100 Winners Cir, Flowood, MS 39232-8012, United States
Winner’s Circle Park will get busy on December 3rd for Flowood’s Grand Lighting and the 2026 Chili Cook-Off. If you walk near the playground or along the usual loop, expect more foot traffic and some blocked parking spots near the tennis courts as crews set up extra lighting and tents.
A few things to know:
- The park will light up with thousands of Christmas lights, especially around the main walking paths and pavilion. Bring a flashlight if you plan to cross the fields later in the evening—some side areas stay dim.
- Live music starts around dusk, so sound will carry toward the soccer fields and the north entrance off Old Fannin Road.
- Local businesses set up along the paved loop for the chili competition. Expect more folks gathering on the park’s east side, close to the Trail of Trees and the main stage.
- Admission to the lighting is free. Chili tasting requires a ticket (available online at flowoodchamber.com, at the event, or at the Chamber office off Flowood Drive with no processing fee).
- Each ticket comes with a sample from every chili table, one full bowl, and water. Lines form early near the main pavilion, so plan your route if you want to avoid the crowd.
- Proceeds from tickets support scholarships at Hartfield Academy, Jackson Prep, and Northwest Rankin.
- Only Chamber of Flowood members can compete in the cook-off. Teams register at no charge.
Extra traffic is likely on Winner’s Circle and at the Old Fannin Road intersection. If you usually walk the park in the evenings, expect packed lots and overflow parking on the grass. The city adds portable restrooms west of the playground, where the walking trail narrows.
If you bring kids, stick to the paved loops after dark—temporary cords and tents may block some grassy shortcuts. The lighting usually lasts until 8:30 p.m., but crews begin teardown right after.
Community Bank sponsors the cook-off this year, so expect their booth near the main entrance. If you want a quieter spot to watch the lights, head toward the back tennis courts or the north end near the pond.
