Now through 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.

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.
■ 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 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. This event is free and open to the public.
■ 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 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.
■ New Hope Strong Christmas Tree Lighting: The New Hope Community Center, 381 Stadium Road, will host its tree lighting ceremony beginning at 6 p.m..
■ 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.
■ Crawford Christmas Parade: The town of Crawford will host its annual Christmas parade beginning at 7 p.m.
■ 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.
■ 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 begins at 6 p.m. in Starkville. For registration and more information, visit starkville.org/things-to-do/starkville-christmas-parade/.

Tuesday, Dec. 9
■ Festival of Trees: The Festival of Trees exhibition will open at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, 314 Seventh St. N.
■ Columbus Sings “Messiah”: The 23rd annual presentation of George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” will begin at 7 p.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church, 823 College St. The one-hour performance features a choir of approximately 125 singers from the region. Admission is free, but tickets are required for seating. Tickets are available at Annunciation Catholic Church, First Methodist Church, the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitor Bureau and the Tennessee Williams Home and Welcome Center.

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
■ Santa at the Festival of Trees: Santa and Miz Claus will visit the Forest of Festive Trees at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library from 4 to 6 p.m.
■ 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
■ Breakfast with Santa: Kountry Kitchen will host a free “Breakfast with Santa” event from 9–11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at 301 Tuscaloosa Road in Columbus. Families can enjoy free pancakes and take photos with Santa. Guests are encouraged to bring a toy for the event’s toy drive, “Bring a Toy, Spread the Joy.”
■ “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.
■ Christmas Meet and Greet Brunch: Lion Hills Conference Center, 2331 Military Road, will host a brunch with Santa Claus with seatings at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made
■ Holiday Shopping at Jamison Pastures: Jamison Pastures, 781 Wolfe Road, will host a holiday shopping event from noon to 6 p.m.
■ Elm Lake Golf Cart Christmas Parade: The Elm Lake community will host a golf cart parade beginning at 4 p.m.
■ 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, 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.

Sunday, Dec. 21
■ Revive Church Christmas Party: Revive Church will hold its Christmas Party at Overview Place, 70 Overview Drive, Columbus, at 5 p.m. Attendees are invited to enter the annual chili cook-off and to bring a $10 gift for a game. The event is open to the public.

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.