PEARL, Miss. (November 13, 2026) — Mississippi is getting all lit up for Christmas, and the first 500 guests through the gates of The Southern Lights on Opening Night will have a little something to remember it by.
The Mississippi Mud Monsters announced today that the first 500 guests to enter Trustmark Park on Friday, November 20, will receive a complimentary, limited-edition 2026 Southern Lights Christmas ornament.
The custom-designed acrylic ornament features the outline of Mississippi against a colorful Christmas sky, complete with glowing holiday lights, the Southern Lights logo and the words "Mississippi All Lit Up."
It's a little piece of Mississippi Christmas that guests can hang on their trees for years to come.
First 500 guests through the gates
Friday, November 20, 2026
Mississippi All Lit Up
"We come from baseball, so giving something away on Opening Night feels pretty natural. But I love the idea that someone might pull this ornament out of a box five or ten years from now, hang it on their Christmas tree and remember a night they spent with their family at Trustmark Park. That's what we're trying to build here."
The ornament giveaway is limited to the first 500 guests through the gates on Friday, November 20. Gates open at 5 p.m., and The Southern Lights will remain open until 10 p.m.
More Lights. More Ice.
More Christmas.
The Southern Lights returns for its second season November 20, 2026, through January 2, 2027, transforming Trustmark Park into a holiday destination featuring millions of Christmas lights, real ice skating, train rides, fire pits and festive experiences throughout the ballpark.
This year's event features an expanded ice skating rink with 900 additional square feet of real ice, an all-new Southern Lights train, Dino Land and even more illuminated displays to explore.
After selling out 10 nights during its inaugural season, The Southern Lights encourages guests to make their holiday plans early, particularly for weekends and dates closer to Christmas.
General Admission
Enjoy millions of Christmas lights, the stadium light show, illuminated walking trails, themed displays and plenty of holiday photo opportunities.
Ice skating and train rides available separately.
All-Inclusive Admission
Everything included in General Admission, plus real ice skating and a Southern Lights train ride.
Advance purchase required by 11:55 p.m. the night before your visit.
Ticket prices vary by date. Free parking is available at Trustmark Park.
Christmas Is Better Together.
Opening Night is just the beginning. Whether you're planning an outing with friends, a company Christmas party, a church gathering or a fundraiser for your favorite organization, The Southern Lights has plenty of ways to celebrate together.
And we've built a few group options that make enjoying Christmas together a little easier on the budget.
Group Admission
Bring your family, friends, coworkers or organization for a discounted night at The Southern Lights.
Every group admission includes one complimentary Pepsi or beer. Beer available to guests 21 and older.
Fundraising Admission
Turn a night of Christmas lights into something great for your school, church, nonprofit or community organization.
Group admission and fundraising programs are arranged through the Mississippi Mud Monsters at 601-664-7600.
Your Own Little Corner of Christmas.
Sometimes a Christmas gathering needs a little something extra. A private igloo with hot chocolate. Your own fire pit for the evening. A suite overlooking the lights. Or a catered holiday dinner with everyone from the office.
We've created an entire collection of private experiences for exactly those occasions.
Private VIP Igloos
8 Guests • 2 Hours
Get cozy with hot chocolate, snacks, s'mores, commemorative igloo cups and a Mud Monsters charcuterie board to take home. Eight All-Inclusive admissions included.
Surfside VIP Fire Pits
6 Guests • Full Evening
Reserve your own private fire pit for the entire evening. Includes six All-Inclusive admissions, skating, train rides and s'mores.
Private Suites
20 Guests Included
Enjoy a warm, private suite overlooking The Southern Lights, with 20 All-Inclusive admissions included. Additional guests can be added, up to 35 total.
Frost & Firelight
25 Guests • 6–9 p.m.
An outdoor holiday party featuring festive food, fire pits, s'mores, All-Inclusive admission and plenty of room to celebrate.
Festive Feast
50 Guests • 6–9 p.m.
A private catered Christmas dinner featuring holiday favorites, fountain Pepsi, beer service and All-Inclusive Southern Lights admission.
Grand Feast
50 Guests
A premium catered holiday celebration featuring carved prime rib, blackened catfish, delicious sides, drinks and All-Inclusive Southern Lights admission.
Yes. You Can Rent The Entire Southern Lights.
On select Monday evenings, your company, organization or private group can have the entire Southern Lights experience to yourselves.
Millions of lights. Real ice skating. Train rides. A premium catered holiday dinner. No general admission crowds.
Just Your People. All Of Christmas.
Let's Make It a Night Worth Remembering.
Premium experiences and group reservations are available through our group sales team.
CALL 601-664-7600 EXPLORE GROUP EXPERIENCESChristmas at Trustmark Park.
Dates
November 20, 2026 – January 2, 2027
Hours
Sunday–Thursday: 5–9 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 5–10 p.m.
Location
Trustmark Park
Pearl, Mississippi
Parking
Free for all guests
With 10 sold-out nights during its first season, guests are encouraged to select their preferred dates and purchase tickets early.
Come Make Some Christmas Memories.
Opening Night. Millions of lights. And a special Mississippi Christmas ornament for our first 500 guests.
BUY SOUTHERN LIGHTS TICKETSMore information: thesouthernlightsms.com
About The Southern Lights
The Southern Lights transforms Trustmark Park, home of the Mississippi Mud Monsters, into a holiday destination featuring millions of Christmas lights, real ice skating, train rides, festive food, fire pits and seasonal experiences for guests of all ages. Returning for its second season in 2026, the event brings families, friends and businesses together to celebrate Christmas in Central Mississippi.