All encouraged to attend Christmas on Deer Creek on Saturday, Dec. 6
Downtown Leland turns into a winter-on-the-Creek tradition on Saturday, December 6, with music by the water, Santa at sunset, and neighbors shoulder-to-shoulder from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. This is the 61st annual Christmas on Deer Creek, featuring the Children’s Brunch, Run Run Ru-Duck 5K, the Christmas Parade, Santa on the Creek, the Lighting of the Tree, and fireworks to close the night.
Children’s Brunch — Elf on the Shelf Edition
Snacks, crafts, and Elf mischief at Leland Methodist Church. Ticket sales will begin on November 10, and they sell out fast! Seats are $25, and children must be accompanied by a ticket-bearing adult, as well. Seatings will be at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and noon. There will be no paper tickets; names will be on the list at the door. To purchase, visit LelandChamber.com.
Run Run Ru-Duck 5K
Costumes over clock times—prizes for the best looks. Early registration by November 22 brings a discounted rate and a guarantee of race shirt size. Registration after November 22 is $35. Register at RaceRoster.com Online registration closes at noon on December 6.
Race-day registration will be available for $35, payable by cash or check only. Students ages eighteen and under race free, courtesy of Leland Medical Center. Leland Light and Water at 101 North Deer Creek Drive West will serve as the start/finish location.
Water and sports drinks will be ready for the front of the pack and the kids. Christmas cocktails will be ready for everyone in the back who is strolling along and ready for a refill.
Participants and spectators are asked to bring pantry items for the Leland Food Pantry. Needed items include canned soup, chili, tuna, mixed vegetables, pork and beans, spaghetti sauce, mac and cheese and black beans. A collection box will be near the race registration table.
Deer Creek Marketplace and Food Trucks
Take an opportunity to shop local for Christmas goodies. Expected vendors will be selling items such as candles, wreaths, art, tees, books, décor and treats — plus food offerings of BBQ, hot tamales, funnel cakes, cupcakes, and lemonade for breakfast, lunch or dessert. Vendor applications are available on the Leland Chamber of Commerce website at LelandChamber.com.
Christmas Parade
Decorate your golf cart, side-by-side, motorcycle, truck, stroller—or yourself—and join in. Applications are open through November 7 and are available on the Chamber website, event Facebook, or from Nancy Jo King. Applications can be mailed to P.O. Box 67 or dropped off at City Hall. Lineup will be at 1:30 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church, and the parade will roll at 2 p.m. Family-friendly creativity and originality are encouraged!
Music on the Creek
Two stages will fill the entire day with music, closing with Mustache on the Main Stage. Local acts perform on the Rainbow Connection Bridge (Broad).
Santa, Tree, Fireworks
At sunset, claim a spot for Santa on the Creek—when the lighted floats come alive. Tree Lighting is at 6 p.m. Fireworks will follow the evening music.
Museums and Santa Photos
Plan stops at the Mississippi Wildlife Heritage Museum, Our Town Museum, Highway 61 Blues Museum, and the Jim Henson Boyhood Exhibit. Catch Santa and Mrs. Claus for photos and storytime. Their schedule will be posted on the Chamber and event pages, once confirmed by their North Pole office.
For more information and updates, visit LelandChamber.com, Facebook: Christmas on Deer Creek, or Instagram: christmas_deercreek.
