Hattiesburg, a premier city in the Gulf South, will infuse its quirky creativity and colorful spirit into a vibrant lineup of festive events this holiday season. Offering a delightful blend of Southern hospitality and coastal charm, Hattiesburg invites travelers to experience the magic of the season in the place where culture, art, food and history converge, and where life happens.
“Hattiesburg is truly the hub and heartbeat of life in the Gulf South all year round, but especially during the holidays,” says Paige Roberston, director of communications at VisitHATTIESBURG. “We look forward to welcoming visitors to join us in the celebration, where they can experience everything from festive light displays and holiday markets to annual traditions cherished by our community.”
See below for additional information on Hattiesburg’s upcoming holiday programming or go to visithburg.org/events.
Jingle Bell Jazz, Nov. 19
Fire up the Christmas spirit in advance of the Thanksgiving Holiday! The Southern Miss Jazz Lab Bands and Jazztet heat up the Christmas season early with their own unique treatments of Christmas favorites. This annual jazz review takes place on campus at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Pine Belt Holiday Expo & Christmas Market, Nov. 23
Shop holiday décor and gifts at the 13th annual Pine Belt Holiday Expo & Christmas Market at the Historic Train Depot in downtown Hattiesburg. This event features vendors from the Southern region and is free to attend, with food, gifts and more available for purchase. Free holiday pictures with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will also be available.
Holiday Choral Spectacular, Dec. 3, 5
Experience the official holiday kickoff event of the season! The Southern Miss Symphony Orchestra is joined by the Southern Chorale, Southern Miss Concert Choir and Southern Miss’ pop a cappella ensemble, Spirit of Southern. The program also includes area high school and middle school choirs in an audience favorite!
Carey By Candlelight, Dec. 5
William Carey University warmly invites everyone to Carey by Candlelight, a festive evening featuring performances by three of its talented ensembles: Carey On, Knights of Jazz and Thomas Hall. Guests will enjoy seasonal music in a cozy atmosphere, complete with hot chocolate, cider and Christmas snacks.
Falling Snow at the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum, Dec. 6 – 25
The Hattiesburg Pocket Museum, one of the city’s fastest growing attractions, transformed a once-vacant alleyway behind the local theater into a destination beloved by locals and visitors. Featuring miniature, ever-changing art installations, vibrant murals and tiny treasures – which can be enjoyed for free all year round – the Pocket Museum Alley will add an extra dose of holiday cheer in December, with snowflakes falling nightly.
Victorian Candlelit Christmas, Dec. 6 – 8
The annual Victorian Candlelit Christmas, hosted by the Hattiesburg Historic Neighborhood Association, is a beloved two-day event that draws visitors from across the region to admire 18,000 luminaries lining the sidewalks of the city’s oldest neighborhood. Guests are invited to explore Hattiesburg’s historic streets, with over 300 homes and businesses decorated for the holidays, while listening to carolers, enjoying horse drawn carriage rides, food trucks and more festive fun.
A Cool Cat Christmas, Dec. 7
The Fat Cat, Hattiesburg’s beloved bar and live music venue, will celebrate the holiday season with A Cool Cat Christmas, a smooth and stylish soirée inspired by the Rat Pack era. Renowned University of Southern Mississippi alum and crossover artist Peter Lake will take the stage and channel the spirit of Frank Sinatra himself during this festive evening.
Lights of the Wild, Dec. 6 – 8, 13 – 15, 19 – 23
This family-friendly holiday event at the Hattiesburg Zoo will immerse visitors in an animal-themed light exhibit featuring hundreds of expansive, sculptural LED lanterns. Admission includes unlimited train and carousel rides, animal encounters and a visit from beloved film characters. Additionally, there will be holiday treats and libations available for purchase.
A Christmas Carol in One Act, Dec. 10
Enjoy the one-act adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in this 45-minute dramatization featuring local “celebrities.” Over the course of the night, Ebenezer Scrooge is haunted by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future and learns he must embrace the true spirit of Christmas before it’s too late. This witty and humorous play is cleverly punctuated with traditional Christmas carols.
A Carey Christmas, Dec. 15 – 16
William Carey University presents A Carey Christmas, a festive showcase filled with music, dance and theatrical performances celebrating the joy of the holiday season. This annual tradition brings together students, faculty and the community for an enchanting evening of holiday spirit. Visitors are invited to ring in the season with a heartwarming display of talent and cheer!
Midnight on Front Street, Dec. 31
Join Hattiesburg to ring in the new year at Midnight on Front Street, an event rich with history, talent and community dating back to 1912. Whether a local Hattiesburger or a first-time visitor, guests are invited to meet on Front Street and be a part of the premier New Year’s Eve celebration in the Gulf South.
For more information, visit www.visithburg.org.
About Hattiesburg, MS
Creatively blending culture, history, art and food, Hattiesburg is the hub and heartbeat of life in the Gulf South. It celebrates the heroes who forged its place in civil rights history with attractions like the 1964 Freedom Summer Trail and East Sixth Street Museum District. Haven to the creative and quirky, forward thinking and entrepreneurial, Hattiesburg’s thriving local culinary community, funky boutiques, engaging public art and extensive outdoor recreation attractions showcase its spirit of hospitality and make it a memorable place where life happens. For more information, visit www.visithburg.org.
