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

Soon the city elves will start the process of hanging lights, garland and wreaths in time to for Nov. 24, the opening day for Christmas in Natchez, the City of Lights.

So many fun activities are in store for this season.

We have a special thank you to Taco Bell for providing us with a brand-new Christmas Tree that will delight our visitors and locals for years to come.

The annual “Lighting of the Christmas Tree” celebration will take place on Nov. 24, with the Gumbo Cook-Off with many fun activities for the children.

Visit the “Christmas in Natchez” website, the “Visit Natchez” website, or download the Natchez 1st app to find out the details. Come meet your friends and bring your families to get in the holiday spirit.

We’re thrilled to add our live “Elf on the Shelf” to our cast of Christmas Characters this year.

Our elves are available for hire for your Christmas parties, dinners and meetings. They are perfect for pictures and add a bit of mischievousness anywhere they go.

Please contact Debbie Hudson at the Chamber of Commerce, debbie@natchezchamber.com for more information.

Next, mark your calendar for the Christmas parade at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at 5:30 p.m. If you would like to participate, and we hope you do, you can find the information/application on ListenUpYall.com or ChristmasInNatchez.com.

The theme this year is “Light Your Way to Christmas” and line-up begins at 4 p.m. on Broadway. Get creative and be merry and bright.

From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 6, the 2nd annual Family Christmas Fest will be in the courtyard at the Visitor’s Center.

Santa’s elves will be there as well. If you or your school or Church group wants to participate and receive service hours or make a few dollars, contact Anna Jones, at abyrne@visitnatchez.org. So many fun activities are in store for the kids and there will be a hayride to view the great International Paper displays, vintage and new.

If you’re still feeling Scroogy, Vintage Christmas Caroling in Memorial Park will be the event to put you in the holiday spirit. Sunday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. Please come join the Jefferson Street choir and other guests as they lead us in Christmas caroling and remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.

We want you and our shops/restaurants to get in the spirit, too.

Since our theme is “Light the Way,” we ask to have lights, not only on the outside of buildings but also outlining your windows. Get bright! If possible, a mobile vintage display would be exciting to see in your windows. We will be giving three awards this year — the People’s Choice, Theme, and Best Vintage display. Please have your decorations ready by Dec. 7. The elves will check them out and provide the prizes to the winners.

Candlelight dinners, a Christmas Cabaret, choirs singing, a Library tour, a Christmas Tea, Homemade Holiday art, tours of a “Jeweled Christmas at the Towers,” a Holiday Half-Marathon are just a few of the events that will complete the holiday package.

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. And as always … Think Natchez 1st.

Patricia Lozon is co-chairman of Christmas in Natchez.