NATCHEZ — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Natchez, and sound and taste like it, too — with sweet treats and Christmas carols coming up this weekend.

This Saturday, Magnolia Cottage Bed and Breakfast — located at 35 Homochitto St. — will have its fourth-annual Christmas Tea, a holiday favorite tradition that is a favorite event of locals and guests, said Magnolia Cottage innkeeper, Jackie Wild.

“We’ll have a medley of tea, sweet confections, homemade scones and tea sandwiches,” Wild said. “I usually have between 40 and 50 guests during each sitting. … I think it’s a popular event this time of year. Everyone enjoys the sweets, and love that it’s all homemade.”

For a $25 ticket, not only will attendees get a taste of the South, but they also will see and learn more about Magnolia Cottage in a guided tour, Wild said.

“Magnolia Cottage was built in 1831,” she said. “It still has the remnants of its own dairy and is very close to the downtown area. … It’s one of the most popular houses in Downtown Natchez.”

Guests will also have the opportunity to draw for door prizes. Each guest will receive a Christmas gift to take home, Wild said.

Tickets to the tea are available on eventbrite.com.

Caroling in the park

Also coming up this Sunday, the Christmas in Natchez committee will have its first-ever caroling event, “Dickens Christmas Caroling in the Park,” starting at 6 p.m. Sunday in Memorial Park.

Wild, a member of the Christmas in Natchez committee, said members of Jefferson Street United Methodist Church’s choir have volunteered to dress up as beloved characters from the Charles Dickens’ novel, “A Christmas Carol,” and will sing traditional Christmas tunes, if weather permits.

Starting at 6:30 p.m. in Memorial Park, a special guest in a red coat and white beard will appear with candy canes and hot chocolate for everyone, Wild said.

“I’m hoping this event will grow each year, with more volunteers,” she said. “Dickens wanted to show everyone what the true spirit of Christmas is all about.”

For more information, contact Jackie Wild at 601-807-5260.