November 6, 2025
Pearl River Community College is glowing with holiday cheer, ready to open its doors to the community for celebrations that mark the beginning of the festive season. The events begin with Making Spirits Bright at the Forrest County Campus, providing an evening of fellowship and music on Monday, Nov. 10, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Poplarville Campus will host its ninth annual Wildcat Wonderland on the evening of Thursday, Nov. 20, starting at 4:30 p.m. and ending with the ever-popular Holiday Pops concert at 7 p.m.
Making Spirits Bright
The PRCC community will gather in the Dr. Cecil Burt Special Events Room on the Forrest County Campus for a night of music and merriment at the annual Making Spirits Bright Holiday Concert. Guests can indulge in desserts, enjoy lively fellowship, and take in the sounds of the season.
This beloved tradition brings together friends old and new to celebrate the talents of PRCC’s faculty, staff, and students. Share in the warmth of the season and let the Wildcats’ performances fill your heart and the room with cheer.
Tickets must be purchased in advance for this event that typically sells out. Individual tickets are $10. A reserved table (8 seats) is $100. Student tickets with PRCC student ID are $5. You can reserve your tickets at the Forrest County Campus Library at 601-554-5522.
Wildcat Wonderland
From 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Poplarville Campus will be filled with holiday spirit, featuring family-friendly fun and activities for everyone to enjoy. Free and open to the public, this event promises abundant activities suitable for all ages.
The glow of lights will blanket the campus in holiday magic as guests wander tree-lined walkways filled with festive displays inspired by “Peanuts,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” and other timeless favorites.
Children can share their wishes with Santa in the Brownstone Center, ride the whimsical “Polar Express,” write heartfelt letters to Santa, and join reindeer games near the library. Cookie decorating, photos with Mrs. Claus, and craft activities in Crosby Hall add to the fun. At 5:00 p.m., in the grassy area between the Library and Crosby Hall, the Spirit of the River marching band will perform Christmas tunes for everyone.
Beloved characters like the Grinch, Olaf, Mickey and Minnie, Barbie, and Snoopy will stop by for photos and greetings throughout the evening. Whether you’re snapping a family portrait or a selfie, these favorite faces are sure to make memories shine.
And the magic doesn’t end there — Wildcat Wonderland will bring even more joy with face painting, cotton candy, hot chocolate treats, a live Nativity, and a petting zoo. As snow flurries fall, keep watch for PRCC’s own holiday elves, Peppermint Pearl and Riverbank Ralphie.
Holiday Pops Concert
Join the Fine Arts Department to celebrate the most magical night of the year with dancing and music. The Holiday Pops student concert will close out the evening at the Brownstone Center for the Arts at 7 p.m.
The Christmas production will feature The Voices, Currents, Rapids, PRCC Singers, JazzCats, Theatre, and more. Tickets are $7 each and are available for purchase at prcc.edu/brownstone/upcoming-events/.
Helping Our Community This Holiday Season
Pearl River will host a “Stocking the Sleigh” donation drive. Attendees are invited to bring non-perishable items to the red sleigh across from Whoville during Wildcat Wonderland. This is an easy way to help our neighbors during the holiday season.
Donations will benefit The Market on the Poplarville Campus. The Market needs mostly grab-and-go types of food that are shelf-stable and only require a microwave to heat.
Attendees are also invited to participate in the Toy Drive by Pearl River County Hospital to help bring joy to the lives of children in our community. The drive will be located behind Huff Hall near Mickey and Minnie Mouse at Jefferson Davis. New toys are accepted — no wrapping is needed!
For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), Facebook (@PRCCMKTG), and TikTok (@prcc_wildcats).
Article by Laura O’Neill. Making Spirits Bright photos by Kaitlyn. Wildcat Wonderland photos by Laura O’Neill.
