As a child growing up in Oxford, Mississippi, I looked forward to seeing the Christmas lights on the homes that lined South Lamar or to asking my mom to drive through the University of Mississippi campus, past the sorority houses with their trees that seemed straight out of a forest, decorated in full to my five-year-old mind. The town square would have decorations as well, but nothing like what the town has since evolved into.
Today, Oxford goes the extra mile each year to bring complete joy to all who visit, leaving you feeling somewhere between the allure of a Hollywood movie set and as if you are walking into a snow globe. It’s magical to say the least.
You have plenty of time to visit Oxford between now and January 4, when the festivities start to wind down.
Historic Oxford Square at the Holidays
(Image courtesy of Visit Oxford)
Holly Jolly Holidays, now until January 4, 2026. Visit mTrade Park for ice skating (yes, it’s real ice, even in Mississippi), fire pits to get cozy and warm up by, seasonal treats, and the Walk of Lights, a walking path full of holiday displays, sure to bring all the holiday cheer to your family’s faces.
Walk of Lights at Holly Jolly Holidays
(Image courtesy of Visit Oxford)
Wander the Peppermint Trail, looking for shops with seasonal goods and treats while participating restaurants and bars offer peppermint-inspired drinks—festive tastes made for holiday shopping.
Grab a slice of pizza at Funky’s Pizza and Daiquiri Bar. For the past 17 years, each December, Funky’s turns from a college bar into a full-scale Christmas bar, with no decoration off-limits. Fun for the whole family.
Funky’s Pizza and Daiquiri Bar in Oxford, MS
(Image courtesy Visit Oxford)
Book dinner at Saint Leo for a cozy setting, where you will enjoy house-made pasta dishes like Homeplace Pastures short rib ragu, craft-made cocktails, and seasonal main courses. Be sure also to order a wood-fired pizza and a few of the locally grown vegetable dishes, like the delicata squash.
Wood-fired pizza at Saint Leo in Oxford, Mississippi
(Erin Austen Abbott)
House-made pasta at Saint Leo
(Erin Austen Abbott)
Just off the Square and down the road a few blocks, visit Volta Taverna. Aside from delicious Greek salads, bigger than your head and traditional gyros, try the Hotty Toddy balls and the brussels sprouts (trust me on this). Make sure to visit their holiday selfie area! So fun!
A few places to not miss:
Square Books – An Oxford tradition year-round, with four shops around the Square, Square Books is a must-visit. They certainly have gifts and books for everyone on your list, complete with complimentary gift wrapping. As a Peppermint Trail stop, they have free candy canes and curated book selections from Southern writers to children’s classics. Side note, they stock my own books, and you can get them signed!
End of All Music – One of the best record stores in the country, this tiny gem stocks everything from Taylor Swift on vinyl to obscure blues and jazz records. If you are looking for it, you will likely find it at End of All Music.
End of All Music in Oxford, Mississippi
(Erin Austen Abbott)
Southside Gallery – This Oxford gallery always hosts a holiday show of regional artists each December. This year’s theme is RED, with all the art working red into each piece. Pick up a piece of local art to gift this season.
Wonderbird Spirits – Taylor, MS-based Wonderbird Spirits Distillery, recently opened a tasting room and bottle shop on the Square, just inside The Lyric Theatre. It’s so charming and serves delicious cocktails.
Wonderbird Spirits Bottle Shop & Tasting Room
(Erin Austen Abbott)
Bottletree Bakery – This Oxford staple has been open for more than 20 years, and if they keep their humble pies on the menu, they will easily be around another 20. Don’t sleep on this bakery- it’s so yummy!
Humble pies before going into the oven at Bottletree Bakery
(Erin Austen Abbott)
Oxford Creamery – House-made ice cream, right off the Square. Try flavors like banana pudding and milk & cookies. It’s a great holiday treat, year-round.
Heartbreak Coffee – Grab an in-house roasted cup of coffee or a lavender lemonade. Heartbreak is the perfect pick-me-up after a day of shopping on the Square. They also have delicious hot chocolate for the little ones.
Nightbird – Stay at The Oliver Hotel and pop into their true speakeasy, Nightbird. The cocktails are refined and upscale, while the space is cozy and warm.
Nightbird Bar inside The Oliver Hotel
(Erin Austen Abbott)
A gift for the road: Pop into Panino Veloce, pick up a few sandwiches for the road, and definitely order the chips. You won’t be sorry. While you are there, pick up a few hand-rolled Italian chocolate salami, made with chocolate, amaretto cookie pieces, pistachios, and a touch of rum – tied with classic red-and-white butcher string. Perfect for stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, and for your Christmas dessert board.
Plan for next year: If you are in town early, don’t miss the Lighting of the Square. The town gathers on the historic Oxford Square, and as everyone counts down, the lights strung from building to building, connecting the courthouse in the middle of the Square, are turned on, and the town welcomes the holiday season.
Don’t miss the festive Christmas Holiday Parade, too! Merging the university with the town, it’s all hands on deck with everyone involved, and one of the most joyous holiday parades around.