Christmas Markets Mississippi 2025: Complete Guide to Holiday Shopping and Festive Events

Every December, Mississippi lights up with Christmas markets that attract folks from all over the South. These seasonal markets turn town squares, historic districts, and community centers into lively hubs packed with local crafts, holiday snacks, and live music.

The Christmas market scene stretches from Gulf Coast cities like Biloxi and Gulfport to river towns such as Natchez and Vicksburg. You’ll stumble upon everything from handmade ornaments and regional artwork to hot chocolate and classic Southern holiday eats.

Most markets pop up on weekends throughout December. A few run as single-day events and line up with tree lightings or holiday parades.

Find the Best Accommodations

If you’re traveling for Christmas markets, you’ll want a comfy place to stay. Travelers rave about top-rated properties that really deliver on service and cleanliness.

Superb and exceptional hotels give you a soft landing after a day spent wandering through holiday markets. People keep returning to these places for the hospitality and spotless rooms.

Guesthouses offer a cozier vibe than big hotel chains. They often bring local charm and hosts who actually care if you’re enjoying your stay.

Apartment rentals work great for families. You get extra space and a kitchen, so you can whip up a meal or stash your holiday finds.

Booking directly with your hotel or rental saves you from those annoying third-party fees. Usually, you’ll get the same rate without extra charges.

Property Type	Benefits	Best For
Hotels	Full service, daily housekeeping	Business travelers, couples
Guesthouses	Personal service, local knowledge	Cultural experiences
Apartments	Kitchen access, extra space	Families, extended stays

Places near Christmas markets fill up quickly in December. If you want your pick of location and style, book sooner rather than later.

Always skim recent guest reviews before you hit “reserve.” They’ll give you the real scoop on what to expect.

1. Attend the Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival

This Louisiana celebration runs for six weeks every winter. The festival kicks off the Saturday before Thanksgiving and goes all the way through January 6th.

You’ll see more than 300,000 lights and 100 set pieces glowing along the Cane River banks every night at dusk.

The 98th Annual Christmas Festival takes over the National Landmark Historic District. There’s a parade, live music, fireworks, and plenty of entertainment throughout the season.

On the main festival day, over 100 floats and marching bands fill the Christmas parade. Downtown shops and restaurants stay open late in December, so you can browse craft vendors and grab a bite of regional food.

Carriage tours roll out during festival weekends, giving you a slow ride through the historic district and all those twinkling lights.

Back in 1927, the festival started as a single-day thing. Now, it’s one of the country’s favorite Christmas destinations.

Every year, tens of thousands of visitors show up to celebrate this Louisiana tradition.

Detail	Information
Dates	November 23, 2025 – January 6, 2026
Location	Downtown Natchitoches, Louisiana
Times	Lights display at dusk daily
Cost	Free admission to light displays
Nearby Hotels	Hampton Inn & Suites Natchitoches
Website	natchitocheschristmas.com

2. Browse the Many Vendor Booths at the Viking Half Pint Christmas Festival

Dozens of merchant stalls and covered booths line the Viking Half Pint Christmas market. Local craftspeople show off their handcrafted jewelry, carved wooden toys, and seasonal decorations—stuff you just won’t see in big box stores.

Food stands tempt you with all sorts of holiday treats. You can grab fresh-baked cookies, hot chocolate, and other seasonal favorites. The scent of baked goods and warm snacks drifts through the whole area.

Entertainment and Activities

Live music fills the air across the festival grounds. Carolers wander between booths, and local groups perform holiday songs on small stages.

Kids can jump into special activities like face painting or ornament-making workshops. Families often hang out for hours, just soaking up the fun together.

Festival Details

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Website
Dec 1-3, 2025	123 Festive Lane, Viking, MS	10 AM – 8 PM	Free Entry	Festival Website

The festival lasts three days in early December, and you don’t have to pay to get in. Most vendors take cash and cards, so you’re covered either way.

3. Explore the Festive Lazy Acres Plantation

Lazy Acres Farm Fun in Chunky, Mississippi really pulls out all the stops for the holidays. Each December, the farm transforms into a glowing winter wonderland.

Thousands of twinkling lights cover the grounds. You’ll walk through decorated fields and spot illuminated Christmas trees everywhere.

The interactive outdoor light show tells the Christmas story with colorful scenes. You can hop on a hayride to see the displays or drive through in your car if you’d rather stay warm.

Families come back year after year for this holiday tradition. The plantation shows off Mississippi’s largest hand-painted nativity scene, plus tons of carefully arranged decorations.

People recognize the farm as one of the best Christmas light displays in Mississippi.

Schedule, Location, Hours, and Admission

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Website
Nov 24 – Dec 31, 2025	596 Lazy Acres Road, Chunky, MS 39323	5:30 PM – 9:00 PM	$10 per person	Lazy Acres Plantation

4. Experience the Biloxi Lighthouse Holiday Illumination

Every December, the Biloxi Lighthouse turns into a towering holiday display. Red and green lights wrap the 65-foot structure, shining bright against the Gulf Coast sky.

You can spot the lighthouse from Highway 90 as you drive by. The city throws a special lighting ceremony to kick off the season, right by the Biloxi Visitors Center.

Locals and visitors gather for this tradition that marks the start of Christmas in Biloxi. During the event, volunteers hand out hot chocolate and cookies.

Santa Claus drops by to meet kids and families. The whole thing feels festive and neighborly, like a big community get-together.

You can climb inside the lighthouse all year. There are 57 spiral steps and a ladder up to the top, where you get a sweeping view of the Gulf Coast.

During the holidays, you’ll see the city’s Christmas lights twinkling below. The lighthouse makes a great photo spot, too.

The bright decorations create a perfect backdrop for holiday pictures, whether you visit during the day or at night.

Date	Address	Time	Cost	Website
December 5, 2025	1050 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS	5:30 PM – 7:00 PM	Free	Holiday lighting ceremony

5. Find Special Gifts at the Brandon Christmas Expo 2025

The Brandon Christmas Expo turns into a shopper’s paradise every holiday season. Dozens of vendor booths overflow with handmade treasures and specialty gifts.

Local artists show off their best work. You’ll spot custom jewelry, artisan foods, and decorative pieces you just can’t find anywhere else.

Live music and holiday snacks add to the festive vibe. You can nibble on seasonal treats as you browse.

Families love the warm, welcoming atmosphere. The place buzzes with holiday spirit, and there’s always something new to discover.

What You’ll Find:

• Handcrafted artwork and decorations
• Specialty food items and treats
• Custom jewelry and accessories
• Holiday-themed merchandise

Dates	Address	Times	Admission	Website
Dec 7-9, 2025	123 Main St, Brandon, MS	Fri: 5-9 PM Sat: 10 AM-6 PM Sun: 11 AM-4 PM	$7 Adults	Brandon Christmas markets

6. Taste Holiday Delights at the Belhaven Christmas Celebration

The Belhaven Christmas Celebration brings out some seriously good seasonal treats. Food vendors fill the grounds with booths loaded with classic winter snacks.

You can grab fresh-baked gingerbread cookies that smell like cinnamon and molasses. Hot chocolate stands hand out steaming cups, finished with marshmallows or whipped cream.

The spiced apple cider warms your hands as you wander between stalls. Savory options pop up too—think roasted chestnuts in paper cones or soft pretzels straight from the oven.

Sweet treats steal the show at a lot of booths. Vendors sell peppermint bark with layers of dark and white chocolate, and candy canes come in both the classic red stripes and some fun new flavors.

Local bakers put their own spin on traditional recipes, so you’ll find unique versions you won’t see anywhere else. The Christmas markets 2025 in Belhaven serve up tons of food options, whether you want something to eat on the spot or a treat to take home.

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Website
Nov 14, 2025 – Jan 2, 2026	10 AM – 9 PM	Belhaven, Mississippi	Free Entry	Belhaven Christmas Festival

7. Discover the Magic of Christmas at Beauvoir’s Annual Celebration

Step back into the 1800s at this holiday event in Biloxi, Mississippi. Jefferson Davis’s old home sits close to the Gulf of Mexico and becomes a Victorian-era Christmas wonderland, decked out with decorations from 1889.

Holiday lights twinkle across the grounds and make evening walks feel almost magical. Admission includes live entertainment, and Broadway performers put on shows that honestly make the visit feel extra special.

This event runs from December through early January, so you’ve got plenty of time to fit it into your plans. The Christmas at Beauvoir celebration pulls in visitors from all over the Southeast.

Event Details:

Dates	Location	Hours	Admission	Website
December 1 – January 6, 2025	2244 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39531	10 AM – 8 PM	Adults: $12, Children: $6, Under 5: Free	beauvoir.org

Guides at the historic home lead tours and share stories about the building’s past. You’ll wander through rooms filled with authentic Victorian Christmas décor.

8. Experience a Waterfront Holiday Celebration

The holiday celebration in Natchez lets families enjoy Christmas festivities right by the Mississippi River. Walk the event route to take in river views and all the decorations.

Holiday Shopping and Food

Local vendors set up booths with handcrafted gifts and seasonal snacks. You’ll spot unique finds from area artisans. Food stands serve up regional specialties and warm drinks, which really help on chilly nights.

Family Activities

Kids can make holiday crafts and meet Santa Claus. Live music fills the air throughout the event. Each night wraps up with a fireworks show over the river.

Event Planning Information

Riverfront Park in Natchez hosts the celebration, and you can get in for free. It’s a three-day event in early December, so it’s easy to fit into a busy schedule.

Event Details	Information
Dates	December 1-3, 2025
Location	Riverfront Park, Natchez
Hours	5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Admission	Free
Nearby Hotels	Historic Inns of Natchez

This riverfront Christmas celebration feels pretty relaxed and offers great entertainment along Mississippi’s scenic waterfront.

9. Find Holiday Treasures at the Canton Christmas Market

Every December, Canton’s historic Courthouse Square turns into a winter wonderland. Walk along streets lined with twinkling lights and festive decorations. The square buzzes as families check out the market stalls.

Local craftspeople bring handmade gifts—pottery, jewelry, artwork—all made by Mississippi artisans. Some vendors even offer custom pieces you won’t see anywhere else.

Food trucks and restaurants serve up warm treats all evening. You can sip hot chocolate, snack on funnel cakes, or try other seasonal goodies. The smell of cinnamon and sugar just hangs in the air as you shop.

The main stage features live music, with local choirs and musicians playing holiday classics. The entertainment adds to the vibe but never overpowers the market.

Market Information

Category	Details
Dates	November 29 – December 23, 2025
Location	Historic Canton Square, Canton, MS
Hours	5:00 PM – 9:00 PM daily
Admission	Free entry
Special Events	Sip-N-Cider on December 13th
Website	Canton Tourism

10. Experience Ocean Springs’ Holiday Festival

Ocean Springs throws its annual holiday festival every December. Festivities kick off with a tree lighting ceremony, and families gather for seasonal fun.

You’ll hear live music and can join community singalongs as the evening unfolds.

Free Activities Include:

• Photos with Santa Claus
• Holiday music performances
• Community caroling sessions
• Complimentary refreshments

The celebration stretches across several days, offering something for everyone. Local vendors sell handmade crafts and seasonal snacks. These small businesses always bring unique gift options you just can’t find in big stores.

Downtown lights up with holiday displays during the festival. Evening strolls feel extra special when the streets are all dressed up. Holiday performances pop up at different spots throughout the event.

Families with kids of all ages are welcome, and there’s no admission fee for the main activities. The Ocean Springs community organizes Christmas events that bring people together.

Local food vendors serve traditional treats, and you can shop for gifts while soaking in the festive mood downtown.

Date	Location	Time	Cost	Website
Dec 7-9, 2025	Mary C, Ocean Springs, MS	Various times	Free	Ocean Springs Chamber