Get in touch
555-555-5555
mymail@mailservice.com
Gulfport, MS Christmas Events 2024
Gulfport is the place to be for the holidays on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Host to the famous Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival and possibly more Christmas events than anywhere else on the coast, Gulfport, MS recently ranked in the top 10 cities in the U.S. for Christmas light displays, an honor that is well deserved for this holiday hub. Read on for our full list of The Merry Best things to do in Gulfport this Christmas.
Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival
Off all the things to do for Christmas in Gulfport, the Harbor Lights Winter Festival is the undisputed champion, The Merry Best Christmas event in the city. Nicknamed The Most Magical Show in Mississippi, Harbor Lights is the largest Christmas light display in Mississippi and, covering 40 acres, one of the largest in the entire country. Best of all, the festival runs nightly from the day after Thanksgiving through New Years Eve, so there are plenty of chances to catch this mesmerizing display -- and you may even want to go more than once!
Harbor Lights is in Jones Park, adjacent to the harbor (as you might expect), and in addition to the amazing Christmas lights, there is a Christmas Carnival, a heated trolley ride through the park, and of course visits from Santa himself!
Harbor Lights is in Jones Park, adjacent to the harbor (as you might expect), and in addition to the amazing Christmas lights, there is a Christmas Carnival, a heated trolley ride through the park, and of course visits from Santa himself!
November 25 - December 31 nightly except for Christmas Eve. 5:30 - 10:30 p.m.
$15 for ages 13+, $5 for kids 5-12. Free for kids under 5. There are multiple discounted $5 admission nights throughout the season for teachers, first responders, military, seniors and Gulfport residents.
The Magic of Christmas and Trains
Nothing is more magical than Christmas, but for kids of all ages, trains may be a close second! The Magic of Christmas and Trains event at the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum combines both for twice the magic, with delightful model trains running amidst whimsical Christmas light displays. The event features a million Christmas lights, and Santa even pays a visit on Saturdays.
5-9 nightly from the day after Thanksgiving to New Years Eve
$5 general admission, $2 ages 10 and under
Christmas Events at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
The fabulous Lynn Meadows Discovery Center at 246 Dolan Ave. in Gulfport offers so many different things to do for the holidays.
From 5-8 p.m. on Friday, December 2nd, they host the Kids Street Christmas in Paradise event, an annual celebration with a tropical theme. Featuring Christmas lights, ornament making, caroling, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and more.
On December 6th and 8th, the museum welcomes Rainbow Fish for the
Storytime and Holiday Dance Party at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. each day. Admission is included with an LMDC admission ticket.
On Sunday, December 10th, little princesses won't want to miss the Frozen Tea Party, a holiday themed party featuring tea, snacks and a visit from Elsa and Anna from the movie Frozen. The tea party is $20, and happens at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
From 5-8 p.m. on Friday, December 2nd, they host the Kids Street Christmas in Paradise event, an annual celebration with a tropical theme. Featuring Christmas lights, ornament making, caroling, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and more.
On December 6th and 8th, the museum welcomes Rainbow Fish for the
Storytime and Holiday Dance Party at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. each day. Admission is included with an LMDC admission ticket.
On Sunday, December 10th, little princesses won't want to miss the Frozen Tea Party, a holiday themed party featuring tea, snacks and a visit from Elsa and Anna from the movie Frozen. The tea party is $20, and happens at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Christmas on the Bayou
Gulfport's very own Christmas boat parade, Christmas on the Bayou takes place on Gulfport Lake and Bayou Bernard and features illuminated delights on both land and water. This annual event occurs on the 2nd Saturday in December and is always a feast for the eyes, as boats decorated with Christmas lights parade from Gulfport Lake down Bayou Bernard to Big Lake. Houses along the route also go all out with the Christmas light displays to compete for the honor of Parade Captain's Best House on the Bayou.
Ample public seating is arranged at Gulfport Lake and at the Cowan Lorraine Bridge, or you can take in the sights from public parks and boat launches or restaurants along the parade route.
Ample public seating is arranged at Gulfport Lake and at the Cowan Lorraine Bridge, or you can take in the sights from public parks and boat launches or restaurants along the parade route.
2nd Saturday of December: December 9, 2023 at 6 p.m.
Free
More Holiday Things to Do in Gulfport, Mississippi
Want even more Christmas fun? There's something to do in Gulfport throughout the holiday season!
\- The Gulfport Christmas Parade starts at 6 p.m. on December 3rd and runs through Downtown Gulfport starting and ending at 17th St and 24th Ave.
\- Visit the Mississippi Aquarium for Cocoa and Cupcakes with Santa and Friends on December 11 and 18 from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $15 plus an admission ticket to the Aquarium (discounted rates apply for members), and includes a professional digital photo with Santa, cupcakes and cocoa, and a Christmas craft.
\- For a very scary Christmas, check out the Winter of Terror at Terror on the Coast haunted house, a frightening holiday-themed thrill. Tickets are $20, and the haunted house is open from 7-11 p.m. on the first, second and third Fridays and Saturdays in December.
\- The Gulfport Christmas Parade starts at 6 p.m. on December 3rd and runs through Downtown Gulfport starting and ending at 17th St and 24th Ave.
\- Visit the Mississippi Aquarium for Cocoa and Cupcakes with Santa and Friends on December 11 and 18 from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $15 plus an admission ticket to the Aquarium (discounted rates apply for members), and includes a professional digital photo with Santa, cupcakes and cocoa, and a Christmas craft.
\- For a very scary Christmas, check out the Winter of Terror at Terror on the Coast haunted house, a frightening holiday-themed thrill. Tickets are $20, and the haunted house is open from 7-11 p.m. on the first, second and third Fridays and Saturdays in December.
Where to See Christmas Lights in Gulfport
Looking for The Merry Best place to see Christmas lights in Gulfport? The Gulfport Harbor Lights festival in Jones Park was ranked among the top 10 Christmas light displays in the entire U.S.!