Christmas by Candlelight Tour
Friday, December 5, 2025
4–8 p.m.
Holiday decorations, live music, treats, model trains and shopping!
Enjoy holiday festivities at the Mississippi State Capitol, Mississippi Governor’s Mansion, Old Capitol Museum, and the Two Mississippi Museums!
Visitors are welcome to drive on their own or walk downtown. Parking is free at the Two Mississippi Museums parking garage and the Mississippi State Capitol parking lot. Street parking is also free at each location.
This year’s event is in partnership with Capital City Lights, presented by Visit Jackson and Downtown Jackson Partners.
Free to the public. For more information, call 601-576-6850 or email info@mdah.ms.gov.
Christmas by Candlelight Schedule
Two Mississippi Museums
5:00 p.m. — McWillie Elementary School
5:45 p.m. — Provine High School
6:00 p.m. — Germantown High School Choir
- Model trains and the town of Possum Ridge on second floor
- Shop at the Mississippi Museum Store
- Light holiday refreshments
- Sweet treats from Sugar Daze
Old Capitol Museum
- Festive holiday lighting on the grounds
- Holiday crafts led by the Eudora Welty House & Garden staff in the rotunda
- Cookies from Just Vanilla and cold milk
Governor’s Mansion
4-5 p.m. — Piano Studio students of Mrs. Carol Toothaker, Leakesville
6-6:45 p.m. — Mississippi Youth Symphony in the East Garden
- Photos with Santa Claus
- Trackless train rides
- Holiday décor and enjoy tours of the historic mansion
- Ornaments for sale
- Hot cocoa and homemade cookies
State Capitol
5-5:45 p.m. — Mississippi Youth Symphony Orchestra
6-7 p.m. — Sessions Jazz Ensemble
- Chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives open for all to enter
- Offices of the Speaker of the House and the Governor available for viewing
- Capitol Gift Shop open for holiday shopping
Smith Park
- Horse-drawn carriage rides
- Live nativity scene
- Live music from Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, Jackson Academy, and the cast of New Stage Theatre's upcoming production of Frozen
- Pop-up eats from Hal & Mal’s, Hickory Pit, Manship, Hickory Pit, Campbell's Bakery, Mayflower Cafe and more
Pop-up boutiques including Red Square, Sea & West, Buff City Soap, Belini Blooms, and more
Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center
- Traditional Christmas and Kwanzaa Celebration
- African drum and dance performances
- Live music from school choirs
- Family art activities