It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Coastal Mississippi…
But instead of white snow, we have 26 miles of white sandy beaches and 12 coastal communities boasting a plethora of things to do and see. Find holiday-themed activities and events across the coast for every age and budget. We've composed a list of fun activities with your wallet in mind while you plan your holidays in Coastal Mississippi.
Betsy Ann Riverboat Christmas Cruises
$$-$$$
Who says Ol' Saint Nick has the coolest ride in town this Christmas? Consider a beautiful sunset cruise on a coastal treasure, the Betsy Ann Riverboat. This old-fashioned paddle-wheel boat is decked out in multi-colored lights and holiday trappings to welcome glad tide-ings of comfort and joy. Captain Michael White takes daily chartered trips out into the Mississippi Sound providing breathtaking views of our 26 mile coastline, and the Betsy Ann features both heated indoor and rooftop outdoor areas to accommodate the weather. Choose from a private charter, sunset eco-tour, history cruise, or even a dinner cruise! The most basic tour starts at $22/person and lasts two hours. Dinner cruises start at $45/person with varying prices for specialty tours. Click here to find out more.
photo: Alex North
Gulfport Harbor Lights - Winter Festival
$-$$
Experience for yourself what's being heralded as the best holiday light show in the southeast! Join thousands of spectators as you make your way through this elaborate display of lights, music, carnival rides, food, and holiday fun. Santa even makes an appearance for your family photo opps! The Harbor Lights Winter Festival is open seven nights a week through December 30th at Jones Park in Gulfport, with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Tickets can be purchased online or onsite. Adult (13+) admission is $10.00. Child (5 - 12) admission is $5.00, and children 4 and under get in free. For more info, click here.
Casinos
Price Dictated by Itinerary
If you're a stranger to Coastal Mississippi, then you won't be familiar with the elaborate decorations each casino property displays during the holiday season. There are wintry wonderlands, life-size nutcrackers, colossal trees, ginormous ornaments and more over-the-top holiday trappings serving as perfect backdrops for a Christmas selfie or family pictures. The staff at each facility is so friendly, we bet they’d even take the picture for you. Though it's free to tour the casino properties, you might not want to miss betting on your favorite teams in the sports books or testing your luck on the traditional gaming floors. For more family-focused fun, choose from the dozens of restaurants, shopping promenades, and world-class entertainment offered at each property. Click here for a list of the gaming facilities.
photo: Gulf Coast Weekend
Gulf Coast Model Train Museum
Free
Hop aboard one of the coast's hidden attractions and step into a winter wonderland of tiny towns and model trains at the Gulf Coast Model Train Museum on Pass Road in Gulfport. There's plenty to do for everyone in the family, and while admission is free, donations are greatly appreciated! This indoor/outdoor attraction has been decked out in so many festive lights that even Scrooge wouldn't hiss a "Bah Humbug." The museum is perfect for the holiday season with hands-on activities and even a ride-on train. The museum is open 12 PM - 9 PM Tuesday - Saturday, and 5 PM - 9 PM Sunday and Monday through December 31st, with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Click here for more information.
Cruise Along Highway 90
Free
It may sound simple, but believe us - it’s worth it. Just take a drive down Highway 90 through each coastal community and witness the breathtaking views of our tri-county region. Make sure to take some detours along the way and explore the charming personalities of each town, each decorated with their own festive ornamentation. Explore the beaches in Pascagoula, Ocean Springs, Bay Saint Louis, and Waveland and witness the elaborate light displays gleaming from beautiful waterfront homes. There's plenty of holiday cheer to go around!
No matter what you choose to do here, Coastal Mississippi will welcome you and yours with open arms. Experience the joy of discovery this holiday season and live your best #MSCoastLife. Happy Holidays!
