The annual Christmas by Candlelight Tour will return to Jackson a little over a week from now.
On Friday, Dec. 5, from 4 to 8 p.m., the tour presented by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History will be open with stops at the Two Mississippi Museums, the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion, the Mississippi State Capitol, and the Old Capitol Museum. Festivities include live music, treats, arts and crafts, trackless train rides, and the opportunity to snap a photo with Santa.
While all of the official stops will be lit up with lights, complementing holiday displays can be found at nearby Smith Park and at the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center.
This year’s Christmas by Candlelight Tour coincides with the Two Mississippi Museums’ Possum Ridge model train exhibit, a fan-favorite that will open in the days leading into the event and depict a typical Mississippi railroad town of the 1940s. Holiday shoppers can also stop by the museum’s store, where a 10% discount will be available throughout the event.
Free parking will be available at the Two Mississippi Museums parking garage, the Mississippi State Capitol parking lot, and on downtown streets, with shuttle buses running between all four locations. Christmas by Candlelight is sponsored by Visit Mississippi and Downtown Jackson Partners. The full schedule and offerings can be found below.
Two Mississippi Museums
Visitors can enjoy portions of the evening at the Two Mississippi Museums with live choral performances, holiday shopping, and the Possum Ridge model train exhibit.
- 5 p.m.: McWillie Elementary School choir
- 5:45 p.m.: Provine High School choir
- 6 p.m.: Germantown High School choir
- Throughout: Holiday shopping at the Mississippi Museum Store
- Throughout: Refreshments and sweet treats from Sugar Daze
Old Capitol Museum
The Old Capitol Museum will present festive lighting and hands-on holiday activities for families.
- Throughout: Holiday crafts led by Eudora Welty House & Garden staff in the rotunda
- Throughout: Cookies from Just Vanilla and cold milk
Governor’s Mansion
The Mississippi Governor’s Mansion will welcome guests with music, cookies, and classic holiday traditions.
- 4 p.m.: Piano students of Leakesville musician Mrs. Carol Toothaker
- 6 p.m.: Mississippi Youth Symphony in the East Garden
- Throughout: Photos with Santa Claus
- Throughout: Trackless train rides
- Throughout: Hot cocoa and homemade cookies
State Capitol
The Mississippi State Capitol will host musical performances and offer visitors the chance to explore the building’s historic chambers and gift shop.
- 5 p.m.: Mississippi Youth Symphony Orchestra
- 6 p.m.: Sessions Jazz Ensemble
- Throughout: Holiday shopping at the Capitol Gift Shop