NATCHEZ — Christmas spirit and goodwill toward men is in the air this weekend with a classic ballet, a day of discourse, brunch and pictures of pets with Santa.

Plenty of sun is predicted for this weekend along with cooler temperatures. Friday temperatures are forecast to reach a high of 68 degrees and a low of 48 degrees.

Saturday is expected to have a high of 63 degreesand a low of 36 degrees. Temperatures are predicted to cool down even more Sunday with a high of 52 degrees and a low of 33 degrees.

The Nutcracker

The Natchez Ballet Academy is pulling back the curtains tonight and letting in some Christmas magic with this year’s performance of “The Nutcracker.”

The classic story stars Clara, a young girl who is given a nutcracker for Christmas. After learning the nutcracker is an enchanted prince, Clara is pulled into a world filled with dolls, the sugar plum fairy, dancing snowflakes and the evil Mouse King.

Performances will be at 7 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, the ballet will perform at 2 p.m.

Tickets for the performance are $15 for ages 12 and up. Tickets for ages 3 to 11 and seniors are $12.

The mother-daughter Nutcracker Tea will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center. Guests can eat sweets and meet the ballet’s cast.

Costs are $10 for ages 12 and up and $7 for seniors and ages 3 to 11.

Tickets can be purchased at the events.

Mission Mississippi Day of Dialogue

This Saturday, area residents of all races interested in community unity and God’s word are invited to the Natchez Convention Center for a Day of Dialogue.

Mission Mississippi Executive Director Neddie Winters will facilitate the event. Mission Mississippi is a statewide nonprofit which works on racial reconciliation, in addition to reconciliation across economic, political, gender and denominational lines.

The free event starts at 8:30 a.m. at the Natchez Convention Center and runs until noon. For more information, call 601-445-4611.

Medicare review brunch

Seniors ages 60 and up as well as caregivers looking to find out more about Medicare can come to the Comfort Suites Hotel in Vidalia for brunch and information Saturday.

The Central Louisiana Area (CENLA) Agency on Aging will present a review and update concerning Medicare. The agency will also help participants enroll in Medicare.

The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf will be onsite with relay equipment and service for the deaf and visually impaired.

The event starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Comfort Suites Hotel at 100 Front St., Vidalia. The $3 buffet fee will be waived for the first 200 participants.

The Council on Aging will provide transportation, even if participants are not enrolled with the council. But, those wishing to be picked up must RSVP no later than 5 p.m. today with a name, address and telephone number.

The brunch is co-hosted by the CENLA Agency on Aging, Vidalia Police Department Triad and COA.

For more information, call 318-336-7100.

Pet Pictures with Santa

The Natchez-Adams County Humane Society will be at the Natchez Mall this Saturday to make sure pets get a chance to visit with Santa.

Owners can bring the four-legged members of their families for a photo op with Santa himself.

“You’re making memories, and it’s just a happy time,” NACHS board member Susan Callon said. “It’s Christmas, and you want to include your fur babies.”

Anyone without a furry friend to share Christmas with can meet some of NACHS’ adoptable feline residents at the event.

NACHS membership applications will also be available. Memberships are $10 for youth, $25 for single (18 and over) and $50 for a family membership.

Pet pictures with Santa will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $10, with the money going to the NACHS.