If you go outside, you can tell that Christmas is definitely in the air. City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, and window displays are dressed in holiday style. While all the decorations are beautiful and help get you in the holiday spirit, there’s nothing quite like seeing those bright twinkling lights all aglow in different parts of the state.
To help you plan a special night of looking at Christmas lights, we’ve picked out some of the top displays across Mississippi.
Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival
Since 2015, the Gulfport Harbor Lights Display has held the title of the largest holiday tradition for many families. This coastal Christmas celebration began as just a light show for the kids to enjoy but has turned into one of the most enchanting displays you’ll see in the Christmas season. With over 1.5 million lights draped through Jones Park, this is the largest light display in the state and has been ranked as a top five light display in the U.S. by Yahoo.
Talk a walk with your loved one through the light palm trees and lighted displays. Take a spin on a few carnival rides. Board a train and enjoy a fun ride through the lighted dancing trees, mermaids, polar bears, and so much more. It’s like you’ve entered the North Pole with a coastal vibe. Speaking of the North Pole, you can even take a tour of Santa’s Village and watch the elves hard at work on plenty of toys. As you walk on through Santa’s Headquarters, you even get to see the big guy himself.
Southaven Drive-Through Christmas Light Display
Stay nice and toasty as you drive through the Southhaven Christmas Lights Display. Twinkling lights line the city center square and beautifully lit trees cast a breathtaking image as they reflect brightly on the lake. Giant-sized soldiers guard the entrance to this magical world of wonder and you’ll see why. From trees that change colors in tune to the music and bright snowflakes falling everywhere, prancing reindeer, and stars twinkling over the light displays below, you will feel like you’ve once again been transported back to the North Pole.
50 Nights of Lights in Cleveland
The city of Cleveland lights up the Mississippi Delta with over one million Christmas lights draped down Sharpe Avenue, Cotton Row, and Court Street. If you want to shop while taking in this year’s rendition of 50 Nights of Lights, there’s plenty of opportunity to do so as most stores downtown have extended hours and outdoor holiday markets. There also a stacked lineup events to go along with the light show such as multiple nights of live music, ice skating, and carriage rides.
Canton Christmas Festival
For decades, the city of Canton has turned its square into a scene out of a Hallmark movie. The Canton Christmas Festival includes an 18-foot gift box you can walk through, a 16-foot Snowman, and a 32-foot caterpillar. The majestic four-story Christmas tree will once again take center stage on the square as the towering tree will be adorned by 100,000 twinkling LED lights. The fun doesn’t stop there. The family favorite firetruck and train rides will once again make a few trips around the square. Enjoy the carousel, sky race, and mini cars for the kids. On special nights, there will be horse-drawn carriage rides and the chance to get your picture taken with Santa.
Lazy Acres Farm
After the pumpkin patch is cleared from the Halloween season, the Lazy Acres Farm in Chunky becomes a wintry fairyland. During this most wonderful time of the year, the farm sparkles and shines with Christmas charm for the whole family. Everyone will love the lighted wagon rides as they travel along the farm and see scenes teaching the true meaning of Christmas — the birth of Jesus Christ. There are always visits with Santa, delicious specialty shakes, special attractions, and so much more. Enjoy all the sights and sounds of “Lazy Acres in Lights” as the farm is overflowing with scenes of lights and joy. And if you keep a sharp eye out, you just might spot the Grinch and who knows who else might be wandering around this wonderland. The little ones will love creating something special with the elves at Santa’s workshop, and there will be lots of great photo ops around the beautiful farm that will become treasured memories for the whole family.
This is just a sampling of the best light displays in Mississippi, and you won’t be disappointed if you pay a visit to any of them this holiday season. Mississippi won’t have to worry about Santa missing the Magnolia State. There are plenty of lights twinkling all around the state that will let Santa and his reindeer know that Mississippians have added an extra sparkle to their displays this year.
