Mississippi offers a warm blend of Southern charm, rich musical heritage, and festive traditions, making it an ideal destination for the holidays. From soulful Southern cuisine to scenic drives, the Magnolia State is ready to help you celebrate the season with great music, genuine hospitality, and unforgettable memories. Here are seven charming Mississippi towns to visit this season — Laurel, Natchez, Oxford, Cleveland, Corinth, Greenwood, and Meridian.
LAUREL
Conveniently located about two hours from major Southern cities like Jackson, Biloxi, New Orleans, and Mobile, Laurel makes for the perfect small-town road trip. Whether you’re a history buff or looking to complete some holiday shopping, there’s plenty to do and see here … Jones County has it all!
As the state of Mississippi’s first museum, the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art houses a beautiful collection of American, European, and Native American art pieces. The museum is also known to host art education classes, including an ornament-making workshop just in time for Christmas!
Another popular attraction, Landrum’s Homestead & Village is a living history museum that offers a glimpse into what life was like in the late 1800s. In addition to touring a recreation of a pioneer settlement, you can also mine for gems or watch a Civil War reenactment.
The museum also hosts an exciting lineup of seasonal events, including the 41st Annual Christmas at Landrum’s Homestead, Christmas light displays, and a holiday sing-a-long.
On select nights in December, head to the Laurel Fairgrounds to attend Merry on the Midway. The celebration includes light displays, a Storybook Stroll, and holiday music.
Another beloved seasonal event, the Kiwanis Club’s Pancake Day is hosted at First Baptist Church Laurel and The YWCO on December 7 at 7 a.m. The fundraiser offers a delicious menu of pancakes, sausage, coffee, and more.
Next, spend the afternoon shopping in Historic Downtown Laurel. As you walk by restored buildings and tree-lined streets, you may even spot a few familiar stores (and faces!).
As Laurel natives and hosts of HGTV’s Home Town, Erin and Ben Napier own three distinct stores — Laurel Mercantile offers home decor and gifts, Scent Library offers candles and soaps, and Scotsman General Store offers hand-made wooden goods.
NATCHEZ
For a quintessential small-town Christmas in the South, spend a weekend exploring Natchez. A calendar full of holiday festivities offers ample opportunity to enjoy everything from downtown light displays to historic home tours.
Presented by the Natchez Garden Club, the Christmas Pilgrimage Tour of Historic Homes is slated for November 15 through December 31. Offering the perfect blend of history and holiday cheer, the event invites visitors to tour beautifully decorated residences like Choctaw Hall, Linden Bed & Breakfast, and Magnolia Hall.
If you’re in town on November 30, attend the annual lighting of Downtown Natchez’s Christmas tree. Beginning at 3 p.m., the intersection of Main and Commerce Streets invites everyone to gather for kid-friendly activities, carnival rides at the North Pole Playground, and even a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. The evening ends with a countdown to the tree lighting, which includes a mesmerizing fireworks display synchronized with your favorite Christmas carols.
The tree lighting also signals the start of Christmas in Natchez. This month-long celebration includes the annual Christmas Parade, breathtaking light displays and decorations, carolers, and Wardo’s Rouxdolph Roll — a 10K, 5K, and One-Mile Kids Run.
If you visit Natchez on select Saturday evenings in December, be sure to visit The Towers Mansion. The historic home’s annual Candlelight Jeweled Christmas Tour houses a gorgeous collection of vintage costume jewelry displayed across magical, holiday-themed vignettes. Named one of the “10 best unusual Christmas displays in the U.S.,” the event promises to be unforgettable.
OXFORD
When it comes to holiday fun, Oxford offers events and activities for the entire family — from ice skating to photos with Santa and holiday markets. From its famed Holly Jolly Holidays celebration to streets and stores adorned with twinkling lights and seasonal decor, there’s so much to do and see here!
Festivities officially kick off on November 7 at 6 p.m. with Oxford’s annual Lighting of the Square. Every year, locals and tourists come together to watch the Historic Downtown Square light up its Canopy of Lights, an Oxford tradition dating back to the 1960s. Hometown Olympic silver medalist Sam Kendricks will officially “flip the switch” this year!
This year’s Holly Jolly Holidays event is moving to mTrade Park! From November 23 through January 5, visitors can ice skate and stroll through the dazzling Walk of Lights, a custom walk-through light display where you can also enjoy holiday-themed treats.
Little ones are also invited to visit with Santa on select Holly Jolly Holidays dates, including November 23 and November 30, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., December 14, 4:30 to 8 p.m., and December 21, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Holly Jolly Holidays is also home to the beloved Peppermint Trail. Keep your eyes peeled for businesses featuring a peppermint sticker outside their stores, as they’ll be offering special savings or giving away treats!
If you need to wrap up your Christmas shopping, you’re in luck! From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 10, local businesses on The Square will host their holiday open houses and give away fun surprises.
Can’t make it? No problem! Oxford’s unique shops and boutiques will be ready to help you check off your holiday shopping list all season long. For more information on all things holiday in Oxford, visit hollyjollyoxford.holiday.
CLEVELAND
Cleveland is a charming Mississippi Delta town that transforms into a beautiful holiday wonderland each year. From standout holiday events to exciting live performances, here’s how to make the most of the holiday season!
The city’s premier Christmas light display, 50 Nights of Lights, returns to Downtown Cleveland from November 9 to January 1. Home to over one million twinkling lights, visitors are invited to walk or drive through the illuminated streets for free.
The ice skating rink is expected to return this year alongside a new ice go-karting experience. Open from November 9 through January 5, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fun. Tickets are $10 per person.
Another unique and festive event, Home for the Holidays, is headed to the Bologna Performing Arts Center on November 21. The evening will feature music from three world-renowned musical artists: Peabo Bryson, Ruben Studdard, and Haley Reinhart. The show begins at 7:30 p.m., and tickets start at $50.
Cleveland is also home to the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, which makes for a great afternoon activity — and a chance to warm up! The museum is currently hosting the Taylor Swift: Through The Eras exhibit through February 2, as well as a permanent collection exploring different musical genres like jazz, country, and R&B. The attraction is also expected to host its annual Delta Little Christmas on December 2.
If you’re traveling with little ones, spend an afternoon exploring the Martin & Sue King Railroad Museum. In addition to thousands of artifacts, photographs, and documents related to Cleveland’s railroad industry, the museum also houses the largest O gauge model railroads in the Southeast.
And don’t miss the festive pop-ups throughout Downtown Cleveland!
CORINTH
From festive events to dazzling light displays, Corinth truly comes alive during the holiday season. Here’s how to make the most of your visit!
If you’re looking to make the most of your visit, the city has prepared a holiday itinerary that includes must-see spots and seasonal activities, perfect for creating a festive experience. This itinerary, available on Corinth’s official tourism site, is ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers alike, offering recommendations on where to shop for unique gifts, enjoy seasonal treats, and explore the holiday attractions around town.
Head to Main Street on December 7, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the annual Corinth Christmas Parade — A Whoville Celebration! This annual event transforms the city streets into a wonderland of characters inspired by Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas, complete with a lively parade of floats, performers, and costumes.
In addition to the parade, downtown Corinth hosts stunning holiday light displays that illuminate the city’s historic district. Stroll along the decorated streets and take in the beautiful installations, which are particularly enchanting at night when they cast a festive glow over the city.
To help cross a few names off of your Christmas shopping list, Corinth offers a charming experience at the Red-Green Market on November 9, a holiday-themed version of the city’s year-round Green Market. Located downtown, this seasonal market showcases local farmers, artists, and makers selling festive foods, unique art, and holiday gifts, making it the perfect spot to find special items for everyone on your list.
From taking pictures with Santa to holiday markets and shopping galore, there’s a ton of seasonal fun to look forward to in Corinth!
GREENWOOD
A Southern town where history and culture align, Greenwood attracts musicians, storytellers, and history buffs year-round. However, the town truly comes alive during the holiday season, offering Christmas cheer around every corner.
The season kicks off on November 15 with Ice Ice Baby. From 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Pavilion at Rail Spike Park, you can enjoy ice skating, go-karts, a hot chocolate station, gingerbread house contests, and food vendors.
The fun continues from December 1 through December 30 with a one-of-a-kind holiday package at The Alluvian. In addition to overnight accommodations, the Very Delta Christmas package includes a Southern breakfast, a $50 spa credit, and coupons to select shops on Historic Howard Street.
You can also enjoy The Alluvian’s Champagne Holiday package from December 1 through December 30. In addition to a one-night stay and Southern breakfast, enjoy in-room champagne service and two 50-minute Gold Relaxations CBD massages at the hotel’s spa.
As if those weren’t enough reasons to visit Greenwood this holiday season, the town also hosts Mississippi’s largest and oldest Christmas Parade on December 6. The fun begins on the corner of Main Street and Church Street at 4 p.m.
Then, on December 14, attend A Delta Dickens Christmas in Downtown Greenwood. From 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., experience an authentic Victorian Christmas with live characters from the popular Charles Dickens story as well as carriage rides and arts and crafts.
Rounding out the Christmas season in Greenwood is The Alluvian’s Buford Family Christmas. Now in its 21st year, the concert includes two live musical performances at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on December 19.
If you can’t make it to Greenwood before the end of the year, The Alluvian offers an exciting NYE celebration on December 31! The special package includes an overnight stay, in-room champagne with souvenir glasses, and two tickets to the hotel’s party.
MERIDIAN
The lights are aglow in Meridian! Get ready for a lively celebration filled with festive activities and community gatherings that bring joy to all ages.
Families shouldn’t miss the MCM Winter Wonderland at the Mississippi Children’s Museum, where visitors can enjoy holiday-themed crafts, stories, and interactive exhibits. Another family favorite is Merry at the Museum, an enchanting evening event featuring photos with Santa, live music, and holiday crafts.
At Merrehope, a historic mansion beautifully decorated for the season, guests can experience the Trees of Christmas, a dazzling display of uniquely themed Christmas trees spread throughout the house. The property offers an inspiring tour that showcases a variety of creative decorations.
For adults, Mimosas & Merrehope is a charming brunch event where you can sip on mimosas while wandering through the decorated rooms. Cocoa & Cookies offers a cozy family experience where children can enjoy sweet treats and holiday crafts.
Downtown Meridian also becomes a hub of holiday cheer with events like Peppermint Pops, a holiday concert that brings the community together with festive tunes from local musicians. For those looking for a bit of vintage flair, Postmodern Jukebox offers a unique musical performance at the MSU Riley Center, bringing a modern twist to classic holiday hits in a jazz-style setting.
Be sure to attend downtown’s annual Christmas Parade, A Whoville Christmas, on December 7 at 5 p.m., where you and your family can enjoy some festive, whimsical fun. For a musical holiday extravaganza, snag tickets for the Chapel Hart Heartfelt Christmas Tour on December 12, presented by the Temple Theatre and Jimmie Rodgers Foundation.
Adults can join the Merry Ale Trail, a self-guided holiday-themed pub crawl featuring seasonal brews at local bars. Finally, Noon Year’s Eve at the Children’s Museum allows younger guests to celebrate the start of a new year with balloon drops, music, and a countdown to noon, making it a family-friendly way to welcome the New Year.
This article is sponsored by Visit Laurel and Jones County, Visit Natchez, Visit Oxford, Cleveland Convention and Visitors Bureau, Visit Corinth, Greenwood Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Lauderdale County.
