This Week
City of Newton Parks and Recreation Basketball
Registration is now open for the City of Newton Parks and Recreation Basketball League, open to kids ages 6-12. The deadline is Nov. 21. Registration fee is $40, and the late fee is $5. Must be 6 years old before Nov. 21, 2025. Stop by the Newton City Hall to pick up a registration form.
Upcoming
Toys for Tots Registration Now Open
Registration is now open to take part in Toys for Tots. Open to ages 0-12. To register, come by Afternoon Adventure Learning Center, located at 306 North Main Street in Newton, Monday-Friday from 2-4:30 p.m. You must show a photo I.D., birth certificate, proof of residence, and social security card of each child. Registration is open until Nov. 30. If you would like to donate a new or unwrapped toy, please contact Kristie Temple at 601-934-8978.
Project Backpack Community Service Project
Project Backpack is now underway at the Newton County Extension Center, with a deadline of Dec. 1. The project is a community service project donating new or gently used backpacks filled with toiletries and other items to individuals lining in community-based residential housing.
We have had a large donation of backpacks and are requesting toiletries to fill them. Filled backpacks will be accepted as well. Donation can be dropped off at our office, located at 65 7th Street in Decatur from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday-Friday. For a list of suggested items to be donated, visit us on Facebook at Newton County Extension Office. For more information, contact us 601-635-7011.
Christmas in Union 2025
The Union Chamber of Commerce invites you to come celebrate Christmas in Union as they host several holiday events, beginning with a Gospel Singing, Live Nativity, and the Christmas Story on Sunday, Nov. 30, beginning at 4:30 p.m., followed by the Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. in Downtown Union. The Union Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m.
Christmas in Newton 2025 “Rockin’ Around a Great Small Town”
Christmas 2025 is right around the corner, and you’re invited to two weeks of festive holiday events in Newton from Dec. 1-16. We start the holidays with our Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 2 at 6:45 p.m., followed by the Newton Christmas Parade on Dec. 4, beginning at 6 p.m. The Newton Chamber of Commerce invites you to Shop Local in Newton from Dec. 1-16. Take part in the Newton Chamber’s Angel Tree from Nov. 1-Dec. 12. And on Dec. 6, beginning at 5 p.m., the McElroye-Hoye House will host the Second Annual Tour of Trees.
Long Leaf Pine Workshop
You’re invited to join the College of Forest Resources of Mississippi State University for their Long Leaf Pine Workshop at the Coastal Plains Experiment Station in Newton scheduled for Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. Fee to attend is $25 and lunch will be provided. To register, contact the Newton County Extension Office at 601-635-7011. CFA hours for this program!
2025 Decatur Christmas Parade
Celebrate the season with us in Decatur as we host the Decatur Christmas Parade on Friday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. Parade entries sign up is now open on the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
Hickory Christmas Parade
The Town of Hickory Christmas Parade will be on Saturday, Dec. 6, beginning at 2 p.m. There’s no entry fee to take part.
Christmas in Lake
The Town of Lake will celebrate the arrival of the holiday season on Saturday, Dec. 6, beginning with the Christmas Parade at 4:30 p.m. There will be food trucks, entertainment from the downtown stage, and pictures with Santa following the parade. FBC Lake will also show a movie following the parade. The library will also host a snow globe making class with a special guest!
Christmas at The Roxy
The Newton Theatre Company invites you to the Roxy Theatre in Downtown Newton for Christmas at the Roxy on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m. The event, which will be an afternoon of Christmas music led by local talent, is free to the public. There is an optional opportunity to donate to the Hickory Food Pantry by bringing one (or more) canned food item.
Christmas Around the Courthouse in Decatur
Come experience the magic of Christmas in Decatur at Christmas Around the Courthouse on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 4-7 p.m. The Grinch, Santa, and the Gingerbread Man will be frolicking along Broad Street! There will be crafts for the whole family, special performances, and wagon rides through the night.
Stress-Free Holiday Gifts from the Kitchen Workshop
Did you know that making time for self-care can help decrease stress? Join us on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 10 a.m. at the Newton County Extension Office for a Stress-Free Holiday Gifts from the Kitchen Workshop, where you can learn a new skill and de-stress while planning the holidays. This workshop will include making pepper jelly and various gifts in a jar. The cost is $10. Call 601-635-7011 to register or request special accommodations by Dec. 5.
Newton County Cattlemen’s Association Christmas Party
Newton County Cattlemen’s Association will host their Christmas Party on Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Coastal Plains Experiment Station in Newton. Join us for music, food, and fellowship! Please RSVP your meal by calling the Newton County Extension Office at 601-635-7011 by Dec. 12.
Submit your events for the calendar
Submit your community calendar and news items to appealproduction@gmail.com, leach@newtoncountyappeal.com or morgan@newtoncountyappeal.com. Please send events at least two weeks ahead of time. Please include the date, time, location and a brief description of the event.
