Spend the holidays in Oxford MS—light displays, local shops + more

Sponsored

Do Birmingham’s sweltering summer temps have you wishing you could be swept inside a wintry snow globe?

Get into the Christmas in July spirit and start planning your winter wonderland escape to Oxford, Mississippi. From November to January, the city will be hosting its annual Holly Jolly Holidays event featuring a dazzling walking light installation, ice skating and more festive, family-friendly fun.

A peek at Oxford MS

Whether you’re experiencing the town’s history at an art gallery or museum or sipping tasty mimosas at Sunday brunch, Oxford Mississippi is a sweet escape any time of year. 

But if you ask me, the holiday season is the best time to visit.

You’ll see local shops decked out in festive decorations and twinkling lights strung everywhere you turn—a total Hallmark moment.

What to expect this holiday season

I love seeing events grow and change over time, and Holly Jolly Holidays in Oxford, Mississippi, continues to do just that—in all the right ways, too.

This year, the season-long event is expanding to include some new activities you and yours can experience together.

Here are a few to check out during your visit:

Walk of Lights

Something that always puts me in the holiday groove is seeing beautiful light displays. Birmingham has many to dote on, but Oxford’s Walk of Lights is definitely worth the drive.

The dazzling display of custom-designed illuminations transforms Oxford’s sports facility, mTrade Park, into a magnificent winter wonderland.

The display pays homage to Oxford’s history, spotlighting the city’s charming skyline, famous Double-Decker Bus and more.

As you take in the brilliant displays, be sure to stop for delicious treats like hot chocolate, s’mores kits and cookies.

Ice Skating at mTrade Park in the Square

Ice skating is a winter must. (Visit Oxford MS)

This year, the Holly Jolly Holiday favorite ice skating rink will be set up at mTrade Park so you can experience all of the holiday magic in one place!

Whether you tie on some skates or watch from the sidelines, it’s a great way to create memories and add some magic to the season.

Extra entertainment

We found two more things you need to try while you’re in Oxford:

2nd annual Oxford Peppermint Trail

This spirited trail leads to special holiday treats and promotions at participating restaurants and retailers. Who can resist sweets and deals?

Snowy gnome landscapes

I’ve always adored gnomes, so this community tradition easily got my attention.

Every year during the holiday season, Oxford locals set out tiny gnome villages at various locations around the Square. Kids especially enjoy spotting them.

Be sure to check small corners and doorways of local shops.

More to explore in Oxford MS

There’s so much to explore during your visit to Oxford, Mississippi. 

From art galleries and eclectic boutiques to one of the nation’s most renowned independent bookstores, here are a few stops you’ll want to make while you’re there:

Restaurants + bars

• Bouré: For local cuisine, this bustling eatery serves up Creole fare for everyone and drinks. It also offers balcony seating for cocktails so you can overlook the town of Oxford.

• Bottletree Bakery: Get your carb fix at this long-running bakery serving breads and pastries, amazing coffee and additional breakfast items. Pro tip: grab some granola to go!

• Funky’s: Located in the heart of downtown Oxford, his New Orleans-style daiquiri bar serves some of the best local pizza. During the holidays, they deck out the entire venue in lights and trees. 

Arts + entertainment

• Mississippi Blues Trail: Got “the blues”? This fun trail documents the bluesmen and women and the influence of the places they lived and the times they existed had on their music. Learn about greats like B.B. King, Bobby Rush, Bukka White and more.

• Southside Gallery: Established in 1993, this art gallery highlights exhibited work by artists predominantly from the Southeast.

• Square Books: Bookworms will fall head over heels for this nationally renowned independent bookstore featuring a variety of books, an in-house coffee bar and a second-floor balcony.
  • Fun fact: John Grisham, and a former Oxonian, held his first book signing here for A Time to Kill.
  • Psst—there’s also a Square Books, Jr. for kids.

• The Lyric: Once Oxford’s first movie theater, The Lyric is now a historical venue known for its outstanding live shows featuring artists, musicians and more.

• Saint Peter’s Cemetery: DYK author William Faulkner’s grave is located here? As a tribute, fans leave whiskey and pennies on his tomb. Will you do so, too?

Where to stay in Oxford MS

• The Oliver Hotel: Oxford’s recently renovated boutique featuring Kingswood restaurant and a speakeasy bar named Nightbird. 

• Graduate Oxford: The Graduate property features eclectic decorations and elements of Oxford and Ole Miss, including key cards with prominent alumni including Archie and Eli Manning. Its rooftop bar, The Coop, offers a great view of the downtown Square.

Ready to book your trip to Oxford? Holly Jolly Holidays, from November 23, 2024 to January 5, 2025 is the perfect time to go. Visit Oxford MS has all the resources you need on their website.

Sponsored by: