Local residents will have many choices to celebrate this holiday season, with family-friendly activities centered around the 2016 theme “A Hometown Christmas.”

“We are really excited about our events for the holiday season,” Meridian Mayor Percy Bland said. “It’s all about family fun, coming together, reminiscing, and to remember the reason for the season – the person who died on the cross for us.”

Downtown Meridian will soon see increased activity, Bland said.

“We will have more people spending money, shopping and visiting our city,” Bland said. “We just got through with the downtown development, so that should bring more shoppers to our local downtown businesses, but also at our malls and other areas around town.” 

The Christmas-themed events run the gamut from plays, chorus recitals, ballet, and of course, a parade.  

Laura Carmichael, cultural affairs coordinator for the City of Meridian, said there are six weeks of opportunities to make family memories in Meridian.

“There are a lot of different activities to do and see throughout Meridian for the holiday season,” Carmichael said. “It’s true community events that allow families to come and enjoy the different holiday special events we have going on.

“The true sense of community comes through when you have all these organizations who are giving this season just so people can enjoy a true ‘hometown’ holiday season. I encourage everybody to come out and support our organizations who put these lovely events on.”

The Merry Meridian activities begin Saturday, Nov. 12 with Trinity Presbyterian Church’s sixth annual holiday gift bazaar. More than 35 vendors will be set up with merchandise that includes woodworking, jewelry design, ceramics, gifts, decorative items, and much more along with homemade breads, cakes, pies and candies for sale.

The Trinity Cafe’ will again feature its chicken and seafood gumbos and soups. Frozen gumbo by the quart will be available to go while supplies last. All proceeds will benefit Meridian charities. Hours will be 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. For more information, call 601-485-4105. The church is located at 4223 Poplar Springs Drive.

More festivities to follow in the coming weeks include:

• Merry Meridian Market – Saturday, Nov. 19, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Miss Merry Meridian Pageant – Saturday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m., Union Station.

• 48th annual Trees of Christmas Opening Reception – Sunday, Nov. 20, from 1-5 p.m., at Merrehope. The opening reception for Merrehope’s holiday season will include an unveiling of exhibits, refreshments, musical entertainment and holiday tours.

• 48th annual Merrehope Trees of Christmas – Monday-Saturday, Nov. 21-Dec. 30, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 

• Nutcracker Ballet – Tuesday, Nov. 22, 7 p.m., Temple Theater for Performing Arts.

• City of Meridian Christmas Tree Lighting – Tuesday, Nov. 29, 5:30 p.m., City Hall Lawn

Light up the holidays in downtown Meridian when participants illuminate the 34-foot animated Christmas tree. Local churches and school groups will be singing Christmas carols and the Miss Merry Meridian pageant winners will be announced. 

• “It’s a Wonderful Life” – Dec. 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 4, 2 p.m. – Meridian Little Theatre. The December show is a stage adaptation of the film, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”   

• Belk Holiday Fashion Gala (Benefitting Merrehope) – Friday, Dec. 2 from 5-8 p.m., (Bonita Lakes Mall, Goody’s former location). Enjoy an evening of fabulous fashion and a silent auction benefiting historic Merrehope.  

• Kansas City Southern Holiday Express – Friday, Dec. 2, 4 p.m., Union Station. lves.

• Santa’s Christmas Factory – Friday, Dec. 2, and Dec. 15-22 from 4-8 p.m., Soule’ Steam Works.

• Meridian Christmas Parade – Saturday, Dec. 3, 5 p.m., Downtown Meridian.

• Meridian Symphony Orchestra Peppermint Pops – Saturday, Dec. 3, 7 p.m., MSU Riley Center.

• MCC Christmas Gala Chorus and Guitar Ensemble – Tuesday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m., Meridian Community College McCain Theatre.

• Oak Ridge Boys “Christmas Night Out” – Thursday, Dec. 8, 6-8:30 p.m., MSU Riley Center.

• Bethlehem Revisited – Friday-Sunday, Dec. 9-11, from 6-8:30 p.m., First Assembly of Meridian.

• Meridian Museum of Art Holiday Gala – Saturday, Dec. 10, from 6-8 p.m.