The holidays are in full-swing in Jackson, Mississippi in the first week of December. Here’s our rundown of what to do this Friday-Saturday to help get you in the spirit of the season – and then some.

The Possum Ridge Train at the Two Museums. Image: MDAH

Belhaven Singing Christmas Tree – Belhaven University in Belhaven – Friday and Saturday (7:30 p.m.)
Voices! Carols! Lights! The Belhaven University Singing Christmas Tree is the oldest continuous outdoor singing Christmas tree tradition in North America. The tree is made up of Belhaven Choral Arts singers along with additional students, faculty, staff, and alumni. It’s free.

Chimneyville Arts Festival – Mississippi Trademart downtown – Fri., Sat. (9 a.m. – 7 p.m.); Sun. (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Join the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi for the 2019 Chimneyville Arts Festival, featuring over 100 craftsmen. Demonstrations by Guild craftsmen and artisans, special programs, and live music are scheduled daily. Single-day, general admission tickets are $10; a VIP upgrade is available for an additional $10 and includes light snacks and a specialty cocktail, beer or wine.

City of Jackson Tree Lighting – City Hall – Fri. (6 p.m.) and Christmas Parade – begins at Amite at State – Sat. (5 p.m.)
The City’s annual Christmas Tree lighting will take place behind Jackson City Hall, featuring performances from the Murrah High School Choir and the School of Judah Dance Performing Arts School. On Saturday, arrive early for a prime viewing spot along the parade route (the traffic detour is included here, too). Grand Marshal DJ T Lewis and emcees Melissa Faith Payne and Terry “Teezy” Thomas join Santa and Ms. Claus for the parade.

The Nutcracker -Thalia Mara Hall – Fri. (7:30 p.m.) and Sat. and Sun. (3 p.m.)
Ballet Mississippi celebrates 25 years of The Nutcracker. The Friday performance is “Ballet, Blue Jeans and Bubbly” night, inviting you to dress in casual attire for a jazz music pre-performance, cash bar and ballet event that is a Jackson holiday tradition. Tickets are available at balletms.com.

Christmas By Candlelight – Fri. at Mississippi Department of Archive’s and History locations (4:30 – 8 p.m.)
Enjoy live holiday music, refreshments and seasonal decorations at The Governor’s Mansion, Old Capitol Museum, Mississippi State Capitol, Manship House Museum, Eudora Welty House & Garden and the Two Mississippi Museums—the Museum of Mississippi History and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. The Possum Ridge Train will be running at the Two Museums and a complimentary shuttle will take you between sites. Admission is free.

Monster Jam – Mississippi Coliseum downtown – Sat. (1 and 7 p.m.) and Sun. (1 p.m.)
“Unexpected, unscripted and unforgettable” monster trucks take to the coliseum this weekend with family-friendly, car crushing action. Look for Grave Digger®, Max-DTM and El Toro Loco®, among others, entertaining (bring your earplugs!) Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.

Midtown Studio Tours – Midtown – Sat. (5 p.m.)
The Midtown neighborhood of Jackson (between Mill Street and West Street) offers “art, cheer and beer” Saturday evening. Tour studios filled to the brim with talented artisans, music and products Made in Midtown. It’s sponsored by the Business Association of Midtown Jackson and it’s free.

More Jackson events can be found at visitjackson.com/events.