Christmas Lights in Mississippi 2024-2025

If you've ever wanted to experience the famous southern hospitality of Mississippi, the best time to fulfill your dreams is the holiday season between late November and late December. Christmas light displays popping up all across the state are pure magic. Some of the most beguiling Christmas towns include Canton, Columbia, Natchez, and Oxford.

Canton Christmas Festival (November 29–December 23, 2024)

The Historic Courthouse Square in Canton hosts a sensational holiday light event. Canton Christmas Festival features 200,000 dazzling lights and draws thousands of visitors to downtown. In addition to illumination and light parades, the program offers the interactive Christmas Village to delight the youngsters. Kids meet such recognized characters as Frosty or Santa's elves, make food for Santa's reindeer for the Christmas Eve dinner, and ride on an old-fashioned carousel and miniature train.

Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival (November 29–December 31, 2024)

Mississippi’s Largest Christmas Light Show spans over 40 acres in Jones Park, featuring over 1.5 million lights. In addition to the spectacular light and sound displays, guests can enjoy carnival rides, take a train ride from the Train Station, and watch the "Dancing Trees" show. Santa’s Village offers the chance to see elves at work, visit Santa’s Headquarters, and meet Santa Claus himself.

Columbia Mississippi Christmas Lights

Another magical Christmas city with festive lights and parades is Columbia. Come to see Main Street drenched in 20,000 holiday bulbs and engage in the multi-week holiday festivities in downtown Columbia. The most comfortable way to soak up festive cheer must be aboard the Columbia Trolley or the Grinch Train. The season usually wraps up in early January.

Christmas Lights in Natchez Mississippi

Natchez celebrates the most wonderful time of the year between late November and Christmas Day. With the onset of the festive season, Main Street, along with Broadway Street and Memorial Park, transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland. Take your time to explore the downtown, with its trees and bushes wrapped up in twinkling lights and historical houses and restaurants decked out in festive decor. What's more, Christmas in Natchez involves various amazing events, such as caroling around the Christmas Tree, holiday parades, and food trucks.

Annual Lighting of the Tree (November 30, 2024)

Known as the "Christmas Capital of the South," Natchez hosts a festive tree-lighting ceremony in downtown, welcoming both locals and visitors. Highlights include meeting Santa, a special performance by the Natchez-Adams County High School Concert Choir, Christmas carols, children's rides, and a petting zoo. Armbands for children are priced at $10.

Oxford Christmas Lights

If you seek something special, choose Oxford, a small college town, which is equally stunning throughout December. Just walk its cozy and homey streets, lit up for Christmas, and enjoy the local ambiance. For those who don't want to miss a thing, the Oxford Lafayette-County Chamber of Commerce organizes the annual Oxford Tour of Lights. Besides, the town offers some family-friendly events, such as the Christmas Parade.

Oxford's Christmas Light Festival (December 15-17, 2024)

A full three-day event of art, culture, and a friendly community atmosphere features installations and displays, music, lots of free activities, and a Christmas market. The organizers promise even more new events and experiences for the 2024 edition.