10 Ways Mississippi Celebrated Christmas In 2016

Christmas is a time for joy, giving, and celebration with loved ones. In 2016, Mississippi found unique and exciting ways to commemorate the holiday season. From festive parades to charitable events, the Magnolia State showcased its holiday spirit in style. Here are 10 ways Mississippi celebrated Christmas in 2016:

A Season of Giving

Christmas is a time for giving, and Mississippians took this to heart in 2016. Many organizations and individuals came together to host charitable events and toy drives to benefit those in need. For example, the Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots program collected thousands of toys for underprivileged children across the state.

Parades and Processions

Mississippi's Christmas celebrations wouldn't be complete without festive parades and processions. In 2016, many cities and towns hosted holiday parades, complete with floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus. The Jackson Christmas Parade, for instance, featured over 100 entries, including marching bands, dance troupes, and festive floats.

Holiday Lights and Displays

Mississippi's holiday lights and displays were truly a sight to behold in 2016. Many cities and towns transformed their public spaces into winter wonderlands, complete with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and towering Christmas trees. The city of Gulfport, for example, hosted a holiday lights display that featured over 100,000 lights and festive decorations.

Concerts and Shows

Mississippi's rich musical heritage was on full display during the 2016 holiday season. Many cities and towns hosted festive concerts and shows, featuring local and regional musicians. The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, for instance, performed a holiday concert at the Thalia Mara Hall in Jackson, featuring classic Christmas tunes and festive favorites.

Tree Lighting Ceremonies

Tree lighting ceremonies were a beloved holiday tradition in Mississippi in 2016. Many cities and towns hosted tree lighting ceremonies, often featuring local dignitaries, festive music, and of course, the lighting of the Christmas tree. The city of Oxford, for example, hosted a tree lighting ceremony in the historic Square, complete with festive decorations and holiday treats.

Holiday Markets and Craft Fairs

Mississippi's holiday markets and craft fairs were a shopper's delight in 2016. Many cities and towns hosted holiday markets and craft fairs, featuring local artisans, craftspeople, and small business owners. The Mississippi Craft Center, for instance, hosted a holiday market featuring handmade crafts, jewelry, and decorative items.

Breakfast with Santa

Many Mississippi families enjoyed a special holiday treat in 2016 - breakfast with Santa Claus. Several restaurants and event spaces hosted breakfast with Santa events, where children could meet the jolly old elf, enjoy a festive meal, and take part in holiday activities. The Mississippi Children's Museum, for example, hosted a breakfast with Santa event featuring a pancake breakfast, crafts, and a visit from Santa.

Polar Express Events

The Polar Express was a beloved holiday tradition in Mississippi in 2016. Several cities and towns hosted Polar Express events, featuring train rides, festive decorations, and of course, a visit from Santa Claus. The Gulf Coast Railroad Museum, for instance, hosted a Polar Express event featuring a train ride, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa.

New Year's Eve Celebrations

Mississippi's New Year's Eve celebrations were a festive and fun way to ring in 2017. Many cities and towns hosted New Year's Eve events, featuring live music, fireworks, and of course, a countdown to midnight. The city of Biloxi, for example, hosted a New Year's Eve celebration on the beach, featuring live music, fireworks, and a countdown to midnight.

Closing Out the Holiday Season

As the holiday season came to a close, Mississippians reflected on the joy, giving, and celebration that defined the 2016 holiday season. From festive parades to charitable events, the Magnolia State showed its holiday spirit in style. As the new year dawned, Mississippians looked forward to another year of holiday magic and festive fun.

What were some popular holiday events in Mississippi in 2016?

Some popular holiday events in Mississippi in 2016 included the Jackson Christmas Parade, the Gulfport Holiday Lights Display, and the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra's holiday concert.

What were some charitable events held in Mississippi during the 2016 holiday season?

Some charitable events held in Mississippi during the 2016 holiday season included the Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots program and the Mississippi Children's Museum's holiday market.