Exciting holiday experiences you’ll love in Oxford, MS—events, shopping + lights

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Dreaming of being swept inside a wintry snow globe this holiday season? Oxford, Mississippi is the perfect place to get your Hallmark moments in—without the cold, white stuff. 

Read on to learn why this is the spot to put your festive spirit into high gear with a Holly Jolly Holidays event + more, November to January.

Psst—it’s less than a three-hour drive from Birmingham!

Seasonal events in Oxford, MS

Lighting of the Square

The holiday season officially begins in Oxford on November 7 with the Lighting of the Square. This special historic spot filled with shops, restaurants and events becomes even more magical when dressed in twinkly lights and the sounds of locals and visitors singing Christmas carols. 

Trust me, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported into a festive Hallmark movie.

And the best part is, Santa Claus will be in attendance!

• When: Thursday, Nov. 7 | 6PM
• Where: Oxford City Hall, 107 Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS 38655

Holly Jolly Holidays

Lights, ice skating + visits with Santa are a seasonal must. (Visit Oxford)

Mark your calendar for November 23-January 5, 2025. During this special time, Oxford, Mississippi, comes to life with the lights, sounds and festivities of the Holly Jolly Holidays. You’ll see local shops decked out in dazzling decorations and twinkling lights and lots of entertainment for all ages.

Here’s a look at a few things you’ll enjoy during this season-long event:

• Ice skating: A Holly Jolly Holiday favorite returns this year—ice skating. The rink will be set up at mTrade Park so you can experience all of the holiday magic in one place and create lasting memories.

• Peppermint Trail: This spirited—and—tasty trail will lead you to peppermint-flavored treats and peppermint-themed promotions at participating restaurants and retailers. From coffee and cocktails to sweets and more, you won’t want to miss the mint-inspired fun.

• Visits with Santa: Want to thrill the kids? Time with Santa is a tried and true way to do it. Jolly Saint Nick will be at the skating rink at mTrade Park on select days this November + December. Get your photo taken on one of these dates:
  • Saturday Nov. 23, Nov. 30 + Dec. 21 | 2-6PM
  • Saturday, Dec. 14 | 4:30-8PM

• Walk of Lights: Birmingham has many holiday lighting displays to dote on, but Oxford’s Walk of Lights is worth the travel time. The dazzling custom-designed illuminations transform mTrade Park into a picture-perfect winter wonderland. Bonus: hot chocolate, s’mores kits + cookies will be available.

For more to do in Oxford, Mississippi, check out our recent holiday guide.

Shop the Square in Oxford, MS

Whether you’re checking out stores sparkling with fabulous decor or finding the perfect gift for a loved one, holiday shopping can be a magical time.

Regardless if you’re a newbie to Oxford or have visited before, here are some must-visit shops to check out:

Square Books

As a lifelong reader and writer, visiting unique bookstores runs near the top of my bucket list. 

While there are a few cool shops in the Greater Birmingham Area, Square Books in Oxford, Mississippi is worth the drive.

This special store nestled in the Square is a nationally renowned independent bookstore featuring a variety of books, an in-house coffee bar and a second-floor balcony. 

Fun fact: Bestselling author John Grisham (and former Oxonian) held his first book signing at Square books for A Time to Kill.

• Where: 160 Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS, 38655
• When: Monday-Thursday 9AM-9PM | Friday-Saturday 9AM-10PM | Sunday 9AM-6PM
• Website

Bonus: There’s also a Square Books, Jr. for kids. Whether you’re seeking signed copies of the Diary of a Whimpy Kid series or want to experience special story times featuring special guests and new releases, this is where the magic happens. 

• Where: 111 Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS, 38655
• When: Monday-Thursday 9AM-7PM | Friday-Saturday 9AM-8PM

Olive Juice Gifts

I love visiting gift stores while traveling, whether simply browsing or shopping for souvenirs. 

One to have on your radar when visiting Oxford, Mississippi is Olive Juice Gifts. 

It’s decked out in joyful razzle dazzle—especially during the holiday seasons—and offers unique gifts, home decor and Greek items. 

• Where: 303 South Lamar Blvd., Oxford, MS, 38655
• When: Monday-Saturday 10AM-5:30PM 

Neilson’s Department Store

There’s something charming about department stores that rest in their original, centuries-old location in a city’s center. 

You can almost imagine the years of fashion trends that have strutted in and out their doors. 

Neilson’s was founded in 1839 in Oxford and is one of the oldest continuously running department stores in the South.

During your visit to Mississippi, explore the stores for historic nostalgia and fresh new finds from clothes and shoes to jewelry.

• Where: 119 Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS, 38655
• When: Monday-Saturday 9AM-5:30PM 

The End of All Music

Were you a fan of Charlemagne Records that rocked music fans for decades in Birmingham’s Five Points South? Cool news—we’ve discovered its soul sister at The End of All Music in Oxford.

It’s another great downtown business in Oxford’s Square, located upstairs in the town’s historic Duvall’s building. 

The shop is stocked with racks of new and used vinyl as well as new and reissued records in CD + LP format. 

You’ll also find plenty of audio equipment like turntables, speakers and headphones. 

• Where: 103A Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS 38655
• When: Sunday-Monday 1-5PM | Tuesday-Wednesday Noon-6PM | Thursday-Friday Noon-7PM

Where to stay in Oxford, MS

Ready to book your stay in Oxford, Mississippi? Here are some great spots to consider:

• Graduate Oxford: This popular property features eclectic decorations and elements of Oxford + Ole Miss, including key cards with prominent alumni like Archie and Eli Manning. Its rooftop bar, The Coop, offers a great view of the downtown Square.
• The Oliver Hotel: This recently renovated boutique hotel features the tasty Kingswood restaurant + a speakeasy bar named Nightbird. 

Check out Visit Oxford MS’s website for all your holiday travel plans!

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