The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Fun in Jackson – 2019 Edition

As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to once again take advantage of all our city has to offer. Throughout November and December there are a number of activities to take part in all over the city.

Whether you’re looking to spend an evening with family and friends, want to enjoy the area’s best dining options, need some help with your shopping list, or are getting ready to decorate, we have the ultimate guide for the holidays in Jackson, Mississippi.

Popular Holiday Events in Jackson

Jackson celebrates the holidays in true Southern style. Every year the city turns in a festive wonderland. It’s a sight you just can’t miss. You can join in on celebrations, parades, festivals and other holiday events that make the season bright.

• Run π, Eat Pie: Thanksgiving Edition. On November 21 from 6:00-7:30 p.m., Run π, Eat Pie: Thanksgiving Edition takes place at Urban Foxes. At this family-friendly event, attendees can run 3.14 miles around Belhaven and enjoy peanut butter and pumpkin pies.
• Handworks Holiday Market. Since 1981, Handworks Holiday Market has gathered the area’s finest artisans for an arts and crafts shopping party. At this year’s event, there will be over 140 exhibits and vendors. You can knock out some of your holiday shopping on November 22 and 23.
• Canton Christmas Festival. The Canton Christmas Festival runs from November 29 to December 23. More than 200,000 twinkling lights will light up the Historic Courthouse Square. The festival runs from November 29 to December 1 from 5-9 p.m. The activities will commence every night starting December 6 until the 23. Festival highlights include an Interactive Christmas Village for children, Princess Parade Night, horse and buggy rides, photos with Santa, and more.
• City of Jackson Christmas Parade. From 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on December 7, join Santa and Mrs. Claus as they parade through the streets of downtown Jackson. For over 60 years, this parade has welcomed in the holiday season with extravagant floats and lighted displays. Those watching from the sidewalks can also enjoy holiday music from local school marching bands.
• Singing Christmas Tree. Belhaven University’s Singing Christmas Tree is an annual event that started in 1933. Every year, over a thousand people watch as the outdoor concert takes place. This year’s event will take place at 7:30 on December 7 and 8.
• Festival of Trees. The Westin Jackson hosts their annual Festival of Trees throughout the month of December. This year’s theme is “Whimsical Winter Wonderland.” Proceeds from the event go to the Children’s of Mississippi hospital.
• Deck the District. On Thursday December 5, visitors at Deck the District can enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and other holiday activities for all ages. The Ballet Mississippi will perform the Nutcracker, after which a tree lighting will take place.
• Holiday Sparkling Wine Tasting. On December 8, BRAVO! Italian Restaurant & Bar present the Holiday Sparking Wine Tasting at 4:00 p.m.
• Homestead for the Holidays. Homestead for the Holidays takes place at the MS Ag Museum on December 12 and 13 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Guests can enjoy a sampler breakfast, story time with Mrs. Claus, photos with Santa, carousel and train rides, and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about Christmas in the late 1800s.
• Snow Much Fun. On December 13 and 14 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, kids can play in scheduled “snowfalls,” create winter woodland crafts, and participate in a “Snow-ball” dance.
• Woodbury Ballet Presents The Nutcracker. On December 14 at 4 p.m., enjoy The Nutcracker with the whole family, as sugar plums dance, flowers waltz, and snowflakes leap across the stage.

Warm up in Jackson’s Best Restaurants and Bars

While cooking meals for family and friends is a big part of the holidays for many, sometimes it’s just as nice to hit up a local restaurant—especially because you don’t have to worry about cleaning up. Jackson is filled with dining and drinking options, but so we’ve compiled some of our favorites. Whether you’re looking to have dinner or just grab a cup of coffee while you’re out and about, we’ve got the stops for you.

• Char. Char is the place to go for brunch, lunch, and dinner. This fine dining steakhouse offers a variety of food and drink options in a warm, Southern-accented environment.
• Rooster’s. Serving Jackson since 1984, Rooster’s is a staple restaurant in the community. With classics like burgers, country fried stakes, and red beans and rice, everything you order is homemade.
• Green Ghost Tacos. Green Ghost Tacos serves authentic Mexican food made in small batches from quality ingredients. Their recipes are healthy and delicious, and they have options for those who are vegan or gluten-free.
• Pig & Pint. At Pig & Pint, you’ll find upscale, eclectic BBQ choices and an extensive beer list that includes everything from local crafts to domestics.
• 4th Avenue. 4th Avenue is a hybrid cocktail lounge in Downtown Jackson. From social celebration to private corporate events, this upscale venue is perfect for holiday gatherings.
• Cups. If you’re looking for a place to stop for the perfect cup of coffee, look no further than Cups. This café offers a warm and inviting environment for all patrons.
• Library Lounge. The original library of the Fairview Mansion has been transformed into a lounge, themed around celebrated Mississippi authors. Stop in for lunch or a drink. The lounge is open to Fairview Inn guests and the public.
• Parlor Market. The Parlor Market offers a unique dining experience. Guests can enjoy award-winning Southern fusion cuisine, seasonal menus, and a full bar and wine selection.
• Barrelhouse. Barrelhouse is a Southern take on the modern Gastropub. Located in the historic Fondren district, guests can enjoy a unique menu and a variety of cocktails.
• The Iron Horse Grill. Built as the Armour Smokehouse in 1906, The Iron Horse Grill prides itself on its rich history, open kitchen, and live music.
• BRAVO! This Italian restaurant has been a staple in Jackson since 1994. Whether you’re looking to enjoy classic Italian fare or pizza, BRAVO! has it all.
• Mayflower Café. This landmark eatery features Greek-inspired seafood and steak dishes. The Mayflower Café is the oldest operating restaurant in the capital city.
• Walker’s Drive-In. Located in the Fondren arts district, Walker’s Drive-In offers an upscale dining experience in a casual atmosphere.
• CAET. At CAET, you can enjoy casual seafood and an oyster bar in the comfortable dining room. They also offer private dining and catering.
• Local 463. This urban kitchen sources the freshest local and regional ingredients to present guests with south comfort food. At Local 463, you’ll find dishes like Crème Brule, Florida Rock Shrimp Pizza, and Mississippi Fruit Cobbler.
• The Manship. Offering seasonal southern meals with a Mediterranean twist, The Manship is a favorite of Jackson’s locals and visitors.

Shop Local in Jackson This Holiday Season

While shopping online for gifts is practically the norm today, there’s nothing like heading downtown and shopping locally. Not only are you supporting your fellow community members and business owners, but you’ll be on track to finding unique gifts you won’t find anywhere else. In Jackson, you’ll find everything you’re looking for this holiday season at the following locations:

• Canton Mart Square. Established in 1966, the family-owned Canton Mart Square is home to well-maintained and quality merchants.
• Highland Village Shopping Center. At Highland Village, you can find that perfect gift for everyone on your list. From fashion and style, to health and beauty, specialty stores, and more, there’s something for everyone.
• Interior Spaces. If you’re looking for antiques, art, tabletop gifts, or one-of-a-kind ornaments, you’ll find them at Interior Spaces.
• Old House Depot. This 20,000 sq. ft. architectural salvage warehouse sells reclaimed materials and custom builds. You never know what you’ll find at Old House Depot.
• Spirit House Glass. At Spirit House Glass, you’ll find beautiful, handcrafted glass pieces.
• The District at Eastover. The District at Eastover offers options for dining, shopping, playing, working, and more. If you’re planning on getting your holiday shopping done here, you’ll have access to pedestrian-friendly boutiques surrounded by comfortable spaces to relax.

Best Places to Buy Fresh-Cut Christmas Trees

Decorating a tree for Christmas is a tradition for many. There’s nothing that beats the smell of a fresh cut fir or pine tree, and spending time lighting the tree and placing ornaments is fun for the whole family. Below you’ll find the best place to get your tree this year.

• Kazery Farm. Located on McRaven Road in Jackson, Kazery Farm offers a wide variety of trees, including Blue Ice, Carolina Sapphire, Eastern Red Cedar, Leyland Cypress, and more. This is a choose-and-cut location.
• K and B Farms. Less than a 20-minute drive outside of Jackson in Florence, K&B Christmas Tree Farm is another choose-and-cut tree farm. While they exclusively grow Leyland Cypress trees, they also sell a variety of other Christmas trees brought down from North Carolina.
• Kingsplace Farms. Kingsplace Farms offers fresh-cut Christmas trees for you to choose from. You can also cut your own. This tree farm is located 15 minutes outside of Jackson in Brandon, Mississippi.
• Making Memories Christmas Tree Farm, LLC. If you’re prepared to drive a bit for your Christmas tree this year, check out Making Memories Christmas Tree Farm in Mount Olive. Only an hour away, this farm offers tree trimmings and Christmas arrangements in addition to their trees.

Happy Holidays from Pittman Roberts & Welsh, PLLC

We hope this guide helps you make the most of this holiday season. We’re proud of all Jackson has to offer. While we know the holidays can get hectic, set aside some time to enjoy the sights and food, and spend time with your loved ones.

From our family to yours, wishing you a festive holiday season and a happy new year.