Those looking for a festive display to take in with the family have an array of options to choose from across Mississippi. The Magnolia State is ablaze with light shows and Christmas festivities this holiday season. Here’s where you can see some of the state’s top displays:
Bay Saint Louis – Snowflakes in the Bay Festival
Tree-lightings, music performances, ice skating, and more have covered the coastal town since November and will run through New Year’s Day. The light displays include Bay St. Louis’ live oaks strung with sparkling snowflakes.
For more details, see the City of Bay Saint Louis Facebook page.
Brandon – Magic of Lights
This dazzling drive-through display features prominent holiday scenes and characters with LED lights, along with an assembly of other shimmering exhibits. The show is open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and runs through January 5.
For ticket prices and other details, click here.
Canton – Canton Christmas Festival
The long-running Christmas lights display in central Mississippi has steadily grown into one of the state’s premiere holiday attractions, complete with more than 200,000 lights decorating the Historic Courthouse Square, train and trolley rides, and more.
For details to plan your trip, visit the festival’s website.
Chunky – Lazy Acres Farm
Until December 29, this small-town family farm is set alight with thousands of lights, holiday scenes, and features Mississippi’s largest hand-painted nativity scene.
See the Lazy Acres Farm website for more information.
Cleveland – 50 Nights of Lights
One of Mississippi’s largest and oldest Christmas displays will illuminate the Delta once again in 2024, featuring over 1,000,000 lights that can be walked through or enjoyed from the car. The event runs through January 1 and is free to the public.
For full details, click here.
Collins – Christmas in the Park
Until December 26, the public can freely enjoy Collins’ annual light show at Bettie D. Robertson Memorial Park. The display aims to honor both the Christian holiday and pay homage to U.S. Military service members.
Get more information on the event here.
Gulfport – Harbor Lights Festival
Harbor Lights Festival quickly became a local favorite on the coast after beginning in 2015. Hosted by Island View Casino & Resort and The City of Gulfport, the winter holiday show offers an experience “unlike any other holiday show in the state of Mississippi.” The exhibit is complete with an abundance of lights, an opportunity to visit with Santa Claus, and festive train rides.
For more details, visit the Gulfport Harbor Lights website.
Hattiesburg Zoo’s Lights of the Wild
Recently ranked one of the top zoo Christmas light displays in America, the Hattiesburg Zoo offers visitors an exotic and festive experience that includes animal encounters, visits with Santa, train rides, faux snowfall, and more. The zoo will host visitors from December 19-23 on December 19-23.
Get more information on the event here.
Purvis – Lewis Lights
One of south Mississippi’s oldest lights displays, which began in 1989 at the Lewis family home, is made up of over 200,000 Christmas Lights. The display is open seven days a week, outside of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, until the end of the year.
For more information, click here.
Natchez – Christmas in Natchez
The state’s oldest city boasts one of the most impressive light displays in what has become a city-wide celebration. Festivities include tours of historic homes decorated for Christmas and shimmering lights everywhere visitors look.
Click here for full details.
Olive Branch – Light Garden
Shining Christmas displays, live holiday-themed entertainment, and a myriad of gift shopping options are available at Olive Branch’s Light Garden.
Read more about the event here.
Oxford’s Holly Jolly Holidays
Held at mTrade Park, the fifth edition of the annual Christmas event features attractions like an ice-skating rink, a walk of lights, and more.
See more information on the event’s website.
Southaven – Southern Lights
Southaven’s annual drive-through holiday exhibit features 500,000 lights covering 116 acres. Visitors can also check out the Christmas tree farm – decorated with lights that are synced to holiday music by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
For more details, see Visit DeSoto County’s website.
Yazoo City – Downtown Christmas Light Display
Yazoo’s Main Street welcomes locals and visitors alike with a wealth of Christmas-themed lights and decorations. The display also includes carriages or trolley rides through downtown and vendors offering holiday treats.
Click here for more information on the exhibit.