SOUTHAVEN, MS – The holiday season has officially arrived in North Mississippi, transforming DeSoto County into a dazzling winter wonderland with three spectacular light displays. From a beloved, decades-old drive-thru experience raising money for charity to newer, immersive walk-through festivals, there are plenty of opportunities to create magical family memories this Christmas.
Southern Lights: A Longstanding, Charitable Drive-Thru in Central Park
The season kicks off with the highly anticipated return of Southern Lights in Central Park. Running nightly from now through Dec. 31, this cherished drive-thru light display features a breathtaking spectacle of over 500,000 twinkling lights winding through the park’s 116 acres. Visitors can experience the holiday cheer from the warmth of their car and tune in to a special FM radio station for a curated soundtrack of festive Christmas music.
A Holiday Staple for Two Decades
The Southern Lights display has a rich history as a community favorite. It began on a smaller scale in 2002 at the City of Southaven’s Snowden Grove Park. After four years, the event’s growing popularity prompted a move to the more spacious Central Park around 2006, where it has been a holiday staple ever since. This longevity has cemented its status as a core part of DeSoto County’s holiday tradition.
Crucially, this event is not just about the lights; it’s about giving back. All proceeds from Southern Lights benefit local charities, making your annual holiday outing a truly meaningful way to support the community.
Cedar Hill Farm: Traditional Christmas Fun in Hernando
Just a short drive away, Cedar Hill Farm Christmas Traditions in Hernando is inviting families to celebrate the holidays in a classic, festive setting. Head to Cedar Hill Farm from Dec. 18-23 for a traditional holiday experience. The event is open nightly from 4-8:30 p.m. (with the first light show starting at 5 p.m. and the last one at 8:30 p.m.) and offers more than just a gorgeous light display. The farm atmosphere provides a host of activities for the whole family to enjoy, promising a night filled with holiday fun and Southern charm.
Light Garden: Immersive Festival Experience in Olive Branch
For an experience you can walk right into, head to the Light Garden in Olive Branch. This event is an immersive, must-see Christmas festival and light show that guarantees a sensory holiday treat. Beyond the spectacular illuminations, Light Garden features live holiday entertainment and unique shopping experiences, making it the perfect spot to find last-minute Christmas gifts. Best of all, Santa Claus will be on-site, offering free photos with Santa to capture that perfect holiday snapshot!
A Welcomed New Tradition
The Light Garden is the newest holiday attraction on the scene, having launched its inaugural season in November 2022. Created by Russell Lehman of The Events Benefits, the show quickly became known as the “Mid-South’s newest holiday experience.” Located in Olive Branch City Park, the show features a wheelchair-accessible walk-through path that extends around the park’s lake, providing stunning reflections of the lights. The city of Olive Branch welcomed the private, non-taxpayer funded event, which also benefits the local community by contributing a percentage of net profits back to the City Park for its improvement and development.
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
