parade: Main Street Columbus is hosting its annual Christmas Parade. The parade will start and end at the Hitchin’ Lot Farmers Market and will begin at 7 p.m., rain or shine. The theme this year is “Christmas in Paradise!”
■ Starkville Christmas Parade: The Mississippi State University Maroon Band will lead a host of floats from community businesses and organizations for a Main Street Christmas celebration in downtown Starkville. 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 starkville.org/things-to-do/starkville-christmas-parade/.
Monday, Dec. 1-Friday, Dec. 19
■ Columbus Christmas Window Decorating Contest: Downtown Columbus 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.
Monday, Dec. 1–Friday, Dec. 5
■ 7th Annual CAAD+CALS Exhibition: The Mississippi State University Department of Art and Galleries will present its annual exhibition in the Old Main Art Gallery. The show features a range of work, from drawing to web design, by art students who studied the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design’s mission. The exhibition is free and open to the public.
Tuesday, Dec. 2
■ Pop-Up Book Sale: The Friends of the Starkville Library will host a pop-up book sale at the Starkville Public Library. The sale begins at 1 p.m., pauses during the Robert St. John author event, and resumes for one hour afterward. The sale is free and open to the public.
■ Holiday Author Event with Robert St. John: Friends of the Starkville Library will host Mississippi food writer and restaurateur Robert St. John for a special holiday program at 2 p.m. at the Starkville Public Library. He will discuss his new book, “Mississippi Christmas.” Refreshments will be served at 1:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
■ Holiday Farm Day with MSU Equestrian Team: The Mississippi State University Equestrian Team will host a festive day at the MSU Horse Unit, H.H. Leveck Animal Research Center, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities include pony rides, photos with Santa and other holiday fun. Admission is $15 per person. No RSVP is required; cash and check only. For questions, email [email protected].
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.
■ Equine Stress and Wellness Event: Mississippi State University Extension Office is hosting an equine wellness event. Activities include grooming, petting and leading horses through obstacles. One-hour time slots are available from noon to 4:15 p.m. at the MSU Horse Unit (off Horseshoe Road). For details on registering, fees, and rules visit: msuequinewellness.weebly.com.
Friday, Dec. 5
■ Food Give-Away: The Women Missions of New Prairie Grove M. B. Church will sponsor a food give-away at noon in the church parking lot at 1491 Bluefield Road in Starkville. The event is open to the public. Volunteers may contact Sis. Linda Rieves to assist.
■ West Point Tree Lighting Ceremony: The annual tree lighting ceremony will be held at City Park, next to City Hall (204 Commerce St.), beginning at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
■ West Point Christmas Celebration: Following the Tree Lighting, the community is invited to the Black Prairie Blues Museum, 640 Commerce St., for free holiday activities. The event will include crafts, photos with Santa, cookies and reindeer food. The event is free and open to the public.
■ Wassail Fest: Wassail Fest will be held from 5 to 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 Venue, 513 Main St., during Wassail Fest, from 5 to 8 p.m. in downtown Columbus.
■ 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, from 5 to 8 p.m. in downtown Columbus.
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 from 1 to 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
■ How the Grinch Stole Breakfast: The New Hope PTO will host a fun-filled morning at New Hope High School beginning at 8 a.m. Guests can meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch. Tickets are $10 per child and include breakfast snacks, a Christmas craft and a photo with Santa. Payment can be made via Venmo (@newhope-PTO-1). Tickets must be purchased in advance.
■ Ornament Needle Felting Workshop: The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library will host a workshop to teach the basics of needle felting, perfect for creating felt ornaments. The workshop runs from 10 to 11 a.m. All supplies are provided. The event is free and open to the public; ages 14 and older are welcome.
■ Holiday Treat Swap: Following their needlefelt workshop, the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library will host a holiday treat swap beginning at 11:30 a.m. Participants are invited to set up between 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and should bring their favorite holiday treats to share and swap. The event is free and open to the public.
■ Santa and the Grinch at Oktibbeha County Co-op: Santa Claus and the Grinch will visit the Oktibbeha County Co-op from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 201 Pollard Road in Starkville. The event includes photos and reindeer food. Children of all ages are welcome, and pets are also invited. This event is free and open to the public.
■ Gratitude Cacao Ceremony: Redwood Business & Wellness Center will host a heart-centered experience led by Josephine Agrawal from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at 5374 Highway 45 North. The beginner-friendly event includes gentle movements, guided gratitude journaling and ceremonial cacao. Pre-registration is required at redwoodbusinessandwellness.com/schedule. Admission is $25.
■ Caledonia Christmas Parade: The annual parade will begin downtown at 6 p.m. It will feature floats, cars, horses, the CHS Band and Santa. Parade forms for participants are available at the Town Hall, the YMCA, or Dewie’s. The event is free and open to the public.
■ 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.
Sunday, Dec. 7
■ “Under a Starry Sky” Christmas Musical: Mount Zion Baptist Church will present its Christmas musical, “Under a Starry Sky,” beginning at 6 p.m. at 1791 Lake Lowndes Road in Columbus. The event is completely free and open to the public.
Monday, Dec. 8
■ Friends of the Starkville Library Book Sale: The Friends of the Starkville Library will host the monthly book sale from 11:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. at the Starkville Public Library. The event is free and open to the public.
■ West Point Christmas Parade: The annual Christmas parade will begin at 6:30 p.m., starting at the Bryan Public Library (436 Commerce St.) in downtown West Point. The event is free and open to the public.
■ New Hope Christmas Parade: The annual Christmas parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
■ Starkville Symphony presents ‘The Spirit of Christmas’: The Starkville Symphony presents its holiday concert. The concert begins at 7 p.m. in Bettersworth Auditorium in Lee Hall on the Mississippi State University campus. Tickets are available at music.msstate.edu.
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 getrowdy.org.
■ Silent Night Movie Night: First Baptist Starkville will host a Christmas movie night for preschool through sixth-grade families, featuring a screening of the film “The Star” (2017). The event begins at 6 p.m. in the church sanctuary at 106 E. Lampkin St. Families are encouraged to wear pajamas and bring a blanket. Sweet treats will be provided. A parent or guardian must remain with their child. The event is free and open to the public.
Thursday, Dec. 11
■ Columbus Young Professionals Present Wrap: The Columbus Young Professionals and the Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce will host a morning of present wrapping from 9 a.m. to noon at 362 Park Creek Drive. The wrapped gifts will be distributed to families in the community. The event is free and open to the public.
■ The Sounds of Christmas: The Golden Triangle Singers will perform “The Sounds of Christmas” at 4:30 p.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church, 808 College St. in Columbus. The event is presented by the Belle Fleur, Northwood, Galaxy and Columbus garden clubs. Admission is a $15 suggested donation.
■ Ladies Night Out: The Black Prairie Blues Museum will host a festive evening among its Christmas trees from 6 to 9 p.m. at 640 Commerce St. in West Point. The event includes Christmas music, cocktails, food and holiday shopping with local artisans. A $25 cover charge is required for admission.
Saturday, Dec. 13
■ “Drive to Give” Toy Drive: Carl Hogan Toyota will host its toy drive from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 3907 Highway 45 North. The event, which includes a live broadcast from 99.9 The Fox, collects new, unwrapped toys for children in the community. It is free to attend and open to the public.
Sunday, Dec. 14
■ Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Starkville Strong will host a special holiday edition of its Neighbors Helping Neighbors program, offering perishable and nonperishable food, hygiene items, toys, clothing, household goods and more to neighbors in need. Sign-in begins at 12:30 p.m., and volunteers arrive at 1 p.m. Ready-to-eat meals from Second Servings will be available. The event takes place across from Habitat ReStore. Donations of holiday-themed food, nonperishables and stocking-stuffer items may be delivered to Dunkington, 109 S. Lafayette St. Learn more or sign up to donate or volunteer at starkvillestrong.info.
■ Jingle Jam Christmas Celebration: Mt. Vernon Church will host a family-friendly Christmas event, “Jingle Jam,” at 200 Mt. Vernon Road in Columbus, with performances at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Attendees should arrive at least 30 minutes early to reserve seats. The celebration will include music, games, laughter and a message about the meaning of Christmas.
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.
Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
■ First Day Hike: Kick off the new year with a self-guided 5-mile hike at Lake Lowndes State Park in Columbus. Meet at the Equestrian Trail Parking Lot (3319 Lake Lowndes Road) from 9 to 11 a.m. Trail maps are available at the Gate House and Honor Box. The event is included with park admission.
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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 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
