2021 Coastal Mississippi Holiday

‘Tis the season to go coastal! With the festivities in full swing this year, there is no shortage of events on the Secret Coast to get you into the holiday spirit. From dazzling boat parades to nationally-acclaimed Christmas light shows, and other family-friendly celebrations, this holiday season will be one to remember.

Scroll through the events in the carousel below, or read through the descriptions to find a memorable, Christmas-filled experience to attend.

Note: Events are listed in chronological order.

Ice Skating at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum (Biloxi)

From November 11, 2021 to January 2, 2022, the Mississippi Coast Coliseum will be set up into an ice skating rink. Tickets can be purchased for $13 per person, an hour in advance (in-person only). Skate rentals are included, and each session is 90 minutes long.

17th Annual Christmas in the City (Biloxi)

On November 20th, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the downtown Biloxi Arts District on Rue Magnolia, there will be a Christmas festival! Enjoy great entertainment, including choirs, bands and dancers, pictures with Santa, and special Biloxi Pusharatas – a traditional holiday treat. There will also be arts and craft vendors to help with any gift-giving needs you have, and $100 cash drawings every hour.

Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival (Gulfport)

A dazzling display of over 1.5 million lights makes for a perfect backdrop to your Christmas festivities. The spectacular light show is presented as a walking tour or aboard a free heated trolley on November 26, 2021 through December 31, 2021. Admission is $15 per adult, $5 for children aged 5-12, and free for children 4 and under.

You can visit Santa in Santa’s Village every night, snap memorable pictures at the Elfie Selfie stations, enjoy fun rides such as the Merry Go Round Carousel and Santa’s Kid’s Master Express Train – all while staying warm with a nice cup of hot chocolate available for purchase.

FUN FACT: The Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival is featured prominently in the 2017 Lifetime film “Christmas in Mississippi,” starring Jana Kramer and Wes Brown. Be sure to watch the movie before attending the festival, then you can recreate your favorite scenes when you visit!

35 Days of Christmas & Trains (Gulfport)

The Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum will feature a Christmas lights display consisting of two million lights, snowy train towns, props, and Santa visits. The festivities will take place from November 26, 2021 to December 31, 2021 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event is free, however a $5 donation is recommended.

Annual Snowflakes in the Bay (Bay St. Louis)

Take a stroll through the winter wonderland of illuminated snowflakes floating in the live oak trees of Old Town Bay St. Louis. The decorations will fill the streets from November 26, 2021 until January 1, 2021, and there will be special events taking place throughout December. Click here to see the full list of festivities, including wine tasting, selfies with Santa, and caroling.

Third Annual Christmas in the Bay (Bay St. Louis)

As the festivities continue in Bay St. Louis, you won't want to miss the tree lighting and Christmas parade. The parade will roll out at 5:30 p.m. on November 27, 2021, and conclude at the Hancock County Courthouse for the tree lighting. Bring the whole family to welcome the Christmas season as there will be music, snow, and endless opportunities for fun.

Following the celebrations are a nativity walk (Dec.2), Christmas-decorated harbor boats (Dec. 11), and an oyster drop with live music, a bonfire, and fireworks for New Year's Eve (Dec. 31). Click here for full details.

Ocean Springs Tree Lighting (Ocean Springs)

Join the Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center of Arts & Education for a family fun event. In addition to the annual Christmas tree lighting, there will be photos with Santa, Christmas carols, refreshments, and more. The festivities will take place on December 2, 2021 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Eighth Annual "Whoville" Kid Street Christmas (Gulfport)

Visit with Santa, make ornaments, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and enjoy caroling by WINGS Performing Arts at the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center on December 3, 2021 from  5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Downtown for the Holidays (Pascagoula)

On December 3, 2021, enjoy the Christmas tree lighting, holiday parade, fireworks, carriage rides, performances, and local vendors all in the beautiful downtown Pascagoula area. Hosted by Main Street Pascagoula, the event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Christmas in the Pass (Pass Christian)

Another holiday festival to ring in the season will take place in the Pass Christian War Memorial Park on December 3, 2021 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Celebrations will feature a Christmas tree lighting, holiday parade including Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves, fireworks, photos with Santa, music, and more! There will even be a "pawrade" for your favorite furry friends!

Holiday Open House (Ocean Springs)

Shop local as businesses all over Ocean Springs offer refreshments, specials, and beautiful decorations to kick-off your holiday shopping on December 3-4, 2021. If you spend over $200, you can bring your receipts to the Ocean Springs Visitors Center to be entered to win local prizes.

Christmas on the Water Boat Parade (Biloxi)

Watch as boats glow with holiday décor at this community-wide parade, which will be followed by a fireworks show. The best parade viewing locations are (1) between the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor and Casino Row, or (2) between the Biloxi Lighthouse and Beau Rivage Resort & Casino.

For an even more memorable experience, you can sail aboard the Biloxi Schooner for the parade. Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis.

Sea Santa Sail-a-bration (Long Beach)

This waterless boat parade steps off on December 4, 2021 at 5:45 p.m. Following the parade, at the Harper McCaughan Town Green, the festivities will continue with the annual tree lighting, a Christmas craft station, a s'mores station, and photos with Santa.

Discover Christmas Parade (Ocean Springs)

This interactive parade that replicates the excitement of Mardi Gras will double as a toy drive on December 5, 2021 at 2 p.m. You'll see pillow fighting elves and the Grinch, along with other characters.

Brunch With Santa (Beau Rivage, Biloxi)

Everyone's favorite big guy will be making an appearance for brunch at the BR Prime on December 5, 2021. Enjoy a variety of culinary delights such as made-to-order eggs, fresh seafood, and an extravagant dessert display paired with bottomless bloody marys, mimosas, and poinsettias. Reservations are required.

Cocoa & Cupcakes with Santa and Friends (Gulfport)

Take the kids out for photos with Santa AND African penguins at the Mississippi Aquarium as you enjoy an authentic North Pole breakfast, cupcakes, hot cocoa, and a Christmas craft. This event will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on December 10, 2021.

Ales at the Sails: Craft Beer & Holiday Cheer (Gulfport)

The Mississippi Aquarium will also be holding a 21+ after-hours event with craft beer and canned cocktails, live music, and all your favorite aquatic wonders. Enjoy beer tasting from top breweries along with food pairings on December 10, 2021 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon, founded in 2015, is back for another year of a beautiful beachside run from Pass Christian to Biloxi. From December 11th to the 12th, there will be a full marathon, half marathon, 5K and Kids marathon with a fun festival as the post-race party. Click here for full details.

Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum Christmas Open House (Biloxi)

Experience the rich maritime history of the Secret Coast while also enjoying cookies and hot cocoa with Santa. On December 11, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum will host a Christmas open house to include pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, local art vendors, and treats. Admission is free.

Christmas on the Bayou (Gulfport)

Another wonderful Christmas light show, Christmas on the Bayou will feature more than 50 lighted boats as they parade down Bayou Bernard and Gulfport Lake on December 11, 2021 at 6 p.m. Bleacher seating and other public viewing will be available. Click here for more info.

Brandon Bennett - An Elvis My Way (IP Casino, Biloxi)

Come see Brandon Bennett live and in-person as he pays tribute to the King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley. Awarded the title of "Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist," by Elvis Presley Enterprises, you'll feel like you've gone back in time to see the King himself. An Elvis My Way Christmas will take place on December 11, 2021 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $14.

Christmas in the Air (Beau Rivage, Biloxi)

What better way is there to get into the holiday spirit than with a Broadway-style performance. On December 12-16, 2021, families are invited to share the joy of a feel-good story with holiday songs, Rockette-style dancers, Santa, and even appearances by veteran television and film-actors. Click here to book your tickets.

Gingerbread House Family Decorating Workshop (Gulfport)

The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center will be hosting a Gingerbread House Workshop for the whole family on December 12, 2021 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. All supplies will provided, plus hot cocoa, cookies, holiday music, and a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Registration is required.

Jingle-Crawl (Pascagoula)

Join Main Street Pascagoula on December 22, 2021 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. as you venture out to six bars and restaurants for great food, drinks, and live music. Get your Crawl-Card stamped at every location, and submit it at The Jury Room for the prize drawing.

In Conclusion

The holiday spirit is all around us, just waiting to celebrated. There are countless opportunities for light shows, holiday shopping, and photos with Santa. Enjoy the season with some friends and family, and make sure to tag us in your social media with #MerryCoastmas for a chance to be featured.

Want to find more fun ways to celebrate the holidays in Coastal Mississippi? Check out this page to get some ideas.