Natchez is a spectacular town sitting on a bluff high above the Mississippi River. We are known for our beautiful architecture, historic homes, and Southern hospitality. Though Natchez is beautiful year round, it’s particularly wonderful at Christmas.
Christmas in Natchez is a month long event featuring the lighting of a 34 foot tree on Main Street, lights and events in Memorial Park, choral music and singing, food trucks, rides for the kids, and an appearance by Santa Claus at Home Bank.
CHRISTMAS IN NATCHEZ PRESENTS THE ANNUAL LIGHTING OF THE TREE
DATE: NOVEMBER 25, 2023
Time: 6:30 pm
Come and kick-off the Christmas Season with the Annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree in the heart of downtown Natchez. Our historic city has been dubbed “Christmas Capital of the South”, with a 34’ tree anchored in the center of Main Street. Each year, we gather around with family-friendly festivities including street vendors, children’s rides and a petting zoo. Don’t worry! Santa will join in on the fun inside Home Bank on the corner of Main and Commerce Streets. We will end the night with a special performance by the Natchez Adams School District’s String Section and caroling around the tree just before we begin the official countdown to light the tree with pyrotechnics synchronized to Christmas Carols. It is truly a magical event.
- 3:00 – 6:00 Vendors, Children’s Rides and Petting Zoo
- Santa and friends will be inside the Home Bank lobby
- Market Vendors and Food Vendors on site
- $10.00 armband for children – Unlimited rides and visits to the Petting Zoo
- 6:00 – 6:15 – Performance by Natchez Adams School District String Section
- 6: 15 – 6:30 – Caroling Around the Tree
- 6:30 – Lighting of the Tree with pyrotechnics synchronized to Christmas Carols
CHRISTMAS VILLAGES
In partnership with American Queen Voyages, Christmas in Natchez has decided to bring a festive European style Christmas market to our month-long celebration. Shop your way through the festive stalls where you will find local crafts, seasonal treats, and unique holiday gift. The perfect place to find something for yourself or that special person on your list! Enjoy the market starting November 24th and ending after Christmas.
CHRISTMAS PARADE
DATE: DECEMBER 2, 2023
Time: 6:00 pm
The annual Christmas Parade in downtown Natchez will be on Saturday, December 2nd. The parade will start at 6:00 pm and will go East on Franklin Street, turn at right Rankin Street, and then West on Main Street.
To be in the parade, please download the application here.
Caroling in the Park – Thursdays in December
Caroling in the Park, put on by the Christmas in Natchez Committee, will take place each Thursday in December in Memorial Park – located just behind St. Mary’s Basilica in downtown Natchez. The park is already adorned with beautiful lighting surrounding the giant oak trees with an extravagant fountain in the center. This year, there will be special lighted nursery rhyme themed displays throughout the park, inviting visitors to take a stroll through this stunning location. The caroling will begin at 5:30 p.m. and last approximately one hour.
