Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Ace Hardware offers last-minute holiday essentials with a Ready in 15 service that lets you pick up online orders at your local store in just 15 minutes + flexible payment options from Affirm.

Ace Rewards members can enjoy added perks, including free gift cards with qualifying purchases until Dec. 24.

Hattiesburg selected a poster for its Midnight on Front Street event when Mayor Toby Barker unveiled the artwork by Crystal Gordon on Thursday afternoon + marking the second time a graphic design won the contest.

Santa Claus and a former Head Start student who is now a campus police officer visited C.H.

Johnson Head Start in Petal this morning to spread holiday cheer. Children received gifts from Toys for Tots and learned holiday safety guidelines.

Fire officials warn that heat lamps used to keep animals warm this winter pose risks if improperly set up; a knocked-over lamp on a porch started a house fire and similar hazards affect barns, prompting calls to use lamps with tamper switches or consider non-electric warming options (like blankets).

In Oxford, the Mississippi Department of Mental Health said a 2024 law cut jail admissions for mental health care by 31% and reduced wait times from two days to one in its fiscal year 2025 report.

Legislators plan further changes to help improve care.

On Saturday, Ole Miss will host Tulane at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium for the state’s first College Football Playoff game — kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT, and the matchup is expected to boost Oxford’s economy during a traditionally slow month.

USM earned its first conference win when it beat UL 62-54 on Thursday night.

The close game boosted the team and stirred local pride.

Ragin' Cajuns at Golden Eagles Women's Basketball

7 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Reed Green Coliseum — Cost info not available — Southern Miss faces off against Louisiana-Lafayette in a competitive Sun Belt matchup.

The Nutcracker by World Ballet Company

7-8:30 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Tickets required — Experience the magic of Christmas with a stunning ballet performance featuring Tchaikovsky's beloved score.

World Ballet Company - The Nutcracker

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Tickets available — Experience a magical holiday classic with breathtaking performances and enchanting storytelling.

Hattiesburg Renaissance Festival

12:00 – 11:30 p.m. — SwitchYard — $15 – $20 — Experience the magic of medieval celebration with crafts, music, and festivities in the heart of Hattiesburg.

Vision Board Party: Vision and Vibes Social

12-3 a.m. — 101 Shadow Lake Dr, Hattiesburg, MS — Included with ticket — Connect with like-minded individuals while creating vision boards and enjoying poetry vibes and food.