The most wonderful time of year is finally here! One of the best things about Christmas in Mississippi is that towns all across the state transform into magical holiday wonderlands. Some places really go above and beyond, though. Wondering, what are the best Christmas towns in Mississippi? Well, wonder no more! We've scoured the state and found the best Christmas towns in our little state, and you'll love them. From sparkling lights and festive décor to community-wide events and holiday celebrations, the towns below celebrate Christmas in a big way.

1. Vicksburg

In Vicksburg, the holiday season kicks off with the Christmas Parade of Lights. Typically held in early December, the parade features decked-out floats and other festive entertainment for the entire family. Vicksburg’s yuletide festivities also include Christmas in the Park. The annual event includes story time with Mrs. Claus, train rides, live music, and more. Visit the official city website for more details about Christmas in Vicksburg.

2. Oxford

Featuring everything from ice skating and carriage rides to an ornament auction, it’s easy to see that Oxford is one of the best Christmas towns in Mississippi. And we're not the only ones who think so. Country Living also named it one of the "best Christmas towns" in the region!

3. Canton

During the holiday season, Canton is decked out in so many twinkling lights that it's earned the nickname the "City of Lights." It's also been dubbed the "most festive Christmas town in Mississippi." But those aren't the only reasons it's one of the best Christmas towns in Mississippi. There's also its annual celebration, the Canton Christmas Festival. Like something from a Hallmark movie, the event includes everything from trolley and carousel rides to a magical animation museum, which is filled with 135 life-sized holiday figures.

4. Collins

Every holiday season, Collins hosts its annual light show, Christmas in the Park, but the impressive display isn’t the only sign of the city’s holiday spirit. Immediately after Thanksgiving, tons of sparkling lights and decorations go up all across town, creating the perfect backdrop for the annual Christmas parade.

5. Laurel

Each December, Laurel’s historic district is transformed into a Mississippi winter wonderland, making it one of the best Christmas towns in Mississippi. There’s a spectacular holiday display at Mason Park, beautiful Christmas trees lining 6th Avenue, a downtown filled with festive wreaths, and the official Christmas tree of the city, which can be found at Pinehurst Park.

6. Bay St. Louis

Between city-wide decorations and a ton of holiday-themed events, this coastal town transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season. The annual Snowflakes and Sugarplums Festival kicks off the holiday fun.

7. Natchez

In this beautiful, famous Christmas town in MS, the holiday festivities begin right after Thanksgiving and continue through the new year. The month-long event features the lighting of a towering Christmas tree on Main Street, lights and events in Memorial Park, choral music and singing, food trucks, rides for the kids, and more.

8. Meridian

The Merry Meridian Holiday Season includes a slew of festive events, beginning with a tree-lighting ceremony. The festive fun continues throughout December with plays, a symphony concert, shows held at the MSU Riley Center, and other special events throughout the City.

So, do you agree? Are these the best Christmas towns in Mississippi? Did we miss your favorite place to celebrate Christmas in Mississippi? Tell us!

The towns mentioned above aren't the only places to view Christmas lights in Mississippi, but they're a wonderful place to start!