File photoThe Christmas spirit returns to Meridian with several events planned this weekend to open the season. The annual Christmas parade is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 in Meridian. A float from the 2016 parade is shown here.

Meridian area residents will have many choices, including this busy weekend, to celebrate the holiday season, with family-friendly activities centered around the 2017 theme “A Hometown Christmas Story.”

Laura Carmichael, cultural affairs coordinator for the city of Meridian, said the celebration starts Saturday with the annual Merry Meridian Market at Mississippi State University Riley Center, where local shoppers will have the opportunity to get an early start with their Christmas gift lists.

“We have so many wonderful vendors this year, and the market is bigger and better,” Carmichael said. “Participants are offering something for everyone including homemade crafts, jewelry, pottery, women’s clothing, beautiful gifts and so much more. You don’t want to miss this annual holiday tradition!”

Children’s activities include decorating gingerbread houses, story time with Mayor Percy Bland, and visits with Santa. Shoppers will enjoy Christmas music and can register for holiday gift basket giveaways. Merry Meridian Market will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Riley Center.

Also on Saturday, the EMBDC Christmas Open House will feature local downtown businesses opened all day for shopping. The Miss Merry Meridian Pageant is scheduled at 10 a.m., for newborn to 8-year-olds, and 2 p.m., for 9-year-olds to 18-year-olds, at Union Station. One young lady will be selected as the overall Miss Merry Meridian Queen.

The Merry Mississippi Celebration, which will celebrate the state’s 200th birthday, was planned for Saturday in Dumont Plaza, but will be rescheduled due to the threat of bad weather, Carmichael said.

More festivities to follow in the coming weeks around the region include:

• Merrehope Trees of Christmas Opening Reception: Sunday, Nov. 19 from 1-5 p.m.

• Merrehope Trees of Christmas Tours available: Nov. 20-Dec. 30, Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Dec. 17, 1-5 p.m. Last tour begins at 4 p.m., unless prearranged. Adults $10; students $5, with children under 4 free. Senior citizens, active military and groups of 10 or more $9. FMI: Call 601-483-8439.

• Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker: Monday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Temple Theatre.

• Lazy Acres in Lights: Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, Nov. 23-Dec. 25 – 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Lazy Acres Plantation in Chunky.

• Christmas Tree Lighting, City of Meridian: Tuesday, Nov. 28 – 5:30 p.m. at City Hall Lawn. FMI: 601-485-1944.

• Christmas Gala: Part of MCC’s Arts and Letters Series, featuring the MCC Concert Choir and Instrumental Ensemble: Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. McCain Theatre, Meridian Community College. FMI: 601-481-1338.

• A Christmas Story – Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 2, 4, 5 at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. at Meridian Little Theatre. FMI: 601-482-6371.

• Merry Museum Youth Workshop: Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at the Meridian Museum of Art.

• Christmas Parade: Saturday, Dec. 2, at 5:30 p.m. – downtown Meridian.

• Peppermint Pops – Meridian Symphony Orchestra: Saturday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. at MSU Riley Center. FMI: 601-693-2224.

• Christmas at MHS – Empty Bowls: Kids Feeding Kids Fundraiser sponsored by the National Art Honor Society. Monday, Dec. 4 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Meridian High School Cafeteria.

• Christmas Extravaganza Concert: MHS Choir and Lamplighters and band. Monday, Dec. 4 from 7-8 p.m. at Meridian High School Auditorium.

• The Summit: The Manhattan Transfer Meets Take 6: Christmas Show, Thursday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at MSU Riley Center.

• Highland Baptist Church presents the 33rd annual Singing Christmas Tree. Dec. 7, 8, at 7 p.m. – Dec. 9 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. – Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Free tickets are available my mail or visit the office at Highland Baptist Church, 3400 27th St. FMI: 601- 482-0191.

• Bethlehem Revisited: Friday-Sunday, Dec. 8-10, 6-8:30 p.m. – First Assembly Meridian. FMI: 601-483-4591.

• Meridian Museum of Art Membership Exhibit: Dec. 9 through Jan. 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. FMI: 601-693-1501.

• Holiday Gala: Saturday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. at Meridian Museum of Art.

• Santa’s Christmas Factory: Dec. 15-19 from 4-8 p.m. at Soule’ Steam Works. FMI: 601-693-9905.

• The Messiah: Saturday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 17 at 10:30 a.m. at Evangel Temple.