The Thanksgiving and Christmas event season is upon us and we’ve got the list of things to do to make the season bright.

Saturday, Nov. 6 – Brookhaven Academy Fall Festival

Ready for carnival games, a silent auction and an elementary performance? Brookhaven Academy’s got you covered. Attend the school’s Fall Festival starting at 2 p.m. and going through the live auction at 4 p.m. outside behind the new gym.

Monday, Nov. 8 – Miss Merry Christmas Contest

Head over to the Chamber of Commerce, 230 S. Whitworth Ave., for the Miss Merry Christmas, which features high school seniors up to age 20 college students. Participants are judged on personality, poise and appearance, Sunday attire and interview. Must be a resident of Lincoln County and the winner must be available for Christmas Open House, the Christmas Parade and several other personal appearances.

Saturday, Nov. 13 – Christmas Open House Christmas

The Chamber of Commerce’s Brookhaven Christmas Open House Nov. 13 offers a wide range of shopping for both gifts and a little something for yourself, perhaps? Participating businesses include 601 Sports & Outdoors, A. Morgan Boutique, Beyond the Rainbow, Broma’s Deli, Brookhaven MedSpa-Facial Aesthetics, Castles, Downtown Shoes, Elaina Anders Designs, Engravables, Expectations, Expectations Too, Georgia Blue, Hall & Company, Judy’s II Shoes & More, J. Allan’s, Melinda’s Fabrics/Interiors, Mint Consignment & Boutique, Mood-The Salon, New Vitality Medi Spa, Panache, PJ’s Coffee, Printed Cotton Co., Roxy Magnolia, Sassafras Boutique, Sassy but Sweet Boutique, Southern Style, The  Skin Center & Spa, The Well-Dressed Man, Three Sisters Boutique, Three Sisters Children’s Boutique and Vendors Emporium.

Saturday, Nov. 13 – Breakfast with Santa at Outlets of Mississippi

The Outlets of Mississippi play host to Santa in Pearl at 10 a.m. We have to wonder – is Santa a grits man or does he prefer hash browns?

Saturday, Nov. 20 – Dogwood Dash Christmas Fun Run in Bogalusa

Meet up at Cassidy Park at 6 p.m. in Bogalusa, La., for a dash to remember.

Tuesday, Nov. 23 – Brookhaven Thanksgiving Farmers Market

Be there from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Janie’s Pastry Shop & Bakery, 206 S. Whitworth Ave.

Thursday, Dec. 2 – “Light up the Night” Christmas Parade in Brookhaven

Shine a light on the season with your Christmas entry into the Brookhaven Christmas parade, set for 6:30 p.m. Floats must report to the Exchange Club Park Loop for placement from 3-5 p.m. Permits will be assigned upon arrival line up at Exchange Club Loop. Preview judging takes place from 4:30- 5 p.m. in the loop and judging will occur along the parade route. Floats must be complete and ready to roll before entering the Exchange Club Loop. All individuals, groups and vehicles (including motorcycles) must report to parade officials for line up along Cherokee Street from Brookway Boulevard to S. Jackson Street and be ready for placement by 5 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 3 – Rocking Around the Christmas Tree in Crystal Springs

On East Railroad Avenue South in Crystal Springs, attend this free event at 5 p.m. to boogie around the tree.

Saturday, Dec. 4 – Run Run Rudolph 10K, 5K and 1 mile kids run

Start the Christmas season off with a 10K or 5K run through Brookhaven! Don’t miss this Christmas-themed race featuring an awesome finish line party with hot chocolate and Christmas cookies as well as pictures with Santa Claus! The race will also include a toy drive to support Toys for Tots.

Saturday, Dec. 11 – 7th Annual Christmas Tea in Natchez

Magnolia Cottage Bed and Breakfast in Natchez is the place to be for a Christmas tea at 11 a.m.

So why should you play and shop around here? You are supporting the locals that make our community so great.

“Growing up in Brookhaven, I have wonderful memories of shopping Christmas Open House with my grandmother and walking to the Christmas Parade with family and friends,” said Katie Nations, program director at the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce. “It’s come full circle as I get to be a part of the planning of these beloved events and more!

“With the addition of our beautiful 32-foot Christmas Tree in downtown, our log cabin being decorated with frequent Santa visits, and plans to light up the city even more this year, our chamber and tourism council are filled with anticipation of a busy holiday season for our local small businesses!”

“We encourage everyone to save on rising gas prices and wait-times for online shipping by shopping locally,” Nations said.

 

By Angela Cutrer