Coastal Mississippi Names LandonTalks the Official Guide to the Holidays in Coastal Mississippi

Beloved Mississippi storyteller and social media personality Landon Bryant brings his signature Southern humor and holiday spirit to the Coast for a festive season of traditions, celebrations and unforgettable experiences.

BILOXI, Miss., Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Y'all, the holidays just got a little more Southern and a lot more Coastal!

Coastal Mississippi is delighted to announce a festive new collaboration with Landon Bryant, the Mississippi-born storyteller, author, comedian and social media sensation better known as LandonTalks, who will serve as the Official Guide to the Holidays in Coastal Mississippi for the 2026 holiday season.

Known for his signature "Let's discuss" conversations about Southern customs, family traditions, food and the wonderfully familiar quirks of life below the Mason-Dixon Line, Bryant has built a devoted following through his warm, witty and often nostalgic observations about Southern culture. Now, he's bringing that same storytelling charm to Mississippi's 62 miles of coastline, inviting audiences to experience a holiday season filled with coastal traditions, community celebrations and a little Christmas magic.

"There's something wonderfully familiar about the way Landon tells a story. He reminds us why our traditions matter, why our communities are special and why the little things we grew up with are often the things we treasure most," said Judy Young, CEO of Coastal Mississippi. "That's exactly what the holidays in Coastal Mississippi are all about. We couldn't imagine a more perfect person to help share those experiences with visitors and locals alike."

A native of Laurel, Mississippi, Bryant first captured national attention with his humorous social media commentary on everything from Southern manners and family gatherings to the unspoken rules of a proper Southern meal. A former art educator turned entertainer, he has been featured in national publications including The New York Times and Southern Living and is the author of Bless Your Heart: A Field Guide to All Things Southern and 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, Y'all.

His ability to find humor, meaning and connection in everyday Southern experiences makes him a natural fit for a destination where the holiday season is celebrated with equal parts nostalgia, hospitality and coastal flair.

"To me, the holidays mean family, and Coastal Mississippi is the place to bring them, whether you're knocking out the Christmas shopping or eating your weight in Gulf seafood," said Landon Bryant, storyteller and creator of LandonTalks. "I'm so honored they asked me to be their Official Guide to the Holidays, and I can't wait to share every bit of it with y'all."

A Christmas Weekend, Coastal Mississippi Style

As part of the collaboration, Bryant will visit Coastal Mississippi December 4–6, making appearances at holiday events and celebrations across the Coast while sharing the experiences with his followers through original social media content.

From festive parades, Santa sightings, and sparkling waterfront celebrations to beloved community traditions and unexpected holiday discoveries, Bryant will explore the sights, sounds, personalities and stories that make Christmas along the Mississippi Gulf Coast so distinctive.

Want to know where Landon will be celebrating Christmas on the Coast? Stay tuned and follow Coastal Mississippi (@PlayCoastalMS) on all social media platforms for announcements, appearances and a full list of events. Visitors can also plan their own Coastal holiday weekend and explore all the destination's holiday happenings at CoastalMississippi.com/holiday.

The collaboration will also include holiday-themed digital storytelling designed to introduce new audiences to Coastal Mississippi and inspire travelers to discover the destination during the festive season.

Where Southern Traditions Meet Coastal Christmas Magic

Unlike destinations where the holidays arrive with snowdrifts and freezing temperatures, Coastal Mississippi celebrates the season with mild coastal weather, waterfront festivities, illuminated boats, historic neighborhoods, holiday markets and plenty of Southern hospitality.

Across Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson counties, visitors can discover everything from festive parades and community tree lightings to seasonal performances, holiday shopping, beautifully decorated historic homes and Santa sightings in communities throughout the Coast. You might even get your picture with Santa!

For Bryant, whose storytelling celebrates the customs and connections that define Southern life, these experiences offer an opportunity to explore the traditions that make Christmas in Mississippi unlike anywhere else.

"One of the things we love most about this collaboration is that Landon doesn't just talk about traditions. He understands the people and stories behind them," Young added. "We want visitors to see Coastal Mississippi through his eyes and discover that some of the best holiday memories are made when you slow down, celebrate together and embrace a little Southern magic."

Audiences can follow Bryant's holiday adventures through his social media channels, @LandonTalks, and @playcoastalmson all digital platforms throughout the season.

For a complete guide to holiday happenings, seasonal experiences and festive events across the destination, visit CoastalMississippi.com/holiday.

About Landon Bryant / LandonTalks
Landon Bryant, known to his million-plus followers as @LandonTalks, is a comedian, author and former Mississippi Arts Educator of the Year from Laurel, Mississippi. He's the author of Bless Your Heart and 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, Y'all, and his next book, How to Speak Southern, is coming from Running Press. He writes the "Let's Ask Landon" column for Good Grit magazine and tours the South with fellow Mississippian Mary Ryan Brown on the Southern Nights Comedy Tour. His travel videos take his audience all over the U.S. Learn more at LandonTalks.com.

About Coastal Mississippi
Coastal Mississippi is the official destination marketing organization for Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson counties, promoting the region's 12 unique coastal communities and 62 miles of scenic shoreline. With its rich cultural heritage, acclaimed culinary scene, outdoor adventures, vibrant arts communities, and welcoming Southern hospitality, Coastal Mississippi offers visitors an authentic and unforgettable Gulf Coast experience. Discover more at CoastalMississippi.com.

SOURCE Coastal Mississippi