Your Weekend Guide to Festive Fun in Mississippi

Your Guide to This Weekend's Events Across Mississippi

From Festive Markets to Live Music

As December arrives, communities across the state are hosting a variety of events to kick off the holiday season. This weekend, December 5th through 7th, offers a mix of traditional celebrations, shopping opportunities, and cultural experiences. Whether you're looking for family-friendly activities or a night out, there's likely an event nearby to fit the bill.

A Sampling of Statewide Activities

Many towns are hosting their annual Christmas parades, often featuring local high school bands, decorated floats, and appearances by Santa Claus. These parades typically take place on Saturday morning or early evening. Simultaneously, several historic districts and downtown areas are organizing holiday markets where local artisans sell handmade crafts, ornaments, and food items, perfect for finding unique gifts.

For those interested in the arts, a few local theaters and community centers are staging seasonal productions and concerts. Live music, ranging from blues and gospel to classical holiday pieces, can be found in venues from Vicksburg to the Gulf Coast. Additionally, some museums are hosting special weekend workshops for children or themed historical tours.

Planning Your Weekend Outing

Officials recommend checking local event listings for specific times and potential weather-related updates. With events happening in multiple cities, planning ahead for parking and travel time is advised. Many of the outdoor festivals and markets are free to attend, while theater performances and some workshops may require purchased tickets in advance.

"It's a wonderful weekend to support local businesses and artists while getting into the community spirit," noted a coordinator for one of the larger holiday markets, speaking to BNN. "These events really showcase what makes each town special."

What do you think?

• Are traditional community events like parades and markets still the best way to build local spirit, or have they become outdated?


• With so many options, do you prefer to stick to events in your immediate town or travel across the state for unique experiences?


• Should municipalities invest more public funds into organizing free holiday events, or is this an area best left to private groups and volunteers?


• Does the focus on holiday-themed events this time of year exclude residents of other faiths or those who don't celebrate?