NATCHEZ — The holidays are almost here, and Miss-Lou residents shared an array of events that will take place heading toward Christmas during the weekly Friday Forum at the Natchez Coffee Company.

Trinity Episcopal Day School will host the fifth annual Merry Market Holiday Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at the Natchez Convention Center.

The event is a fundraiser for Trinity, as it will benefit from vender registration fees and admission collected today.

A $5 admission fee is required to enter the event.

During the event, participants will find unique arts and crafts, clothing, accessories, jewelry and home décor. All sales will go directly to the individual venders.

“We wanted to find a fundraiser that benefited the community,” said Trinity communications director Tammi Gardner.

During the event, children will have the opportunity to take pictures with old Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus.

Pictures with Santa will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today and are $5 per child. Parents are required to bring their own cameras to take their own photos.

On Nov. 28, following Thanksgiving, Natchez will again present the holiday spectacle Christmas in Natchez.

The annual event will take place in downtown Natchez on South Commerce and Main streets. The day will kick off with a children’s Christmas fun fair at 2 p.m., just before the annual Turkey Gumbo Cook-Off at 4 p.m.

The best of the best turkey gumbo will be available from 5 to 6:45 p.m. Six tasting tickets can be purchased for $10 during the event.

The anticipated lighting of the tree will begin at 6:45 p.m., which is expected to come before a special surprise.

“We will have unbelievable pyrotechnics and special effects,” said Christmas in Natchez committee member Rene Adams. “If we sing just loud enough, it may even snow.”

Adams said Home Bank will play a big part in this years’ event, providing hot chocolate, cookies and pictures with Santa in their lobby on Main Street.

“Not only are we hoping to jumpstart a wonderful Christmas in Natchez, we hope that everybody will come out and support us.”

Cook-off forms are available at each Home Bank branch in Natchez to those who wish to participate.

On Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., the Natchez Festival of Music will sponsor the Christmas Cabaret at the Natchez Convention Center.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. and will include live entertainment.

“We will have fabulous music to keep guests entertained,” said Natchez Festival of Music president Mary Lessley.

To seat a table of 10 is $300, while individual tickets are $35.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or reserved prior to the event by emailing tick-ets@natchezpilgrimage.com or calling 601-446-6611 or 800-646-6742.

Following the Christmas Cabaret, the annual Christmas parade will roll through downtown Natchez at 6 p.m. Dec. 6.