Schools will be closed during the Christmas holiday season and it will be only a matter of time before  the words “I’m bored” will be uttered by children with too much free time while at home.

Here are a few activities to help them get over their boredom — and they may actually have fun!

 

Lazy Acres in Lights

Beginning Thanksgiving Day-Christmas Eve

Lazy Acres Plantation, Chunky

Featuring a drive-though light display from the comfort of your own vehicle. The farm is covered with lights and holiday scenes. Children can dance with costumed characters at Dancer’s Disco Deck, create something special with the elves in Santa’s Workshop, play with a life-size version of the Simon game and engage in other activities. Santa will be at Santa’s Barn on Friday and Saturday nights.

Hours for Lazy Acres in Lights are Mondays through Thursdays, from 6-9 p.m.. Admission is $20 per car, $30 for small passenger van. Buses are not allowed 

On Fridays and Saturdays from 6-10 p.m., the light display can be experienced from the plantation’s wagons. Admission is $8 per person; children 2 and under admitted free.

For more information, visit the webpage www.lazy-acres.com or call 833-327-6386 (FARMFUN)

 

Santa’s Christmas Factory

Dec. 15-22, from 4-8 p.m., Soule’ Steam Works

A pure delight for kids of all ages! Bring your family for a true Christmas wonderland. The museum will be transformed into a Frozen Factory complete with falling snowflakes! There is even a train for the little ones. 

City of Meridian Annual Christmas Parade

Saturday, Dec. 15, 5:30 p.m., Downtown Meridian

Local businesses, organizations, churches and school groups participate in the one of the area’s largest nighttime holiday event inDowntown Meridian.

 

Annual Merrehope Trees of Christmas 

Ongoing through Dec. 29

Merrehope and F.W. Williams Historic Homes

905 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

This year’s trees will feature beautiful expressions of artists, musicians, dance and more. Both historic homes will be decked out with holiday decorations and theme decorated trees.

Tour hours are: Monday-Saturday, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday Dec. 2, 9 and 16, from 1-5 p.m. Special events can be arranged on Sunday and in the evenings by appointment.

Tour prices: $10, both homes; $5, one house. Children: $5 for both house; $3, one house. Children under 6 admitted free. Special rates for groups of 10 or more. For more information: 601-483-8439.

 

Events at The MAX

 

The MAX

2155 Front St., Downtown Meridian

For more information or to register for events, visit msarts.org or call 601-581-1550

 

• Ongoing

Make + Take Workshops

Saturdays, every half hour from 1-3 p.m.

Young visitors to The MAX make an art project to take home. Activities are led by a museum educator and held in the second floor classroom. Free with museum admission. 

  

• For Families — Ceramic Ornaments 

Dec. 16, from 1-3 p.m. 

Create a memorable keepsake for your family by painting ceramic ornaments. Create just one or an entire set. $3 per ornament material fee. Open to the public. 

 

• Mini Maestros Enrichment — Clay Work 

Dec. 20, 10 a.m. 

Toddlers will create Christmas ornaments from air dry clay with cookie cutters. Free for toddlers and their caregivers. Registration required by Dec. 19.

 

Events at Meridian/Lauderdale County Public Library

 

M/LC Public Library

2517 Seventh St., Downtown Meridian

Telephone: 601-693-6771; Storyline, 601-482-4444

Dec. 11

• Baby/Toddler: Do-It-Yourself fabric snowman tote, 10 a.m.

Dec. 12

• Young Adults (Seventh-12th grades): Hot Cocoa Christmas ornaments, 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 13

• Kindergarten-sixth grades: Fancy Snowflake Christmas Suncatcher crafts, 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 18

• Baby/Toddler: Cottonball Santa Clause crafts, 10 a.m.

Dec. 19

• Young Adults (Seventh-12th grades): DIY Christmas bracelets, 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 20

• Kindergarten-sixth grades: Movie Day (Movie TBA), 3 p.m.

Dec. 26

• Young Adults (Seventh-12th grades): STEM activity, Marshmallow Challenge, 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 27

• Kindergarten-sixth grades: Gingerbread Kid crafts, 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 2, 2019

• Young Adults (Seventh-12th grades): Canvas painting, 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 3

• Kindergarten-sixth grades: Snow Globe craft, 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 8

• Baby/Toddler: Hot Cocoa Day crafts, 10 a.m.

Jan. 9

• Young Adults (Seventh-12th grades): Game Day, 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 10

• Young Adults (Seventh-12th grades): STEM activity, Psychedelic Snowflake crafts, 4:30 p.m.