The Candlelight Tour of Homes is the first holiday event of many to take place throughout the month in Marion County.
Other local holiday events scheduled in December include:
Christmas on the Bayou Tour
Dec. 1- 3, 8-10 & 15-17
Turning Basin Riverboat Tours will present a Christmas on the Bayou Tour each Thursday-Saturday during the first three weeks of December.
The event will be an hour-long riverboat tour down the Big Cypress Bayou that includes a guided tour or history and landmarks.
Tour times will be 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. nightly.
Pre-paid reservations are required and can be made by calling 903.665.2222.
Candlelight Dinners at the Excelsior Hotel
Dec. 2, 3, 9 & 10
The Excelsior Hotel will offer Candlelight Dinners in conjunction with the annual Candlelight Tour or Homes.
Dinner will be served 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. each night.
The menu will include chicken spaghetti, salad, bread, bread pudding, tea and coffee.
Full meals are $30. Coffee and dessert only be purchased for $7.
Reservations are suggested for all parties and required for parties of ten or more.
Call 903.665.2513 to reserve a table.
Santa Rob at Art on the Bayou
Dec. 3
Santa “Rob” will be on hand for pictures 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. this Saturday at Art on the Bayou Gallery in Jefferson.
The public is invited to stop by and take a picture with Satna while shopping for unique gifts.
Art on the Bayou Gallery is located at 205 North Walnut St.
They offer an array of artisans including hand crafted stained glass, Talavera pottery, hand crafted décor and jewelry.
Wassail Walk
Dec. 3
The Marion County Chamber of Commerce invites you to come stroll through our lovely unique boutiques and antique shops while you sip a cup of wassail or other holiday beverage here in downtown Jefferson.
The Wassail Walk will start at noon on Dec 3 and give you a chance to finish your Holiday shopping or just lift your spirits.
Candlelight Chamber Concert Series
Dec. 3 & 7
Christ Episcopal Church will host a series of Christmas Chamber Concerts in conjunction with the Candlelight Tour of Homes.
Performances will feature musicians from the Shreveport and Marshall Symphony Orchestras and are made possible by a grant from Andy Shehee and Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Homes.
The Dec. 3 concert will feature a String Quartet and the Dec. 7 concert will feature a Bass Quintet.
Both concerts start at 7 p.m. and are free and open to the public.
Christmas Express
Dec. 3, 10 & 17
The Christmas Express Train is a gas powered antique locomotive.
The ride aboard an antique narrow-gauge gas locomotive departs each day at 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Passengers will enjoy scenes along the beautiful Big Cypress Bayou River as they hear the story of Christmas.
The trains are a nice ride along the Bayou to enjoy the wetlands, river views, vignettes and storytelling.
Tickets are $12 plus tax and lap children free.
For more information, contact Historic Jefferson Railway 866-398-2038, diamonddonempire.com/historic-jefferson-railway
Santa Claus at Riverside Bank
Dec. 9
St. Nick will make a stop at Riverside Bank 3-5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9
The public is invited to stop by, get a picture and let him know your holiday wishes.
The bank is located at 371 South Walcott St. in Jefferson.
OHTP presents ‘It’s a Wonderful Life, a Live Radio Play’
Dec. 9 & 10
Just in time for the holiday’s the Opera House Theatre Players will present Christmas favorite, “It’s A Wonderful Life: a Live Radio Play.”
Staged for the audience as a radio broadcast of 1946, the beloved story was filmed starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed and this year celebrating its 75th anniversary.
The play will be performed 7:15 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10 at 7 at the VFW Post 10373, 1399 US Hwy. 59 in Jefferson Tickets are available at The Willow Tree Boutique or online at www.JeffersonOperaHouseTheatrePlayers.com.
Petting Zoo & ‘Reindeer’ Pony Rides
Dec. 10
Red Bus Cupcakes will host holiday pony rides and a petting zoo 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Dec. 10 at their location, 302 North Polk Street in Jeffeson.
The event promises lots of Christmas treats, ”reindeer” pony rides, petting zoo and photos with the Christmas pony.
Photos with the Christmas pony will be free with petting zoo or pony ride ticket.
One ticket is all you need for family photos with the pony. Photos to be taken with your own cell phone or camera.
Brushy Creek Christmas Drive-Thru Campsite Light Tour
Dec. 16 & 17
Brushy Creek Campground on Lake O’ the Pines will host their 3rd Annual Brushy Creek Christmas Drive-Thru Campsite Light Tour on Dec. 16-17.
For instructions and reservations visit www.friendsoflotp.com or call 903-665-2336. Trailers and Tents are welcome and camping is free as long as a lights display is setup.
Christmas on Polk Street
Dec. 17
The public is invited to come enjoy the Christmas spirit on historic Polk Street in Jefferson.
Hosted by EmBear’s Vintage and Port Jefferson Outpost, this all-day family friendly evebt will the a come-and-go affair with shopping, dining, discounts, giveaways, live music and more.
NOLA on Lafayette, a Christmas Open House
Dec. 17
The Jefferson Historical Museum will present “NOLA on Lafayette, a Christmas Open House” from 5-9 p.m. Saturday. Dec. 17.
The public is invited to tour the new mid-century modern flat with a New Orleans flair. Tickets are $25 and proceeds will benefit the Museum.
Located at 122 Lafayette Street, the home is the private residence of Jefferson businessman Paul Morehead.
The Christmas Gift of Music
Dec. 18
The public is invited to a free concert of piano, vocal and guitar music 4 p.m .Sunday, Dec. 18 at Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Featured performers will include pianist Jennifer Campbell, Margaret Durrum, Shirley Latham , Norma Rich and soprano, Kimberly Parsons.
The church is located at 501 East Jefferson Street.
New Year’s Eve at Auntie Skinner’s
Dec. 31
Jefferson Favorite night spot, Auntie Skinner’s, will host their annual New Year’s Eve bash with Chasin’ Benjamins taking the stage at 9 p.m. an
The event will include a champagne toast at midnight and a balloon drop filled with money.
Reservations are available by calling (903) 665-7121. Tickets are $15 for singles and $25 for couples.
Dress code for the evening will be Cabaret themed!
Auntie Skinners is 21 and up after 9 p.m.
The Jimplecute will maintain an updated list of holiday events each week in December. To include your event on this listing, email jeffersonjimplecute@gmail.com.