A Small Town Christmas: WV Prepares for Its Favorite Traditions
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The Chamber elf couldn’t resist peeking through the window at GG’s Flowers & Gifts qt 213 Main Street as preparations begin for the December 9 Chamber Power Hour. Guests can enjoy light refreshments, door prize drawings, and plenty of time to browse the beautiful selection at GG’s. The shop offers fresh and silk floral arrangements, seasonal décor, unique gifts, candles, accessories, and more. Everything is perfect for holiday shopping.
Sponsored by the Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, Power Hours are designed to bring neighbors together while showcasing local Chamber member businesses. Everyone is encouraged to stop by, visit with friends, and show support for this charming hometown shop.
WATER VALLEY — The Christmas season is officially underway in Water Valley, and the next two weeks will bring some of the town’s most beloved holiday traditions — Christmas in the Valley, the Christmas Tour of Homes, and the annual Christmas Parade.
Downtown kicks things off Friday, December 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. with Christmas in the Valley, an evening when Main Street seems to sparkle a little brighter. Shop windows will be lit, sidewalks will be busy, and families will drift from store to store with cups of hot cocoa in hand. Local merchants will stay open late, offering gift ideas, holiday specials, and the kind of personal service that makes small-town shopping feel like part of the celebration.
A horse-drawn carriage will travel its familiar loop through the downtown lights, giving riders a slow, peaceful view of the decorations. The Water Valley Main Street Association will also host its popular Cookie Stroll, where participating businesses offer sweet treats to visitors. For many families, it has become one of those traditions where “just one more” cookie somehow always turns into two.
The holiday weekend continues on Sunday, December 6, with the Christmas Tour of Homes from 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and available at the Chamber office. This year’s tour features the homes of Justin and Callie Canterbury, Hal and Jill Clark, Brandon and Katelyn Presley, and Philip and Karen Simard. Each home will be decorated for the season, giving visitors a look at everything from heirloom ornaments to creative décor ideas. It’s an easygoing, festive way to see friends, admire local homes, and gather a little inspiration for your own Christmas decorating.
Then, on Friday, December 12, at 6 p.m., Water Valley will line the sidewalks for one of the biggest community events of the year: the Water Valley Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce. This year’s theme, “Toys, Trains & Candy Canes,” promises a colorful, classic Christmas feel.
More than 100 entries have already registered, and organizers say the lineup keeps growing. Expect floats from churches, school groups, civic clubs, and businesses — all decked out in lights and holiday décor. Marching units, classic cars, tractors, fire trucks, and lighted trailers will roll down Main Street as kids scramble for candy and wave at familiar faces in the procession.
Parade Chairman Tonya Eubanks said the community spirit surrounding the parade is what makes it special. “You can stand anywhere along the route and feel the excitement,” she said. “This is a night when families come together, neighbors catch up, and the whole town feels connected.”
The route begins at Crawford Sports Complex and winds its way through downtown, giving spectators plenty of room to find their favorite spot. And yes — Santa will be there to close out the parade in traditional grand-finale fashion. Water Valley wouldn’t have it any other way.
There is still time to join the lineup. The deadline to enter is December 5, and applications are available from Eubanks at 662-609-7370, by emailing tonyaeubanks@ohcm.ms, or by stopping by the Chamber office.
