Discover the joy of the holidays in Gulfport with our comprehensive guide. For Gulfport inhabitants and guests, our guide is the ultimate tool to navigate the holiday season.
Start your festive journey with the Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival, where dazzling light displays illuminate the night. Thrilling parades of brightly lit boats highlight the beauty of Christmas on the Bayou Boat Parade. And Christmas in the Pass is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its charming small-town holiday traditions. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Gulfport
- Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival
- Christmas on the Bayou Boat Parade
- Krewe of Gemini Christmas Parade
Gulfport Holiday Light Displays
Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival
What to Expect:
Massive light display synchronized to music on the harbor
Description:
The Gulfport Harbor transforms into a dazzling spectacle of over 1.5 million lights synchronized to holiday music. This coastal celebration illuminates the waterfront with intricate displays and towering light sculptures. Visitors can embark on a festive train ride through the glowing wonderland, offering a unique perspective of the harbor's transformation. The event pays homage to Gulfport's maritime heritage, incorporating nautical themes into its elaborate light designs. As you stroll along the harbor, the crisp sea breeze carries the melody of classic carols, creating a truly immersive coastal holiday experience.
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Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival
Gulfport Other Holiday Activities
Christmas on the Bayou Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Decorated boats parading along the bayou
Description:
Twinkling lights reflect off the calm waters of the bayou as a procession of decorated boats glides by. This unique parade showcases the creativity of local boaters, who adorn their vessels with elaborate holiday-themed displays. Spectators line the shores, sipping hot cocoa and cheering for their favorite entries. You can vote for the best-decorated boat using a mobile app, adding an interactive element to the evening. The parade route follows historic waterways once used by early settlers, blending holiday cheer with local maritime traditions. The gentle lapping of water against the hulls creates a soothing backdrop to the lively event.
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Christmas on the Bayou Boat Parade
Krewe of Gemini Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Mardi Gras-style Christmas parade with unique throws
Description:
The Krewe of Gemini infuses Mardi Gras spirit into Christmas with this lively parade. Elaborately decorated floats roll through Gulfport, tossing holiday-themed "throws" to eager spectators. Unlike traditional parades, this event features krewe members in dazzling costumes that blend Christmas and Carnival aesthetics. Catch a glimpse of Santa riding atop a Gulf Coast-themed float, complete with palm trees and seashells. The parade honors Gulfport's cultural fusion of Southern and Coastal traditions, creating a one-of-a-kind celebration. The air fills with the sounds of brass bands playing jazzy renditions of holiday classics, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Website:
Krewe of Gemini Christmas Parade
Nearby Events
Christmas in the Pass (Pass Christian)
What to Expect:
Victorian-themed holiday celebration in a historic coastal town
Description:
Pass Christian embraces its Victorian heritage during this charming holiday celebration. The town's historic district comes alive with period-costumed carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and storefronts decorated in 19th-century style. Visitors can participate in a Victorian tea party, complete with traditional treats and etiquette lessons. The event highlights the town's resilience, having rebuilt after numerous hurricanes while preserving its rich history. Gas lamps cast a warm glow on the streets, transporting guests to a bygone era. This unique blend of coastal charm and Victorian elegance offers a distinctive holiday experience on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
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Biloxi Christmas in the City (Biloxi)
What to Expect:
Month-long celebration with daily events throughout Biloxi
Description:
Biloxi transforms into a hub of holiday activity with its month-long Christmas in the City celebration. Each day brings a new event, from ice skating on the beach to holiday movie screenings in the historic Saenger Theater. Visitors can explore the Festival of Trees, featuring uniquely decorated evergreens that showcase local businesses and organizations. The celebration highlights Biloxi's diverse cultural heritage, incorporating French, Native American, and African American holiday traditions. You'll encounter pop-up performances by local choirs and dance troupes as you wander through the city streets. This comprehensive holiday experience captures the spirit of community and coastal charm.
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Peter Anderson Festival Holiday Market (Ocean Springs)
What to Expect:
Artisan market featuring unique coastal-inspired holiday gifts
Description:
Ocean Springs' renowned Peter Anderson Festival expands its creative spirit into the holiday season with this special market. Local artisans showcase their coastal-inspired creations, offering unique gifts that capture the essence of Gulf Coast living. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafts, from glass blowing to pottery making. The market pays homage to Peter Anderson, the master potter who founded Shearwater Pottery and significantly influenced the local arts scene. Handcrafted ornaments featuring coastal wildlife and landscapes hang from vendor booths, catching the light and attention of passersby. This event celebrates the intersection of holiday cheer and Gulf Coast artistry.
Website:
Peter Anderson Festival Holiday Market
Christmas at Beauvoir (Biloxi)
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration at Jefferson Davis' historic estate
Description:
Beauvoir, the last home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, opens its doors for a unique holiday experience. The antebellum mansion and grounds are adorned with period-appropriate decorations, offering a glimpse into 19th-century Christmas traditions. Visitors can tour the beautifully decorated rooms and learn about holiday customs of the era. The event features living history demonstrations, including traditional crafts and cooking methods. Candlelight tours of the estate provide an atmospheric journey through time. The aroma of freshly baked gingerbread fills the air, enticing guests to sample historic holiday treats. This event blends education and celebration, highlighting an important piece of Southern history.
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Bay St. Louis Christmas Parade (Bay St. Louis)
What to Expect:
Small-town parade with a focus on local community participation
Description:
Bay St. Louis showcases its tight-knit community spirit with this charming Christmas parade. Local schools, businesses, and organizations create homemade floats that reflect the town's coastal heritage and holiday cheer. The parade route winds through the historic downtown, passing by century-old oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Visitors can enjoy the unique sight of Santa arriving by shrimp boat, a nod to the town's fishing industry roots. The event culminates in the lighting of the town's Christmas tree, adorned with ornaments crafted by local schoolchildren. This parade captures the essence of small-town coastal living, where holiday traditions and community pride intertwine.
Website:
Bay St. Louis Christmas Parade