Enjoy a candlelit Christmas in Natchez

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Are you looking for a special evening of romance and elegance? Would you like to experience Christmas in the 1800s? Have you ever wanted to see dazzling tiaras, crowns and exquisite antique jewelry? Do you enjoy the special atmosphere of antebellum mansions in the Christmas season?

“Carriages, Candlelight and Christmas, Magnolia Hall and The Towers,” this Friday combines elegance, romance and traditional Christmas decorations at Magnolia Hall and the fabulous Jeweled Christmas at The Towers.

Arrangements of traditional winter greenery, fruit and nuts adorn every mantel piece in Magnolia Hall. A garland of magnolia leaves interspersed with other winter greenery wraps the banister of the stair case. Characters in period dress will portray Christmas in the 1800s. Guests can experience writing Christmas cards, visiting a family as the father reads “The Night Before Christmas,” decorating the Christmas tree and the Christmas dinner. Light refreshments will be served and the gift shop will be open.

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Guests will then board carriages for a romantic ride through the streets of historic downtown Natchez neighborhoods, decorated for Christmas with lights, wreaths and garland to The Towers to enjoy the elegant Jeweled Christmas.

As the carriages pull up to the front, this lavish home will be ablaze with light. Guests will see thousands of pieces of fabulous vintage costume jewelry dating from 1860 to 1950 from the unique and unmatched collection of necklaces, brooches, earrings, bracelets, rings, tiaras and crowns.

Each room features a different display of extraordinary decorations. Following refreshments, guests will again board the carriages to return to Magnolia Hall.

The $75 per person tickets are on sale at Natchez Pilgrimage Tours 601-446-6631 (www.natchezpilgrimage.com) at the Natchez Visitor Reception Center, 640 South Canal St.

You will want to purchase your tickets before noon on Friday. The first tour starts at 4:30 p.m. at Magnolia Hall, 215 South Pearl St. and the second tour will begin at 6 p.m. also at Magnolia Hall.

Anne MacNeil is a member of the Natchez Pilgrimage Homeowners Association.