NATCHEZ — Once today’s turkey becomes tomorrow’s leftovers, all eyes begin looking forward to Christmas this weekend and several local events will help usher in the yuletide season.

The weather is predicted to be warm and cloudy Friday and Saturday, with temperatures in the high 70s and the low 60s.

Sunday is predicted to be a little wet, with showers, a high of 67 and a low of 58.

Christmas tree lighting

With Thanksgiving over Friday Natchez residents can officially begin the Christmas season with the downtown Christmas tree lighting on the corner of Main and Commerce streets.

Starting at 1 p.m., children can enjoy rides, rock climbing and even a mechanical bull. For $5, children can get an armband for unlimited rides.

Balloons, hot chocolate and cookies are complimentary. The Turkey Gumbo Cook-Off tasting will begin at 3 p.m., with tasting cups costing $10.

Both events stop at 5:30 p.m. for caroling and the lighting of the Christmas tree, followed by a pyrotechnic show.

Live music will also be available from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Walking tours of downtown Natchez by Rolling River Bistro start at 7 p.m.

Tours cost $25 per person. For more information about tours call 601-446-6631.

Jeweled Christmas Tour

This weekend marks the beginning of the Jeweled Christmas Tour at The Towers.

Starting this Saturday, The Towers will be transformed from the floor to the ceiling with vintage jewelry, lights and decorations, including glass-blown Christopher Radko ornaments.

Visitors are invited to walk through the rooms, each one with a different theme.

Tours run until Jan. 2 on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. On Saturdays tours run at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Sunday tours are at 10 a.m., Thursday tours are at 4 p.m. and Friday tours are at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Tickets are $20 per person and $15 for children 8 to 12 years old. For more information, call 601-446-6890.

Art on the Bluff

Saturday, Natchezians can get in touch with their artistic side at the Natchez Art Association’s Art on the Bluff event on the Natchez bluff.

Visitors can browse through pottery, sculpture, painting and other items at an arts and crafts fair.

Anyone feeling inspired can participate in free Plein Air, or outdoor, painting from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Children can get in on the act, with children’s painting available from 10 a.m. to noon.

The event begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. at 101 S. Broadway St. Artists and crafters can set up for free at the site starting at 8 a.m.

Dunleith Christmas Brunch

Visitors to Dunleith this Sunday will be able to meet with Santa Claus for a photo before brunch at The Castle.

“It’s just a great way to start your holidays,” said Lyn Fortenbery, Dunleith’s assistant general manager.

Santa will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parlors.

Afterward, hungry visitors can head to The Castle for a brunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

While dining on fried chicken and apple cinnamon bread pudding, children and parents alike can view the large edible gingerbread house on display.

“It’s a tradition that our culinary team does here,” Fortenbery said.

Photo packages start at $20. Brunch is $18.95 for adults and $8.95 for children 12 and under.

For more information, call 601-446-8500.