If you’ve never experienced Christmas along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, you’re in for something special.
Known for its Southern hospitality and unique culture, southern Mississippi celebrates the holiday season with a distinctive charm that draws visitors and warms the hearts of locals.
As winter approaches, the Gulf Coast of Mississippi comes alive with festive traditions, sparkly lights, and celebrations that capture the essence of a Southern Christmas.
In this guide, you’ll discover the magic of a Mississippi Gulf Coast Christmas. From coastal holiday lights to Christmas Broadway production shows, you’ll start to feel like you’ve stepped into a Hallmark movie.
The Gulf Coast is a great destination at any time, but it’s especially nice when celebrating the most wonderful time of the year.
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Key Takeaways
Travel Tip! Before visiting, be sure to watch the movie “Christmas in Mississippi” on Amazon Prime Video. Usually, it is only $1.99 to rent; it’s the perfect holiday feature to get into the Christmas Spirit and is all about preparing for the Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival. A super cute one to add to your holiday watch list.
Top Christmas Activities on the Gulf Coast
Sparkling light displays and lavishly decorated cities are a highlight of the season. Here are the top activities to experience the Christmas spirit:
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival | Millions of twinkling lights and light displays along the harbor with carnival rides, games, and food vendors. |
| Downtown Gulfport Holiday Open House | Shops and boutiques stay open late with special sales and treats, plus carriage rides and entertainment. |
| Biloxi Main Street Christmas activities | Holiday stage shows, living Christmas trees, kids’ activities, and more festive fun. |
| Casino Christmas Shows | World-class entertainment like concerts, musicals, comedy acts and more at the resorts. |
Best Things to Do: Mississippi Gulf Coast Christmas
One of the most special things about celebrating a Mississippi Gulf Coast Christmas is experiencing the holiday light displays throughout the small coastal communities.
1. Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival
The Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival is a favorite community holiday activity in Mississippi. It feels like a classic Christmas movie set.
It’s a holiday tradition on the Gulf Coast. This event transforms Jones Park and the Gulfport Harbor into a magical winter wonderland with elaborate light displays, animated scenes, and thousands of twinkling lights.
You can take leisurely walks along the illuminated paths, enjoy live entertainment, visit Santa’s Village, and savor delicious holiday treats.
The lights are even synchronized with classic Christmas songs! If that doesn’t get you into the holiday spirit, I don’t know what will.
Travel Tip! This is an outdoor activity, so check the weather before you make plans. Although the Gulf Coast is known for mild winter temperatures, it can get pretty damp here, making you feel colder.
Be sure to wear layers and mittens and pack your favorite cozy Christmas blanket so you can curl up on the bleacher seating with a cup of hot chocolate and watch the extravagant light show.
2. Christmas on the Bayou
The Christmas on the Bayou boat parade adds a distinctive coastal touch to the holiday season and is a tradition that is very special to this community.
Given the Gulf Coast’s proximity to the water, boat parades and lighted tours are pretty much a given when it comes to holiday traditions.
The boaters in the community really get into the spirit of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Christmas season by going over the top with festive decorations and actively taking part in the illuminated parade.
What sets this event apart is the unique tradition where waterfront homes also compete for the title of ‘Parade Captain’s Best House on the Bayou’ and serve as judges for the parade as well.
The event is planned and organized through the dedicated efforts of local volunteers and contributions from the community, making it a true embodiment of the southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Christmas spirit.
Christmas on the Bayou is Gulfport’s only waterfront parade, providing a front-row experience to witness the beautifully adorned boats.
You can enjoy the boat parade from three Gulfport boat launches/parks and numerous waterfront restaurants.
3. Ice Skating
Looking for an indoor activity but still want to feel the Mississippi Gulf Coast Christmas vibes? Spend the afternoon ice skating at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum.
The Coliseum offers a well-maintained ice rink where you can experience the joys of ice skating no matter what age you are.
Travel Tip! Arrive early. Tickets are sold (in person only) 1-hour in advance of the ice skating session times. There are limited ice skates for rent, so it’s best to snag your tickets early.
The ice skating sessions are affordable and family-friendly. This makes it an excellent choice for families and individuals looking for a fun and cost-effective holiday activity.
We actually made it a couple’s date night and had a blast holding hands while (somewhat) gliding along the ice. It brought out the kid in us, especially as we laughed and fell on the ice a few times. Oops!
4. Christmas Production Shows
You’ll find plenty of magic of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Christmas holiday season at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino.
The Christmas production shows are a dazzling and festive spectacle that captivate guests of all ages and are a signature feature of the Beau Rivage’s holiday traditions.
Travel Tip! The Beau Rivage usually begins setting up their Christmas decor at the beginning of November, so it allows for plenty of time to gather the family for a Christmas card memory and get it in the mail before the holidays.
These shows are family-friendly, making them an excellent choice for holiday outings with loved ones.
The Christmas production shows feature top-notch performers, stunning costumes, and elaborate stage designs that transport the audience into a magical world of holiday wonder.
BONUS: Plan your Christmas card family photos to be taken at the Beau Rivage. Their elaborate Christmas decor is the perfect backdrop. Ranging from oversized ornaments to gigantic Nutcrackers to Santa & his reindeer flying overhead in the atrium. You’ll definitely score the perfect family photo.
5. Gulf Coast Marathon
Ok, so not technically a Mississippi Gulf Coast Christmas activity, but the Gulf Coast Marathon is a prestigious annual running event that takes place along the Gulf Coast.
It’s held at the beginning of December when temperatures are usually tolerable enough to run outdoors (and not suffocating in the summer heat).
It’s usually sunny around this time of year which makes it a perfect outdoor activity for spectators and participants.
Runners from across the country gather to participate in various race distances. This includes the full marathon, half marathon, and 5K run.
This marathon is unique in that the entire route is along Hwy 90 that overlooks the Gulf of Mexico.
6. Outdoor Activities
One of the unique aspects of a Mississippi Gulf Coast Christmas is the mild and pleasant winter climate.
This allows for a wide range of outdoor activities, like visiting a National Park or Monument.
Grab your National Park Passport Book and head over to the Davis Bayou Visitor Center to collect your stamp. Spend time exploring the area’s bayou and trails.
Their visitor center features indoor exhibits and a full history of the entire Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Christmas may not be the traditional time for a beach outing. But, on a good day in the south, you can take a nice walk along the shore.
You can soak up some much-needed vitamin D. In addition, you can even have a beach picnic on Christmas Day (yes, sometimes it’s actually that warm).
More Information
Check out Gulf Coast Weekend for detailed information on additional events.
Wrap-Up: Mississippi Gulf Coast Christmas | Where Tradition Meets Seaside Charm
Come on down to the coast for a Mississippi Gulf Coast Christmas! You really can’t beat the experience of breaking away from the cold weather for a small town beach vibe.
And, with just a short 2 hour drive away, you could be tying in a bonus Gulf Shores beach trip in winter!
Whether you’re enjoying the coastal lights, taking part in festive parades, or finding the perfect gift at a local market, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Christmas celebrations offer warmth, beauty, and a touch of coastal flair.
So, come and experience the holiday magic in this charming region, where Christmas is celebrated with a touch of Southern hospitality and a whole lot of coastal charm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like on the Mississippi Gulf Coast during Christmas?
The weather on the Mississippi Gulf Coast during the Christmas season is quite mild compared to other parts of the country. Daytime highs are typically in the 60s Fahrenheit, while nighttime lows hover around 40-50°F. You can expect sunny days with a coastal breeze. Rain showers are possible but snow is extremely rare.
Are there any special hotel packages or discounts for the holidays?
Yes, many of the hotels, resorts, and casino hotels offer special holiday rates and promotional packages during November-January. This can include discounted room rates, resort credits, free holiday activities and more. It’s best to check each individual property’s website or call to inquire about their Christmas packages.
How far is the drive from New Orleans to Biloxi?
he drive from New Orleans to Biloxi takes approximately 1.5 hours via I-10 E. It’s about 90 miles between the two cities along the Gulf Coast.
What is the best area to see Christmas light displays?
Some of the best and most dazzling light displays can be found at the Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival, and in downtown Ocean Springs where the oak trees line the streets and are adorned with millions of twinkly lights.
Are the beaches open during the winter months?
Yes, the beaches along the Mississippi Gulf Coast are open year-round to the public. While the water may be too cool for swimming in December and January, the beaches are perfect for strolling, relaxing, doing beach bonfires or other activities. Many of the beachside restaurants and bars also remain open.
