With so many dazzling displays and amazing places to experience holiday lights on the Coast, there’s no time to waste in planning a fun, magical season. From renown light shows to festivals and celebrations, here are some of the most enchanting displays guaranteed to make the holidays unforgettable.
Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival
Island View Casino & Resort and the city of Gulfport collaborated to bring a holiday festival to the Coast unlike any other in the Magnolia State. Attendees can enjoy dancing tree displays, carnival rides, a visit with Santa Claus, a holiday train and much more. This is a delightful event the whole family is sure to love. Featuring more than 1 million glittering lights, the Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival runs through New Year’s Eve.
Snowflakes in the Bay
The enchanting, century-old live oak trees of Bay St. Louis will be decked with glowing, sparkling snowflakes during the Snowflakes in the Bay festival. The city will be transformed into a magical coastal wonderland with holiday-themed activities, such as tree-lightings, concerts and ice skating. The Snowflakes in the Bay festival runs through New Year’s Day.
Christmas at Beauvoir
The Beauvoir in Biloxi is adorned with thousands of sparkling lights and festive decorations that transform the historic home into a must-visit winter attraction. On Dec. 17, visitors can step back in time to witness and experience an authentic 1860s holiday during Christmas in Camp. Gallant boys in grey will join their brothers in blue to come around the campfire, exchange pleasantries and share in the Christmas spirit. There will be a holiday social in the presidential library, and the house will be open for tours.
Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum
Trains, Santa and more than 2 million lights is a holiday event worth experiencing at the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum. Celebrate the season at the annual Christmas Lights Festival, which continues through New Year’s Eve. Train enthusiasts can participate in nightly kid-friendly activities, from S.T.E.M. nights and game nights to arts and crafts, as well as performances and special guests. Have a visit with Santa, and get a picture taken while you’re there.
Silent Light Festival
The Silent Light festival on Dec. 3 will transform the Walter Anderson Museum of Art in Ocean Springs into an illuminated wonderland inspired by nature and the winter solstice. The event features performers and shadow dancers, installations by Mississippi artists, a silent disco with DJs performing to your personal LED-equipped wireless headphones and interactive light shows projecting animations of Walter Anderson’s timeless designs.
