Hallmark movies and charming Christmas towns go hand in hand. But if you thought these delightfully festive towns existed only on the small screen, think again! Mississippi is home to several towns that are picture-perfect during the holiday season. In fact, the following towns are so magical, they’ll make you feel like you just stepped onto a Hallmark movie set. Take a look at our picks for the best Christmas towns in MS:

1. Oxford
Oxford, MS 38655, USA
Matt Taylor/Crooked Letter Photography
Oxford has been deemed one of the best Christmas towns in MS by Country Living AND Southern Living magazines. Completely worthy of its recognition, the city offers plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays – and it looks good while doing it, thanks to plenty of festive lights and décor. From a gingerbread village and ornament auction to citywide tours and a holiday market, Christmas in Oxford is nothing short of magical.
2. Meridian
Meridian, MS, USA
soulelivesteam.com
Amazing holiday festivities are held all December long in this town, earning it the nickname "Merry Meridian." The fun began at the end of November when the Kansas City Southern Holiday Express rolled into town. Holiday festivities continue throughout the month and include one of largest nighttime parades in the state, a holiday gift bazaar, musical and theatrical productions, the Trees of Christmas tour, and Santa's Christmas Factory. Come see why this is one of the cutest Christmas towns in Mississippi.
3. Canton
Canton, MS 39046, USA
Canton Tourism/Facebook
Each year, Canton holds a Christmas festival, during which, the town square is set aglow with more than 200,000 lights! Underneath those twinkling lights, there’s plenty of holiday fun to be had, including parades, late-night shopping, horse and buggy rides, and more. The magical celebration has become increasingly popular over the years. It’s even been featured in Southern Living, which referred to Canton as "one of our favorite small towns for celebrating Christmas in the South."
4. Yazoo
Yazoo County, MS, USA
Visit Yazoo/Facebook
No list of charming Christmas towns in MS would be complete without Yazoo. The city "rolls out the red carpet every year for the holidays," and this year is no different. In addition to buildings draped in colorful lights, the holiday season also brings festive events and late-night shopping to Main Street.
5. Natchez
Natchez, MS 39120, USA
Visit Natchez/Facebook
When it comes to charming Mississippi Christmas towns, Natchez definitely fits the bill. Aside from citywide lights, garland, and décor, Natchez gets people into the holiday spirit with a slew of seasonal events and activities. The festive fun includes everything from holiday markets and carriage rides to theatrical productions and tours of beautifully decorated historic homes.
6. Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs, MS, USA
David Salters Photography
Thanks to twinkling lights and festive decorations Ocean Spring’s Washington Avenue gets even more picturesque during the Christmas season. And since the street is lined with galleries, boutiques, and quaint shops, it’s the perfect place for some Mississippi Christmas shopping.
7. Vicksburg
Vicksburg, MS, USA
Visit Vicksburg/Facebook
Recognized as one of 2016’s "Great American Main Streets," Vicksburg’s Main Street is a great visit year round, but during Christmas, a visit is a real treat. Meander around the quaint area, and you’ll find plenty of lights and decorations to get you into the holiday spirit. It’s also a great place to do some small business holiday shopping.

So, ever been to any of these charming Christmas towns in MS? If so, what’d you think? Did we miss your favorite? Tell us in the comments.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

More to Explore

Best Christmas Towns in MS

Tori Jane | November 03, 2022

What are some of the best Christmas towns in MS?  

Christmas in MS is a really special time of year; it’s chilly, but everyone is warm and friendly anyway. There are whole towns that love to go crazy for Christmas, and it’s not hard at all to find a number of wonderful little Christmas towns in MS to spend the holidays at. Some of our favorites include places like Natchez, which might just be the most famous Christmas town in Mississippi of them all! Starting right after Thanksgiving and going through Christmas Day, there are all kinds of fun things to do in Natchez during the holidays. We also love towns like Meridian, Laurel, and Collins.  

What are some fun things to do in MS at Christmas?  

There are all kinds of fun things to do in MS at Christmas – and all year long, for that matter! Head to the Hattiesburg Zoo and check out the annual Zoo Lights festivities, which include fun holiday train rides for the kiddos and even story time with Santa! The Industrial Heritage Museum in Meridian is transformed into Santa’s Workshop every year, with a snow play area, more holiday train fun for the kids, and, of course, plenty of holiday music, too. Then, be sure to attend the Canton Christmas Festival! Canton is a gorgeous little Christmas village in MS and it’s literally known as the “City of Lights,” so naturally, it’s at its best during the holidays.  

What is winter in MS like?  

Winter in Mississippi is a beautiful time of year! It’s an awesome time to get out and enjoy the outdoors, like with an amazing winter hike in Mississippi or something similar. Winter here tends to be short and mild, especially when compared to the long, humid summers we see. It tends to be warmer on the coasts than in the inland areas, and significant snow events are rare (though there have been the occasional historic snowstorms in Mississippi, though). It’s a wonderful time to do something fun like embark upon one of our awesome Christmas towns in MS road trips – after all, the roads shouldn’t even be all that icy.  

Related Articles

Explore Mississippi