If your idea of the perfect Christmas includes twinkling lights, hometown parades, cozy downtowns, and warm community traditions, then Mississippi County, Arkansas deserves a spot on your holiday travel list.
From dazzling drive-through light displays and classic small-town celebrations, this corner of the Arkansas Delta truly glows at Christmastime.
We recently explored Christmas in Mississippi County and discovered unmistakeable Delta magic, small town friendliness and charm, shopping, and bright lights.
Christmas in Mississippi County, Arkansas (The Upper Delta)
Here’s how to experience the very best of Christmas in Mississippi County.
Lights of the Delta
The crown jewel of the season in Mississippi County is, without question, Lights of the Delta in Blytheville. This is not just the largest light display in Mississippi County but also in the mid-south!
This year is the 25th’ anniversary of this massive drive-through light display which features millions of lights with animated scenes, themed sections, and tunnels of glowing color.
This display is especially unique because many of the lights are synchronized! The displays look like they are moving! Skaters glide on a frozen pond, deer jump across the road, Santa’s sleigh flies through the air, and so much more.
One of my favorite sections featured local scenes such as the old Greyhound bus station in Blytheville, the Painted House from John Grisham’s book of the same a name, and many more.
Best of all you can enjoy the lights from the comfort of your vehicle, or make it extra memorable by hopping on a tractor pulled hayride.
You can even reserve an entire trailer for your group of 20 people for only $40! That is such a great deal for an event like this. In fact, we spoke with some of the volunteers for Lights of the Delta and one of their primary goals is to keep this even affordable for all the guests.
We took the hay ride and it was so much fun, I highly recommend it!
TIP: It was VERY cold the night we were there so I highly recommend being bundled up for the weather if you plan to take the hayride. You might even want to bring a blanket!
TIP: You will probably want to reserve your spot on one of the hayrides because we were told that they can fill up.
About halfway through the light display is a concession area. There is parking for those driving their own vehicles and the hayrides stop here as well.
Guests can get hot cocoa, popcorn, and so much more.
Best of all….this is where you will also have a chance to take a photo with Santa!
While you are at the concession stand be sure and also check out the Lights of the Delta Christmas tree ornament. It changes every year.
I bought one and it is currently shining brightly on my tree.
Go to the LIGHTS OF THE DELTA website to check out the opening days and times. You can also reserve your hayride here!
Lights of the Delta is the kind of event that families return to year after year, and it’s a MUST for any Christmas outing in the county.
Wilson Winter Wonderland
Just a short drive away, the charming town of Wilson offers a different but equally magical holiday experience with Wilson Winter Wonderland.
This is a walkable Christmas light attraction, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the glow of the season.
Be sure and check the dates on this event as it is only held only at certain times. You can go here to the Wilson events calendar for the dates.
Visitors can expect:
- 8 Illuminated Christmas trees including a 65 foot tall welcome walk through tree.
- Immersive tunnels that lead you on an adventure light, holiday music, and magnificent color .
- Snowfall from Snow machines!
- Visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus
- Hot Chocolate and Caroling
Wilson Winter Wonderland is especially wonderful for families who want to stroll, take photos, and truly linger in the lights.
Small Town Parades and Lighted Downtowns
Few things capture the spirit of Christmas like a small-town parade and a glowing Main Street.
Many of the towns in Mississippi County work to bring that classic holiday atmosphere to life by decorating their shops, lighting up their main downtown streets, and having a Christmas parade!
Here are the parade dates for 2025:
- Leachville: November 29 at 7:00
- Blytheville: December 4 at 6:30
- Luxora: December 6 at 6:00
- Etoway: December 6 at 5:00
- Osceola: December 9 at 6:00
- Manila: December 13 at 6:00
- Dyess: December 15 at 7:00
- Wilson: December 19 at 5:30
During many of these parade evenings local shops will stay open late for Christmas shopping and some even offer refreshments. You might also find food trucks available.
We attended the Blytheville parade and in our opinion this is where Mississippi County’s holiday heart really shows…with neighbors lined up along the streets, kids waving at floats and catching the candy that is thrown to them, and businesses decorated with care.
It’s a slower, sweeter kind of Christmas!
Local Christmas Shopping in Downtown Blytheville
Before heading out to see the lights in the evening, take time to explore Downtown Blytheville’s local shops.
We had a great time shopping on Main Street. Some of our favorite shops were:
- Blytheville Book Company: This bookstore has been around (in a different spot) since the 1970’s. It was originally called That Bookstore. And was famous for being one of only a few where John Grisham would come for book signings. It is now under new ownership, but we thought it was still an excellent bookstore with a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Me & My Sister Boutique: A cute little boutique with women’s clothing, adorable pajamas, and some great gift ideas and home decor.
- The New York Store: Clothing and unique gifts
- The 223 Collective: Clothing as well as charms for bracelets, necklaces, and key chains!
Shopping local not only supports small businesses in these small towns, but it also adds to the festive atmosphere!
Christmas in Mississippi County: Churches & Community Events
In addition to the big parades and light displays you know that there are also lots of churches and community organizations playing a role in celebrating the meaning of the season.
Check the local churches and the Mississippi County Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page for events such as:
- Christmas concerts
- Nativity scenes
- Candlelight services
- Community Christmas programs and toy drives
These events offer a quieter, more meaningful side of the season and are a beautiful reminder of what makes Christmas in small towns like these so special.
Where to Eat & Warm Up After the Lights and Parades
Make a whole evening of fun by eating out before or after you view the lights or go to a parade. Blytheville, and the surrounding towns offer plenty of locally owned restaurants.
Here are a few of the restaurants in the area that we recommend.
- Wilson Cafe – The Wilson Cafe in Wilson, Arkansas serves farm to table upscale southern cuisine.
- Steel and Grain – This restaurant in Osceola serves steak, chicken fried steak, salads, and more!
- Yank’s Famous Bar-B-Que – This Blytheville institution is considered to be some of the best Barbecue in the area!
- Olympia Steak and Seafood – Serves fine black Angus steaks and seafood in Blytheville.
- The Hog Pen Barbecue – An Osceola restaurant that looks and tastes exactly like a barbecue restaurant should.
- The Dixie Pig BBQ – This restaurant has been operating in Blytheville for over 100 years! It is on our list of Iconic Restaurants in Arkansas.
- 1812 Pizza Company – The original location of the fresh and delicious pizza is in Manila, Arkansas!
Why Christmas in Mississippi County Is Worth the Drive
Mississippi County may not be packed with big-city attractions, but that’s exactly why it shines at Christmas. Here you’ll find:
- Authentic small-town hospitality
- Long-standing local traditions
- Family-friendly events
- And a slower, more meaningful pace for the holidays
Whether you’re planning a quick evening trip or a full festive weekend, Christmas in Mississippi County, Arkansas offers a warm, glowing reminder of what the holiday season is really about.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
