Christmas by Candlelight Tour Returns Friday, Dec. 1
Friday, December 1, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) will host its annual Christmas by Candlelight Tour, a free, festive evening filled with live holiday music, holiday themed craft activities, sweet treats for all, and a photo opportunity with Santa Claus.
Christmas by Candlelight Tour sites will include the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion, Old Capitol Museum, Two Mississippi Museums, and Mississippi State Capitol.
“Christmas by Candlelight is one of our most cherished nights of the year at MDAH,” said Katie Blount, MDAH director. “So many happy memories are made among families and friends while experiencing the festive atmosphere and beauty of the Old Capitol Museum, Mississippi State Capitol, Two Mississippi Museums, and Mississippi Governor’s Mansion, all brilliantly adorned in holiday decor.”
Visitors can take advantage of free shuttle buses running between MDAH tour sites, walk or drive, and come and go. Parking is free at the Two Mississippi Museums visitor parking garage and the Mississippi State Capitol parking lot. Street parking is also free at each location.
The Mississippi Museum Store at the Two Mississippi Museums will be open during Christmas by Candlelight for holiday shopping fun and a 15 percent discount will be available on all merchandise.
The Christmas by Candlelight Tour is presented in participation with the City with Soul and Downtown Jackson Partners' Capital City Lights, featuring family-friendly activities, shopping, tours, food vendors, the City of Jackson Christmas tree lighting ceremony at City Hall, and much more.
Christmas by Candlelight Tour
Two Mississippi Museums
5 p.m. Johnson Elementary School Choir
6 p.m. Jim Hill High School Choir
7 p.m. Germantown High School Choir
* Model trains and town of Possum Ridge on second floor * Shop at the Mississippi Museum Store * Holiday craft activities
Governor’s Mansion
* Photos with Santa Claus * Trackless train rides * Hot cocoa and cookies * Self-guided tours of the historic mansion and East Garden *
4 p.m. Zacharia Smith performs
6:30 p.m. Holly Brand performs
State Capitol
5–8 p.m. Sessions Jazz Ensemble
* Chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives are open for all to enter. * Offices of the Speaker of the House and the Governor are available for viewing. * Stop by the Capitol Gift Shop for that special Christmas gift.
Old Capitol Museum
4-8 p.m. 41st Army Band
6-6:45 p.m. Holmes County Central High School Singers
* Enjoy festive holiday lighting, traditional decorations, and faux snow on the grounds. * Eudora Welty House & Garden staff will offer holiday ornament crafts in the North corridor.
For more information about the Christmas by Candlelight Tour, call 601-576-6850 or email info@mdah.ms.gov.