Description

On the longest night of the year, Bay St. Louis will shine its brightest! The Arts, Hancock County invites the community to grab a lantern, gather friends, and light the way at the 4th Annual Winter Solstice Lantern Parade, ending in a one-of-a-kind celebration at the legendary 100 Men Hall.

The evening kicks off at 5:30p at The Arts (405 Blaize Ave.), where the crowd will gather with glowing lanterns—handmade or store-bought—and hear a welcome from this year’s Co-Grand Marshals, artists Emma Connolly and Kerr Grabowski. At 6:00p, the parade steps off for a 0.7-mile journey through downtown, filling the streets with color, light, and cheer. Spectators can watch along the route or meet the parde at 100 Men Hall.

The route: Blaize Ave. → left on Toulme → left on Easterbrook → left on Agness → right on Marty → 100 Men Hall (303 Union St.).

At 6:30 PM, the glowing parade will arrive at 100 Men Hall just in time to spark the tiki torch menorah for the 7th night of Hanukkah. Then, the celebration moves indoors with a menorah lighting, last-minute holiday shopping, food, a cash bar, and music that will keep spirits high all night long.

Headlining the night is Meryl Zimmerman & the Miracles, bringing soulful, cheerful holiday tunes with a New Orleans twist. From Snug Harbor to Jazz Fest, Zimmerman’s voice has lit up some of the city’s best stages—now she’ll light up Bay St. Louis for the solstice.

Event Highlights

1. 5:30p – Gather at The Arts, words from Grand Marshals
2. 6pm – Lantern Parade through Bay St. Louis
3. 6:30p – Menorah lighting at 100 Men Hall
4. 7:00p –late – Live music, food, drinks, shopping, celebration