It’s time. It’s time for everyone to get out your Christmas decorations, check out your lights and get ready for the holidays.

If you haven’t noticed, the city elves have already started the process and have been working diligently to get garlands, wreaths and lights hung in time to meet the Christmas in Natchez, City of Lights opening day, Friday, Nov. 26.

Just like last year, festivities begin with a turkey gumbo cook-off, holiday music and the lighting of the Christmas tree. Of course there will be many activities that will follow until Jan. 2, and a list of those can be found at www.christmasinnatchez.com

Last year through many fundraising efforts, our town turned into a winter wonderland of lights with the purchase of 20 new wreaths, six strings of garland, bows on the tree and several IP decorations on the bluff.

This year again with many groups working together we are adding wreaths, many more refurbished IP decorations and the lighting of Memorial Park.

Here’s some exciting news! The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation has agreed to a matching grant for the Christmas in Natchez, City of Lights of up to $25,000.

The foundation will match every dollar donated with another dollar! The money will pay for needed repairs for the IP decorations, wreaths and bows, lights and labor. If you want to participate, please send your donations to the Christmas in Natchez committee at P.O. Box 18231, Natchez, 39122. All donations are tax deductible.

New activities are planned that include the gala for the lighting of Longwood on Saturday, Nov. 27. On Nov. 28, will be the lighting of the bluff with Santa Claus on Broadway. Viewing of the lights of Longwood will be available nightly for $5 per car, beginning Nov. 28.

Mark your calendar for the Christmas parade, Saturday, Dec. 4. If you want to participate, and we hope you do, you can find information/application on www.95County.com website.

Once again lots of fun is planned for children. On Dec. 11, The Nutcracker with puppets, a children’s shopping spree, and special day at Ellicott’s Hill is planned. On Sunday, Dec. 12, a Teddy Bear Tea at Devereaux will take place.

Candlelight dinners, carriage rides, choirs singing, a library tour and tours of a “Jeweled Christmas at the Towers” will complete the holiday affair. Just check the schedule of events to be sure you don’t miss out! It’s going to be a wonderful season!

Ginger Hyland is a co-chairman of the Christmas in Natchez, City of Lights committee.