It’s nearing the holidays, which means decorating, putting up the Christmas tree, buying presents, and other fun traditions such as watching Christmas movies. For many, this may also involve seeing Christmas lights. I remember as a kid we’d go and look at Christmas lights, and there was one house we would always stop at that had a huge display of lights, a man that passed out candy canes, as well as a sleigh on top of the house! If you want to make seeing Christmas lights a family tradition, there are beautiful displays of lights to visit on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!
1. Gulfport Harbor Lights Festival
Where: 2269 Jones Park Drive, Gulfport, MS 39501
Website: Gulfport Harbor Lights
When: November 26, 2021-December 31, 2021
This event started as just a Christmas lights display in 2015, but it has expanded to be Mississippi’s largest Christmas lights display. There are plenty of activities that will keep the kids interested such as strolling through Santa’s village, watching the dancing trees of lights, carnival rides, and taking a train ride to see all of the lights in the park. General admission is $15, while tickets for kids between the ages of 5-12 are $5. Those who are 4 years of age and under get in free.
2. Annual Snowflakes in the Bay
Where: Throughout the Bay St. Louis and Waveland area
When: November 26, 2021- January 1, 2022
Come see the beautiful live oaks decorated with bright snowflakes in downtown Bay St. Louis!
3. Christmas on the Bayou
Where: Gulfport, MS, along Bayou Benard and Gulfport Lake
When: December 11th at 6 pm
Website: Christmas on the Bayou
This event started in 2000 with the creation of the Bayou Benard Boating Club, and it has grown from an event with just 20 decorated boats to be considered a Top 20 Event in the Southeast United States on several occasions. So, come see a beautiful display of decorated boats, as well as waterfront homes!
4. Annual Christmas on the Water Boat Parade
Where: Biloxi, MS (best viewing spots are between the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor and Casino Row or between the Biloxi Lighthouse and Beau Rivage Resort and Casino)
When: Recurring on the first Saturday of December, 6 pm
You get to see a parade of decorated boats, and then after the parade, you can watch the fireworks show!
5. Downtown for the Holidays
Where: Pascagoula, MS
When: First Friday of December, 5:00-8:30 pm
Website: Downtown for the Holidays
Watch the lighting of the Christmas tree at the greenspace on Delmas and Magnolia Street and visit Santa’s village with the kids! You can also enjoy a ride on a huge Radio Flyer wagon and then watch the Christmas parade of lights. Thus, there’s plenty to do and it’s free!
Did I miss any fun Christmas light displays? If so, comment below or on Facebook!
