The annual Christmas by Candlelight Tour will return to Mississippi’s capital city a little over a week from now.
On Friday, Dec. 6, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., the tour presented by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) will be open with stops at the Two Mississippi Museums, the Governor’s Mansion, the Mississippi State Capitol, and the Old Capitol Museum. Festivities include live music, light refreshments, arts and crafts, trackless train rides, and a chance to get a photo snapped with Santa.
All stops will be decorated with Christmas lights and décor. The Eudora Welty House & Garden staff will offer holiday ornament crafting at the Old Capitol Museum.
Holiday shoppers will get a chance to purchase discounted souvenirs and gifts at the Mississippi Museum Store, located inside the Two Mississippi Museums. Museum visitors will also be able to explore a Christmas-themed, model-train exhibit.
Free shuttle trips will run between tour sites, allowing visitors to hop on board if they prefer not to walk. Parking is free at the Two Mississippi Museums parking garage and the state capitol parking lot. Street parking will also be open.
A full schedule of events for the 2024 Christmas by Candlelight Tour is as follows:
Two Mississippi Museums
- 5 p.m.: Germantown High School choir
- 6 p.m.: Johnson Elementary School choir
- 7 p.m.: Lanier High School choir
The model train exhibit will be located on the second floor. Holiday craft activities will also be available.
Governor’s Mansion
- 4-8:30 p.m.: Photos with Santa Claus, trackless train rides, hot cocoa and cookies, self-guided tours of the mansion and East Garden.
Mississippi State Capitol
- 5-8 p.m.: Sessions Jazz Ensemble
House and Senate chambers, along with the offices of the speaker and governor, will be open to visitors. The Capitol Gift Shop will also be open.
Old Capitol Museum
- 4-6 p.m.: 41st Army Ban
- 6:30-7:15 p.m.: Holmes County Central High School Singers
Covered in faux snow, the Old Capitol Museum will feature holiday ornament crafts and cookies from Campbell’s Bakery.
