Name: 4th Annual Winter Solstice Lantern Parade
Start: 2025-12-21T17:30:00-06:00
End: 2025-12-21T21:00:00-06:00
Location: 405 Blaize Avenue, Bay St. Louis, MS, United States, Mississippi 39520

The Arts Hancock County - 4th Annual Winter Solstice Lantern Parade Leads to 100 Men Hall’s Matzo Ball
Bay St. Louis, MS – December 21, 2024 – 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 parade at the Depot or 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 6:30p, 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:
What: 4th Annual Solstice Lantern Parade + Matzo Ball Celebration
When: Saturday, December 21, 2024
5:30p – Gather at The Arts Hancock County to hear words from Grand Marshals
6:00p – Lantern Parade through Bay St. Louis to 100 Men Hall
6:30p – Menorah lighting at 100 Men Hall
7:00p – late – Live music, food, drinks, shopping, celebration
Where: From The Arts (405 Blaize Ave.) to 100 Men Hall (303 Union St.)
Who: Everyone is welcome!
Bring a lantern, wear your festive best, and light up the night.

*All are welcome! Bring your neighbors, let’s light up the night together!
This is a family-friendly event. No dogs, please!
Friends are always welcome!
Registration is requested for parade participation.

Why the Solstice?
The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year, a turning point when the nights begin to shorten and light starts its return. For centuries, communities have marked this moment with fire, lanterns, and celebration. In Bay St. Louis, The Arts has created its own joyful ritual—illuminating the dark with a parade of lanterns, then gathering with neighbors to celebrate all winter holidays together: Hanukkah, Christmas, Las Posadas, Kwanzaa, Soyal, and more.
A Tradition with Heart
What began in 2022 with a handful of handmade lanterns under carports is now a beloved Bay St. Louis tradition. Founded by Emma Connolly and supported by artists like Kerr Grabowski, the Solstice Lantern Parade has grown every year—proof that a little light and creativity can spark something magical.
Meet the Grand Marshals
Emma Connolly, founder of the parade, now lives in Hattiesburg, where she creates healing art workshops and serves on the Hattiesburg Arts Council Board.
Kerr Grabowski, nationally recognized fiber artist, continues to exhibit and teach across the country while living and working on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Both remain beloved members of The Arts family and return to lead the parade they helped create.