What Can You Do for Christmas in Mississippi?
When we think about Christmas, we may think of trees holding pounds of sparkling snow and diving into it to create a celebratory snow angel. Maybe you think about the movies where the families make their own “Frosty the Snowman”. Well, as you probably know, we don’t experience much snow here, in the Magnolia State, during Christmas. Although it has snowed a few times, having a less snowy Christmas doesn’t make the holiday experience any less enjoyable.
The holiday season brings out a ton of intense emotions and fond memories. Perhaps, you are one of the people who is exploding with excitement and Christmas cheer. Or maybe you’re like Ebonezer Scrooge (before he changed, of course). Regardless of what end of the Christmas meter you’re on, the following activities are sure to amp up your Christmas spirit!
Annual Victorian Candlelit Christmas
Who said time travel wasn’t real? It absolutely is! Join other fellow Mississippians by stepping into a time capsule where you enter the Victorian Era. The Historic Hattiesburg Neighborhood Association hosts this two-day magical event yearly. In addition to the nights filled with candles, setting a captivating atmosphere, this premier event helps provide proper funding for beautification projects within the community and cares for Walthall grounds and Walthall Condos. What a wonderful event for a wonderful cause!
Gulfport’s Annual Harbor Lights Festival
This sparkling event has been held since 2015. Featuring a host of events such as carnival rides, Santa’s Village, and train rides, this event lights up Gulfport with more than 1.5 million lights throughout 40 acres of land at Jones Park.
Attend a Christmas Parade
There’s something so nostalgic about Christmas parades. Adorning yourself in warm attire. Driving downtown to find a place to park. Looking for the sweet spot of not being too close to the beginning or the end of the parade. Hoping to see a familiar face of a school friend or teacher. While many cities have already had their annual Christmas Parade, there are a few others who will still be celebrating Christmas with their yearly Christmas Parade. Stone County is having theirs on Saturday, December 9th, starting at 5:00 PM, and Poplarville’s parade is taking place on Friday, December 15, 2023 starting at 5:00 PM. Get filled with candy and community fun at your local Christmas Parade this year! You’ll be glad you did.
Christmas Festivals
I mentioned one of the state’s most popular Christmas festivals previously, but it doesn’t stop there. Mississippi is filled with exuberant Christmas festivals throughout the state. For example, Canton is having their annual Christmas festival throughout the month of December (until December 23, 2023), and it is absolutely beautiful. It isn’t called “Mississippi City of Lights” for nothing!
Christmas Play and Ballets
From The Nutcracker to The Nativity Story, there are a plethora of theatrical performances that will be held locally. Columbia is having their presentation of the Nativity Story on December 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd, and 23rd from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. With over eighty volunteer actors, this presentation is very unique in that it starts with a processional and ends with fireworks. It combines a parade with a play which is absolutely incredible! Join fellow Mississippians in going back in time to watch the production of the miraculous birth of Jesus.
In addition to this presentation, call your local churches and community theaters to see what’s coming to a stage near you!
Watch a Christmas Lifetime Show
Did you know that there’s a Lifetime Christmas movie that was shot right here in Mississippi? Yes! Christmas in Mississippi was shot in Gulfport. Gather your besties for a cozy Christmas night filled with pajamas, hot chocolate, and entertainment, as you watch the lead characters Holly and Mike— okay, okay. I won’t post any spoilers! But you should definitely check it out.
Christmas with the Characters
From jovial inflatables to tasty holiday treats, this event is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit! Located in West Point, this event starts on December 15th and ends on December 17th. It’s only $20.00 per family (up to five people). If you have pets, they can tag along with you Sunday, as the event will be pet friendly. Who said Christmas was for humans only? You can find more information about this event here!
Have a Merry Mississippi Christmas
We may not have consistent snowy Christmases here in the Magnolia State, but we do have Christmases filled with festive activities, community building, and reflection on the things that matter most to us. We may lack snow, but we truly make up for it in every other important aspect of the holiday season. Plus, we do occasionally get a few flurries of snow, too, so that’s an added bonus.
With Christmas right around the corner and holiday activists being in abundance, what activities are you planning to attend from this list? Let’s chat in Our Mississippi Home’s Facebook page comment section!
