As we near the end of the year and prepare to close the last chapter of 2023, the words of the classic tune made famous by Frank Sinatra ring true. “What are you doing New Year’s Eve?” It’s the timeless question to ask. How will you be ringing in the new year? Will you be headed to a big soiree, masquerade ball, street party, family and friends’ throwdown, or quietly welcoming the year from home—just you, the sofa, and “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Special?” No matter how you celebrate, it’s going to be a great time, but if you haven’t secured your plans for a special New Year’s Eve affair, you’re in luck.
Mississippi has a great selection of celebrations, parties, and occasions for you to spend your New Year’s Eve. Here are a few of the top spots in the Magnolia State for you to welcome in 2024.
Hattiesburg always has a grand celebration for the whole family to ring in the new year. Since it began in 2018, Downtown Hattiesburg has been the happening place to be. Guests are invited to a block-party-style celebration, complete with live music, DJ Kuhjo, and lots of great food from food trucks and downtown restaurants that are staying open late for the occasion. The party kicks off at 6:30 p.m. for the little ones with a Confetti Countdown in the Pocket Museum alley. The littles can ring in the new year with lots of fun and good cheer without having to stay up until the midnight hour. The Midnight on Front Celebration begins at 8 p.m., and guests will be treated to the return of the Hub Sign drop at the intersection of Front and Main Street. A stunning dual fireworks show will follow. This is always a great place to celebrate for the whole family.
Natchez offers a very special celebration as a brand new, completely redesigned fireworks show, engineered by Curtis Elkins of Pyromania of Bossier City, Louisiana, is scheduled for Mississippi residents. The party kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Natchez’s Fireworks on the River offers a dazzling, sparkling show of fireworks over the Mississippi River as your family and friends gather on the Natchez Bluff to bring in the new year. Plus, there will be the Bluff City Ball Drop presented by Sullivan’s Hollow. The good times begin at 2:30 p.m., with lots of great music and fun.
Jackson offers plenty of great ways to celebrate. For the little ones, there’s lots of celebrating at the Noon Year’s Eve Celebration at the Mississippi Children’s Museum. With confetti cannons, a traditional style countdown, and a balloon drop, the kids won’t miss out on ringing in the new year. Don your best glow-in-the-dark or black light reflective outfit and bring the kids to the party at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. See the Permian Monsters and the dinosaurs exhibit, win prizes with the 1,000 balloon drop, meet some nocturnal animals, enjoy refreshments, and so much more. Put on your best kicks and head on out to the New Year’s Eve Sneakers Ball. Ring in the new year in style and comfort at the Ice House Venue in your dazzling evening gowns, best suits, and stylish sneakers. This is an extra special celebration for the Capitol City as the city will be bringing in the new year with the very first Magnolia Drop. Count down to 2024 and watch the beautiful magnolia drop in this inaugural event outside of the Jackson Convention Complex.
Vicksburg offers a Southern Soul New Year’s Eve with lots of great music at the Vicksburg City Auditorium. Enjoy music by P2K, Marcellus the Singer, Kue, Big Yayo, Earl Jackson, and many more. Make it an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration for the family or just you and a loved one in this beautiful historic town.
Meridian offers a peaceful alternative to the reveling at most celebrations. The Meridian Salvation Army invites everyone to its Watch Night Service beginning at 11 p.m. Welcome the new year with a stunning and heartwarming candlelit service.
Tupelo will ring the new year in with lots of rocking tunes and fun. In Downtown Tupelo, the party returns with two stages of a diverse selection of music. There will be fun for all ages. The BankPlus KidsFest kicks off the evening, and the little ones will enjoy their very own fireworks show at 8 p.m. The festivities will continue with lots of great live music, fireworks, and a countdown to midnight from the BNA Bank Fairpark Stage.
The Gulf Coast brings you a wide selection of celebrations from the Oyster Drop in Bay St. Louis to the Pascagoula Anchor Drop and all cities in between. Each coastal city offers its own unique style to the welcoming of 2024. Ocean Springs will usher in the new year with its inaugural Drop on Government, and there are plenty of parties planned all along the coastline to help you celebrate New Year’s Eve.
Kiss the old year goodbye and welcome in a shining new year in style throughout the Magnolia State. There’s no New Year’s Party quite like a Mississippi celebration. You’ve got plenty of choices to usher in 2024. So make your plans now.
Happy New Year, y’all!
