For those that love all manner of holiday merriment, from twinkling lights to finding the perfect gift to spotting Santa, don't miss the second annual Capital City Lights (CCL) on December 2, 2022.

At the helm of this year's event are two of the Jackson Bicentennial Celebration's biggest champions, David Lewis (Chair) and Christina Spann (Community Liaison). As gifted storytellers and advocates for Jackson, they're most excited about the community aspect of CCL and the chance for locals and visitors alike to come together for a special night.

"This is a partnership between about 20 to 30 local organizations, primarily led by the City of Jackson and the Department of Archives and History," David said. "Last year, CCL was the kickoff to the Bicentennial Celebration, so it's only fitting that we cap it off with another great night of pulling everybody together to start the holiday season."

Visitors can expect to enjoy free live music and performances, holiday decorations, artisan vendors from Magnolia Sunset Markets, food trucks under the Planetarium dome, and treats and tours at some of downtown's most prominent places like the Mississippi State Capitol, Two Museums, and the newly reopened Old Capitol Museum.

"Last year, I went as a spectator, and it was so well put together. It was heartwarming to see people from all over the city come out and be in one space," Christina said. "One of my favorite things was the storefront challenges, where downtown businesses made these decked-out holiday displays. We're partnering with AIA Mississippi this year, and they're working with different designers and architects around the city to design storefronts on Capitol and State Streets. It's cool to see people's creativity come to life."

David mentioned that with the renovation of multiple sidewalks, downtown will have even more brightly lit spaces for the occasion. The city will also provide free shuttle transportation to make parking and walking more accessible. "We've got additional downtown buildings participating with lights. Each year, we want it to be more and more festive. I'm excited to see how that continues taking shape."

For kids and kids-at-heart, childlike wonder awaits with activities like the miniature holiday train village, "Possum Ridge," at the Two Museums, photos with Santa, ornament crafts at City Hall, face painting, bouncy houses, animal and robotics exhibits with the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, and more.

"There's going to be so much happening all over downtown, whether it's The Westin's Annual Festival of Trees and ice skating rink to Ballet Mississippi's 40th Anniversary presentation of The Nutcracker at Thalia Mara Hall," David said. "And later that night, our friends at 4th Avenue and Capital City Pride will have parties to get in the holiday spirit. There's a little something for everybody."

Check out the Capital City Lights website and Visit Jackson's social media to find out more.