Christmas might not be for another month, but the sound of sleigh bells can already be heard in Natchez.

Here’s a look at some of the holiday events happening in the area.

 

The season of goodwill kicks off Friday with the lighting of the downtown Christmas tree on Main Street.

“You see young and old all coming together just to make something really unique,” said René Adams, a volunteer on the Christmas in Natchez committee.

Starting at 1 p.m., children can enjoy rides, rock climbing and a mechanical bull. Guests can grab free balloons and complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.

For something a bit more filling, the annual turkey gumbo cook-off begins at 3 p.m., with tasting cups for $10. Guests can also enjoy live music throughout the afternoon.

And at 5:30 p.m., the street truly comes alive with caroling and the lighting of the Christmas tree.

“As soon as we light the Christmas tree, we will have a pyrotechnic show, and I think it’s going to snow in Natchez, Miss., that night,” Adams said.

 

Visitors to The Towers Saturday will be greeted by a glittering wonderland for the Jeweled Christmas Tour.

“We create scenes, and there’s jewelry everywhere,” owner Ginger Hyland said. “Some trees are covered head to toe with jewelry.”

This year, the tour will also feature a collection of classic glass-blown Christopher Radko Christmas ornaments.

The tour runs Thursdays at 4 p.m., Fridays at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., Saturdays at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m. continues until Jan. 2. Tickets are $20 per person and $15 for 8 to 12 year olds.

The Towers will also host a special candlelight tour at 7 p.m. Dec. 11 and 18.

Advanced reservations are required for the candlelight tour with tickets for $35. Adults only.

Other houses offering special seasonal tours and events include Magnolia Hall, which will host a Victorian Luncheon Dec. 3. Tickets are $12 per person.

For reservations, call 601-443-9065.

Dunleith will host two Christmas celebrations throughout December, with Santa Claus visiting The Castle on Nov. 29 for brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and photos from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Packages for brunch with Santa start at $20.

Dunleith will also host a Christmas Celebration on Dec. 22, again at The Castle. Tickets are $45 per person.

For more information on both events at The Castle, call 601-446-8500.

On Dec. 13, Santa and Mrs. Claus will make another photo stop at Stanton Hall from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The house will be open to the public.

Also on Dec. 13, Auburn will host an open house from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. for visitors to see its holiday decorations. The free event will feature hostesses in period costumes, refreshments and live music.

On Dec. 19, visitors to Linden will be able to see its special Christmas decorations. Doors open at 10 a.m. Tickets are $20 per person.

 

As a special fundraiser for the Judge George W. Armstrong Library, the Christmas Tour of Homes is returning this season, allowing visitors to see homes not normally open to the public.

During the tours on Dec. 6, visitors will be welcomed into the private residences from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. .

Tickets are $15 for one person and $25 for two. Tickets can be purchased at the library, the Natchez Visitor Reception Center and tour locations on Dec. 6.

 

As the spirit of Christmas fills the air, so will the sound of the season’s music.

On Dec. 4, The Christmas Cabaret will welcome locals and tourists alike to listen to the songs of the season.

“It’s just a wonderful way to welcome in the Christmas season,” Natchez Festival of Music President Mary Lessley said.

Guests who buy a table will be let in any time after 9 a.m. Dec. 4 to decorate for the best-decorated table contest. Lessley said the winner would receive the ultimate package for the festival’s 2016 season — a ticket to almost every performance.

Doors open at 6 p.m. at the Natchez Community Center and the show begins at 7 p.m.

Individual tickets are $35. Tables for 10 can be reserved for $300.

A cash bar will be available. Food trays must be ordered in advance.

For more information, call 601-446-9626 or 601-807-2593.

On Dec. 6, St. Mary Basilica will host the Alcorn State University choir for the ASU Christmas concert. The free event starts at 7 p.m., followed by a reception.

St. Mary Basilica will also host a special Christmas service beginning at 3 p.m. Dec. 13. The service will feature scripture readings and song.

The Zion Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church will perform seasonal songs for its Christmas concert Dec. 11. The public is invited to sit back for a night of entertainment, starting at 7 p.m.

 

It’s the timeless tale, retold in Natchez. Ebenezer Scrooge is a heartless cotton broker, showing no mercy to those left destitute by the Civil War.

But one night, Scrooge is visited by spirits who warn him to change his ways before it is too late.

The Natchez Little Theatre play runs Dec. 1 through Dec. 20 every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday. The curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Tuesdays.

Performances are at 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling 601-442-2233 or visiting natchezlittletheatre.org.

 

The Natchez Christmas parade will be at 6 p.m., Dec. 5.

The deadline for registration is Friday. For more information on how to sign up, call 601-442-4895.

The Ferriday Christmas parade is Dec. 5. The parade starts at 6 p.m. at Ferriday High School.

For more information, Ferriday City Hall can be reached at 318-757-3411.

On Dec. 6, the Vidalia Christmas parade will bring holiday cheer on the Louisiana side of the river with “A Star Spangled Christmas.”

The parade starts at 3 p.m. at Vidalia Upper Elementary School. Registration forms must be turned in by Dec. 1.

For more information, call 318-880-7440.

 

Anyone who wants to share more than milk and cookies with Santa Claus will get a chance to breakfast with him at two area events.

At Jefferson Street Preschool, an $8 ticket purchases breakfast at the church’s gym and a visit with St. Nick from 8 a. m. to 11 a.m. Dec. 5.

Proceeds from the event benefit the preschool. Tickets can be purchased from JSPS students or at the door.

Children across the river can sit down to the most important meal of the day with Santa at Comfort Suites Riverfront Hotel.

The Vidalia Chamber of Commerce event lasts from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Dec. 12.

Tickets cost $5 per child. For details, call 318-336-8223.

 

Starting Thursday, residents on both sides of the river can enjoy the Vidalia Riverfront Christmas Display.

The free event allows families to drive along the riverfront to enjoy displays picturing scenes from past Christmases.

The area opens each night when the sun sets and runs until Jan. 3.

 

On Christmas Eve morning, the annual Santa Claus Parade will begin its journey through Natchez.

Along the way, the parade will make stops at local houses and parties, as well as distribute candy for children.

The day ends with a toy giveaway to those in need.

For more information about events this season, and where to buy tickets, visit christmasinnatchez.com.