HANCOCK COUNTY HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS KICK OFF SATURDAY, NOV. 26TH
Hancock Co., Miss. Nov. 22, 2022 – Hancock County is the place to be this holiday season! Over the last few years, Hancock County – particularly the City of Bay St. Louis – has developed an enchanting repertoire of holiday events that draw thousands of people from far and wide. The best part is that there is something for everyone. In addition to multiple family-friendly events, businesses all over town will be rolling out the red carpet in an effort to encourage visitors to shop, eat, play and stay local this holiday season.
Before going into holiday events, let’s set the scene. Visitors will be greeted to Old Town Bay St. Louis by centuries-old oak trees adorned with illuminated snowflakes. These trees are located throughout town and are a treat for the eyes. The biggest and brightest trees are located in front of Bay Town Inn on Beach Blvd., in front of the First Baptist Church on Main St., in the community garden at Ruth’s Roots on Court St., at the Shoofly next to the Hancock Chamber of Commerce on 2nd St., at the old Railroad Depot, and along Ballentine St.
This year’s holiday events will kick off on Saturday, Nov. 26th on Shop Small Saturday with the Bay St. Louis Christmas Parade. With over 100 vehicles and Santa himself joining in the festivities, the parade will roll at 5:30 p.m. It will start at the Bay St. Louis Municipal Harbor and make a loop around town, rolling from Court St. to 2nd St., 2nd St. to Demontluzin St., Demontluzin St. to Beach Blvd., and Beach Blvd. to Main St. The parade will culminate with the lighting of the City Christmas Tree in front of the Hancock County Courthouse. There will be live music and a 100% chance of snow at the Courthouse, creating a charming holiday scene straight out of a snow globe.
Speaking of quaint holiday scenes, be sure and have your cameras ready! There will be free photo op spots at Social Chair on the corner of Main St. and 2nd St., at HL Raymond Properties at 118 N. Beach Blvd, at the Ruth’s Roots Community Garden on Court St., and at the pocket park located next to the Hancock Whitney on the corner of Beach Blvd. and Main St. Santa’s elves have informed us that he might have time for pictures following the Christmas tree lighting. If things get too busy for Santa at the Courthouse, you can always snap a quick picture and just drop a letter to Santa in the special mailbox near the tree.
Following the lighting of the Christmas Tree, visitors are encouraged to continue shopping as the stores will have extended hours this evening. We also invite parade goers to enjoy a dinner at one of the many imaginative restaurants in Old Town. There will also be live music at many of the nightlife spots along Beach Blvd.
As the holiday season progresses, there will be even more events to enjoy. Here is a breakdown:
Thursday, Dec. 1st
5 – 7 p.m.
Nativity Walk
Old Town Bay St. Louis
Businesses in Old Town Bay St. Louis will have extended shopping hours this evening as people walk and enjoy all the different Nativity Scenes. They range from traditional to modern to creative and are all works of art.
Thursday, Dec. 1st
5:30 – 8 p.m.
Christmas on the Diamondhead Town Green
Grounds outside City Hall, located at 5000 Diamondhead Cir.
Folks north of I-10 (and south of I-10 for that matter) are welcome to come out and enjoy Christmas on the Diamondhead Town Green! Come on out for a festive evening and take pictures with Santa and other characters, drop off a letter to Santa and enjoy music, food and children’s activities.
Saturday, Dec. 10th
2nd Saturday in Old Town Bay St. Louis
5:30 p.m.
Lights at Bay St. Louis Municipal Harbor
Come out and enjoy something unique to Coastal Mississippi – decorated boats! Participating boat owners will have their boats decked out with creative light displays illuminating the Harbor and reflecting off the calm water. There will be no ceremony associated with the decorations – just something for people to walk around and enjoy. There will be prizes for the best decorated boats.
Sunday, Dec. 11th
5 p.m.
Diamondhead Christmas Parade
If you’re looking for something smaller and a little more low key, the Diamondhead Christmas Parade would be a great alternative to the hustle and bustle! Vehicles will roll from Diamondhead East Rec on Diamondhead Dr. E to City Hall at 5000 Diamondhead Cir. This is a great event for families with smaller children.
Saturday, Dec. 31st
3rd Annual Oyster Drop in Old Town Bay St. Louis
Come ring in the new year in Old Town Bay St. Louis! 200 North Beach will once again host the annual bash, complete with live music, a bonfire, fireworks and the Oyster Drop at midnight! Details, such as music lineup, street closures and ticket information to be released soon.
For more information for these events and more, please visit http://hancockchamber.org. To schedule coverage or for help developing a story, please call or text Anne Pitre at 228-382-2086 or anne@hancockchamber.org.
###
The Hancock Chamber of Commerce is the county‘s largest business advocacy organization. Through our 1,500 member representatives, we bring together the collective vision of our area businesses, community partners, elected officials, young professionals, youth, educators, non-profit organizations and engaged citizens to work cooperatively for the future of our community.