VIDALIA — Tis the season to be busy at the Vidalia Conference and Convention Center this winter.

Miss-Lou residents have all month to look forward to a number of seasonal events and programs in Vidalia.

Marketing representative for the convention center Sheri Rabb said preparation for all of the events started in September.

“To have all the lights up and going by Nov. 22, we had to start planning early,” she said.

The first event of the season is the Christmas open house from 6 to 8 tonight at the convention center, Rabb said.

“There is going to be refreshments, door prizes and goodies for everyone who attends,” she said. “Bring the kids to see Santa, ride the trolley and see all of the displays.”

Riverfront administrator H.L. Irvin said the trolley will tour all of the 31 Christmas displays on the Riverfront.

“So far we have had several people visit our displays,” he said. “There is a line waiting every night.”

Rabb said residents have until Jan. 2 to view the Christmas decorations.

There are even a few new decorations for everyone to enjoy, Rabb said.

“We have outlined the convention center in lights, there are candy canes lining the levee on the utility poles and there is even a virtual Santa in the Santa Claus house for the children,” she said. “Inside the center, we have a beautiful Christmas tree with a six-foot-tall Nutcracker, toy soldiers and stuffed animals around it.”

The second event for the holiday season is scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 9, and will feature a performance by the St. Joseph Arts Choir our of Louisiana under the direction of Louis DeVries, Rabb said.

“We are also in for a special treat because the Alcorn State Choir will be there to perform with them,” she said. “They will be performing Christmas and seasonal classics.”

Irvin said residents need to come out and listen if they want a great show.

“The talent is second to none, and it’s all free,” he said. “Come out and be a part of this wonderful music event.”

The Christmas season will wrap up in Vidalia with the New Year’s Eve Bash on Dec. 31, Rabb said.

The event will start at 6 p.m. with Cuz and Company playing until 8:30, followed by Easy Eddie and the Partyrockers.

“There is no down time for music,” she said. “When one band breaks, the other fills in.”

Tickets for the event are $25 if they are bought before Dec. 28, and $30 if they are purchased after, and can be picked up at the convention center between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“Everybody is going to have a blast,” Rabb said. “The trolley and bus will be running everyone to and from their cars.”

Rabb said the convention center is even giving away two free tickets to the event through a competition on their Facebook page.

“We are having a Christmas tree contest,” she said. “Upload a picture of your tree on our Facebook page, and the tree that gets the most votes wins.”

Rabb said the event is bring your own beer, but glass bottles are not allowed, and ice will be provided. Irvin said Miss-Lou residents have a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks.

“It’s a Christmas you haven’t experienced before,” he said. “Christmas on the river, Vidalia style.”