Throughout the months of November and December, Mississippi's award-winning welcome centers are promoting and encouraging visitors and residents, alike, to Shop Mississippi for those holiday bargains. Below is a list of welcome center websites to visit and learn more about area shopping opportunities.

Adams County Welcome Center
Alcorn County Welcome Center
Delma Furniss Hospitality Station 
Desoto County Welcome Center 
Hancock County Welcome Center 
Itawamba County Welcome Center 
Lauderdale County Welcome Center 
Pearl River County Welcome Center 
Pike County Welcome Center 
Warren County Welcome Center 
Washington County Welcome Center 
Woodville Hospitality Station       

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, could be the most popular shopping day of the year among bargain shoppers.  Stores are opening their doors earlier than ever this year, some even as early as Thanksgiving night. If you are looking to get a good deal and jump start your holiday shopping, follow our guide and get the best bargains in Mississippi.

The Outlets at Vicksburg are opening their doors at 11pm on Thanksgiving night and will be running specials throughout Black Friday until 9pm.  Show up early and you have a chance to win a 42” 3D TV, $250 shopping spree, and an iPad2. See a full list of exclusive store specials and offers here.  This is the perfect shopping venue for anyone who will be traveling to Central Mississippi.

Northpark Mall in Richland will open its doors at 4am on Black Friday, which leaves just enough time to get in few hours of sleep before you start your shopping.  Deals and discounts are offered at many participating stores.

If you are spending your Thanksgiving near the coast, head over to the Gulfport Premium Outlets to start your Black Friday shopping.  Stores will open at 10pm on Thanksgiving night for the Moonlight Madness Sale.  Be one of the first 200 shoppers in line at Shoppers Services and you will receive a free $10 Tanger Gift Card.  The first 100 shoppers in line at 2am will receive a $20 Tanger Gift Card.  Check out the full list of Black Friday specials here.

The Bonita Lakes Mall in Meridian is celebrating Black Friday again this year.  The doors open at 4am and anyone that arrives between 4am-12 noon will receive a free gift.  Some stores such as JCPenny will open as early as 3:30am.  

Wherever you decide to venture for your Black Friday shopping, make sure that you get plenty of rest, pack some snacks, and wear comfortable shoes!  Take a load off your feet at the end of your long shopping day and book your hotel room before it’s too late!

If you are anxious to get started on your holiday shopping this year, head to Biloxi this weekend for the 28^th Annual Ron Meyers Christmas City Gift Show.  This weekend shopping event was voted a Top 20 Tourism Event in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society in 2010, so you definitely don’t want to miss it.  With over 300 gift booths, $2,000 in prizes, free holiday workshops, live entertainment by Lynn Meadows, face painting, and Santa, there is something for everyone to enjoy.  See a full list of vendors and a map of the booths here.

The Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center will host this shopping extravaganza on November 12- 13, 2011.  Saturday hours are 9 am- 5pm and Sunday from 10am- 5pm.  Tickets for adults are $8 or $10 for a 2-day pass and parking is free.  Admission for children 16 and under is free.  Each attendee with receive an event program that contains (8) eight $1 Christmas City Gift Show Dollar Bill Savers that are redeemable at participating booths.

Stay for the weekend and make a reservation at the Quality Inn or Motel 6 and you will be located just a short walk away from the convention center.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity for a first class weekend of holiday shopping!

Now that Halloween is over, it is time to start thinking about starting your holiday shopping.  You may be thinking “it’s barely November,” but Black Friday, which traditionally marks the start of holiday shopping, is only 21 days away.   Stop by any of our top picks for the best shopping outlets in Mississippi and start crossing the names off of your list!

 Head over to the Outlets at Vicksburg and find over 20 brand name retailers with discounted prices between 30%-70%.  From Claire’s to Coach, you won’t have a problem finding something for anyone on your shopping list here.  Take a load off your feet at the end of the day and spend the evening at the Hampton Inn or Holiday Inn Express and get rested for your next day of shopping or activities in Vicksburg.

In Southaven you will find the Southaven Towne Center Shopping Mall located just 6 miles south of Memphis, Tennessee.  This open air shopping center has a wide variety of stores that will appeal to people of all ages.  If you get hungry while you are shopping, stop by one of the many restaurants in the shopping center for some extra energy.   A Hilton Garden Inn is located right next to the mall to make your shopping trip that much easier.

You will find Northpark Mall in Richland, MS, just outside of Jackson.  This mall is a one stop shop for all of your shopping needs.  As one of the premier shopping venues in Mississippi, Northpark Mall has a wide range of stores including anchors such as Dillard’s and JCPenny, jewelry stores, Build-A-Bear, several dining options, and just about anything else that you could imagine. Check out the calendar of events and don’t miss out on your chance to see Santa or a special sale.  If you aren't able to conquer this mall in one day, reserve a room at the nearby Quality Inn North.

The Gulfport Premium Outlets  is the perfect shopping destination for those looking to do some shopping along the coast.  With 70 great stores to choose from, you may have trouble leaving!  Shop till you drop and get a good night of sleep at the Holiday Inn that is right around the corner.

Located in Tulepo, Mississippi, the Mall at Barnes Crossing has over 100 specialty shops and is one of the largest shopping venues in the area.  Your shopping trip will be a breeze if you download their mobile app that was designed to make your shopping experience the best it can be.

If you are into shopping for antiques, then head over to Oxford, Mississippi.  Check out Tommy’s Antique Mall for a large selection of furniture, housewares, and collectibles in a 9,200 square foot facility.  At the Depot Antique Mall you will find an assortment of collectibles including jewelry, stained glass, furniture, and WW1 and WW2 collectibles.  With so many antique venues to choose from, you are sure to find what you are looking for in Oxford. 

The Bonita Lakes Mall is located in Meridian making it the perfect shopping destination for those in the eastern part of the state and close by Alabama.  With a large range of department stores, a movie theater inside of the mall, and a food court, you can knock out your shopping as well as dining and entertainment all under one roof.  All of that fun can wear you out, so spend the night at the close by Country Inns & Suites.

Don’t waste any time getting started on your shopping.  The holidays will be here before you know it, so make this the year you finally get a head start.