Our Favorite 2018 Christmas Events in Natchez

Plan your 2018 Natchez Christmas Visit here!

Your perfect Christmas 2018 Getaway starts at the Devereaux Shields House Bed & Breakfast! We are ideally located in historic Natchez Mississippi a short walk from many of our decorated antebellum homes on holiday tour, from the Downtown holiday festivities and the Natchez Bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. The 2018 Christmas season in historic Natchez promises to be a delightfully enchanting time of the year.  Lights, garland and decorations of charming long-ago Christmas customs may be viewed in the homes and throughout town accompanied by a wide range of events throughout late November and December. Revel in the events, dine, shop and enjoy the season’s bright sights, live sounds and delightful flavors!  What more would one want for Christmas!  Check out our list of our favorite Christmas events below and make plans to put a trip to Natchez on your wish list this season.

1. Kickoff the 2018 Natchez Christmas Season On Sat November 24th
Enjoy a 10th Annual Turkey Gumbo Cook-Off, Lighting of the Natchez Christmas Tree and caroling with friends! Experience an award-winning MS event: Vote for your favorite Turkey Gumbo and enjoy our city tree lighting and community sing-along cuddled by artificial snowfall in the air. Cookoff sponsored by Home Bank. See New Christmas Tree for 2018 donated by Taco Bell.

  • North Pole Playground – Children’s Games & Fun during Cookoff (3:30 pm-7:00 pm)
  • 10th Annual Turkey Gumbo Cook-Off (4:00 pm-7:00 pm)
  • Lighting of Natchez Tree, Announce Cookoff Winner and Community Caroling (7:00 pm)
  • Pickup gumbo tasting tickets (available near the tree) for $10 all occurring at the City Christmas Tree located in the center of the intersection of Main St & Commerce.

Natchez winter lights
2. Delight to Lights, Decorations & Stories
Tour Natchez Antebellum Homes and enjoy historic homes decked out for the holidays, including:

  • Rosalie, Magnolia Hall, Stanton Hall(many days & times). Walk or Drive about Natchez and enjoy tours of 3 wonderful Antebellum Homes by onsite guides at Christmas.
  • The Towers– Delight to “The Jeweled Christmas at The Towers”in Natchez Mississippi.  The Towers is a grand mansion dating from 1798 and currently enjoying a loving restoration of its North and South towers with completion expected by winter 2018.  This event is the most unique Southern seasonal tour, mixing Christmas with jewelry displays.  Come see thousands of incredible pieces of vintage costume jewelry.Previously named by USA Today as one of the Top Ten Most Unusual Christmas Displays in the United States and the onlyindoor display on that list!  Saturday, November 24, 2018 through Saturday, January 5, 2018. Tours begin promptly: Wednesdays 2 pm, Fridays 10 am & 2 pm, Saturdays 10 am, 2pm & 4 pm, Sundays 10 am. Other times by appointment.  $20 per person. $15 per child (8-12), Group Rates Available – 20 or more. Please call 601-446-6890 or visit the Natchez Welcome Center for tickets. View more details here.
  • The Towers– Special Christmas Candlelight Tours– An intimate evening with the owners followed by refreshments including complimentary champagne! Friday at 7pm, December 7 and 21, 2018   Advanced Reservations Only, Adults Only with Limited Tickets Available, $40 per person.
  • Christmas at Sunnyside: Where Whimsical Meets Traditional– Come tour the antebellum home Sunnyside…where a whimsical Christmas meets Tradition awaits! This hidden gem is a beautiful 5500+ square foot home and master gardener maintained grounds situated on 10 acres.  Every room is filled with Christmas decor… Christmas trees made of books, hundreds of elves on shelves, several Christmas trees in every room! Truly a feast for your eyes! Generally available November 23 through December 30, 2018. Daily schedules Monday & Tuesday tours Dec 3 through Dec 24 10am & 2 pm; Wednesday tours Nov 23 through Dec 30 at 2pm, Friday tours at 10am & 2pm, Sat tours at 10am, Sun tours at 2pm. Located at 102 Rembert Street. $20 per person.
  • Jingle All the Way– Come join the owners of Choctaw Hall and Sunnyside for a festive, candlelight evening filled with delicious samplings of cuisine and libations.’  Evening event includes tours of both homes, and refreshments. The Tour will start at Choctaw Hall at 5:30P.M. & will end at Sunnyside at 8:00PM. $64.00 per person, 40.00 for youth 13-17 years of age. Tickets Available at The Natchez Visitor Center (601)446-6345
  • Milk Punch Christmas Tour at Linden– Enjoy a wonderful sense of homecoming as often described by Linden visitors! Come delight to a Holiday tour of this beautiful Antebellum home and enjoy a famous Milk Punch with Miss Jeanette! Friday’s and Saturday’s at 11:00 am, beginning November 24th going through Saturday at 1 Connor Circle. December 30th. $20 per person and $10 per child (ages 13 – 17). Event update pending.
  • Stanton Hall Nutcracker Christmas Tour & Gingerbread House Display– Enjoy a celebration of Christmas in Natchez. 401 High Street. Event dates, times and prices to be announced.
  • Christmas at Auburn– Annual Open House featuring 1812 refreshments with entertainment. Event details to be announced.

Guided Downtown Walking Tours:

  • Rolling River Bistro– Stroll the streets and follow the paths that have been followed since 1716. Who knows who may join us along the way as Natchezians walk the streets day and night – some are restless, some may be seen and some may not – just their spiritual presence! $25.00 per person (which includes a “spirit” from Rolling River Bistro). Departure time is 6:00 – November – February. Please check in at Rolling River Bistro located at 406-408 Main Street 15 minutes before departure. Times vary with the change of season and weather conditions.  Inform the host that you are with the walking tour. Tickets may be purchased by calling Rene Adams at 601-660-7300 or tourologysales@gmail.com. Please check with them for updates on availability or weather conditions.

Guided City Tours:

  • Southern Carriage Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage, Downtown, walk up availability $20
  • Open Air Tour of City by Electric Cart, $20 pp, daily 9:15 am, 10:30 am, 1:15 pm and 2:30 pm, reserve seats at Natchez Visitors Center or call 601-446-6345.
  • Downtown Karla Brown City Tour by Van, largest city overview $30 m, call 907-540-0001
  • Double-Decker Hop-on Hop-Off Open-Top City Tour– See over 40 spectacular Hop-On Hop-Off sights and attractions. Get off or on the tour bus at any stop and enjoy the ride through historic Natchez. Spend as much time as you like at any of their stops. Tours run Tues – Sun 10 am to 5 pm. Tickets are $20 1-day, $22 for 2-day rides. Children (3-12) $10. Group discounts available. Purchase tickets at Natchez Visitor Center, Natchez Convention Center, Grand Hotel on River, or Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens.


3. Visit with Santa and The Grinch
There are several opportunities are available to enjoy and to capture photos of your children’s delight while they visit with Santa.

  • Santa Arrives at the Natchez Mall– Saturday, November 24th (event update pending)
  • Dunleith Christmas Brunch at The Castle Restaurant and photos with Santa– Sunday, November 25th, 11 am to 2 pm. Call 601-446-8500 for information and reservations.
  • 3rd Annual Natchez Junior Auxiliary Breakfast with the Grinch– Saturday, December 8th, 8:30 am and 10:30 am at the AJ canteen at Duncan Park. Come have breakfast with the Grinch and delight to the story as Grinch interacts with guests. Breakfast service will be green eggs and ham with pancakes, sausage and juice. Tickets are $10 each and every one must purchase a ticket. Children under two are free with an accompanying paying parent or guardian. There will be no admissions without a ticket! Purchase tickets at the door.


4. Christmas Luncheons/Teas

  • Annual Christmas Luncheon & Raffle at Magnolia Hall– Friday, December 7th, 11:30, 215 Pearl St, $15 per person. Enjoy a wonderful luncheon and raffle. For tickets contact Natchez Garden Club at (601) 443-9065.
  • Christmas Tea at Magnolia Cottage– Get into the Christmas Spirit! Come and enjoy live Christmas music, an assortment of teas plus coffee, sweet confections, tea sandwiches, scones & jam. Take home Christmas Gift for each guest and Door Prizes to win. Hear history from hostess of Magnolia Cottage at 35 Homochitto, Saturday, December 15th, 1pm – 2pm and 3pm – 4pm. Ages 10 and up, $25/person. Reservations required. To reserve your spot call 601-807-5260 or email grandinnatchez@yahoo.comon or before December 12, 2018
  • Milk Punch Christmas Beverage at Linden– Enjoy a wonderful sense of homecoming as often described by Linden visitors! Come delight to a Holiday tour of this beautiful Antebellum home and enjoy a famous Milk Punch with Miss Jeanette! Friday’s and Saturday’s at 11:00 am, beginning November 24th going through Saturday, December 30that 1 Connor Circle. $20 per person and $10 per child (ages 13 – 17).


5. Christmas Season Music

  • Christmas Cabaret at The Natchez Convention Center – Friday, November 30, 7:00 pm, $35.00 per person and a Table of 10 is $300.00, visit www.natchezfestivalofmusic.com for more information.
  • Christmas Concert in Majestic St. Mary Basilica– Sunday, December 2nd, 7:00 pm – by the award-winning Alcorn State University Concert Choir (Free)
  • Live Music nightly Mon-Sat at Rolling River Bistro– Enjoy YZ Ealey as Natchez’s only living MS Blues Trail Marker living legend that is still playing with other local accompanists.  YZ recently celebrated his 80th Birthday and teams up with locals to create unique experience for all for the Christmas Season.

Photo Credit: Natchez Democrat

6. Enjoy Theatre with the “A Natchez Christmas Carol”
Enjoy a Southern version of Charles Dickens’ famous play based in Natchez, by the Natchez Little Theatre. “A Natchez Christmas Carol” is an original family holiday musical featuring beloved Christmas Carols and 19th-century costumes.

  • December 6 – 22, 2018 Fridays, Saturdays and Tuesdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm.
  • For will-call ticket purchase online using PayPal go to natchezlittletheatre.org or call 601-442-2233 or click here to purchase from Natchez Pilgrimage Tours.


7. Fun Outdoor Natchez Activities
Natchez Christmas Parade – Enjoy a festive Community Christmas inspired parade on main streets through charming downtown Natchez.Saturday, December 1st, 5:30 pm.
Holly Half Marathon & 5k  – Get tickets here.
Run through Our Beautiful Natchez Street at Christmas! – Dec 15, 2018, 6:30 am – 12:00 pm. Welcome to the Inaugural Holly Half and 5k in Natchez, Mississippi. Our goal is to host the premiere road race in the city of Natchez and give back to the community we love. Our event will be hosted on the streets of beautiful Natchez. Please join us and be a part of the growth of our event and city.  The race will finish at the Natchez Brewing Company with you’re your favorite refreshments. More race specifics to come. Stay tuned! In the meantime, visit their Facebook page for updates.
Winter Solstice & New Beer Release Celebration – Come to Natchez Brewing Company on Dec 21, 2018 to celebrate Winter Solstice, sometimes known as the 1stDay of Winter. It is also known as Midwinter in astronomical terms, as it a phenomenon marking the day with the shortest period of daylight and the longest night of the year. It occurs when one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt away from the Sun.  Also help celebrate the release of a new Imperial Stout Brew.  Stay tuned for updates on their Facebook page for updates.
 
8. Armstrong Public Library Tour of Homes
An annual favorite Natchez event, tour several private homes, bedecked with Christmas finery, with refreshments, all part of their annual fundraising efforts.

  • Sunday, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm December 2nd
  • Go to natchezlibraryfriends.org to purchase tickets, $20/person, and $15 children (8-12).


9. Christmas Shopping & Gifting     
Delight with exploring Christmas gift ideas for family and friends, plus fun and creative ways to give. Gift buying and giving can be exciting when you are being creative and explore downtown Natchez shopping opportunities.  Ask for our Downtown Shopping Guide at check-in for your shopping pleasure. (Published by our Natchez/Adams County Chamber of Commerce)
Some traveler favorite shops are:

  • Specialty & Gift
    • The Old South Trading Post is a specialty and gift shop carrying all sorts of items and souvenirs from all natural jams and jellies, pralines and candles, T-Shirts, hand-made soaps, caps and more.
    • Silver Street Gallery & Gifts is located under the hill by the Mississippi River and carries unique gifts, art and home décor.
    • Darby’s Gifts & Fudge is located in downtown Natchez and boasts two stories of beautiful furniture, gifts, home décor, clothing, accessories and the best fudge the South has to offer.
    • Moreton’s Flowerland is more than just a great place to get fresh cut flowers; it is a magical gift shop with lots of unique treasures for your home or to give as gifts to newlyweds or graduates.
    • The Nest offers seasonal blooming flowers, unique gifts, home decor, and event planning for your every need. Hours are Wednesday-Saturday 10-6 and by appointment.
  • Antiques
    • Consign & Design is a consignment shop with all kinds of trinkets and treasures that have been handed down from generation to generation.
    • Franklin Street Antique Mall is the place to go if you’re looking for furnishings from an earlier time in American history, and you will find they offer a nice mix of 17th and 18th-century furnishing to browse.
    • Old Man River Antiques offers antiques, art, rugs, collectibles, handmade jewelry and much more in downtown Natchez, Mississippi.
    • Dories Antiques offers Museum quality American and Continental antique furniture, 514 Main St. For appointment please call Dorie 601-951-2528 or 601-920-9154.
  • Fashion
    • The Pampered Soul Boutique located in downtown Natchez offers women’s fashions, formal dresses, gowns, jewelry, shoes and much more.
    • Mon’ Amie Children’s Boutique is a shop for kids of all ages with clothing for newborns and up to sizes 12-16 for girls and boys. Mon’ Amie also carries toys, accessories, shoes, bedding, artwork and more.
  • Annual Southern Holiday Markets at Rosalie Bicentennial Gardens– Stop at the Holiday Plantation Markets to shop, listen to live Christmas jingles, and admire the stunning decor, support some of the best local vendors of the south. You will find a collection of hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind items perfect to gift to the family, or keep for yourself! Admission is free to all shoppers! December 6, 13 and 20, 2018 at 8:00 am – 1:00 pm at N Broadway St. Contact Carly DeAngelo (610) 253-6392 for more information.
  • Downtown Natchez Second Saturday Christmas Festivities– Enjoy shopping, music, art events and refreshments. Shops and galleries extend their hours so visitors and locals can immerse themselves in true Southern hospitality and culture. Saturday, December 8th all day.


10. Christmas Dining Celebrations in Historic Natchez
Every Thursday, Nov 22 – December 27, Bike Night

  • Smoot’s Grocery – Every Thursday Night!! Bike Rally at Smoot’s – Live Music, Drink Specials, and Motorcycles!  Live Music 6pm – 9pm

Tuesday, December 5, Holiday Mixology

  • Bowie’s Tavern at 5pm. For more information call 601-446-8500

Wednesday, December 19, Special 3-Course Holiday Dinner

  • Dunleith Historic Inn (Main House) $60 per ticket, for more information call 601-446-8500

Monday, December 24, Christmas Eve Dining: (final dates/times may change)

  • Monmouth Historic Inn, Restaurant 1818 will be open and serving their normal menu. Seating times are 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm; the Quitman Study will be open for Casual Dining 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Call 601-442-5852.
  • Dunleith Historic Inn, The Castle Restaurant serving a la carte menu. Seating from 6:00 pm.
  • Rolling River Bistro will be open and serving a Special Christmas menu. Seating at 6:00 pm.
  • Magnolia Bluffs Casino Restaurants:
    • Bandsaw Buffet: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
    • The Bluffs Bistro: 11:00 am – 2:00 am
    • Cypress Mill Italian Steakhouse: 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Monday, December 25, Christmas Day Dining:(final times may change)

  • Monmouth Historic Inn, Restaurant 1818 will offer a Special Christmas Menu 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm; Monmouth’s  Quitman Study will be open for Casual Dining 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
  • Rolling River Bistro will be open and serving a Special Christmas menu. Seating at 6:00 pm.

Photo Credit: Natchez Democrat

11. New Year’s Eve Dining Celebration in Historic Natchez
Ring in the New Year with a memorable dinner and watch New Year’s Eve Fireworks over the Mississippi at 9 – 10 pm. Final date and time subject to weather conditions.

  • Monmouth Historic Inn, Restaurant 1818 will be offering a special New Year’s Eve menu 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
  • Monmouth’s Quitman Study will be open for more casual dining 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
  • Dunleith Historic Inn, The Castle Restaurant will be open and serving a la carte menu. Seating at 7:00 pm. Enjoy Champagne and party favors.
  • Rolling River Bistro will be open and serving a Special Christmas menu. Seating at 6:00 pm.
  • Natchez Brewing Company will host a New Year’s Eve Party. More details coming.

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