We strongly encourage you to follow COVID-19 guidelines set forth by the Mississippi State Department of Health and additional guidelines by the City of Jackson (facial coverings ARE still required in the city of Jackson, along with social distancing). Vaccines are now available for anyone 5 and up and boosters are available for all adults.

“We know that success at controlling the spread of this virus depends upon all of us adhering to recommended social distancing and mask-wearing guidelines,” said Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba.

While there are weekday activities to keep you entertained, we’re looking ahead to a celebratory weekend with activities for the whole family. Additional events for this week are listed at fb.com/mycityjxnms.

Caroling With Cathead – Downtown Fondren Historic District – Thursday 5 pm
Enjoy Fondren’s 40+ local businesses while enjoying special drinks featuring Cathead Distillery products. Many neighborhood retailers will host open houses as you sample, sip and sing with local musicians busking on the streets of Fondren (think: a holiday version of Fondren Live). It’s family-friendly and free.

S.T.E.M. with Snowflakes – Mississippi Museum of Natural Science – Friday 9 am
See “ice fishing” demonstrations, experiment with instant snow, and learn about Snowflake Bentley – the naturalist and photographer who first successfully captured snowflakes on film. Masks are recommended. This event is included with museum admission ($6 adults, $4 youth ages 3 and up, Free for under age 3) or with Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation Membership.

Capital City Lights – Downtown Jackson – Friday – 4 pm
It’s the community kickoff of the holiday season in the City With Soul! The Downtown Jackson-based event, from 4 – 11 pm, also serves as the launch event of the city’s year-long bicentennial celebration. Events this Friday include the MS Department of Archives and History’s Christmas by Candlelight, Festival of Trees at The Westin Jackson, Nutcracker performances at Thalia Mara Hall, shopping at two markets – Magnolia Sunset Markets and JXN Flea at The Heritage Building, classic cars, emergency vehicles set up “touch-a-truck” style, live music, hot chocolate, caroling, marching bands, holiday décor, and more, and, of course…lights! It’s family-friendly and free.

Deck the District Holiday Festival – The District at Eastover – Friday & Saturday
Whether it’s date night or a family outing, The District’s annual two-day event offers movies, music, photos with Santa, ballet performances, holiday lights and snow and more. Friday’s date night movie 8 pm) is “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” and Saturday’s family flick (1 pm) is “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The event is free.

A Christmas Carol 2021 – New Stage Theatre – Friday through December 19
The Charles Dickens Classic, adapted by Ivan Rider and directed by Sharon Miles brings the tale of Ebeneezer Scrooge to the Jackson stage. Performances, recommended for ages 5+ for darkness and frightening images, run through December 19 with special matinees and ticket prices. Masks are required to attend each performance. Tickets are available.

Belhaven University Singing Christmas Tree – Belhaven Bowl Stadium – Friday & Saturday – 7:30 pm
In its 89th year, The Belhaven Singing Christmas Tree offers popular Christmas carols along with a reimagined singing Christmas tree experience. A combined children’s choir from Madison-Ridgeland Academy, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, and First Presbyterian Day School will add their voices to the performance. The music will also get an upgrade with professional-quality instrumental tracks that will accompany tree singers. It’s family-friendly and free, and lawn chairs and blankets are welcomed.

Central Mississippi Record Convention – Duling Hall – Saturday – 9 am
The Central Mississippi Record Convention features vendors from Mississippi and several other surrounding states will bring vintage and collectible vinyl in all formats including 33 1/3’s, 45’s, 78’s records as well as cassettes, CD’s along with some stereo equipment and other music related memorabilia to this one-day event.  

Santa Station – The Jackson Zoo – Saturday – 9 am
The Jackson Zoo offers this cool holiday event for kids where they can enjoy crafts and snacks and hand their wish list directly to the Elf in Chief! It’s regular admission ($8/$5), but online timed tickets are necessary. Sponsored by Visit Jackson, City of Jackson, Century First FCU, CommFirst FCU, Eagle Express FCU, Jackson Area FCU, Keesler FCU, Members Exchange CU, Rivertrust FCU, Statewide FCU, JZKeepers AAZK Chapter, and Zoo Area Progressive Partnership.

Jackson AIDS Walk: STEPS Health Festival 2021 – Smith Park – Saturday 10 am
Join MS Capital City Pride for the 2021 Health Festival and Walk in celebration of World AIDS Day in Smith Park. There will be entertainment, giveaways and, of course, a group walk. There is no registration necessary and no cost to take part.

2021 Cricket Wireless SWAC Football Championship presented by Pepsi Zero Sugar – MS Veteran’s Stadium – Saturday 3 pm
Eastern division champs the Jackson State Tigers take on Western division champs Prairie View A&M. General admission tickets are $35 plus Ticketmaster fees. A shuttle service to elevate parking concerns is being provided by Visit Jackson and Hank Aaron Sports Academy. Learn more here.

3rd Annual World AIDS Day Gala – Hal & Mal’s – Saturday 6:30 pm
Join MS Capital City Pride for an exciting event to celebrate the life of people living with HIV thriving in the Jackson, MS area and to also take pause to those we have lost. Event includes dinner, wine, champagne, and a live drag show. Tickets are $75.

90’s Dance Party ft. Fool House – Martin’s Downtown – Saturday 9 pm
A LIVE musical event paying homage to the golden era of boy bands, pop stars, hip hop, and pop punk. With a larger than life production, this show recreates the sights, sounds, and energy of the biggest stars of the 90’s. Nonstop sing alongs, party throwbacks and choreographed dance moves is what this show is all about. Tickets are $10.

Standing for American Freedom – Mississippi Coliseum – Sunday 5:30 pm
A concert event to honor our Veterans and the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. A portion of all ticket sales will benefit the Friends of Mississippi Veterans. Travis Tritt and Lee Greenwood are scheduled to perform. Tickets start at $20 (plus Ticketmaster fees). All active-duty military personnel and military veterans will be eligible to receive one complimentary ticket. The complimentary military tickets must be picked up in person at the Coliseum Box Office. A valid military ID will be required.