Jackson Free Press

Dec. 21-31, "Name the Baby Giraffe" Contest at Jackson Zoological Park (2918 W. Capitol St.). Entries will be taken at the main entrance and the winner announced New Year's Day. The winner gets a family membership to the zoo. $1 donation; call 601-352-2580.

Ongoing Through Dec. 22

Christmas Wish List Drive at the Jackson Street Gallery (500 Highway 51, Suite E, Ridgeland). Jackson Street Gallery is collecting specific donated items for The Home Place, a senior citizens home in Madison. The gallery will be taking donations until Dec. 22. B. Liles Fine Art is assisting with the drive. Contact the gallery for the wish list; call 601-853-1880.

"Global Holiday Tree Tour" at the Jackson Zoological Park (2918 W. Capitol St.). Ever imagine what holiday trees throughout the world might look like during the holiday season? Bring the entire family and take a memorable journey traveling through the Jewels of South America, Asia's Water Gardens, Africa and India while embracing each holiday tree's unique culture. Each tree will showcase its heritage, filled with vibrant decor and personality. Free with paid admission: $6 adults, $4 2-12, $5.40 seniors; call 601-352-2580, ext. 228.

Events Ongoing Through Dec. 23

9 a.m.-4 p.m., Christmas at the Manship House (420 E. Fortification St.). Step back into the past with these daily tours of Victorian-style decorations from late nineteenth-century Jackson. Free; call 601-961-4724.

9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Winter Holiday Display Tour at the William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). See the model trains of Possum Ridge and historic toys and Christmas trees. Call 601-576-6800.

"Christmas in Canton" Victorian Christmas Festival at Canton Historic Square. Come celebrate the joy of the season in the glow of hundreds of thousands of sparkling white lights. Free with $3 per museum admission and $1 per ride; call 800-844-3369.

Christmas at the Governor's Mansion (300 E. Capitol St.). The Mansion is beautifully decorated with traditional holiday greenery and fruit for regular morning tours on Tuesday through Friday. Call 601-359-6421 for tour times. Free; call 601-359-6421.

Toys for Tattoos at Twiztid Images (557 Highway 49 South). Receive 10 percent off any tattoo or $10 off any piercing when you donate a new, unopened toy. All donations will be for the children of Rankin County. Hours of operation: 2-8 p.m. Call 601-664-0000.

Events Ongoing Through Dec. 24

Photos with Santa at Metrocenter Mall (3645 Highway 80 W.). Take a picture with Santa between 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Photo prices vary; call 601-354-7800.

Wednesday, Dec. 23

9 a.m., Blood Drive at MEA Medical Clinic (1132 Highway 49 South, Richland). Donate and receive a free T-shirt. Sponsored by Mississippi Blood Services. Free; call 601-664-1620.

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., "Sounds of the Season" at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Enjoy refreshments and hear choirs fill the rotunda of the Old Capitol Museum with favorites from the holiday season. Free; call 601-576-6920.

4-7 p.m., Christmas Celebration Toy Drive at Taco Bell (330 W. Northside Drive). Bring unwrapped toys or monetary donations. Sponsored by the Jackson Police Department. Call 601-960-0495.

6 p.m., Advent Conspiracy at Broadmeadow United Methodist Church (4419 Broadmeadow Dr.). Join Broadmeadow United Methodist Church for this encore holiday performance. Free; call 601-366-1403.

Thursday, Dec. 24

3 p.m., American Heart Association Prize Drawing at Metrocenter Mall (3645 Highway 80 W.). The names of the customers who come to the Metrocenter and donate to the American Heart Association will be placed in a drawing. Prizes include a Playstation 3, iPod Touch, digital camera and a GPS. Donations welcome; call 601-354-7800.

4 p.m., Christmas Eve Service, at Jackson Academy (4908 Ridgewood Road). Service given by Bellwether United Methodist Church. Free; call 601-500-7930.

5 p.m., Christmas Eve Service at St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral (305 E. Capitol Street). Come join St. Andrew's in this holiday celebration. Service times are 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Free; call 601-354-1535.

5:30 p.m., Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist, at St. Philip's Episcopal Church (5400 Old Canton Road). The holiday service takes place at 5:30 and 10:30 p.m. Free; call 601-956-5788.

6 p.m., Christmas Eve Communion at Broadmeadow United Methodist Church (4419 Broadmeadow Dr.). Join the congregation to celebrate the holidays with a special communion ceremony. Call 601-366-1403.

6 p.m., Christmas at The Journey (4101 Northview Drive, Suite C-2). The service will include cocoa, carols and the reading of "The Christmas Story." Bring toys, canned food, coats and blankets to be donated on Christmas Day. Free; call 601-954-6820.

7 p.m., Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Benefit at Trinity Lutheran Church (6401 Highway 18 West). R&B singer Dorothy Moore is working with the Blues Foundation to raise $3,000 for needy blues musicians via the Handy Artists Relief Trust, which helps with medical and funeral expenses. Donations welcome; e-mail [e-mail missing].

Friday, Dec. 25

10 a.m., Christmas Day Service at St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral (305 E. Capitol Street). Join St. Andrew's holiday celebration. Free; call 601-354-1535.

9:18 p.m., Blues Christmas with Grady Champion at The Auditorium (622 Duling Ave.). A performer for more than 16 years, this national recording artist has been playing blues all over the country. $25; call 601-982-0002.

Saturday, Dec. 26

9:15 a.m., Annual Bible Conference at Turning Point Mission Center (1814 Shady Lane Drive). An in-depth study on evangelism and Christian standards. Donations welcome; call 601-372-1080.

Kwanzaa Celebration Dec. 26-Jan 1, at Medgar Evers Community Center (3159 Edwards Ave.). Look forward to a different activity (dance, poetry, etc.) from 6-9 p.m. each night. Free; call 601-454-5777.