Best time to go to Mississippi

Christmas Lights in Mississippi 2023

Traveling across the Hospitality State at Christmas sounds like a beautiful plan!

Dates: November 24-December 31, 2023

Christmas Lights in Mississippi
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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 24–December 23, 2023)

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.

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.

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.

Find more information on the official websites listed in the External Resources below. Also, take a look at the map suggesting the best options for your stay in Mississippi.

Last updated: by Olha Savych