If your idea of the perfect Christmas includes twinkling lights, hometown parades, charming downtowns, and warm community traditions, then Mississippi County, Arkansas deserves a spot on your holiday travel list.
From massive drive-through light displays to classic small-town celebrations, this corner of the Arkansas Delta truly glows at Christmastime.
We recently explored Christmas in Mississippi County and discovered unmistakable Delta magic, small-town friendliness and charm, local shopping, and plenty of bright lights.
Christmas in Mississippi County, Arkansas (The Upper Delta)
Here’s how to experience some of the very best of Christmas in Mississippi County.
Lights of the Delta
The crown jewel of the Christmas season in Mississippi County is, without question, Lights of the Delta in Blytheville.
In fact, this isn’t just the largest holiday light display in Mississippi County. Lights of the Delta calls itself the Mid-South’s largest holiday lighting festival!
The display returns for its 26th season in 2026 and will be open daily from November 23 through December 27.
Hours are:
- Friday–Saturday: 5:30–10:00 p.m.
- Sunday–Thursday: 5:30–9:00 p.m.
Lights of the Delta features more than six million lights along a 1.5-mile route with dozens of animated displays, 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 name, and many more.
You can enjoy the lights from the warmth and comfort of your own vehicle, or make the evening extra memorable by hopping on a tractor-pulled hayride.
We took the hayride and had so much fun. I highly recommend it!
The trailers hold up to 20 people, but 2026 hayride prices have not been announced yet. You can reserve a hayride through the Lights of the Delta website.
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, you’ll come to a concession area. There is parking for guests driving their own vehicles, and the hayrides stop here as well.
You can grab hot cocoa, popcorn, and other treats.
Best of all…this is also where you might get the chance to take a photo with Santa!
For 2026, Santa is scheduled to appear every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday during the season, along with several special dates. His final scheduled night is December 23.
While you are at the concession stand, be sure to check out the annual Lights of the Delta Christmas ornament.
The design changes each year, and of course I bought one when we visited!
It is currently shining brightly on my own Christmas tree.
Another good thing to know is that Tuesdays are half-price nights for cars, trucks, and vans in 2026.
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.
Wilson Winter Wonderland will be held from 6:00–8:00 p.m. on these dates in 2026:
- November 27–28
- December 4–5
- December 11–12
- December 18–19
You can go here to the Wilson events calendar for times and more information.
The complimentary experience includes larger-than-life illuminated trees covered in tens of thousands of lights, holiday music, colorful displays, and four different walking tunnels stretching approximately 200 feet through the town square.
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 quite like a small-town parade and a glowing Main Street.
Many of the towns throughout Mississippi County celebrate the season by decorating their shops and downtown streets and hosting community Christmas parades.
Most of the 2026 parade dates have not been announced yet, so we’ll continue updating this list as the towns release their holiday schedules.
One parade that has already been confirmed is:
- Wilson: The 40th Annual Christmas Parade will be held December 18, 2026, from 5:30–6:30 p.m. around the historic Wilson Square.
This would be an especially fun night to visit Wilson because Winter Wonderland begins at 6:00 p.m. that same evening.
During many of the Christmas celebrations in Mississippi County, local shops stay open late for holiday shopping, and you may also find refreshments, food trucks, and other special activities.
We attended the Blytheville Christmas parade during our visit, and in our opinion, this is where Mississippi County’s holiday heart really shows.
Neighbors lined the streets, kids waved at the floats and caught candy being tossed their way, and the downtown businesses were decorated for Christmas.
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 some time to explore the local shops in Downtown Blytheville.
We had a great time shopping along Main Street.
Some of our favorite stops were:
- Blytheville Book Company: Blytheville has a long and interesting independent bookstore history. The famous That Bookstore in Blytheville was well known for author events, including visits from John Grisham. In 2018, the store transitioned to new management and became Blytheville Book Company. 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 locally not only supports small businesses in these communities, but it also adds to the festive small-town Christmas atmosphere.
Christmas in Mississippi County: Churches & Community Events
In addition to the big parades and light displays, churches and community organizations throughout Mississippi County also play an important role in celebrating the season.
Check local churches and the Mississippi County Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page for events such as:
- Christmas concerts
- Nativity scenes
- Candlelight services
- Community Christmas programs
- Toy drives
These events offer a quieter and often more meaningful side of the season and are a beautiful reminder of what makes Christmas in small Arkansas towns 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 Christmas attractions, but that’s exactly part of its charm.
Here you’ll find:
- Authentic small-town hospitality
- Long-standing local traditions
- Family-friendly Christmas events
- Beautiful holiday lights
- Locally owned shops and restaurants
- A slower pace that feels especially nice during the holidays
We loved our Christmas visit to this part of Arkansas.
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.
