Students at the Mississippi School of the Arts are celebrating the season in song and dance.

The MSA Department of Vocal music will hold its Christmas Chorale concert at Mary Jane Lampton Auditorium Friday at 7 p.m.

The chorale will perform a concert of holiday music, gospel and classical pieces.

The concert is free and the public is invited to attend.

At the same time, the National Society for Dance Arts will present excerpts from “The Nutcracker” at MSA’s Black Box Theatre in Enochs Hall.

The 7 p.m. event is also free and open to the public.

Jennifer Jackson, coordinator of school advancement, said either choice will be the right one to make. Both departments’ performances will showcase the students’ talents.

“They’re using their talents to give back to the community,” she said. “All the performances are free. It’s like a Christmas gift for the community. They’ve worked really hard.”

Though not Christmas-themed, the exhibit by guest artist Greg Cartmell at Enochs Art Gallery is also free to the public. The exhibit will be up for viewing through Feb. 1.

Cartmell is originally from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, but later moved to Meridian. With over 60 years of artistry experience, Cartmell showcases his many works of art in shows around the country.

Viewings by appointment are available on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call 601-823-1300 for an appointment.