The events and activities listed are just a few that guests to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Christies Gulf Beach Rentals can include in their travel plans. These are not all-inclusive, as events are added to community calendars on a frequent basis. Check our “Activities” page. Always check for updated dates and times for the venues listed below.
December 2025
- Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival
Runs November 28 – December 31, 2025, nightly from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Note: closed on Christmas Eve (December 24). - Mississippi Aquarium – Nighttime Holiday Event
Paired with Harbor Lights via combo tickets; Aquarium portion typically runs through December 24, 5:30 PM–9:30 PM, while Harbor Lights runs later (into the night).Facebook+1gulfport-ms.gov - Holiday Festivities Across the Coast (Ocean Springs, Biloxi, Pascagoula, Bay St. Louis)
Attractions include “Let it Snow! Snow Day,” holiday open houses, parades, concerts, musicals, toy drives, and more—all occurring throughout December. - Swamp & Marsh Tours + Sandhill Crane Refuge
Ideal for nature escapes and birdwatching, especially accessible in mild winter weather.coastalmississippi.com
January 2026
- Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Season
Kicks off with 12th Night on January 6, 2026, and runs through Fat Tuesday on February 17, 2026.Gulfport Harbor Lights Festival+15msgcca.org+15retirecoast.com+15 - Gulf Coast Carnival Association (GCCA) Events
- January 5, 2026 – 12th Night celebration at Biloxi City Hall (time TBA)
- January 24, 2026 – GCCA Sponsors Reception, Golden Nugget Grand Ballroom, 6 PM–8 PM
- Swamp Tours & Nature Excursions
A peaceful outdoor option, good weather permitting.
February 2026
- Coastal Mardi Gras Season Continues
Highlights include parades, balls, and community events leading up to Fat Tuesday on February 17, 2026.Wikipedia - GCCA Gala & Parade Events
- February 13, 2026 – Pasty Royalty Party, Golden Nugget Grand Ballroom, 9 PM
- February 14, 2026 – King & Queen Party, Golden Nugget Grand Ballroom, 9 PM
- February 15, 2026 – Royal Reception, Golden Nugget Grand Ballroom, 2 PM–4 PM
- February 16, 2026 – Coronation Ball, MS Gulf Coast Coliseum, doors open at 7 PM
- February 17, 2026 – GCCA Parade, 1 PM (location TBA)msgcca.org
- Gulfport Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show
Begins February 16, 2026, running through March 26, 2026. Includes a free Sunday Grand Prix.Wikipedia+11SuperTalk Mississippi Media+11coastalmississippi.com+11 [Assumed previous reference]
March 2026
- Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show
Concludes March 26, 2026.WikipediaFacebook - CoastCon (Science Fiction & Fantasy Convention)
Typically held early March (e.g., March 6–8). Great for indoor entertainment. - Continuing Nature & Outdoor Options
Swamp tours and birdwatching remain excellent choices for this time of year.
Summary Table
| Month | Key Dates & Activities |
|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | Harbor Lights: Nov 28–Dec 31 Aquarium Holiday Nights: through Dec 24 Coastal holiday events (parades, open houses, performances) Swamp/nature outings |
| Jan 2026 | Mardi Gras Season: Jan 6–Feb 17 GCCA: Jan 5 – 12th Night; Jan 24 – Sponsors Reception Swamp tours & nature sessions |
| Feb 2026 | Mardi Gras events: Feb 13–17 (Royalty parties, Coronation Ball, Parade) Winter Classic Horse Show begins Feb 16 Swamp & birdwatching |
| Mar 2026 | Horse Show runs through Mar 26 CoastCon convention in early March Nature outings continue |