MS has 3 cities worthy of being spots for Hallmark Christmas movies, survey says
If you’re looking for cozy, nostalgic and heartwarming settings that define Christmas movies in real life, look no further. Three Mississippi towns have recently been named the state’s most Hallmark movie-worthy holiday destinations, according to a survey by Exoticca, an online tour company.
“There’s something uniquely comforting about these small towns, especially during the holidays. They offer the kind of warmth, charm, and community spirit people associate with classic Christmas movies,” Juanjo Duran, CMO of Exoticca, said in a December news release.
These are the three “most charming” Christmas towns in Mississippi for 2025, according to the survey.
1. Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs is the best spot in Mississippi to enjoy Hallmark movie-esque holiday vibes, according to the Exoticca survey.
Although Ocean Springs — located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast about 5-miles northeast from Biloxi — may not see snow all that often during the holiday season, its community spirit around the holiday season brings it to life.
“Imagine harbor-side strolls along Front Beach, festive local markets, and cozy cafés where sparks fly,” researchers at Exoticca said.
Exciting holiday sights in Ocean Springs include the annual Christmas tree lighting and the lighting of live oak trees lining the downtown area, according to Ocean Springs Weekly Record.
2. Oxford
Oxford came in second-place for Mississippi towns that deserve to be Hallmark Christmas movie settings.
The town’s historic square feels both quaint and lively with small storefronts decked out in festive lights and decorations.
“Picture strolling through twinkling streets around The Square, discovering seasonal markets, and warming up with hot cocoa in a cozy café,” researchers said.
Some of Oxford’s holiday events include the following, according to Visit Oxford:
- Nov. 13 Lighting of the Square
- Nov. 22-Jan. 4 Ice-skating at mTrade Park
- Nov. 22-Jan. 4 Walk of Lights at mTrade Park
- Santa visits throughout the season
- Peppermint Trail throughout the season
3. Natchez
Located on the Mississippi-Louisiana border, Natchez came in third place for Mississippi towns exuding Hallmark movie vibes this holiday season, according to the Exoticca survey.
“Natchez’s antebellum homes and historic streets create a picture-perfect setting for a Southern Christmas romance,” according to Exoticca.
The town was also recently named one of the 50 best U.S. towns to visit during the holidays by HGTV, with the annual lighting of the 34-foot tall Christmas tree as a can’t-miss, the Sun Herald reported.
How did online tour company come up with ranking?
Exoticca surveyed 3,021 U.S. adults in November 2025 to find the most Hallmark movie-esque towns in each state during the holidays, researchers said.
Where to see holiday lights in Mississippi this year
Aside from visiting these charming towns, there are plenty of other ways to get in the holiday spirit, including seeing free holiday light shows along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Here’s where you can find some of the best, free shows:
