From the annual downtown Christmas parade to cooking classes at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center, there are a plethora of events planned throughout the holidays. Mark your calendars and have a Holly Jolly Christmas.

Nov. 25

Downtown Old-Fashioned Christmas Open House

The Downtown Old-Fashioned Christmas Open House, sponsored by Vicksburg Main Street, will run from 1:30 to 5p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25. Poinsettias will be given to customers spending $25 or more. Santa will be joining the fun with visits with the young and the young at heart from 1:30-3:30 p.m. For more information call 601-634-4527 or visit www.downtownvicksburg.org.

Nov. 27,29, 30 and Dec. 1

V105.5 Caroling Contest

The 14th annual V105.5 Caroling Contest will be held Nov. 27,29, 30 and Dec. 1. Preliminary performances will begin at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 27,29 and 30 and the final night of the competition, where winners will be named will begin at 7 p.m. All performances will be held at the Vicksburg Convention Center, 1600 Mulberry St. Tickets are $5 at the door. For more information, call 601-630-2929.

Nov. 27

Kansas City Southern’s Holiday Express

The 18th Annual Kansas City Southern Holiday Express will arrive in Vicksburg at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 1000 Levee St. Visitors will be able to board the train, visit with Santa and his elves and tour the inside of three cars. The event is free. For more information, visit kcsouthern.com.

Nov. 27

SCHF Lebanese Cooking with Lana

The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation has scheduled Lebanese Cooking with Lana from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 1302 Adams St. The cost is $35 for members and $40 for nonmembers. The cooking workshop will include a hands-on cooking experience where participants prepare spinach pies and grape leaves filled and rolled with meat and rice. Space is limited and reservations are required. For more information, call 601- 631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org.

   

Nov. 29

“The King and I” Live from London

“The King And I” will be screened at the Strand Theatre beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29 at 717 Clay St. Tickets are $10 in advance at the Highway 61 Coffeehouse or $12 at the door. The film stars Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara as Anna and Tony and Oscar nominee Ken Watanabe as the king. For more information, visit strandvicksburg.com.

Dec. 1

Downtown Christmas Parade of Lights

The Downtown Christmas Parade of Lights, sponsored by Vicksburg Main Street Program, will begin at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1 along historic Washington St. between Belmont and Jackson streets. For more information, call 601-634-4527 or visit downtownvicksburg.org.

Dec. 1

Pajamas Pancakes & Planes — Breakfast with Santa

The Southern Heritage Air Foundation will host Pajamas Pancakes & Planes — Breakfast with Santa Saturday, Dec. 1 at the museum hanger located at the Vicksburg-Tallulah Regional Airport. The event will offer seatings at 8 and 10 a.m. The cost is $10 per person and includes a pancake breakfast, Christmas activities and a photo with Santa. For reservations, call 318-574-2731 or email patty@southerheritageair.org.

Dec. 1

SCHF Holly Days Arts & Crafts Show

The Holly Days Arts & Crafts Show will run from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1.  Admission is $2. The event will feature quality vendors showcasing their arts and crafts. Local talent will also entertain throughout the day.  Goldie’s Express will be on site selling barbeque lunches. For more information, call 601-631-2997, visit southernculture.org or email info@southernculture.org.

Dec. 1

Levee Street Marketplace Open House

The Levee Street Marketplace has scheduled a Christmas open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1 at 1001 Levee St. The free event will include pictures with Santa, refreshments and door prizes. For more information, call 601-638-7191.

Dec. 2

Gibson Memorial United Methodist Church Cantata

Gibson Memorial United Methodist Church will be performing “Oratorio de Noël,” also known as the “Christmas Oratorio” by Saint Saens beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 2 at 335 Oak Ridge Road. Strings and a harp will accompany the choir. For more information, visit umc.org/find-a-church/church/35056.

Dec. 7

Vicksburg Art Association Christmas party

The Vicksburg Art Association will hold their annual Christmas party from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 at the Old Constitution Firehouse Gallery, 1204 Main St.  This year’s theme is “Seats In the City” and will feature a silent auction with painted chairs by local artists. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door For more information, call 601-638-9221 or visit vicksburgartassociation.org.

Dec. 8

Breakfast with Santa

The 17th annual Breakfast with Santa will run from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 at the Vicksburg Convention Center, 1600 Mulberry St. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door.  The event will include a McDonald’s breakfast, pictures with Santa and a Candyland adventure where children can paly games and do crafts.For more information, call 601-630-2929 or email sueb@vicskburg.org.

Dec. 8

2nd Annual Public Library Cookie Contest & Swap

The 2nd annual Public Library Cookie Contest & Swap will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 at 700 Veto St. Participants are asked to bring two dozen cookies, one dozen to share and one dozen to swap. Judging will begin at 10:30 a.m. The competition will be divided into age categories, which will include ages 5-10, 11-15, 16-18, 20-50 and 50 and older. There will also be a separate category for non-cookie entries. For more information, call 601-636-6411.

Dec. 8

Confederate Christmas Ball

The Confederate Christmas Ball, formerly the Balfour Ball will be held from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 in the courtroom at the Old Court House Museum, 1008 Cherry St.  Period dress is available to rent at the Old Courthouse Museum. Admission is $60 per couple, $30 individual. A wine buffet is included.  Advance tickets only and attendance is limited. For more information, call 601-636-0741 or email societyhistorica@bellsouth.net.

Dec. 9

42nd Annual Santa visit to Openwood Plantation

Santa will make his 42nd annual visit to Openwood Plantation on Sunday, Dec. 9 beginning at 2 p.m. The free event will include stops at the corners of Newitt Vick and Jil Marie Circle, Newitt Vick and Fairways Drive, Newitt Vick and Club House Drive, Fairways Drive and Pebble Beach, and The Landings Apartments.  All children are invited to to visit with Santa on this special day.

Dec. 9

The Open Market Christmas Open House

The Open Market, 2133 Washington St., has scheduled a Christmas open house from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9. The event will include light refreshments, entertainment and a chance at a door prize.

Dec. 10

SCHF Holiday Breakfast Workshop

The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation has scheduled a Holiday Breakfast Workshop from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10 at 1302 Adams St. The cost is $35 for members and $40 for nonmembers. Led by chef, William Furlong, the event will include samples of the food, cooking tips and pairing ideas. Space is limited and reservations are required. For more information, please contact the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org.

Dec. 13

Jammin’ For the Kids fundraiser

The Jammin’ For the Kids fundraiser will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13 at The Anthony Restaurant and Bar, 127 Country Club Drive. Admission to the event is either an unwrapped new toy of $5. Musicians will include Mike and Marty, Lee H. Abraham and friends, Julie Crouse, Sweet Melinda and Ralph Miller. In addition to the musical entertainment, the event will also include a raffle and an auction. For more information, call 601-629-2003.

Dec. 15

Glenwood Neighborhood Luminaries

The Glenwood Neighborhood Luminaries will be lit beginning at sunset on Saturday, Dec. 15. More than 6,000 luminaries will be placed along sidewalks in the neighborhood. The Christmas tradition is a fundraiser for Cub Scout Pack 7.

Dec. 15 and 16

Debra Franco Preparatory School of Dance Nutcracker Ballet Performance

The Debra Franco Preparatory School of Dance will perform the Nutcracker Ballet at 7 p.m. Dec. 15 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Parkside Playhouse Theatre, 101 Iowa Ave. Tickets are $10 and are available at the theatre or dance studio, 3420 Wisconsin Ave. #2. For more information, call 601-638-7282.

Dec. 16

Crawford Street United Methodist Church Cantata

The Crawford Street United Methodist Church choir will perform “The Glory Of Christmas” by Lloyd Larson on Sunday, Dec. 16. The cantata will be offered during the morning worship service, which begins at 10:55 a.m. in the church sanctuary, 900 Crawford St. A full orchestra will accompany the choir. A fundraiser for Service Over Self will follow in Floral Hall. Tickets for the meal are $10. For more information, call 601-636-5612.