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Merry on the Midway 2026 at the Laurel Fairgrounds
Dec. 3-6, Dec. 10-13, Dec. 17-20
The home of the South Mississippi Fair transforms into a wonderland of Christmas light displays for 12 festive nights. The Laurel Fairgrounds transform into a holiday destination as Merry on the Midway brings festive displays, lights, and family-friendly activities to the area.
Visitors can walk through illuminated exhibits, enjoy hot chocolate, and ride aboard the Rudolph Express Train.
New for 2026, the event will highlight a synthetic ice skating rink, welcoming both beginner and experienced skaters. Admission to the rink is set at $10 per person for all attendees.
Overall, the attraction offers local families a unique opportunity to create lasting holiday memories under the twinkling Christmas lights.
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Christmas Parades
\ Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. in Taylorsville
\ Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. in Mendenhall
\ Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. in Collins (City Hall 601-765-4491)
\ Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. in Magee
\ Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. in Raleigh
\ Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m. in Mt. Olive
\ Dec. 5 at 10 a.m. in Laurel (click here for an entry form; entries due Nov. 30 at 5 p.m.)
\ Dec. 5 at 3:30 p.m. in D'Lo
\ Dec. 5 at 4 p.m. in Petal
\ Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. in Mize
\ Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. in Bay Springs
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Christmas Red Kettle Campaigns
November and December, 2026
The Salvation Army of Hattiesburg and Laurel have launched their Christmas Red Kettle Campaigns, inviting community members to support local families and individuals facing financial strain through the "Give With Joy" initiative.
Donors can contribute in person at traditional kettles, via tap-to-give QR codes, online at the websites linked below, or through the new Army of Hope monthly giving program. Proceeds directly fund essential year-round services in the Pine Belt, including food pantry assistance, shelter, utility support, and specialized community programs.
Overall, the attraction offers local families a unique opportunity to create lasting holiday memories under the twinkling Christmas lights.
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Kiwanis Club of Laurel
Raffle ticket sales now until Dec. 5; Pancake Day Dec. 7
The club is hosting its traditional all-you-can-eat Pancake Day on Saturday, December 7 at First Baptist Church of Laurel and The YWCO. The event features fresh pancakes, sausage, and beverages for $10, with free admission for children ages three and under.
The Kiwanis Club of Laurel is holding a 50/50 raffle of this year's Pancake Day. Entrants have the opportunity to win a cash prize equal to half of the total funds raised through ticket sales. All proceeds from the raffle directly benefit the Kiwanis Club of Laurel to support educational programs for local students.
Click the link below this sentence to purchase your tickets now.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-laurel-kiwanis-pancake-day-raffle -
"Christmas Fruitcake"
Nov. 20th, 7 p.m.; Nov 21st, 11 a.m.
Kick off the holiday season with "Christmas Fruitcake," a holiday charity play presented by the Legacy Actors Theatre Experience.
Performances will take place at the Youth Chapel of Parkway Heights United Methodist Church in Hattiesburg on Friday, November 20th at 7 p.m. and Saturday, November 21st at 11 a.m.
This humorous, four-act production features a talented cast of local actors, including retired Dr. Bob Heath as Santa, David Sellers as the Fairy Godmother, and Trish Roberson.
Ticket proceeds and additional donations will support local charities, including Extra Table, The Pink Ribbon Fund, the PHUMC Youth Ministry, and the Petal Arts Council.
Tickets are $12 online or via cash at the door. Click on the link below this sentence for ticket information.
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Christmas Tree Lighting in Bay Springs
Saturday, November 21, 2026
"Another fun event is on the horizon to kick off the holiday season," The Bay Springs Chamber of Commerce said on Facebook. Further details will be released closer to time, the chamber added.
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Christmas in the Park in Collins
Every Thurs. through Sat. Nov. 28-Dec. 28
Open from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Bettie D. Robertson Park in Collins.
Thousands of twinkling lights make up this magical drive-through display featuring the birth of Christ.
Santa and animated displays that brings joy all season long.
Admission is free; donations are welcome at the exit gate.
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Live Nativity in Sumrall
December 4, 2026
Starts at 4 p.m. at Beam Park in Sumrall. Hosted by the Sumrall Development Foundation. Community members are encouraged to mark their calendars to attend the celebration.
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The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 5, 2026
The World Ballet Company will present two performances at Hattiesburg’s Saenger Theater.
This production features a diverse cast of 40 world-class dancers, elaborate hand-sewn costumes, and stunning sets designed to bring the Kingdom of Sweets to life.
Performances are schedule for 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
https://hattiesburgsaenger.com/ -
Laurel Holiday Tour of Homes
Sunday, December 6, 2026
Takes place from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. The tour is presented by the Council of Garden Clubs of Laurel & Jones County, in cooperation with the City of Laurel.
The tour includes these four historic North Sixth Avenue homes, all dressed for the season:
\ Dr. & Mrs. Graham Rogers, 1106 North Sixth Avenue
\ Dr. & Mrs. David Sullivan, 1008 North Sixth Avenue
\ Rev. & Mrs. Jerry Marcellino, 706 North Sixth Avenue
\ Drs. Chris & Geof Galaher, 542 North Sixth Avenue
Finish the tour with refreshments in the Parish Hall at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 541 North Fifth Avenue, itself a 1914 landmark and part of the tour.
Your ticket is your entrance at every home, so keep it handy. Photography and video aren’t permitted inside the homes.
Tickets, which are $20 each, are available from any Ellisville Garden Club member.
