It’s a beautiful time of year. The leaves have fallen and the days are getting shorter. Now is the perfect time to start planning your Christmas in Vicksburg. There are dozens of events and entertainment options during the month of December to make your holiday season in Vicksburg festive and bright. If you are interested in learning more about what the city has to offer, check out this handy guide from the Visit Vicksburg blog.
CHRISTMAS IN DOWNTOWN
If you’re looking for a chance to get the whole family in the Christmas mood, look no further than Christmas in Downtown Vicksburg. From late November to late December, you can come to enjoy the lights and take part in various events throughout the season. The festivities begin with a tree lighting ceremony on November 24th.
CITY OF VICKSBURG TREE LIGHTING AND DOWNTOWN OLD-FASHIONED OPEN HOUSE
Christmas is coming and to celebrate, Vicksburg has plenty of family-friendly events and beautifully decorated attractions. Vicksburg is your key to the holidays as the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit.
The holiday season kicks off in Vicksburg on Friday, November 24th at the City of Vicksburg Tree Lighting with live entertainment, kids activities, and of course, Santa! The festivities continue with Vicksburg Main Street’s Downtown Old-Fashioned Christmas Open House from 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm on Sunday, November 26th and be giving a poinsettia for every $25 spent at downtown retail shops. Live music, refreshments, and special Christmas deals will also be offered. The Holiday Express Train will be at 1010 Levee Street Station at the foot of Grove Street at 4:00 pm. The six-car train will bring Santa Claus for a visit with kids and offer visual displays inside and out for young and old alike. This event is free and open to the public.
O’ CHRISTMAS TREE
The entire city is preparing for the holidays from decked-out bed and breakfast inns to Santa’s Lane along Catfish Row. Enjoy special holiday packages at historic bed and breakfasts as well as special Christmas tours the first two weekends in December. During this holiday season, Vicksburg Main Street in partnership with the Vicksburg Heritage Guild is overjoyed to honor Mrs. Roach and the tradition she gave us with tours of some of the city’s most beautiful homes rarely seen by the public. In each home, you will see a beautifully decorated and themed Christmas tree. The owners also will offer first-floor tours of their beautiful homes. To participate in these rare and grand tours on the weekends of December 2nd and 3rd and December 9th and 10th, please purchase tickets online at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ochristmastree/998356. Tickets are $20 general and $25 including a Vicksburg Trolley pass. The proceeds from this event will be given to the Vicksburg Main Street Facade Grant Program.
REINDEER RUN 5K
If you’re in the mood to work out some pent-up, winter energy you can participate in the annual Reindeer Run 5K. The event includes a:
- 5K run
- 5K walk
- 1-Mile Fun Run
- Holiday Pet Parade
- Post-Race Party
This event is perfect for the whole family, including your furry companions. Dress up in your best winter attire and cheer on the runners as they brave the cold. The event benefits the Paws Rescue Group.
CHRISTMAS PARADE OF LIGHTS
It just isn’t Christmas without some sparkle. Fortunately, you can watch the Vicksburg Christmas Parade of Lights on December 2nd to really get into the holiday spirit. The parade follows along Washington Street between Belmont and Jackson streets, and the floats offer festive, yuletide entertainment for the whole family. The theme for the 2023 parade is “Merry Melodies,” promising a harmonious fusion of music and merriment that will resonate throughout our vibrant community. The first weekend features holiday highlights of the season with the Holly Days Arts & Crafts Show, Breakfast with Santa, and Levee Street Marketplace’s Christmas Open House.
ERDC UNDER THE LIGHTS AND OLD COURT HOUSE CHRISTMAS
Weekend two is just as busy with the O’ Christmas Tree home tours continuing as well as spectacular events such as ERDC Under the Lights and Vicksburg Second Saturday. The Old Court House Museum is hosting its second Old Fashion Christmas from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Old Court House Museum, 1008 Cherry Street on Sunday, December 10th. This event is free to the public, so bring the entire family. We’ll have live music on the lawn featuring the New Grounds String Band (Steve Witlow, Chuck Bishop, Sam Bishop, and Leon Patternburg) and music in the courtroom by Eddy Cresap. Take a free tour through the Museum and see our newest displays in the Pioneer and Vicksburg Rooms. Children can embark on a scavenger hunt to locate key items throughout the building, and an ornament-making station will be set up in the courtroom for the children, and they can hang them on our Christmas Tree! This year Santa will be joining us for the festivities, and Ollie Sumerall will be available for family photos (pets are welcome!). This is a great opportunity for the community to take a step back during the busy holiday season and enjoy some small-town charm. If there are any questions, please contact Jordan Rushing at the Museum at 601-636-0741.
More holiday events include:
- Pictures with Santa at Sweet Baby Loves Boutique
- Junior Auxiliary Santa Claus Photo Session
- Caroling & Cookies at Duff Green
- Vicksburg Chamber Choir Concert “Love’s Pure Light”
- Will Conway Memorial Beechwood Benefit
- Santa Visits Openwood Plantation
- Fisher Ferry Fire Department Santa Visits
- V105.5 Christmas Caroling Contest
We continue to add more events to the holiday festivities in Vicksburg. For more information on holiday events and to get the most up-to-date list, visit www.visitvicksburg.com/events.
SPEND CHRISTMAS WITH US
Vicksburg, MS has dozens of family-friendly, fun, Christmas, and holiday events. We want to help you get into a festive spirit. To learn more about Vicksburg accommodations and amenities, please contact us today. You can also request a free visitor guide to help you plan your stay with us.
