Christmas in Natchez is approaching, and we can put you on the map — the map of lights.

All you have to do is decorate your home or business with lights galore and let us know and we will include you in our map of lights. We are putting together a map for our visitors and all of our local lovers of Christmas lights to take a driving tour of Natchez “City of Lights” and not miss a thing.

As you all know Ginger Hyland came to me nearly two years ago with a plan to put Natchez on the map at Christmas time. Last year we met, planned and worked with more than 40 meetings. This year we have only had to meet every other week. She is an organized taskmaster and a very nice one.

Thanks to Debbie Hudson and Melanie Tripp at the Chamber of Commerce, René Adams and Stratton Hall at Natchez Radio Group, Mike and Barbara Lomansey who are tireless volunteers and many others, Christmas in Natchez is growing into a major event for Natchez. This is your time to become a part of it — you just have to commit to decorate and let us know about it. All you have to do is e-mail us at christmasinnatchez@gmail.com

This year is going to be a dazzling holiday season in Natchez, starting with Jeweled Christmas tour of The Towers, which is the crown jewel of Christmas in Natchez and now the lighting of Longwood this year.

Thanksgiving weekend is the official kick off of Christmas in Natchez. Friday Nov. 26 is a great day for shoppers to visit downtown and the Natchez Mall. Here are just a few festivities during the holiday season. To stay in the know I recommend you visit our website www.Christmasinnatchez.com as events are being added every week. Here is a sneak preview and remember to get your tickets now from NPT at the Natchez Visitors Center.

Thanksgiving weekend

Friday Nov. 26, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. — Turkey gumbo cook-off. We have two categories, professional and home cook. All you have to do is come with your turkey gumbo on a burner — you must have at least five gallons. Tasting bowls are sold for $1 each, and the winners get half the ticket money as a prize. Last year the winners received $200.

Friday Nov. 26, 6 p.m. — The lighting of the tree ceremony is at 6 p.m. with holiday music.

Saturday Nov. 27 — Christmas in Natchez 5K Turkey Trot sponsored by Natchez Regional and 95 Country, WNAT, Kiss 97.3 and Natchez Chamber Young Professionals and the opening of the Towers Jeweled Christmas.

Sunday Nov. 28 at 5:30 — Lighting of the bluff, featuring the vintage mechanical Christmas decorations then drive through Longwood to see the lights for just $5 a car.

Christmas Concerts

Every Thursday during December in the lobby of the Eola Hotel there will be a local choir singing carols.

Every Friday at noon during December Trinity Episcopal Church has a Chamber Concert

First Friday in Downtown Natchez at 5:30, Dec. 3 the Community Choir will perform at the tree on Main Street

Sunday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. — Alcorn Choir at St. Mary’s Basilica on Main Street

Sunday, Dec. 12 at 10:30 a.m. — First Presbyterian Church Choir with Bells

Sunday, Dec. 12 at 5 p.m. — Trinity Episcopal Church presents “Lessons in Carols”

Sunday, Dec. 19 at 2 p.m. — St. Mary’s, Holy Family and Cathedral School choirs present “Lessons in Carols” at St. Mary’s Basilica

Sunday, Dec. 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. — Memorial Park hot chocolate cook off and caroling in the park

Children and family events

Dec. 3-12 — Natchez Little Theater presents “A Natchez Christmas Carol”

Saturday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. — Christmas parade

Friday and Saturday, Dec. 10 and 11 — 1860s Christmas at Melrose

Saturday, Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Children’s shopping spree and special day at Ellicott Hill

Saturday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. — Nutcracker Puppet Show at Cathedral School

Sunday, Dec. 12 — Teddy Bear Tea at D’Evereux

Special Holiday Tours

Friday, Dec. 3, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Special Christmas and Candlelight Tour of Stanton Hall

Sunday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. — Library Tour of Homes

Friday, Dec. 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 — Champagne and candlelight tour of The Burn and Linden

Friday, Dec. 17 at 4:30 and 6 p.m. — Carriages, Candlelight & Christmas at Magnolia Hall and The Towers

Saturday, Dec. 18 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. — Treasures on the Trace at Brandon Hall

Regina Charboneau is an organizer of Christmas in Natchez: City of Lights.