A Holiday Getaway to Oxford, MS: Lights, Ice Skating & Seasonal Cheer
Experience the magic of the holidays in Oxford, MS! From ice skating to dazzling light displays, this small Southern town offers some serious seasonal cheer. Image: Visit Oxford MS
There’s something magical about spending the holidays in Oxford, Mississippi. The city comes alive with twinkling lights on the historic downtown Square, and touches of festive, small-town charm are around every corner. From the annual Holly Jolly Holidays event (which includes visits with Santa and ice skating!) to seasonal shopping and dining, Oxford is a quintessential Southern holiday escape. Consider this your official guide!
The 6th Annual Holly Jolly Holidays
Holly Jolly Holidays is at the heart of the city’s celebrations, returning to mTrade Park from November 22 through January 4. Now in its sixth year, the family-friendly event is a winter wonderland, offering a 4,000-square-foot ice-skating rink, thousands of dazzling lights, and meet-and-greets with Santa himself.
Event hours are Wednesday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., with no entry allowed after 8:30 p.m. Festivities are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, but extended hours are available from November 24 through November 30 and December 22 through December 27.
Lace Up at Oxford on Ice
One of the biggest draws of Holly Jolly Holidays is Oxford on Ice, sponsored by Oxford Rx. The spacious, covered outdoor ice skating rink returns for another year of fun, perfect for both seasoned skaters and first-timers alike.
Families love the rink for its energy, while couples find it the perfect setting for a romantic winter evening. Not to mention, the rink is large enough to accommodate crowds while still feeling intimate, and the surrounding holiday decor only enhances the overall experience.
Admission is $15 per person, which includes skate rentals and unlimited ice skating time. (Children 3 and under get in for free!)
A Stroll Through the Walk of Lights
For more seasonal fun (or if skating isn’t your thing), the Walk of Lights, sponsored by Riverland Roofing, is another must-see attraction. Open daily from 5 p.m., the trail features bright, colorful light displays and larger-than-life holiday scenes that invite visitors to wander, snap photos, and revel in the season.
Each turn reveals a new scene — from traditional holiday imagery to playful, whimsical displays that capture the joy of the holidays. The experience is designed to appeal to both children and adults, offering an immersive spectacle that makes Oxford feel like a small-town North Pole.
A Downtown Square, All Dressed Up
Beyond mTrade Park, Oxford’s historic downtown Square is aglow with holiday spirit. Storefronts twinkle with lights, local boutiques offer unique gifts, and the iconic Lafayette County Courthouse becomes the centerpiece, all decked out for the season.
As you walk through The Square, you’ll notice everything from wreaths on lamp posts to seasonal window displays and a warm sense of community that makes you feel right at home. It’s easy to spend an afternoon or evening meandering through the local shops, and then pop into one of The Square’s eateries to warm up with a festive drink and a hot meal.
A Sweet Tour of Oxford: The Peppermint Trail
Unsure which local shops and restaurants to explore first? The city’s Peppermint Trail makes it easy. The red-and-white “candied” path winds through some of Oxford’s favorite local shops and eateries, making it the perfect way to explore the community while enjoying the spirit of the season.
Simply look for the peppermint sticker at participating locations, including staples like Amy Head Cosmetics, Back Nine, Bouré, and Off Square Books. Along the way, you’ll encounter special treats, gifts, and surprises that make holiday shopping extra fun.
Planning Your Holiday Getaway
A trip to Oxford during the holidays is a quintessential Southern experience. The city offers the perfect setting for creating holiday memories, complete with lights, joyful traditions, ice skating, Santa visits, and a welcoming Southern atmosphere.
The 6th Annual Holly Jolly Holidays is ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Plan a weekend getaway or a longer stay to fully immerse yourself in Oxford’s festive charm. Between mTrade Park, the downtown Square, and the local shopping and dining scenes, there’s no shortage of holiday cheer to be found.
Happy holidays!
This article is sponsored by Visit Oxford MS.
Brianna Goebel
Brianna is StyleBlueprint’s Associate Editor and Sponsored Content Manager. She is an avid fan of iced coffee and spends her free time reading romance novels.