The magic of Christmas and the charm of model trains just seem to go together when the holidays begin to roll all along the Gulf Coast.
That’s why each year the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum pulls out all the stops to jump on board the holidays with more than two million lights and too many themed displays to count.
This year marks the museum’s seventh annual Christmas Lights Festival, and since there have been tons of renovations to the building and grounds during the last few months, it promises to bring even more of the North Pole to the Coast for Mississippians to enjoy.
The light displays will run through New Year’s Eve and the museum is home to one of the largest Christmas light shows and character displays on the Gulf Coast. Museum officials said light crews have been setting up the handmade displays since October and it’s not just for train enthusiasts, there’s something fun for everyone.
The museum features one of the largest LEGO railroad displays in Mississippi, more than 80 model train layouts, elevated and ground level G scale trains, interactive layouts for kids to operate and enjoy, outdoor garden displays, and multiple riding trains. There are also many fun, themed outdoor railroad displays such as Jurassic Park and Futurama, which will all be decked out for the holidays.
Throughout December there will be several nights devoted to honoring local heroes including teachers, firefighters, and law enforcement officers. Lynn Meadows night will feature story time with reindeer food and Saturday, Dec. 10 is “Elsa, Ana, and Santa” night.
There’s even a LEGO build night set for Saturday, Dec. 17 that features a Brick Headz Nutcracker. Admission for that event is $20 a person and includes train rides.
The museum, which is located on Pass Road in Gulfport, will continue to be open during its normal hours of noon through 5 pm Wednesday through Sunday. It will also be open seven days a week from 5 pm until 9 pm through New Year’s Eve, except on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day when the museum will close so the employees can celebrate with their families.
Nightly kid-friendly activities will be held each week, including pictures with Santa, S.T.E.M. nights, game nights, arts and crafts, and more holiday fun. Admission is $5 per adult and $2 each for children ages 3-12. Kids under the age of 2 years old get in for free.
The Mississippi Coast Railroad Museum posts nightly and daily events on its Facebook page. Click here to see scheduled events or for possible poor weather alerts that can affect the shows. You can also call 228-284-5731 for additional information.
Now… All Aboard for a magical Christmas time!
