In Columbia, Mississippi, a remarkable holiday event took place that not only observed Small Business Saturday but also launched the annual "Christmas in Columbia" celebration. This event brought together local vendors, pop-up vendors, and merchants from Second Street and Main Street, creating a vibrant shopping experience.

Support Local Businesses and Spread Holiday Cheer

Annual Christmas Marketplace - A Shopper's Paradise

The second annual Christmas Marketplace was a sight to behold, with three dozen arts, crafts, and clothing vendors from across South Mississippi. It was a true celebration of local talent and creativity. Shoppers had the opportunity to browse through a wide variety of unique items, from handcrafted jewelry to cozy winter clothing. This marketplace was more than just a shopping destination; it was a community gathering where people could connect with local artisans and support their businesses.

Jenn Thornhill, the Main Street Columbia events coordinator, emphasized the importance of shopping local during this event. "Saturday was all about shopping local, supporting local, shopping small, and we picked a perfect time to tie in our local vendors, our pop-up vendors, along with our merchants who are open on Second Street and Main Street," she said. This event provided a platform for local businesses to showcase their products and reach a wider audience.

Among the vendors was Serrena Gleason, the owner of Serrena's Pet Spa in Columbia. She shared her thoughts on the significance of small businesses during the holidays. "Small businesses make the world go around, feeds families, keeps everybody together. This is the best thing people can do during the holidays. It helps everybody put Christmas presents under the tree," she said. Her presence at the event added a touch of charm and uniqueness.

Preceding the Parade of Lights

The event not only offered a great shopping experience but also preceded the annual St. Luke Home Health Parade of Lights. This added an extra element of excitement and festivity to the day. Shoppers could enjoy the holiday atmosphere while looking forward to the parade later in the evening.

The combination of shopping and the parade created a memorable experience for both locals and visitors. It was a time when the community came together to celebrate the holidays and support local businesses.

The Christmas celebration in downtown Columbia continued with a "Festive Friday" shopping event on Dec. 6. This provided another opportunity for shoppers to explore the local stores and find the perfect gifts. On Dec. 7, downtown Columbia hosted a "Spirit of Hope Saturday," which featured community caroling, food trucks, and a performance from the William Carey University Jazz Band. This event added a musical and cultural element to the holiday festivities.

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