Celebrate the holidays in Ocean Springs with free, festive activities for the family

The City of Ocean Springs is celebrating the holidays with free activities for the family.

Starting on Thursday, Dec. 7, the City of Ocean Springs will host the annual Tree Lighting with Santa at the Mary C from 6 to 8 p.m.

Enjoy two hours of holiday cheer with live music, singalongs, and photos with Santa. Bring your camera. Free refreshments will be provided by the Ocean Springs Chamber-Main Street-Tourism Bureau and Coca-Cola.

On Friday, Dec. 8, and Saturday, Dec. 9 beginning at 10 a.m. the shops, restaurants, and galleries come alive with holiday cheer offering specials on clothing, jewelry, holiday décor, and more for the Holiday Open House.

Start your fun by visiting the Ocean Springs Visitors Center located at 1000 Washington Avenue for hot chocolate and grab our holiday shopping guide. Spend $200 during the two-day event and show us your receipts for a chance to win prizes valued at over $500.

Also, during the Holiday Open House on Friday, December 8, the Chamber-Main Street will MAKE IT SNOW in the L&N Depot Plaza from 1-5 p.m. Bring the whole family out and enjoy refreshments, adopt a plush reindeer, grab some hot chocolate and more!

On Saturday, December 9 during the Holiday Open House, visit our tent outside of Chandeleur Outfitters at the “T” of the town and grab a caramel apple slice as we partner with Kilwins, listen to carolers around town, visit the Holiday Market at the Ocean Springs Fresh Market, take pictures with the Grinch at NextHome and more!

Also, get your tickets to hop aboard the YMCA vans and enjoy the Ocean Springs Dessert Crawl on Saturday, December 9 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in downtown. Tickets are $20 but only 40 spots are available so get your tickets now before the tasting event sells out.

Join the city for a parade on Sunday, Dec. 10 for the Discover Christmas Toy Drive and Parade starting at 2 p.m. in downtown Ocean Springs. Toy donations are needed. Drop your toys off at the Ocean Springs Lumber Company, Elks Lodge or Macedonia Baptist Church starting now. The parade will end at the Lumber Company lot.