November 25 — December 25
Welcome to Christmas in Natchez!
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.
Lighting the Christmas Tree
Natchez has celebrated the lighting of its Christmas Tree for many years. The tradition started with a real tree anchored in the center of downtown Natchez at the intersection of Main and Commerce Streets. Through the years, the tree has been transitioned into a “forever tree”, and in 2018, Taco Bell donated the grand 34’ tree that we use today. We kick off the holiday season with the Lighting of the Tree that occurs on the Saturday immediately following Thanksgiving each year.
The festivities bring a crowd of several hundred people, where the streets are blocked off and the heart of downtown becomes a street party that ends with the lighting of the tree. Festivities include: the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus and their friends who welcome children for pictures inside the Home Bank, a North Pole Playground with rides and fun activities for the kids and food vendors lining the streets. We end the night with the official countdown to the tree lighting, which takes place with pyrotechnics synchronized to Christmas carols. It’s a truly magical event.
The Lighting of the Tree this year will be held on Saturday, November 25th. Save the date!
Make a donation.
Ever wonder how Natchez gets its sparkle during the holiday season? All the glitz, glamour, and festivities you enjoy each year is made possible by YOU! Without community support, our small group of men and women volunteers would not be able to dazzle you with a city draped in lights and garland, and family-friendly events that last the whole season.
Each year, we offer a little something new to our lineup of displays and events. In recent years we added Caroling in the Park, a new Kwanzaa display on the bluff overlooking the river along with large displays used for photo opportunities along Bluff Park. Without your support, these additions would not be possible, and we thank you for your continued support each year.
Please consider a monetary donation to help us make Christmas In Natchez more magical year after year! Our organization has a 501(c)3 status under the umbrella of Natchez-Adams County Community Alliance.
Click on the Donate button below to make your contribution to the beautification of Natchez for the holiday season.