The old saying “something for the entire family,” will be the thrust of Historic Downtown Hattiesburg, throughout the holiday season. The Saenger will feature oldie but goodie Holiday movies, and pictures with Santa. At the depot, the Art Exhibit Tradition/Innovation will feature more than 100 pieces of unique contemporary and traditional Southern art. The holiday events continue with the annual Holiday Art Walk and a step back in time with the Victorian Candlelighting winding through the streets of the Historic neighborhood. The holi-daze continues with Ballet Magnificent “A Christmas Dream, dancing its way to the Saenger Stage, and Sounds of the Season in Downtown restaurants on Tue.and Thur., for noontime mini-concerts.Art will form be the centerpiece of holiday activity in Downtown Hattiesburg with the Tradition/Innovation Art Exhibit showing through December 19, Visitors will experience more than 100 pieces of unique contemporary and traditional Southern art created by 58 American master artists and craftsmen who currently live and work in the South. The exhibition will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 until 4, and Sunday from noon until 4. Extended hours for Holiday Arts Walk on December 11, will be until 9:00 p.m.. There is no admission fee, but donations are accepted. School groups are especially encouraged to see this exhibit. Reservations are encouraged for groups, by calling the Hattiesburg Visitors Center at 601.296.7475.
Tradition abounds Downtown with the 2010 version of Holiday Art Walk, December 11, 4:00 – 9:00 p.m., throughout Downtown Hattiesburg. The five-hour event will feature special events and refreshments in all businesses. On the streets will be bends, carolers, artists on the street, holiday characters, and photos with Santa will be at the Historic Saenger Theater. A special feature of Art Walk will be the 34th Annual Art Show and Sale.
As the afternoon of December 11 turns into night, the Historic Neighborhood will come aglow with the Victorian Canlelighting. Candles light the streets walks and driveways of the Historic Neighborhood. The entire area is decorated for the season, there will be carriage rides, period costumes, and many homes will be open with hospitality and refreshments.
Rounding out the Holiday Season will be the Holiday Movie Series, at the Saenger. December 20-23, 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. the Saenger will be offering traditional holiday movie favorites, “Miracle on 34th Street” and “A Christmas Story.” Doors open at 1 p.m. and special holiday concessions will be available in the lobby.
Additional information and schedules for all activities may be obtained by visiting www.hattiesburgsaenger.com, or calling 601-584-4888; www.visithattie.com, 601-296-7475; wwwdowntownhattiesburg.com, 601-583-4329