Your Guide to 2025 Tree Lightings and Holiday Events Across the Mid-South
Holidays Along the Backroads
There is nothing like the holidays in the Mid-South. The moment November arrives, small towns start stringing lights across historic squares, families gather around courthouse lawns with cocoa in hand, and streets fill with parades, carols, and the glow of community.Out here on the Blues Backroads, the season is not just celebrated. It is shared. It is handed from neighbor to neighbor, from generations who know that the real magic of winter lives in places where everyone shows up. Whether it is the first tree lighting of the year or a parade rolling down a tiny downtown street, every event tells its own story of pride, tradition, and togetherness.To help you explore the season your way, we gathered all of the tree lightings, parades, Victorian festivals, art markets, and family events happening across Shelby County TN, Tipton County TN, Fayette County TN, Lauderdale County TN, Crittenden County AR, and DeSoto County MS. It is a full holiday roadmap across the Mid-South, ready for your next adventure.
Season Long
Tipton County Museum Festival of Trees
Location: Covington, TNTime: November 25, 2025 through January 3, 2026The Tipton County Museum celebrates the season with a free community exhibit of decorated trees created by local organizations and groups. Guests can even cast dollar-a-vote ballots for their favorite tree, with the winner’s name added to the Festival of Trees trophy for the year.
Somerville Art Gallery Winter Show
Location: Somerville, TNTime: November–December 2025A beautifully curated winter exhibit reflecting the quietness and creativity of the season.
Southaven Southern Lights
Location: Central Park, Southaven, MSTime: Nightly from November 28 to December 31, 2025Southern Lights is a drive-through holiday attraction featuring more than 500,000 lights across a one-mile route in Central Park. The city promotes it as one of the most popular holiday light experiences in Mississippi.
November 21 and 22
Hernando Dickens of a Christmas
Location: Historic Hernando SquareTime: Friday and Saturday, November 21 and 22, 2025Hernando’s Dickens of a Christmas invites guests to “step back in time” into a Victorian-era holiday scene with characters in period dress, carriage and trolley rides, a Christmas market, live performances, Santa photos, ice skating, and special activities tied to Hernando’s history. The weekend opens with the Chamber of Commerce Christmas tree lighting, story time with the mayor, and a holiday movie on the courthouse lawn.
November 22 (Saturday)
Downtown Memphis Holiday Tree Lighting & Market
Location: N. Main and Peabody Place, Memphis TNKick off the season in the heart of downtown with the official tree lighting, a holiday market of local vendors, free photos with Santa, live music, complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, kids crafts, face painting, a photo booth, and more. It is designed as a one-stop holiday evening for families, couples, and downtown workers alike.
November 25 (Tuesday)
Collierville Christmas Tree Lighting
Location: Collierville Town SquareTime: Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 5:30 PMCollierville’s historic square becomes a glowing postcard scene with carols, cocoa, and the town tree shining against the backdrop of twinkling shops.
Marion Tree Lighting
Location: Founders Park, Marion ARTime: Tuesday, November 25, 2025The community gathers in Founders Park for the official lighting of the town tree, complete with holiday music and family-friendly activities.
West Memphis Christmas Tree Lighting
Location: Worthington Park, West Memphis ARTime: Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 6 PMThe West Memphis Christmas Parade is a vibrant nighttime procession with bands, floats, performers, and families filling the sidewalks to welcome the season.
Soulsville USA Holiday Tree Lighting
Location: Soulsville, Memphis TNTime: Typically held the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. 2025 date TBD.A spirited celebration blending neighborhood pride, holiday music, and community connection.
Germantown Christmas Tree Lighting
Location: Germantown Municipal ParkTime: Friday, November 28, 2025This annual gathering includes singing holiday songs, roasting marshmallows, children’s activities, Santa visits and the lighting of the official tree on the municipal green. The city highlights it as a favorite kickoff to the season for families.
Lakeland Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting, and Drone Show
Location: I H Park, Lakeland TNTime: Saturday, November 29, 2025Lakeland combines its classic holiday parade—complete with Santa and festive floats—with West Tennessee’s first-ever Christmas drone light show, following the tree lighting with food trucks, music and family-friendly fun.
Town of Mason Christmas Parade
Location: Mason, TNTime: Saturday, November 29, 2025This Tipton County celebration brings festive floats, music, and hometown joy.
Covington Tree Lighting
Location: Covington Courthouse SquareTime: Typically held the week after Thanksgiving. 2025 date TBD.Covington’s Tree Lighting ceremony brings neighbors to the historic square for music, refreshments, and the moment the tree ignites the heart of downtown with holiday glow.
Brighton Christmas Parade
Location: Brighton, TNTime: Monday, December 1, 2025Join the annual Brighton Christmas Parade, kicking off at Brighton Elementary School, where floats, vehicles and holiday cheer light up the evening and the community lines the streets to celebrate together.
Ripley Christmas Parade
Location: Ripley, TNTime: Tuesday, December 2, 2025Ripley’s parade rolls through the heart of downtown with bands, floats, community groups, and Santa. Lauderdale County highlights it as one of the area’s longest-running holiday traditions.
Halls Christmas Parade
Location: Halls, TNTime: Tuesday, December 2, 2025The Halls Parade brings out families, school groups, and local businesses for a festive evening along the town’s main stretch. It’s a simple, joyful celebration rooted in community pride.
West Memphis Christmas Parade
Location: Broadway, West Memphis, ARTime: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 7 PMThe West Memphis parade lights up Broadway with illuminated floats, community performers, marching bands, and families lining the sidewalks in holiday excitement.
Piperton Holiday Open House & Santa Visit
Location: Piperton Municipal CenterTime: Typically early December. 2025 date TBD.Piperton’s holiday open house includes crafts, treats, and a meet-and-greet with Santa. The city shares that it’s designed as a relaxed, welcoming event where kids can visit at their own pace.
Hickory Hill Holiday Tree Lighting
Location: Hickory Hill Community Center, Memphis, TNTime: Typically early December. 2025 date TBD.Hickory Hill’s tree lighting invites local families for an evening of holiday music, youth performances, cookies, cocoa, and a visit from Santa. The city promotes it as a cheerful neighborhood tradition celebrating unity and joy.
Whitehaven Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting
Location: Whitehaven Plaza or Whitehaven Community CenterTime: Traditionally held first week of December. 2025 date TBD.Whitehaven’s annual holiday celebration includes live entertainment, youth choirs, treats, Santa visits, and the official lighting of the community tree. It is a signature neighborhood event that brings residents together to kick off the season.
Olive Branch Christmas Tree Lighting
Location: Olive Branch City HallTime: Thursday, December 4, 2025Olive Branch marks the start of its holiday season with a large outdoor gathering, festive performances, visits with Santa and the lighting of the tree on the lawn of City Hall. The event is promoted as a family tradition across the community.
Millington Tree Lighting & Christmas Parade
Location: Millington, TNTime: Thursday, December 4, 2025Millington’s holiday celebration begins with the tree lighting at the fire station, immediately followed by the city’s Christmas parade with floats, bands and festive lights rolling through Main Street. The city encourages early arrival for prime viewing spots.
Walls Christmas Parade
Location: Walls, MSTime: Typically held the first Thursday of December. 2025 date TBD.The Walls Christmas Parade features small-town Southern charm with decorated floats, local performers, and families gathered along the parade route.
Bartlett Christmas Parade
Location: Bartlett, TN (Route announced by city)Time: Typically held the first Saturday of December. 2025 date TBD.The parade features community groups, floats, dance troupes and holiday music as it travels through Bartlett’s center. The city describes it as a long-running tradition that brings families together to celebrate the season.
Arlington Christmas on the Square
Location: Depot Square, Arlington TNTime: Friday, December 5, 2025Arlington’s historic Depot Square comes alive with local vendors, Christmas characters, performances, kids activities, and treats. The town promotes it as a family tradition where neighbors gather for a festive night of music, shopping and holiday spirit.
Collierville Christmas Parade
Location: Collierville TNTime: Friday, December 5, 2025Collierville’s parade features marching bands, decorated floats, dance teams, Santa and thousands of spectators lining the streets. The town highlights it as one of the largest holiday celebrations in the region, wrapping through the historic district.
Hernando Cookies with Santa
Location: Gale Community Center, Hernando MSTime: Friday, December 5, 2025 from 5 PM to 8 PMHosted by Hernando Parks & Recreation, Cookies with Santa invites families to take their own photos, enjoy free cookies and refreshments, and participate in holiday crafts.
Mason Christmas Tree Lighting
Location: Mason, TNTime: Friday, December 5, 2025A small, joyful gathering to light the Mason community tree.
Christmas in Collierville
Location: Collierville Town SquareTime: Saturday, December 6, 2025The Christmas in Collierville series includes horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, shopping, music, and magical photo opportunities around the historic square. The town markets the event as an all-season destination for holiday cheer.
Marion Mingle + Jingle on the Square
Location: Downtown Marion ARTime: Saturday, December 6, 2025Mingle & Jingle fills Marion’s square with music, vendors, treats, and festive activities leading up to Christmas. It’s one of the city’s most anticipated community events.
Southaven Christmas Parade
Location: Southaven, MSTime: Saturday, December 6, 2025Southaven’s Christmas Parade features beautifully lit floats, marching bands, and holiday characters as it travels through the heart of the city. It’s one of DeSoto County’s most attended holiday events.
Somerville Christmas Parade
Location: Somerville, TNTime: Saturday, December 6, 2025Somerville’s Christmas Parade features local schools, churches, first responders, and holiday floats traveling around the historic courthouse square. The town promotes it as a family tradition that brings together the entire community.
Ripley Homestyle Christmas Weekend
Location: Ripley, TNTime: December 6–8, 2025A magical weekend featuring ice skating, a live Nativity, snow, train rides, Santa photos, and s’mores by open fire pits.
Munford Parks & Recreation Christmas Parade
Location: Munford, TNTime: Saturday, December 6, 2025The annual Munford parade brings together bands, floats, and local spirit, then transitions directly into the tree lighting ceremony—making it a full evening of holiday community.
Horn Lake Christmas Parade
Location: Horn Lake, MSTime: Typically held the first Saturday of December. 2025 date TBD.Horn Lake’s annual parade winds through the center of town with floats, community groups and festive music. Residents look forward to it as a cheerful way to ring in the holiday season.
Oakland Christmas Parade
Location: Oakland, TNTime: Typically held the first Saturday of December. 2025 date TBD.Oakland’s Christmas Parade fills the town center with lights, decorated floats, classic cars, and cheering families. It’s one of Fayette County’s most beloved holiday gatherings, with residents lining the streets year after year.
Dickens Christmas in Covington
Location: Downtown Covington TNTime: Saturday and Sunday, December 6–7, 2025A Victorian festival complete with carriage rides, costumes, and holiday performances.
Horseshoe Lake Christmas Boat Parade
Location: Horseshoe Lake ARTime: Typically held the first Sunday of December. 2025 date TBD.A uniquely Arkansas experience, the Horseshoe Lake Boat Parade features festively decorated boats cruising the shoreline at dusk, creating a magical scene on the water.
Covington Christmas Parade
Location: Covington TNTime: Monday, December 8, 2025A proud Tipton County tradition marching through the historic square.
A Homestyle Christmas
Location: Downtown Square, Ripley, TNTime: December 8–10, 2025 (following the pattern in their promo):A Homestyle Christmas transforms Ripley’s downtown square into a holiday village with ice skating, snow, fire pits for roasting s’mores, Christmas cookie decorating, photos with Santa, a live Nativity, train rides, and other family activities. Created in 2019 as a partnership between the City of Ripley and Lauderdale County, it has grown into one of the county’s signature Christmas traditions and often encourages visitors to bring canned goods or toys to support local families.
Millington Santa’s Stop at the Station
Location: Millington TNTime: Tuesday, December 9, 2025Kids meet Santa at the fire station in a relaxed, festive setting.
Atoka Christmas Parade
Location: Atoka, TNTime: Traditionally held the Friday before Santa’s Ride. 2025 date TBD.The Atoka Christmas Parade features local organizations, decorated floats, school groups, and holiday performers traveling the main route through town. It often precedes the larger Santa’s Ride weekend.
Atoka Santa’s Ride
Location: Neighborhoods throughout Atoka TNTime: Friday and Saturday, December 12–13, 2025Families track Santa on his fire truck route throughout town.
Atoka Community Tree Lighting
Location: Walker Park, Atoka TNTime: Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 7:30 PMA cheerful celebration with Santa, cookies, food trucks, and holiday vendors.
DeSoto Arts Council Red Door Market
Location: Hernando MSTime: Saturday, December 13, 2025The Red Door Market showcases handmade gifts, art, and local creations, offering a festive shopping experience for those seeking unique holiday items.
Olive Branch Christmas Parade
Location: Olive Branch MSTime: Saturday, December 13, 2025Olive Branch’s parade is one of the biggest community events of the year, with marching bands, decorated floats, and local organizations bringing the streets to life.
Henning Christmas Parade
Location: Henning, TNTime: Saturday, December 13, 2025Henning’s parade is a cherished Lauderdale County holiday event featuring classic cars, floats, marching groups, and a visit from Santa. The town describes it as a tradition that unites neighbors across generations.
Oakland Tree Lighting
Location: Oakland, TNTime: Typically held mid-December. 2025 date TBD.The Oakland Tree Lighting brings neighbors together for a cozy evening of carols, refreshments, and the moment the town tree shines across the square. Families often describe it as one of the most heartwarming nights of the season.
A Mid-South Holiday Story to Carry With You
As the season unfolds, every community across the Blues Backroads region brings its own spark to the holidays. Some towns celebrate with big parades and bright lights. Others keep things simple with caroling, carriage rides, or a single tree glowing in the center of the square.No matter where you go, you will find the same thing. People gathering. Families slowing down. Traditions being shared. Roads full of music and memory. The Mid-South holds the kind of holiday magic you can only find in places where people still wave from porches and smile at strangers in line.Whether you plan to hit every tree lighting on the list or just pick a small town to explore for the day, we hope this guide helps you feel the warmth of the region. Wherever the road takes you, may it be bright, joyful, and full of wonder. 