NATCHEZ — The Christmas in Natchez committee will host a White Linen Benefit from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at The Towers, 801 Myrtle Ave., Natchez.

“James and Ginger Hyland have graciously opened their beautiful antebellum house for this event,” said Debbie Hudson, president/chief executive officer of Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce.

The benefit will feature live music and food, a raffle that includes such items as a three-night stay in Orange Beach, Alabama, and other objects. Raffle tickets will be available the night of the benefit.

Tickets for the benefit are available for purchase at the Natchez Visitor’s Center for $75 per couple or $40 per person.

Although the committee does encourage people to wear clothing made of white linen, Hudson said the event is more about the color white than the fabric.

“White linen is typically thought of during the summertime,” Hudson said. “We wanted to combine summer and Christmas with this party. However, people don’t have to wear white linen. All they have to do is wear something white.”

The Christmas in Natchez committee was formed in 2009 to boost tourism during the month of December and help business downtown during the Christmas season. Although that is still the goal, Hudson said the committee said it found a new purpose.

“This benefit will also aid the update of all the Christmas decorations and the lights in the downtown area,” Hudson said. “It will help us restore the former International Paper animated decorations.

“December isn’t our worst month of tourism anymore. So we have accomplished that goal. Now it’s about what we can do to make Christmas in Natchez better.”