Come December, plenty of small towns dress up as Hallmark movie settings, decking their streets with twinkling lights and festive trees. But Natchez, Mississippi, actually is a Hallmark movie setting. Featured in films like A New Orleans Noel and Every Time a Bell Rings, Natchez has long been a favorite Hollywood backdrop, but recently it’s earned a new title: the Christmas movie capital of the South.
While its rich history and scenic architecture have made Natchez a go-to for the Hallmark Channel, the city’s yuletide spirit isn’t just movie magic. This year, the real celebration—Christmas in Natchez—begins on November 30 with the lighting of a thirty-foot Christmas tree on Main Street, followed by caroling, children’s activities, and a Santa visit. Throughout December, various boutiques and antique shops offer one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, while historic home tours—including the dazzling Jeweled Christmas Tour at the Towers mansion (November 15–December 31)—add timeless charm. With these and other festive community events, Natchez captures the joy of the season. Best of all, you don’t need to answer a casting call to be the star.
