Welcome to our annual listing of local Christmas parades and other Christmas-themed events. To have yours listed in this space, please e-mail calendar@thepinebelt.com and, in the body of the message, let us know when and where it's taking place and a phone number, website and/or e-mail address we can pass along to listeners.

Dec. 15th  Waynesboro  3:45 p.m. (rescheduled; 601-671-2076)

Dec. 15th  Stonewall  6 p.m. (601-595-1198 or 601-659-4607; open house at JCJC's Stonewall/Clarke County campus follows)

Now until Dec. 11th  Project Christmas Smiles   Donations of toys and food for needy children in Wayne County can be dropped off at the Wayne County Extension Office and the Waynesboro Fire Department. For more details, call 601-735-2243.

Now until Dec. 14th  HPD/Ryan Chevrolet Toy Drive   Hattiesburg Police officials are collecting donations of new and unwrapped toys for children, age 18 and under, within Hattiesburg city limits.  Donations can be made at Ryan Chevrolet (1501 West Pine Street) during the dealership's regular business hours.

Select dates from now until Dec. 15th  Carols of Christmas   Presented by  Williamsburg United Methodist Church (17 Sunset Williamsburg Rd., Collins), this event is a walk-through exhibit of Christmas trees decorated and inspired by hymns and popular songs. Refreshments will be available.   The event takes place December 7th and 14th from 11 a.m. until to 2 p.m. -- and December 7th-8th and 14th-15th from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. For more details, call 601-765-8550 or 228-860-3218.

Now until Dec. 20th  Hometown Heroes Holiday Toy Drive in Jones County     Donations can be made at the lirary in downtown Laurel (530 Commerce Street).  Donated toys will be distributed to children in need on December 21.  For more details, e-mail m.jones@laurel.lib.ms.us or call 601-428-4313 ext. 106.

Now until Dec. 23rd  Hats from Heaven   This non-profit organization collects hats for children for local hospitals, including the NICU.   On Christmas Eve, they will deliver assorted kinds of hats to the kids for Christmas with a little message pinned to it.  Every Thursday from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m., the group will be at Mill Creek Congregational Methodist Church (2319 Mill Creek Road).   For more details, call or text 601-470-9114 or 601-344-9037.  Join the Hats from Heaven by Ida Facebook group for details on other locations and collection times. 

Now until Dec. 31st  Christmas in the Hollow  Takes place at 350 Moley Wise Road in Waynesboro.  Like www.facebook.com/christmasinthehollow for more details.

Now until Dec. 31st  Christmas in the Park in Tylertown   Takes place at Holmes Water Park.  Like www.facebook.com/ChristmasInTheParkTylertown for more details.

Now until Dec. 31st  Lewis Lights   Will be on display nightly at 280 White Chapel Road in Purvis.  Visit www.lewislightsandcrafts.com or like www.facebook.com/LewisLightsandcrafts for more details and related events.

Dec. 8th-9th  Victorian Candlelit Christmas   Presents by the Hattiesburg Historic Neighborhood, the event starts at 5 p.m. each night with carriage rides, nostalgia, luminaries and much more.  Like www.facebook.com/HHNA.MS for more details.

Dec. 12th  Jones County Republican Women: Christmas Lunch/Meeting   Starts at noon at The Gables Event Center (1919 Bush Dairy Road, Laurel).   Special Christmas music will be provided by Kathy Lee.    The club is open to women members and men as associate members.  For more details, e-mail jcrw.laurel@gmail.com or call 601-422-7575.

Dec. 13th  Christmas in the Park in Taylorsville   Starts after the Christmas parade at City Park (398 Moore Street).  The event is sponsored by local churches and businesses.

Dec. 14th-16th; 21st-23rd   Zoo Lights and Holiday Market   Takes place at the Hattiesburg Zoo with unlimited rides on the Candy Cane Carousel and Polar Express Train.  There will also be animal encounters and a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.  Visit www.hattiesburgzoo.com for more details.

Dec. 15th  Photos with Santa   Will be held at McCoy Park in New Augusta following the New Augusta Christmas Parade.  Proceeds will benefit the New Augusta Civic Club.  For more details, like www.facebook.com/craigalexandercreative or call 601-520-6975.

Dec. 15th  SCAR Open House   Takes place from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at 1712 Highway 184 East.  There will be adoption specials, shelter tours, lunch plates, Santa and some of his elves, jitters coffee, and much more.  Like www.facebook.com/SouthernCrossAnimalRescue for more details. 

Dec. 15th  A Very Merry Waynesboro Christmas Celebration   Starts at 4 p.m. throughout downtown Waynesboro with free pictures with Santa Claus, Christmas carols, food vendors and more.  Then at 6:30 p.m., bring your lawn chairs and blankets for a classic holiday movie.   For more details, call 601-735-3311.

Dec. 19th  Holiday Kick-Off Safety Helmet Giveaway  The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services is holding this event from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the rehabilitation center (732 North 15th Ave., Laurel). Bring your children, ages 3-12, to be fitted for a free helmet.  For more details, call 601-853-5262.    

Dec. 22nd  Fireworks Christmas Celebration   Starts at 9 p.m. during Christmas in the Hollow (350 Moley Wise Road, Waynesboro).  Visit www.facebook.com/events/326987728112970/ -- the event's Facebook Page -- for more details.