Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College invites the community to celebrate the magic of the season at its annual Festival of Lights on Friday, December 5, from 4:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Perkinston Campus. This beloved holiday tradition features festive activities, musical performances, delicious food, and fun for all ages.

The evening begins at 4:30 p.m. with the opening of the Silent Auction, Bookstore, Food Trucks, and Food Booths. Guests can browse unique items, shop for gifts, and enjoy seasonal treats as the campus comes alive with holiday cheer.

At 5:00 p.m., the celebration expands with the start of Santa’s Parade and a full lineup of activities across campus.

Activities beginning at 5 p.m.:

• Santa’s Parade – President’s Circle
• Children’s Village – Weathers/Wentzell Center
• Calling All Angels Art Sale – President’s Circle
• Paint a Holiday Ornament with the Perkettes ($5) – Learning Resources Center (LRC)
• Pictures with Santa – Under the Oaks
• Pictures with Characters – Under the Oaks
• Candyland Pictures with the Perkettes – Learning Resources Center (LRC)
  (Guests should bring their own cameras for all photo opportunities.)
• Photo Booth – Jackson Hall
• Petting Zoo – Outside Learning Resources Center
• Train Rides – Outside Hinton Hall
• Cake Walk – In Front of Flagpole
• The First Noel Exhibit – Harrison Hall Lobby
• Caricature Artist – Outside Denson Hall

The campus will also be filled with the sounds of the season, featuring musical performances in the Chapel.

Musical Performances – Chapel

• 5:30 p.m. — Perk Singers and Mississippi Voices
• 6:35 p.m. — Woodwind Ensemble
• 7:05 p.m. — Perk Players & Brass Ensemble
• 7:35 p.m. — Jazz Band

Later in the evening, guests can gather for two final special events before a Fireworks Spectacular at the bell tower:

• 8:30 p.m. — Perkettes Performance – Outside Harrison Hall
• 8:30 p.m. — Reading of “The Night Before Christmas” –Bell Tower

MGCCC’s Festival of Lights is free and open to the public. Families, friends, and community members are encouraged to attend and enjoy a night of festive fun on the Perkinston Campus.