As a child, I always cherished watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade on TV. Seems like my mother never got to enjoy this tradition, however. She was always busy getting the turkey ready, making sure her cornbread dressing was perfect, and getting us all off to a special Thanksgiving service at church. Yes – Thanksgiving growing up was a busy day! Busy that is – until the meal was finished and dishes all clean and put away. Then it was nap time.
I remember several perpetual details of the Macy’s parade. First was the reenactment of the pilgrims and that first Thanksgiving when the native Americans and new settlers came together to give thanks for the harvest. Second were the large inflatables, especially those of my favorite cartoon characters. And then of course everybody’s favorite: the arrival of Santa Claus! Looking back, I don’t think it fully registered to me how poetic it was that the last float of the historic parade was “The Jolly Old Elf”. Indeed, Thanksgiving is a celebration of all we as Americans hold dear. It is a time to give thanks, for truly we are blessed. It is also a celebration of the beginning of the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, for Christmas is right around the corner – and it seems to come faster with every passing year!
This year in Natchez, this is truly the case. And oh what a Christmas season awaits! If you haven’t already marked your calendars, now is a good time. There is much to do, and it’s time to get ready for some Yuletide Cheer! Below are just a few suggestions – there really are too many to list!
Visit Natchez Events – As always, the Natchez Events Calendar is loaded with great Holiday Happenings, from historic tours to special parties and celebrations, you don’t want to miss out. Christmas cocktail parties at Linden, a Christmas play at the Natchez Little Theater, Christmas musicals at various venues, art shows, a book signing, the Saturday Farmer’s Market… the list goes on and on, and I know I will likely get in trouble for leaving some things out! Visit https://visitnatchez.org/events/ for more information.
Christmas in Natchez – Saturday’s Lighting of the Natchez Christmas Tree will take place on Main Street November 29 at 6:30 pm. But come early for children’s activities starting 3 and a special choir performance and caroling around the tree beginning at 6. The Natchez Christmas Parade will take place the following Saturday evening, December 6, downtown. And the American Cruise Lines European Christmas Village will be taking place every weekend with special times for ice skating and movies on The Bluff. Visit https://www.christmasinnatchez.org/events for more information.
Natchez Music Festival – As they do every year, the great team of NMF go BIG with their annual Christmas Concert, always a sellout at the Natchez Civic Center. This year promises to be no exception! An all-star cast will rock the night away with Christmas classics, in addition to beautiful
performances of many sentimental favorites. It all happens on Friday, December 5 at 7 pm. Visit https://www.natchezfestivalofmusic.com/yule-be-rockin-1 for more information.
Natchez Christmas Pilgrimage – This year, in true Natchez style, many of our city’s historic mansions will be decked out to the fullest and open for special tours. Included are some truly unique experiences, such as The Jeweled Christmas at The Towers, a perpetual Top Ten on USA Today’s list of most unusual Christmas Experiences, and special events at Sunnyside, a beautiful home adorned from top to bottom in yuletide splendor. Numerous other special tours and events, including candlelight tours at some of our city’s most significant mansions, will be taking place all over town. Visit https://littleeasytours.com/christmas-pilgrimage-2025/ for more information.
Local Shopping, Fine Dining and Holiday Cheer – Merchants all over town, including dozens of specialty stores and antique malls and shops downtown, will be observing extended holiday shopping hours to allow for plenty of time to get that special gift. Make sure to save time for a delicious Christmas night out at some of our city’s celebrated restaurants and night-spots. Live music is certain to be happening at venues all over town!
Happy Thanksgiving Natchez – and welcome to the special season of Christmas! It’s time to give thanks and get ready for Yuletide Cheer. Because Natchez Deserves More.
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