Holidays in the Felicianas, Pointe Coupée & Mississippi

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Tessa Rampers

Small-town charm collides with Christmas spirit in the Feliciana parishes, so bundle up and check out some of the following holiday festivities. 

November 14–January 3: Little Easy Christmas Tours in Natchez: Natchez has been called the "Christmas movie capital of the South," and in recent years, some of the Bluff City's most beautiful historic homes started opening their wreathed doors for the town's Christmas Tour of Historic Homes. Homes included will be The Towers, Linden Suburban Villa, Magnolia Hall, Choctaw Hall, and The House on Ellicott Hill—and each is guaranteed to be bedecked with holiday displays, such as a Jeweled Christmas at The Towers. Find more information at littleeasytours.com. 

November 28–December 23: Canton Christmas Festival: Canton, Mississippi goes all out for Christmas—all December long. Each night, historic Canton Square comes alive with Rudolph's playground, firetruck and train rides, a walk-through gift box, a towering Christmas tree, and Santa's Cookie Stop. Also look for an interactive Christmas village, Mrs. Claus storytelling area, Santa's snow village, carnival rides, and more.5 pm–9 pm. Closed Dec. 1–4. Free. cantontourism.com.

December 4–7, 11–14 & 18–21: Merry on the Midway: Just in time for the holiday season, Laurel, Mississippi's fairgrounds transform into a dazzling display of festive lights, holiday entertainment—and even plays host to Santa's Village. Festivities include a Storybook Stroll featuring "A Charlie Brown Christmas," nightly Christmas movies, and photos with the big guy himself. 5 pm–9 pm. $10; $5 for children five and younger. merryonthemidway.com.

December 5–7: St. Francisville Christmas in the Country: St. Francisville comes alive with Christmas cheer each December, including such festivities as a tree lighting, living nativity, cookies and cocoa drive-thru, music and artists, breakfast with Santa, holiday home tours,  a Christmas parade, and more. visitstfrancisvillela.com.

December 5—TBA: West Feliciana Hospital Christmas Lights Display Drive-Thru: Spend an evening conjuring holiday magic, courtesy of the lights displays at the local hospital. Opening night will also feature cookies and cocoa for guests. wfph.org.

December 5: Holiday Brass at The Mallory: The full Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra brass and percussion is ready and prepped to put you in the holiday spirit in the magical environs of The Mallory in St. Francisville. 7:30 pm–9 pm. $35. brso.org.  

December 5: Natchez Garden Club's Annual Christmas Luncheon: Welcome the holidays with the Natchez Garden Club's annual Holiday Christmas Luncheon. Magnolia Hall in Natchez will set the scene for a festive holiday season, paired with a scrumptious lunch. Come enjoy delectable items locally prepared by club members. 11:30 am. $20; open to the public. After lunch, enjoy a soup and casserole sale. natchezgardenclub.org.

December 6: Christmas Spirits Historic District Stroll: Join in for a progressive "Christmas Spirits" stroll through the historic district of St. Francisville while "illuminating" the streets with hundreds of luminaries. Along the way will be four spirits stops for ticketed guests ($50). Free activities include a kids' ornament workshop, hot chocolate included; hymn singing at the United Methodist Church; and so much more. 5 pm–7 pm. Reserve your tickets at bontempstix.com.

December 6: Vicksburg Christmas Parade of Lights: As the sky darkens, head to downtown Vicksburg for this annual parade that will be sure to light up the night. This year's theme is “A Bicentennial Christmas.” Follow the marchers and floats between Belmont Street to Jackson Street. 5 pm. visitvicksburg.com. 

December 6: Christmas Tour of Homes: Explore some of St. Francisville's most intriguing homes, all dressed in their holiday best. 10 am–4 pm. $33.65 in advance; $39 day-of. bontempstix.com

December 6: Breakfast with Santa at Grace Church: The West Feliciana High School dance team will once again host its annual breakfast with Santa to kick off the holiday season. Enjoy a delicious breakfast, photos with the big guy himself, and a performance by West Fel High dancers and cheerleaders. Seatings at 7:30 am, 8:45 am, 10 am, and 11:15 am. $17. bontempstix.com.

December 14: Light Up the Holidays: The Poydras Center in New Roads will light up for the season at this event hosted by the Arts Council of Pointe Coupee, with a dinner, potential to win door prizes, and a live holiday performance featuring James Linden Hogg. 6 pm–9 pm. artscouncilofpointecoupee.org.

December 13: Christmas at The Mallory: Don your best holiday garb and head to the Mallory in St. Francisville for a morning of merriment. Enjoy holiday crafts, delicious hot chocolate, a magical snow machine, and pictures with the big guy himself. There's even a spirited cocktail bar awaiting your order. 10 am–noon. $35 per family. bontempstix.com. 

December 19: Dickens Christmas in Iuka: Downtown Iuka goes back to Victorian times in this Dickensian Christmas affair, with all the trappings of an old-fashioned Christmas. 6 pm–8 pm. exploretishomingocounty.com.