Christmas light displays near Jackson: your guide to the best displays

The holidays are here and they wouldn't be the same without lights. Fortunately for those living in the greater metropolitan area, there are several places to see some of the best light displays around.

No matter where you live in the Jackson area, there's one near you and they're all close enough that you and your family may want to experience several.

So, here are five beautiful light displays to see and boost your holiday spirit.

The City of Brandon's Brandon Amphitheater will host the Magic of Lights drive-through light show. The course is more than 1 1/2 miles of lighted displays guests can drive through.

It features a 32-foot tall animated Barbie display and some that are hundreds of feet long. Displays include dinosaurs celebrating the holidays, a Bigfoot monster truck and a winter wonderland. The event boasts 6 miles of light strings with more than 2 million lights.

When: Nov. 18-Jan. 1

Where: Brandon Amphitheater, 8190 Rock Way, Brandon

Time: 5:30-10 p.m.

Admission: Tickets are $19 per vehicle in advance and $25 at the gate on weekdays and $30 on weekends. Limo prices are $50 in advance and $60 at the gate. Tickets can be purchased in advance at https://magicoflights.com/events/.

Capitol City Lights returns in December to downtown Jackson. Multiple events will line the streets to kick off the season of joy in the City with Soul. The public can enjoy Christmas lights at the Governor's Mansion and other locations, free live music, decorations and treats.

Train rides and photo opportunities with Santa will be available along with the lighting of the Christmas tree at City Hall. Shuttle service will be available between participating locations or people can walk or drive on their own schedule.

When: Friday, Dec. 2

Where: Downtown Jackson

Time: Festivities begin at 4 p.m. with various ending times.

Admission: Free

Please visit www.visitjackson.com/capitalcitylights/ for a complete list of times, locations and activities.

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Come and enjoy the Richardson Light Show where the theme is "Keeping the Christ in Christmas." Families can enjoy the drive-by light show in Madison; an award-winning display with an estimated 200,000 lights.

The event draws thousands of viewers that wind their way on a set route through a neighborhood to see the display. Friday and Saturday night's have the heaviest traffic, so it's suggested to go on other nights if possible.

The light show is synched to music that viewers can enjoy by tuning their radios to 99.9 FM.

When:

Where: 219 Sundial Road, Madison

Admission: Free

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The Canton Christmas Festival in the City of Lights returns this holiday season kicking off the events on Dec. 2. with a four-story LED Christmas tree and 18-foot walkthrough gift box.

Activities include a carousel and other children's rides, fire truck and train rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, appearances by Santa, shopping, and dining. Christmas displays and the square will be illuminated by 100,000 lights and Christmas music will fill the air.

When: Nov. 25-27, Dec. 2-23

Where: Canton Square, Canton

Time: 5-9 p.m.

Admission: Free

South of Jackson in the small town of Crystal Springs you'll find the Chautauqua Christmas Light Show.

Located in Chautauqua Park, viewers can drive through and admire over 100 displays and more than 10,000 lights around the park's lake. A fun event for children and families, there is also a light show at the park's 'Roundhouse' that is synched to music and can be heard by tuning in to 91.9 FM on your radio.

When: Thursdays through Saturdays, Nov. 24-Dec. 25

Where: Chautauqua Park, 26031 US 51, Crystal Springs

Time: 6-9 p.m.

Admission: $3 per vehicle with proceeds going toward park and light show improvements

Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or [email protected]. Reporter Kiara Fleming can be reached via email [email protected]. You can also follow her on Twitter @ki_dajournalist.