Here is a list of Christmas events in the Jackson metro area

Ed Inman
·11 min read
The winds are blowing toward Christmas in Canton Monday, Dec. 22, 2021, as the opening of the annual Canton, Miss., festival approaches. The holiday event that blankets Canton Square with lights includes rides, parades, and Santa and Mrs. Clause. Christmas in Canton begins Nov. 26 and runs through Dec. 24.
The winds are blowing toward Christmas in Canton Monday, Dec. 22, 2021, as the opening of the annual Canton, Miss., festival approaches. The holiday event that blankets Canton Square with lights includes rides, parades, and Santa and Mrs. Clause. Christmas in Canton begins Nov. 26 and runs through Dec. 24.

The Christmas season always brings a wide variety of concerts, art shows, stage performances, shopping opportunities, church programs, children’s activities, and other family events to the Jackson metro area.

Below is a roundup of some of the activities scheduled in the area throughout December. Tickets and advance reservations, where required, are normally available through the individual venue websites.

Miracle at the Apothecary

A holiday pop-up bar at Brent's Drugs, 655 Duling Ave. in Jackson through New Year's Eve, Miracle will feature holiday-themed cocktails, including a Christmapolitan, Christmas Carol Barrel, Snowball Old-Fashioned, a Nice Shot, and a Naughty Shot.

Miracle will donate 10% of proceeds from the sale of some items to the Seva Foundation, a nonprofit eye care organization that works with local communities around the world.

Operation Shoestring Holiday Bake Shop

  • Campbell’s Bakery, 3013 N. State St., Fondren District of Jackson along with Operation Shoestring is conducting this year’s Holiday Bake Shop through Dec. 10, in which 15% of sales of cookies will be donated back to Operation Shoestring to continue the work they do for Jackson's youth. The children have created various holiday designs that are sold individually, in a pack of three, or by the dozen.

'Journey to the North Pole'

  • "Drawing inspiration from lessons in navigation and geography along with traditional holiday literature, Journey to the North Pole," underway now through Jan. 8 at Mississippi Children’s Museum, 2145 Museum Blvd., Jackson, according to Visit Jackson's website, "transforms the Gertrude C. Ford Exhibition Hall into a magical winter village of twinkling lights and train cars. Glide around the Reindeer Rink in your favorite pair of festive socks, ride our thrilling 45-foot Snowflake Slide, and cozy up by the fire inside Eudora Welty’s living room." Admission is $10. Open Tuesday through Sunday, except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

'The Sound of Music'

  • New Stage Theatre presents "The Sound of Music" at 7 p.m., Dec. 6, 8-10, 13, 15-17, 20-21, and 2 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 11 and 18. Featuring music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, the story concerns, "A young woman who takes on the challenge of being a nanny for seven children," New Stage's website states. "Adventure, political intrigue, and inspirational bravery make this holiday musical," presented by Mississippi’s professional nonprofit theatre, a favorite for all ages. Tickets are $40.

'Most Wonderful Christmas' program

  • Word of Life Church, 5401 Lakeland Dr., Flowood, presents "Most Wonderful Christmas" at 5 p.m. Dec. 11. The musical presentation features the Word of Life Choir celebrating Christ’s birth.

'Carols by Candlelight 2022: Joy'

  • First Baptist Church of Jackson, 431 N. State St, Jackson, presents Carols by Candlelight performances at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. The 2022 "Carols by Candlelight, Joy,” promises to be an "unforgettable experience designed to celebrate the Christmas season and remind each of us where our true joy comes from. The First Baptist Jackson choir and orchestra share the timeless message of God’s greatest gift to us through music, song, and dance," according to the church. Ticket fees are $1 per ticket plus $3 per order.

'Christmas Under the Stars'

  • Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 7469 Old Canton Road, Madison, presents "Christmas Under the Stars" 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. "Join us as we celebrate Christmas with a special performance by the Ridgecrest Worship Ministry, featuring Ballet Magnificat. There will be music, hot chocolate, and live animals," the church states on its website.

'The Promise Fulfilled'

  • Morrison Heights Baptist Church, 3000 Hampstead Blvd., Clinton, presents "The Promise Fulfilled" at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. This musical program celebrates the Christmas season featuring the Morrison Heights Choir & Orchestra.

'Santa’s Guesthouse'

  • Belhaven Town Center is the site of Santa’s Guesthouse again this year. The event that underway continues 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 10, 11, and 17. Santa "is excited to welcome you and your family to his guest house for an intimate and magical experience on The Terrace at Belhaven Town Center. Your visit will include: A private visit with Santa for you and your family; Holiday-themed snacks and beverages provided by Wonderfuss; Special gifts and a link to digital photos for you to download, and more." Tickets are $175 and reservations are required and are available at the event's listing at visitjackson.com.

Lindsey Rowe, from left, Lauren Rowe-Hobbs, Hollis Hobbs and Sheri Rowe pose for photograph with Santa near the Christmas lights on Indian Pines Lane in Madison, Miss., Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021. The family has set up the holiday lights display at their home for nearly 30 years.
Lindsey Rowe, from left, Lauren Rowe-Hobbs, Hollis Hobbs and Sheri Rowe pose for photograph with Santa near the Christmas lights on Indian Pines Lane in Madison, Miss., Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021. The family has set up the holiday lights display at their home for nearly 30 years.

The Westin Ice Skating Rink

  • The Westin Ice Skating Rink is available from 1 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 10, 11, and 18. The pop-up ice-skating rink is set up in the Westin Jackson’s outdoor area at 407 S. Congress St. Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased upon arrival. Proceeds will benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Mississippi.

"'Noel' Born is the King"

  • Daniel Memorial Baptist Church, 3784 Terry Road, Jackson, presents “'Noel' Born is the King" at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. "Come join the Daniel Choir as we present our Worship in Music. Refreshments will be served afterwards," the church states on its website.

'Gifts of the Season'

  • St. Joseph High School, 308 New Mannsdale Road, Madison, will present "Gifts of the Season" at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. This concert will feature performances by student musicians and singers in Grades 7-12 who are involved in both the band and choir programs. The Spirit Steppers, the award-winning St. Joe dance team, also will perform on stage, according to the school. Before the concert and during intermission, guests will be able to purchase hand-crafted Christmas ornaments created by art students. During intermission, guests also will be entertained by impromptu music performances in the lobby. Admission is $10.

'Evermore and Evermore Christmas Concert'

  • Wells Memorial United Methodist Church, 2019 Bailey Ave, Jackson, will present "Evermore and Evermore Christmas Concert" at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. This will be a special Christmas concert presented jointly by the choirs and instrumental musicians of Broadmeadow and Wells United Methodist Churches, according to promotional material.

'Cirque Dreams Holidaze'

  • Thalia Mara Hall will be the venue for "Cirque Dreams Holidaze" at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. "This whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry provides the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family. 'Cirque Dreams Holidaze' has been hailed by the New York Daily News as 'A delicious confection of charm, sparkle and talent by the sleigh load.' Broadway singers perform original music along with new twists on seasonal favorites such as 'Deck The Halls,' 'Winter Wonderland' and 'Jingle Bell Rock,'" according to promotional material. Presented by Broadway in Jackson. Tickets start at $94.

'19th Annual Night of Musical Artistry'

  • Two Mississippi Museums presents the "19th Annual Night of Musical Artistry" at 7 p.m. Dec. 15. "Hosted by the Mississippi Jazz Foundation, this program is a fall holiday jazz concert that serves as the organization’s premier fundraising event to promote music education and provide scholarships to deserving students," according to promotional material. "Featured guests will be Matt Cappy, trumpeter, recording artist, and educator; Michael Burton, national recording artist and performer; and Palmer Williams, Jr., actor, artist, and comedian." Tickets are $40.

'Stories of Christmas — A Mississippi Chorus Concert'

  • "Join the Mississippi Chorus for a musical celebration of the many Stories of Christmas in collaboration with The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra for 'Stories of Christmas — A Mississippi Chorus Concert' at 7 p.m. Dec. 17 at Ridgeland High School," 586 Sunnybrook Road, Ridgeland, according to promotional material. "The Chorus has been in existence since 1989 and it is made up of lay and professional musicians from across the state. Tickets are $20 general admission with $15 student tickets and children 5 and under free."

'Wonder-Filled Holiday Magic Show'

  • Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, 2148 Riverside Drive, Jackson, will present a "Wonder-Filled Holiday Magic Show" at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Dec. 17. "This super fun magic show is filled with amazing magic, hilarious comedy, seasonal music, and lots of good-natured audience participation," according to promotional material. "Guaranteed to put even the most Scrooge-like among us into the holiday spirit. Tickets are $8 for adults with discounts for youth and museum foundation members."

9th Annual Christmas Kayak/Cluster Parade

  • Pelahatchie Shore Park, 527 Pelahatchie Shore Drive, Brandon, will be the site of the 9th Annual Christmas Kayak/Cluster Parade from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 17. "Join the Mississippi Paddling Mafia for a festive time on the water to spread holiday cheer to folks who live on or near Pelahatchie Bay," according to promotional material. "Members will meet at the park between 4 and 5 p.m. to decorate their kayaks, canoes or SUPs. We hit the water at dusk and paddle south through the neighborhoods on the bay."

Photos with Santa Paws

  • Photos with Santa Paws will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 17 at Hollywood Feed, 4500 I-55 Frontage Rd N Suite 194, Jackson. "Celebrate the howlidays this year with a special photo of your pet with Santa," organizers said. "You will be supporting Rescue Revolution of Mississippi — ensuring local pets find a furever home for the holidays. A monetary donation to Rescue Revolution is suggested."

Red and the Revelers

  • Red and the Revelers will perform at 8 p.m. Dec. 17 at Duling Hall, 622 Duling Ave, Jackson. "Born out of the humidity and sweat of Mobile, AL, Red and the Revelers have earned the title of one the most exciting bands in Alabama," promotional material states. "Catch this high-energy swamp soul fever."

'Most Incredible Christmas'

  • "Most Incredible Christmas" will be presented at 2 p.m. Dec. 17 and Dec. 18 at Thalia Mara Hall,  255 E. Pascagoula St., Jackson. "With over 100 dancers in the cast, 'Most Incredible Christmas' is a Broadway-style contemporary ballet highlighting the most extraordinary and incredible thing about the Christmas season. Loveable traditions, songs that capture the spectacle of the season, and reflections on the first Christmas are set to heartwarming, familiar Christmas tunes from around the world," according to promotional material. Presented by Ballet Magnificat. Tickets start at $35.

'Pineview Christmas Musical'

  • Pineview Baptist Church, 1288 Clinton Raymond Road, Clinton, will present "Pineview Christmas Musical" at 6 p.m. Dec. 18. "Join us for a wonderful evening celebrating the birth of our Savior," church organizers state. "You'll enjoy music from the Pineview Choir as well as light food afterwards."

'Festival of Lessons and Carols'

  • Safe Harbor Family Church, 1445 Clinton Raymond Road, Clinton, will present "Festival of Lessons and Carols" at 6 p.m. Dec. 18. "We will read scripture and sing carols that will lead us through the story of creation up to Jesus’ birth," church organizers said. "Special musicians will also sing and play their instruments, helping us to celebrate the season. Don’t miss this opportunity to embody Christmas joy with our community."

The Vamps

  • The Vamps will perform at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 at Duling Hall, 622 Duling Ave, Jackson. "With instrumentation that can scale fluidly from a trio to an octet, The Vamps are stalwarts of the Jackson, Mississippi club scene," promotional material states. "They are purveyors of an encyclopedia of styles ranging from Latin, Deep Funk, New Orleans, Bebop, Reggae, Memphis Soul, Jazz Standards, and Blues."

Women for Progress Kwanzaa Celebration

  • Women for Progress Kwanzaa Celebration will be at 6 p.m. Dec. 26 at Two Mississippi Museums, 222 North St #1206, Jackson. "Women for Progress of MS, Inc. presents this celebration of Kwanzaa in partnership with the Two Mississippi Museums, celebrating family, community, and culture," promotional material states.

Christmas Music Bingo

  • Christmas Music Bingo will be at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 27 at B&B Theaters, 250 Ring Rd, Ridgeland. "Love music? Love bingo? Love Christmas? This is for you! It's free to play. Open to all ages. Join us for a night full of fun," organizers said in promotional material.

'Noon Year’s Eve'

  • 'Noon Year’s Eve' will be celebrated from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 31 Mississippi Children’s Museum, 2145 Museum Blvd., Jackson. "Fill the rocket with New Year’s wishes and watch it blast off during the countdown at noon! Enjoy special programming throughout the day as we ring in the New Year. Smaller children can enjoy our mini balloon pop countdowns throughout the morning at 10:30, 11:00, and 11:30," promotional material states. General admission is $10.

'Soulabration'

  • "Soulabration" will be at 8 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Mississippi Coliseum, 1207 Mississippi St., Jackson. "The 2022 New Year’s Eve Soulabration promises to be the most soulful night of the year starring Grammy nominated Calvin Richardson, Adrian Bagher, Wendell B, LJ Echols, Arthur Young and Big Yayo," promotional material states. Presented by Xperience JXN. Tickets start at $50.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Here is a list of Christmas events in the Jackson, MS, metro area