Start the Christmas season by visiting some of Mississippi’s most historic and significant buildings, including the Governor’s Mansion, Old Capitol Museum, Two Mississippi Museums, and State Capitol.
Always a popular event, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) will host its annual Christmas by Candlelight Tour, a free, festive evening filled with live holiday music, holiday themed craft activities, sweet treats for all, and a photo opportunity with Santa Claus. The tours will begin at 4 p.m. and run through 8 p.m. on December 1st.
The Christmas by Candlelight Tour sites include some of the Capital City’s most historic and significant buildings, including the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion, Old Capitol Museum, Two Mississippi Museums, and Mississippi State Capitol.
“Christmas by Candlelight is one of our most cherished nights of the year at MDAH,” said Katie Blount, MDAH director. “So many happy memories are made among families and friends while experiencing the festive atmosphere and beauty of the Old Capitol Museum, Mississippi State Capitol, Two Mississippi Museums, and Mississippi Governor’s Mansion, all brilliantly adorned in holiday decor.”
Visitors can take advantage of free shuttle buses running between MDAH tour sites, walk or drive, and come and go. Parking is free at the Two Mississippi Museums visitor parking garage and the Mississippi State Capitol parking lot. Street parking is also free at each location.
The Christmas by Candlelight Tour is presented in participation with Capital City Lights, an annual holiday event organized in part by Visit Jackson and Downtown Jackson Partners, featuring family-friendly activities, shopping, tours, food vendors, the City of Jackson Christmas tree lighting ceremony at City Hall, and much more.
Christmas by Candlelight Tour Schedule
Two Mississippi Museums
5 p.m. Johnson Elementary School Choir
6 p.m. Jim Hill High School Choir
7 p.m. Germantown High School Choir
Model trains and town of Possum Ridge on second floor. Shop at the Mississippi Museum Store. Enjoy holiday craft activities.
Governor’s Mansion
Photos with Santa Claus, trackless train rides, hot cocoa and cookies, and self-guided tours of the historic mansion and East Garden.
State Capitol
5–8 p.m. Sessions Jazz Ensemble
Chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives are open for all to enter. * Offices of the Speaker of the House and the Governor are available for viewing. * Stop by the Capitol Gift Shop for that special Christmas gift.
Old Capitol Museum
6-6:45 p.m. Holmes County Central High School Singers
Enjoy festive holiday lighting, traditional decorations, and faux snow on the grounds. Eudora Welty House & Garden staff will offer holiday ornament crafts in the North corridor.
For more information about the Christmas by Candlelight Tour, call 601-576-6850 or email info@mdah.ms.gov.
