CHRISTMAS FESTIVALS NEAR YOU

‘Tis the season for celebration and festivals! Whether you’re looking for a festive show, local festival or want to shop small businesses and local artists, Mississippi has a number of holiday events happening all December long.

“Christmas in the Air” at The Beau Rivage Theatre – Biloxi

For our coastal friends, this festive show is just what you need to help get you in the holiday mood this month.

From December 12 through 26, this Broadway-style show returns to the Beau Rivage Theatre. Classic and newage holiday songs will be performed by world-class singers and dancers. This show is family-friendly, featuring a feel-good holiday story told by Santa’s elves. Ticket prices range from $12.95 to $29.95, plus tax and service charge, and are available via beaurivage. com. Ticket packages are available, as well as special pricing for select groups.

Image from AllEvents.in Image from event website Image from event Facebook page Image from Landrum’s website

Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival – Gulfport

Information from AARP

This spectacular light show features over 1,200,000 lights across Jones Park and is presented as a walking tour or aboard a free, heated trolley. Participants will be able to visit Santa in Santa’s Village every night, take pictures at any of the Elfie Selfie stations throughout the park and enjoy hot chocolate, marshmallows, and concession items available for purchase. Bring your Christmas wish list to drop in the Letters to Santa mailbox as Santa Claus is there nightly through December 23. Tickets for rides such as Santa’s Big Wheel, the Merry Go Round Carousel, Santa Express Tour Train and more are also available for purchase inside the park. This event is happening now through December 31. For more information, visit gulfportharborlights.com.

Totally Locally Christmas Market 2021 - Richland

On Saturday, December 11, this Christmas market will be held at 410 East Harper Street in Richland. The Totally Locally Christmas Market features a number of vendors for boutique shopping, arts and crafts and concessions so that you can do all of your Christmas shopping in one place! Previously canceled for 2020, this event is back on and bigger than ever. Entry is free, so stay all day or just pop in. For more information and updates, visit the event Facebook page at facebook.com/ richlandchristmasmarket.

Christmas Lights at Landrum’s Homestead – Laurel

Step back in time and enjoy Christmas the oldfashioned way at Landrum’s Homestead. December 3 and 4, 10 and 11, and 17 and 18, the Homestead will host a Christmas light celebration for the family. The event will have Santa, a marshmallow roast, wagon rides, music, funnel cakes, beignets and hot chocolate. The estate smokehouse will also be open! Thousands of twinkling Christmas lights cover the Homestead and pathways, making this a magical experience for all who attend. The Homestead is open

all day, with Christmas lights turned on at 4:30 pm. Homestead admission is $10 and children three years old and under are free. The gem mine cost is $5, and the shooting gallery is $1 for 25 shots. For more information, visit landrums.com.

20th Annual Breakfast with Santa – Vicksburg

Perfect for those with little ones, the 20th annual Breakfast with Santa will be held at the Vicksburg Convention Center from 8 am to 10 am. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door. Raffle tickets are $1 for a chance to win a Christmas bag filled with toys and electronics. Tickets are for sale at the Vicksburg Convention Center box office or ticketmaster.com. To learn more, visit visitvicksburg.com/breakfastwith-santa.

Oxford Community Market – Oxford

Image from Oxford Community Market’s website Image from event Facebook page

Perfect for shopping small for Christmas, the Oxford Community Market is held every Tuesday from 3 pm to 6:30 pm. Farmers, bakers and craft makers will feature the fruits of their label at the market, making it easy to do your Christmas shopping in one place. According to their website, the purpose of the Oxford Community Market includes, but is not limited to, addressing food insecurity in Oxford, Mississippi. The Community Market connects growers and producers with customers, delivering affordable, regionally grown and nutritious foodstuffs. For more information, visit oxfordcommunitymarket.com.

Holiday Artists Market – Greenwood

On December 11, from 9 am to 1 pm at ArtPlace Mississippi, this holiday market will feature local artists and their goods. The market will include handmade items and artwork for sale by local artists and ArtPlace students.

Items for sale include handmade pottery, photography, glass, posters, sweet treats and more. For more information, search the event on Facebook.

12th Annual Rudolph Run – Pontotoc

On December 11, this 12th annual run will take place. Walkers and runners will pass through picturesque Pontotoc, Mississippithe business district and the holidaydecorated residential area.

Registration is online only until December 5. Registration will be available the morning of the race (December 9) from 6 am until 7:30 am. A late fee of $5 will be assessed to any registrants who register after December 1 at 12 pm. Those who register late WILL NOT be guaranteed a t-shirt on race day. Event fees are $30 per individual. (Unless registering afternoon on December 1, when a $5 late fee will be assessed) A special discount will be offered to Cross County students and first responders. For these individuals, the cost of the race will be $20. Packet pickup will be at the Pontotoc Chamber of Commerce starting Friday, December 10, from 5 pm to 7 pm. And resuming Saturday, December 11, from 7 am until 8 am when the race begins. Learn more by searching the event at RunSignup. com. edm