It’s time.  It’s time for everyone to get out your Christmas decorations, check out your lights, and get ready for the holidays.

If you haven’t notice, the city elves have already started the process and have been working diligently to get garlands, wreaths and lights hung in time to meet the Christmas in Natchez, City of Lights opening day on Friday.

Just like last year, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at HomeBank at 3:30p.m. and from 4 to 8 p.m. there will be a Gumbo cook-off with live music, and children’s activities at North Pole Play Land.

Lighting of the city Christmas tree will be at 6 p.m. with pyrotechnics, etc. This party will extend until 8 p.m. Come meet your friends and bring your families to get in the holiday spirit.

Friday, Dec. 1, we will have our first Family Christmas Fest from 6 to 8 p.m. Santa’s elves, with the help of Burnley Cook, have been working hard to refurbish the old I.P Christmas displays as well as create some new ones that are now located at the Natchez Visitor Reception Center.

We want to celebrate this accomplishment with several fun activities, food, and music in the court yard of the CVB.

Next, mark your calendar for the Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec. 2.  If you want to participate — and we hope you do — you can find information/application on listenupyall.com or Christmasinnatchez.com. The theme this year is “Lighting Your Way to Christmas” and line-up begins at 4 p.m. on Broadway Street.

Candlelight dinners, breakfast with the Grinch, choirs singing, a library tour of homes, a Christmas tea and tours of a “Jeweled Christmas at the Towers” are just a few of the events that will complete the holiday affair.

Just check the schedule of events to be sure you don’t miss out.   It’s going to be a wonderful season.

Come join the fun.
Patricia Lozon is the co-chairman of Christmas In Natchez.