'Tis the season to go coastal! We know the holidays will look a little different this year, but there is still plenty of festive fun to be safely had along The Secret Coast. From dazzling boat parades to outdoor Christmas celebrations all month long, let Coastal Mississippi make your holiday season one to remember. You've earned it. (Just don't forget to pack your running shoes!)
Before visiting, we encourage you to check with individual businesses on any potential changes to their availability and/or hours, but rest assured Coastal Mississippi is working diligently with our partners to ensure your safety and health is the top priority. Find out how in our Destination Promise of health and safety.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon
Enjoy breathtaking views of The Secret Coast during the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon
The Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon, a “Coastal Running Fest,” returns to Coastal Mississippi December 12-13! Founded in 2015, the Marathon offers participants and spectators an opportunity to explore the rich culture and stunning scenery of The Secret Coast. With a beautiful beach-side run between Pass Christian and Biloxi, runners get to enjoy breathtaking, unobstructed views of the nation’s longest man-made beach. Not quite ready for 26.2 miles? With the Half Marathon, Margaritaville 5K and Kids Marathon, there is a ready-made event for any type of runner!
Event organizers continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation, and have put a plan in place to keep the health and safety of Marathon participants and organizers top of mind.
Monthlong Festivities
Follow us in merry measure to monthlong holiday celebrations across The Secret Coast! Although Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival won't be happening this year due to cleanup from Hurricane Zeta, you can still safely enjoy a Holiday Celebration at Jones Park! Click here for a full list of holiday happenings in Gulfport this year.
Ready to catch up on all your favorite holiday flicks? Pull up to the Mississippi Coast Coliseum for The Spectacular Christmas Drive-In! Christmas classics such as National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Elf, Miracle on 34th Street and more will showing all month long, all ready to be safely enjoyed from the comfort of your own car! Purchase tickets online at moviesonthems.com. When you're done cozying up with your favorite film, get ready to lace up your skates and hit the ice at the Coliseum! Ice Skating will be offered through January 17, with limited capacity and COVID safety protocols in place.
As your seasonal celebrations take you from coastal community to coastal community, be sure to bask in the glow of Christmas in the Bay or hop on board to the 35 Days of Christmas & Trains celebration at the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum!
Holiday Parades
Christmas on the Water will illuminate the Mississippi Sound on Saturday, December 5
There's nothing quite like a holiday light show in Coastal Mississippi. Bundle up near the Biloxi Schooner Pier on December 5th for Christmas on the Water, then hop over to Gulfport Lake for Christmas on the Bayou on December 12! Both parades will amaze with dazzling light displays and culminate with breathtaking fireworks shows, all while offering plenty of space outside to enjoy the festivities while practicing social distancing.
For those looking to celebrate a little farther inland, grab your finest masks and Santa hats and head to the Discover Christmas Parade in Ocean Springs on December 6 and the Christmas in Waveland Parade on December 12!
Ready to break out the egg nog? Check out the first-ever Ales at the Sails event at Mississippi Aquarium on December 18, and rest easy with limited capacity and social distancing guidelines!
For more festive holiday events to enjoy throughout all twelve of our coastal communities, be sure to check out our Events page!
