Tis’ almost the season for merry and bright holiday fun here in Laurel, Mississippi. During November and December, our little town feels straight out of a classic Hallmark Christmas film. Fill your bags with festive favorites and indulge in seasonal activities we know the whole family will enjoy. With so much festive fun to explore, you’ll want to sleigh around for at least a couple of days to make sure you don’t miss any of the magic–so book your stay ahead of time. To help you plan your marvelous Christmas experience in Laurel, we’ve outlined a few of our favorite ways to spread holiday cheer that yule just have to experience for yourself.
Gifts That Keep On Giving
This time of year, it’s better to give than to receive, so give a gift that’s meaningful and memorable. Shop at local businesses and find the perfect present for everyone on your list. If you’re in need of ideas, stop by the Laurel Mercantile for thoughtfully designed home decor or visit the Scotsman General Store for custom wood carved creations.
Shop specialty finds at Holi-Daze Decor and More or take home unique staples from The Cotton Boll that will look perfect under the tree! Perhaps give the gift of relaxation this year with sugar scrubs and bath bombs from Magnolia Soap and Bath Co. wrap up a sweet-smelling candle from Hand + Made. With presents like these, you’ll be the hit of the holiday season!
A Winter-Wonderful Weekend
If you’re in for a weekend, you’ll want to book your trip for December 6-7. Guests during this time will experience Laurel’s signature Kiwanis’ Pancake Day, the Sertoma Christmas Parade, and the jolly Cadence Bank Christmas Tree lighting and Cookie Stroll! It’s the perfect getaway that adds just the right amount of Christmas cheer to your season and provides family fun for all ages.
Let’s Get Merry
When you’re ready to fully dive into the Christmas spirit, you’ll want to participate in annual events loved by locals and guests alike. Get your jingle on with some of Laurel’s most fa-la-la fun festivities.
Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit this December at the Laurel Fairgrounds with the brand-new "Merry on the Midway: Christmas in Lights!" This magical event will turn the fairgrounds into a twinkling wonderland. Stroll through enchanting light displays, visit Santa's Village, explore Mrs. Claus's Lollipop Candy Shop, snap photos with Santa in his workshop and mail your wish list straight to the North Pole at the post office. Don't forget to grab a sweet treat at the Nutcracker bakery! You can also venture through the Christmas Storybook Stroll featuring "Charlie Brown's Christmas," and toast s'mores by the fire.
Cheerful Christmas Traditions
While new events are always exciting and keep Christmas tinsel-tastic, we always want to remember our locally loved traditions. Step into a holiday time machine at Landrum's 41st Annual Christmas at the Village! Take a magical stroll through Christmases of the past with wagon rides, candlelight tours and even Civil War reenactments. Snap your photos with Santa, shop from local craft vendors, and enjoy festive treats like funnel cakes, kettle corn and homemade ice cream. With live music, face painting and a marshmallow roast, there’s something fun for everyone. Don’t miss out on their spectacular light show either—tickets are just $15, and kids 3 and under get in free! Guests can learn more on their website.
Regardless of how you choose to deck the halls this year, we hope you’ll do it with us! Join us for even more excitement like Christmas markets, open houses, spectacular holiday shows and come experience the warmth, love and cheer that fills Laurel each year. Find the merriest place to spend your holiday season here.
Holiday Event Dates 2024
Christmas Open House Downtown Laurel: November 3, 2024
Merry Marketplace: November 23, 2024
"Irving Berlin's White Christmas The Musical" at Laurel Little Theatre: November 8-10 & 15-17, 2024
Christmas at Landrum’s Homestead and Village: November 30, December 1, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21, 2024
Cadence Bank Christmas Tree Lighting: December 6, 2024
Sertoma Christmas Parade: December 7, 2024
Kiwanis Pancake Day: December 7, 2024
Merry on the Midway: December 6, 8, 12-15 & 19-22, 2024
Prancer Path: Open November 26 through the holiday season
For information on these and more holiday festivities, keep an eye on our calendar for updates.
