Christmas lights at Mississippi zoo, MS home tour with 60 trees top USAT holiday lists

Love looking at Christmas lights? How about seeing how different people decorate their houses for the holidays? Two national fan favorites are right in your backyard, Mississippi. A beloved zoo and state holiday tradition have made two USA Today 10 Best lists. Check out these options to get all the joy you can out of this holiday season.

Lights of the Wild at the Hattiesburg Zoo made the Top 10 list of Best Zoo Lights in the country as part of USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The event includes special nighttime hours over weekends in December with light displays and holiday fun for the family. Meet the animals, visit Santa for a photo and hear a story from Mrs. Claus. There’s snow every night.

Tickets are $16 Monday through Thursday and $20 Friday through Sunday. Kids younger than 2 get in free, but capacity for each night is limited. Dates include Dec. 13-15 and Dec. 19-23. Get a spot online.

Need more festive fun? The Merrehope in Meridian also made the Best Holiday Home Tour list this year. The Trees of Christmas event is in its 56th year. The Mississippi tradition lets designers show the spirit of the seas with more than 60 trees spread over the estate.

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The home is open for tours daily through Dec. 31 but will be closed on Christmas Eve and Day. Prices are $15 for adults, $10 for military and senior citizens and $5 for students. Get more information about special events coming up at the Merrehope online.