Where to See Christmas Lights Near Hattiesburg, MS in 2025

By Beth Scharwath, REALTOR® | RE/MAX Real Estate Partners
Updated December 1, 2025 | Local Expert Guide

After nearly 30 years of living and working in the Hattiesburg area, I’ve watched our community’s Christmas light traditions grow from a handful of decorated homes to an impressive collection of displays that draw visitors from across South Mississippi. One of my most treasured memories is taking my daughter and niece to Lewis Lights back in 2008—their faces absolutely lit up, and that experience sparked my annual tradition of mapping out the best holiday displays for families in our community.

This year, I’ve compiled the most comprehensive guide to Christmas light displays within 30 miles of Hattiesburg for 2025. Whether you’re looking for nationally recognized zoo lights, beloved family traditions spanning decades, or hidden neighborhood gems, this guide covers them all. I’ve also created an interactive Google Map to help you plan the perfect Christmas lights tour route.

Major Christmas Light Events

Hattiesburg Zoo: Lights of the Wild

Address: 107 S 17th Ave, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
2025 Dates: December 5-7, 12-14, and 19-23
Hours: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Admission: Tickets are $16-20 per person depending on the night (weekdays are cheaper). Children under 2 are free. Purchase online to save. 

Named one of USA Today’s Top 10 Best Zoo Lights in 2024, this nationally recognized event transforms the Hattiesburg Zoo into a winter wonderland. The display features super-sized LED animal sculptures, larger-than-life flowers and plants, and holiday-themed décor throughout the grounds. Activities include Story Time with Mrs. Claus, photos with Santa, animal encounters, and unlimited rides on the Northern Lights Express Train and Candy Cane Carousel. Snow falls at the Splash Pad and Mt. Everest areas, creating an unforgettable experience for families.

Lewis Lights and Crafts – Purvis

Address: 280 White Chapel Road, Purvis, MS 39475 (off U.S. 11, approximately 10 miles from Hattiesburg)
2025 Dates: Nightly from Thanksgiving through December 31
Hours: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Admission: Free (donations welcomed)

This beloved family tradition celebrates its 37th year in 2025, making it one of the longest-running light displays in South Mississippi. Founded in 1989 by Evelyn Lewis, the display features over 200,000 lights and more than 300 pieces of handmade holiday woodwork spread across a 2-acre walk-through property. Visitors enjoy festive music, hot chocolate, and locally made crafts and goodies. The legacy continues under Deborah Lewis and her aunts following the passing of family matriarch Barbara Lewis, a master electrician who built the custom electrical grid powering the display. Please note: no pets, no smoking, no running, and children must be accompanied by adults.

Catch the Christmas Spirit – Lake Thoreau Environmental Center

Address: 188 Lake Thoreau Road, Hattiesburg, MS 39402
2025 Dates: December 18-21
Hours: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (trail admittance closes at 8:30 PM)
Admission: Free (hot chocolate $1, donations appreciated)

Experience a magical 2/3-mile walkthrough trail in the forest at this University of Southern Mississippi facility. The trail is completely filled with Christmas lights, music, and holiday displays. This free event is sponsored by RE/MAX Real Estate Partners and Heritage Church, making it an accessible holiday experience for all families.

Ross Mansion – Twilight Tales Christmas Trail

Address: 416 Bay Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
2025 Dates: December 6 and December 13
Hours: Dec 6: 6:00-8:00 PM | Dec 13: 6:00-9:00 PM
Admission: Free (house tour $5 on Dec 13)

Stroll along the historic Ross Mansion’s 315-foot garden path, glowing with festive lights and lined with fairy gardens, gingerbread houses, and displays inspired by favorite holiday classics. Beverages, refreshments, and sweet treats are available for purchase.

Downtown Hattiesburg Events

Town Square Park – Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting

Location: Town Square Park, Downtown Hattiesburg
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Time: Parade at 6:00 PM, tree lighting immediately following
Admission: Free

The 75th Annual Hattiesburg Jaycees Christmas Parade kicks off the season with floats, performances, and festive fun. Following the parade, the official tree lighting ceremony illuminates Town Square Park with live musical performances and a countdown that lights up all displays including the city’s Christmas tree.

Victorian Candlelit Christmas – Historic Neighborhood

Address: 517 Rebecca Ave, Hattiesburg, MS 39401 (and surrounding Historic Downtown Neighborhood)
2025 Dates: December 13-14
Hours: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

A 49-year tradition, this annual event invites visitors to stroll through Downtown Hattiesburg and the beautiful Historic Hattiesburg Neighborhood, touring beautifully decorated homes lit with candlelight and holiday decorations.

Falling Snow at the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum

Location: Downtown Hattiesburg (behind the Saenger Theater)
2025 Dates: December 6-25 (nightly)
Admission: Free

One of the city’s fastest-growing attractions, this once-vacant alleyway has been transformed into a beloved destination featuring miniature art installations, vibrant murals, and tiny treasures. During December, snowflakes fall nightly, adding extra holiday magic to this unique experience.

Beloved Neighborhood & Family Displays

These residential displays represent the heart of our community’s holiday spirit. Many families have been decorating for years, creating traditions that bring joy to countless visitors each December. Please remember these are private residences—be respectful, stay on roadways, and enjoy from a distance unless otherwise indicated.

Hood Family Holiday Display

Address: S 40th Ave & Jamestown Rd, Hattiesburg, MS 39401

The Hood family transforms their Midtown Hattiesburg home into a complete Christmas village every year. The display started with a wooden sleigh and reindeer and has grown into an elaborate village with painted scenes created by local artists. Their vibrant and colorful display features festive characters, twinkling lights, and warm holiday vibes perfect for families. Stop by early in the evening to avoid traffic.

Ryals Restoration Lights

Address: 3330 MS-42, Hattiesburg, MS 39401

The T. Ryals home offers a truly spectacular light show that locals rave about every year. Their display features intricate designs and an array of lights that sparkle brilliantly against the night sky. Check their Facebook page (Ryals Restoration) for current operating hours.

Bellegrass Subdivision

Location: Bellegrass Boulevard off Highway 589, Hattiesburg, MS 39402

This Oak Grove area community is known for its neighborhood-wide holiday spirit. Many homes go all out with decorations, creating a cohesive and magical experience. Take a slow drive through this beautifully lit area and soak in the festive ambiance—it’s a neighborhood that truly celebrates the season in style. The subdivision also hosts community Christmas celebrations and events.

Sandstone Subdivision

Address: 14 Fieldstone, Sandstone Subdivision (off Highway 589), Hattiesburg, MS 39402

Another standout Oak Grove area for holiday lights. The home at 14 Fieldstone is a must-see, featuring an impressive display that lights up the entire neighborhood. The subdivision entrance also features a Christmas display, and many homes are decorated throughout.

Graham Family Lights

Address: 8 Rock Hill Church Rd, Sumrall, MS 39482

Located in Sumrall, the Graham family’s Christmas lights are a local treasure. Their display is filled with charm and holiday warmth, featuring twinkling lights and classic Christmas decorations. This stop is perfect for those looking to enjoy a peaceful and beautifully lit setting just outside Hattiesburg.

Morris Christmas Lights

Location: Ellisville, MS (approximately 15 miles from Hattiesburg)

The Morris Christmas Light Drive-Thru is a magical experience featuring 30,000 twinkling lights, antique cars, and large Christmas displays along a scenic 1/10-mile route. Perfect for families who want to enjoy the holiday spirit without leaving their car. A quick drive from Hattiesburg and well worth the trip for the unique decorations.

Revive Church Christmas Lights

Location: Hattiesburg area

Revive Church puts on an impressive light display each holiday season, adding to the community’s festive atmosphere. Check their social media for specific dates and times.

Oak Grove Area Events

Christmas in the Grove

Address: 2180 Oak Grove Road, Hattiesburg, MS 39402
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Hours: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (tree lights at dark)
Admission: Free

Oak Grove’s only tree lighting event returns for its 2nd annual celebration featuring hot chocolate, Christmas cookies, and a mini Christmas market with local vendors. A wonderful community event in the heart of the Oak Grove School District area.

Worth-the-Drive Regional Displays

Merry on the Midway – Laurel (30 miles)

Address: South Mississippi Fairgrounds, 1457 Ellisville Blvd, Laurel, MS 39440
2025 Dates: December 4-7, 11-14, and 18-21
Hours: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

This spectacular 12-night holiday extravaganza transforms the fairgrounds with light displays, twinkling lights, and themed silhouettes. Entertainment includes nightly performances in Holly Music Hall & Theater, Santa’s Village, a Storybook Stroll featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” and more. Visit merryonthemidway.com for tickets.

Landrum’s Homestead & Village – Laurel (30 miles)

Address: 1356 Highway 15 South, Laurel, MS 39443
2025 Dates: November 29-30, December 5-6, 12-13, 19-23
Hours: Fridays 4:00-9:00 PM | Saturdays/Sundays 2:00-9:00 PM
Admission: $12-$15 (children 3 and under free)

Celebrating its 42nd year, this nostalgic event transports guests back to an old-fashioned Christmas with thousands of lights, candlelit pathways, wagon rides, photos with Santa, Civil War re-enactments, funnel cakes, beignets, hot chocolate, and live music.

Sumrall Christmas Tree Lighting & Live Nativity

Address: Beam Park, 5 Columbia Avenue, Sumrall, MS 39482
Tree Lighting Date: December 5, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Display Hours: Nightly through December 26, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

The Beam family decorates their property with Christmas inflatables, lights, and a festive display annually. The town hosts a tree lighting ceremony and live nativity.

Christmas in the Park – Tylertown (40 miles)

Address: Holmes Water Park, 65 Old Highway 98 E, Tylertown, MS 39667
2025 Dates: November 26 – New Year’s Eve
Hours: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM (weather permitting)
Admission: Free (3-D glasses available for $1)

This driving tour features an elaborate lighted holiday display on 40 acres, considered one of the largest community Christmas light events in the region.

Tips for Your Christmas Lights Tour

Go early in the evening: Many of the most popular stops can get crowded. Arriving early helps avoid the rush and ensures better viewing.

Pack snacks and drinks: Hot cocoa, holiday cookies, or car snacks keep everyone in good spirits during the tour.

Plan your route: Start with your furthest stop and work your way back to maximize your time. Use my interactive Google Map to plan efficiently.

Be respectful: Many displays are at private homes. Stay on roadways, don’t block driveways, keep noise to a minimum, and follow any posted rules.

Check social media: Hours and availability can change. Follow displays on Facebook for the most current information, especially during inclement weather.

Tune your radio: Some displays sync lights to music. Look for signs indicating the FM frequency to tune into for the full experience.

 

Make Hattiesburg Your Home for the Holidays

The Hattiesburg area’s strong sense of community shines brightest during the holiday season. These light displays represent decades of family traditions and neighborhood pride that make our area such a special place to call home. Whether you’re a longtime resident or considering a move to South Mississippi, I’d love to help you find your place in this wonderful community.

As a full-time REALTOR® with nearly 30 years of experience in the Hattiesburg area, I specialize in helping families find homes in the Oak Grove School District and throughout the greater Hattiesburg area. If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, let’s connect and talk about your real estate goals.

Happy holidays from my family to yours! 🎄

 

Explore the Map

Use my interactive map to plan your Christmas lights tour route: