By Jeanni Ritchie
I lived along Coastal Mississippi for a decade and never imagined I’d end up visiting as often as I now do — but the coastal charm has never left my soul, especially at Christmas when palm trees wear tinsel, lights shimmer across the water, and holidays feel both familiar and new. Mild breezes replace snowdrifts, and the salt air mixes with the scent of pralines and pine.
Gulfport’s Jones Park remains one of my favorite holiday destinations with its Harbor Lights Festival, where thousands of sparkling bulbs transform the waterfront into a glowing wonderland. Families stroll beneath lighted arches, sip hot cocoa, and watch reflections dance across the harbor. It’s the kind of Christmas magic that feels both nostalgic and brand new — reminding visitors that light always shines truest after a storm.
Winter on the Mississippi Gulf Coast feels like the best of both worlds: festive, family-friendly, and full of hometown warmth — without the frostbite. From Bay St. Louis to Ocean Springs, each coastal community adds its own sparkle to the season, offering holiday parades, art shows, and festivals that light up the shoreline all the way through New Year’s Eve.
Here are just a few ways to celebrate Christmas on the Coast this year:
Christmas City Gift Show
November 7–9 • Biloxi, MS
Now in its 40th year, this holiday shopping tradition attracts over 15,000 guests to the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. Expect hundreds of vendors, live entertainment, and the kind of festive energy that makes it easy to spend a full day exploring.
Beau Rivage Holiday Open House
November 13–16 • Biloxi, MS
Beau Rivage’s shopping promenade transforms into a Christmas marketplace, complete with local artisans, specialty vendors, and exclusive holiday finds. It’s the perfect stop for early-bird shoppers looking for gifts with Gulf Coast flair.
3rd Annual Waveland Christmas Bazaar
November 22 • Waveland, MS
Over 50 vendors line Coleman Avenue with arts, crafts, and local food favorites. Kids can even hop aboard a miniature train hosted by the Waveland Fire Department — a true hometown kickoff to the season.
14th Annual Bay St. Louis Turkey Trot 5K
November 27 • Bay St. Louis, MS
This Thanksgiving-morning “runcation” combines fitness and philanthropy. Runners start at the Bay St. Louis Train Depot and choose a charity to support with their entry fee.
The O’Jays Holiday Show at Beau Rivage
November 29 • Biloxi, MS
The legendary soul group brings timeless grooves to the Coast, blending holiday classics with the smooth harmonies that made them famous.
Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival
November 28 – December 31 • Gulfport, MS
One of Mississippi’s largest light displays, this waterfront wonderland features carnival rides, train tours, and synchronized “Dancing Trees.” Jones Park glows beneath a sea of color, and the reflections dancing across the harbor make it pure Christmas magic.
Christmas in the Pass
December 5 • Pass Christian, MS
Kicking off the holiday season on the Coast, this beloved Gulf Coast tradition features everything Christmas-themed — from a festive tree lighting to family-friendly activities and the annual Santa Parade.
Downtown for the Holidays
December 5 • Pascagoula, MS
In Downtown Pascagoula, this event brings small-town sparkle with a traditional Christmas Parade of Lights, photos with Santa, and live performances — a true holiday celebration for the whole family.
Silent Light Festival at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art
December 5–6 • Ocean Springs, MS
The museum’s creativity campus transforms into an illuminated playground of art, music, and community. From the “Odyssey Illuminated Patron Party” to the silent disco, this festival truly lights up the town.
Christmas on the Water
December 5–7 • Biloxi, MS
This beloved Coast tradition sets the night aglow with a spectacular lighted boat parade and fireworks over the Gulf. Locals gather along the shore to watch, bundled in light jackets instead of snow gear.
Don McLean: Starry Starry Night at Beau Rivage
December 6 • Biloxi, MS
The “American Pie” singer headlines a one-night holiday concert filled with storytelling and songs that tug at the heartstrings.
Buck City Blues Festival
December 6 • Biloxi, MS
Now in its third year, this soulful showcase celebrates Black blues heritage with rhythm, storytelling, and powerhouse vocals that keep the crowd dancing.
Mistletoe & Main Street Christmas Fair
December 6 • Gulfport, MS
From 10 AM to 2 PM, downtown Gulfport buzzes with local artisans, food vendors, and free Santa photos. The fun continues with the Sugar Plum Parade kicking off at 3 PM.
Christmas in the City
December 6 • Biloxi, MS
The Rue Magnolia District fills with music, art, and food from local restaurants. Think open-air markets, handmade ornaments, and sweet Gulf breezes — holiday shopping done right.
12th Annual Sea Santa Sail-a-Bration
December 6 • Long Beach, MS
This “waterless boat parade” features decorated vessels on trailers rolling through town, a human snow globe, and Santa photos by the tree lighting.
Beau Rivage Santa Brunch
December 7 • Biloxi, MS
BR Prime Steakhouse transforms into a winter wonderland for Beau Rivage’s signature brunch with Santa and friends. Guests enjoy an expansive menu, commemorative photo, and keepsake gift to remember the morning.
Beau Rivage Holiday Open House (Encore Dates)
December 9–13 • Biloxi, MS
Couldn’t make the November showcase? This encore event gives shoppers another chance to find unique gifts and meet local artisans.
A Christmas Story The Musical at Beau Rivage
December 12–27 • Biloxi, MS
The Broadway-style musical returns to the Beau Rivage Theatre for 24 performances, produced by Jeb K. Rand Productions (of Elf the Musical and Grease). It’s a family favorite that brings Ralphie Parker’s Christmas quest to life with song, humor, and heart.
Christmas on the Bayou
December 13 • Gulfport, MS
Dozens of boats, decked in thousands of lights, parade along the bayou to celebrate the Coast’s 26th annual maritime tradition.
New Year’s Eve at Beau Rivage with The Molly Ringwalds
December 31 • Biloxi, MS
Ring in 2026 with 1980s energy as The Molly Ringwalds take the stage for an unforgettable night of music, nostalgia, and New Year’s celebration under the glittering atrium lights.
From lighted boats to Broadway shows, every city along the Mississippi Gulf Coast brings something special to the season. Whether you’re walking through Gulfport’s glowing arches or sipping cocoa at the Beau Rivage, there’s no shortage of coastal Christmas spirit.
I can think of no better way to spend Christmas this year than with lighted boats along the Gulf and sand between my toes. For my Dirty Santa swap, I’m trading family Christmas chaos for Coastal calm!
Jeanni Ritchie is a travel writer from Central Louisiana. Follow her adventures at TikTok.com/@jeanniritchie
