HERNANDO, Miss. — The City of Hernando, in partnership with the Hernando Main Street Chamber of Commerce, will officially launch the holiday season with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, Nov. 21.
The lighting ceremony, scheduled for 6 p.m., marks the beginning of the city’s “Dickens of a Christmas” weekend.
Following the tree lighting, the kickoff event will feature a Christmas story read by Mayor Chip Johnson and a holiday movie shown under the stars. Other festivities include ice skating, a beer garden and a food court, all located on Panola.
The main “Dickens of a Christmas” festival takes place Saturday, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The all-day event will feature Dickens-inspired activities, shopping, workshops, food and entertainment throughout downtown Hernando.
Saturday’s activities will conclude with a Cemetery Ghost Tour at Historic Springhill Cemetery and a “Cookies and Cocoa” event hosted by the DeSoto Family Theatre.
The holiday events continue through the weekend with a designated Christmas Shopping Day in Hernando on Sunday, Nov. 23. The 2025 Hernando Christmas Parade is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 1.
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 and high school football play-by-play on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
