Best unique event: Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival 2024

There are many reasons to visit the Mississippi Gulf Coast during the Fall and Winter, here is a great one.  The City of Gulfport and the Island View Casino Resort offer the Gulfport Harbor Light Winter Festival for everyone to visit.  This has been billed as the best unique winter event in the State of Mississippi.  Come see not only static displays of lights in the shape of sea creatures but also a wonderful dancing lights event powered by artificial intelligence.  

The event is held each November through December just off of Jones Park Drive across from the Mississippi Aquarium.  Free parking is available at the West entrance of Jones Park and in the Coast Transit Authority parking garage adjacent to Jones Park.  It’s easy to get into and out of the area.  I recommend that you make a day of it or even two nights and a day.

The Schedule

The schedule for 2024 is November 25 – December 31 except for Christmas Eve.  The hours of operation are 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM (weather permitting). See the Google Earth rendering at the bottom of this article for the exact location of Jones Park on U.S. 90.

Start by going to the Mississippi Aquarium during the day.  Enjoy the Aquarium and perhaps lunch at one of the close by restaurants.  After the Aquarium, spend time walking on the beach which is adjacent to Jones Park and the Aquarium.  Walk through the harbor and check out the boats.

Places to stay

Drive a few miles East or West back to your Christies Gulf Beach Rentals vacation location and rest up for a great night at the park.  Before I describe the goodies you will see at the Harbor Lights Winter Festival, take a minute to look at a couple of our great properties that you can rent for a weekend or longer.   The owner of Gulf Coast Marvel Condo is offering two adult admission tickets to the Harbor Lights Winter Festival for one party that books this property prior to November 1.

https://christiesgulfbeachrentals.com/accommodation/gulf-coast-marvel-condo

The Gulf Coast Marvel Condo is a great place for up to four individuals.  If you have a larger party, consider staying at the Beach n’ Bungalow, a house that can accommodate a large group.  You will love the fenced yard and beautiful layout of this property.

Magnolia Place is your winter destination on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Located in beautiful Long Beach. Special pricing for Snowbirds. Particularly with stays over 90 days zero sales tax.

Free admission promotion

Another property we recommend is Octopus Garden, this is a three-bedroom, three-bathroom townhome located near the beach.  The owners have agreed to offer two tickets to the first group who books before November 1 at the ChristiesGulfBeachRentals.Com website.  Free vacation travel insurance is also offered at this site.

Now that you have a place to stay during your visit to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, it’s time to talk about the fun.  You need to bring the whole family because everyone will love the Festival.  I mentioned that the owners of our vacation homes will provide free tickets per their offer.  

General Admission

General admission will cost $15.  $5 for children ages 5-12 and free for any child age 4 and under.  Tickets can be purchased online and at the box office.  (This article will be updated with the web address for buying tickets online)

There are ride tickets available which are separate from the entrance fee and cost between $3 and $6 for carnival rides including a Ferris wheel.  Santa’s village is free and children can see Santa Claus among the light displays.  

Live entertainment including local bands is offered on some evenings on the Harbor Lights Stage.  The Festival is open on Christmas Day.  I understand that new rides may be added this Christmas Season.  They install new lights and even offer the express train.  Kids love the merry-go-round carousel and the Santa Express tour train.  The area covered by the light show is very large.  The paved sidewalk winds through the displays making it easy to get around even with a wheelchair.

Light House Gulfport Marina
Gulfport Harbor Light House

About the Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival

The festival began in 2015 as a partnership between the Island View Casino & Resort and the City of Gulfport. The festival attracted over 100,000 visitors in its first year. In 2022, the festival had over 215,000 visitors.

In addition to the light displays, the festival also features a variety of other attractions, including:

  • Carnival rides
  • A train ride
  • Santa’s Village, where visitors can meet Santa Claus and his elves
  • A “Dancing Trees” show
  • Food and drink vendors

The festival is open to the public and admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-12. Children under 3 are free. There are also discounts available for seniors, military members, first responders, and teachers.

Here are some statistics about the Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival:

  • Over 1.5 million lights
  • 40 acres of light displays
  • 215,000 visitors in 2022
  • 7 years in operation

The dancing Christmas trees must be seen

The dancing trees that I mentioned above are without doubt the highlight of the entertainment at least for adults.  The Winter Festival is a magical show, the lights move from one tree to another in sync with the music.  It’s difficult to describe so I have included a short video here to prove my point.  It’s a spectacular light show, the work behind the scenes to make this all happen is amazing.

Ferris wheel Harbor Lights Winter Festival
Ferris Wheel

People all around you are having fun.  People leave discussions of politics and problems at home.  Christmas spirit is all around you at this festival.  I almost forgot to mention the hot chocolate.  You may be reading this during a warm part of the year which seems like it is all year but we do have a few cold days in December.  I laugh when I come out at night because it is one of the rare occasions when I am not wearing shorts.  The thought of hot coffee or hot chocolate hits the mark.

The first year my wife and I went to the Festival, we found ourselves in a long line to get fair junk food.  We finally got to the window and I ordered chili cheeze chips and cheezy curly fries.  Tons of calories but they taste great after working up an appetite with all those steps.

Refreshments even for adults

Fortunately, there are refreshments including ones for adults.  Very clean restrooms are scattered around so no problem for those with children or some of the older folks. The free heated trolley is offered for all but seniors like it when they have walked for miles.

We have sat by the fire pits to relax.  Parents and children roast marshmallows over the pits as well.  This is where all of that hot chocolate goes.

Dancing Christmas Trees

Book your stay for more than a weekend

Without a doubt, the annual Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival is a great attraction and one of the many fun things that you can do on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in winter.  Did I mention that those of you who live in the New Orleans area, are more than welcome to spend a weekend with us?  Stay through New Year’s Eve for some of the casino celebrations and entertainment.  

Snowbirds should book for more than a weekend. I recommend adding in Christmas and New Year’s Eve into your travel plans. ChristiesGulfBeachRentals.com offers a discount for two weeks or longer to Snowbirds.

If you decide to park in the Coast Transit Authority garage, some shuttle buses will take you to and from the Festival.  The walk is not long but if you are tired after walking for hours, it may be a good idea to take the bus which can be found near the ticket booths on the East side of the park.

Dress warm if the weather requires it.  The few times we have been to the Winter Festival the weather was great.  It was cool without wind.  And bring an appetite.  Leave the diet at home and have some curly fries.

More information

The Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival has a website. As of this posting, it has not been updated for 2023. We will make any changes to ticket prices and methods to obtain them when the information is available.

Jones Park and Marina
Jones Park and Gulfport Marina

Details about Jones Park

  • Marina: The Jones Park Marina has 319 slips and can accommodate boats up to 80 feet in length. The marina also offers a variety of amenities, including a fuel dock, bait shop, and restrooms.
  • Splash pad: The Jones Park Splash pad is a great place for kids to cool off on a hot day. The splash pad features a variety of water features, including sprays, jets, and a dumping bucket.
  • Playground: The Jones Park Playground is a large, well-equipped playground that is perfect for children of all ages. The playground features slides, swings, climbing structures, and a sandbox.
  • Amphitheater: The Jones Park Amphitheater is an outdoor amphitheater that hosts a variety of concerts, festivals, and other events throughout the year. The amphitheater has seating for over 1,000 people.
  • Walking track: The Jones Park Walking track is a 0.86-mile paved track that winds through the park. The walking track is a popular spot for visitors to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors.

Please check out our Activities tab on the menu for information about more things to do on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Christies offers a variety of properties for your use while you are staying on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Most are located very close to the beach. Reserve your stay on our site and you will receive vacation rental insurance at no additional charge.

Snowbirds: escape to the Mississippi Gulf Coast now

Why wait, winter is here and you are cold. Our 55+ degree days with clear skies are far better than hunkering down in front of the fireplace in Minnesota. Sorry, no snow here. Leave those heavy clothes behind. Shorts are mandatory. Snowbirds need to escape the cold winters and defrost on the beach. Yes, you can drink frozen daiquiris in January.

All snowbirds are welcome here. We love people who travel from Washington, North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, New York, and even New Englanders. If you live between these states and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, it’s still warmer here than where you are now.

21 Reasons to Stay on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Winter

  • Warm weather: The average winter temperature in the Mississippi Gulf Coast is 65 degrees Fahrenheit, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s. This is a great escape from the cold weather up north.
  • Beautiful beaches: The Mississippi Gulf Coast has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Miles of white sand and clear blue water make for a perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.
  • Great food: The Mississippi Gulf Coast is home to some of the best seafood in the country. You can find everything from fresh shrimp and oysters to catfish and crab.
  • Lots of activities: There are plenty of activities to keep you busy on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. You can go swimming, fishing, boating, golfing, shopping, and more.
  • Friendly people: The people on the Mississippi Gulf Coast are known for being friendly and welcoming. You’re sure to feel right at home here.
  • Affordable prices: The Mississippi Gulf Coast is a great value for your money. You can find affordable accommodations, food, and activities.
  • Short travel time: The Mississippi Gulf Coast is only a short flight or drive from many major cities in the United States.
  • Variety of destinations: There are many different destinations to choose from on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. You can find big cities, small towns, and everything in between.
  • Something for everyone: The Mississippi Gulf Coast has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed adventure, you’ll find it here.
  • History and culture: The Mississippi Gulf Coast has a rich history and culture. You can visit historical sites, museums, and art galleries.
  • Outdoor recreation: The Mississippi Gulf Coast is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. You can go hiking, biking, camping, and more.
  • Wildlife: The Mississippi Gulf Coast is home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and alligators.
  • Festivals and events: The Mississippi Gulf Coast hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year.
  • Shopping: The Mississippi Gulf Coast has great shopping. You can find everything from souvenirs to high-end boutiques.
  • Dining: The Mississippi Gulf Coast has a wide variety of dining options. You can find everything from casual restaurants to fine dining establishments.
  • Nightlife: The Mississippi Gulf Coast has a vibrant nightlife. You can find bars, clubs, and casinos.
  • Transportation: The Mississippi Gulf Coast is easy to get around. You can fly, drive, or take the train.
  • Accommodations: There are a variety of accommodations to choose from on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. You can find hotels, condos, and vacation rentals.
  • Safety: The Mississippi Gulf Coast is a safe place to visit. The crime rate is low and the people are friendly.
  • Relaxation: The Mississippi Gulf Coast is a great place to relax and rejuvenate. You can spend your days swimming, sunbathing, and exploring.
cold winter
Really? How about a beach?

Miles and miles of beaches await Snowbirds who escape the winter. Talk about a long walk on the Biloxi boardwalk or the beach sidewalk. Go fishing, no need for a hole in the ice since we have none. Winter is great for fishing along the Gulf and in the Bayous. No need to cut a hole in the ice, just throw you line in the water. While it’s true that alligators are hard to see during the winter, a few may be found if you know where to look.

Our seasoned food will keep you warm as you think of your family back home shoveling their driveway. Rather than operating a snowblower, you can be on a jet ski. Those 10-pound boots can stay in the mudroom, all you need here is flip-flops.

Our weather is just for Snowbirds

Why talk about the weather when you can see the NOAA weather chart for each month of the year along with some history? Our winters are very mild as you can see from the chart below:

Average temperature for Biloxi, Mississippi

Month Average High Temperature (°F) Average Low Temperature (°F)
January 59.5 42.8
February 62.1 45.2
March 67.3 49.9
April 74.1 56.5
May 82.1 64.8
June 88.8 73.8
July 91.1 77.5
August 90.9 77.3
September 84.6 70.5
October 75.2 60.8
November 65.1 50.3
December 57.4 43.2

Winter things to do

There are lots of activities on the Mississippi Gulf for Snowbirds who escape from our great weather. I mentioned fishing but you can also go out deep sea fishing or rent a boat and Cruze our bays and bayous. Visit the aquarium and some of our many museums. Walk around Ocean Springs or Bay St. Louis if you like art.

beach in winter snowbird escape
This is more like it!

Of course, there are plenty of casinos along the coast (12) to keep you busy at night. Most have live entertainment some nights of the week. Our golf courses are open. Winter is a great time to golf in this area. Take a day trip to New Orleans to visit the WWII museum or to Mobile to visit the battleship.

Don’t forget the food, some of the best in the nation. We have our own food culture here. Cajun and Southern food dominate most menus. You can even get a hamburger made from 1/2 Andouille sausage and 1/2 beef. Gulf shrimp are abundant and don’t get me started on how good they are.

It’s also crawfish season for those Snowbirds who escape just to eat these delicious items. Crawfish are available all winter even into April.

Mardi Gras

Did you know that every Mississippi Gulf Coast city celebrates Mardi Gras with parades? If you plan to be in the area during the Mardi Gras season which is typically in February, plan to attend at least one parade. Some friends of ours moved to the Gulf Coast and found the parades to be great fun. They attended most of them and carted home boxes of goodies thrown out.

There are other events scheduled during the winter as well. The word “winter” means little to residents of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We wear shorts all year except those very few days when the temperature goes below 50. Ask someone who lives here when the temperature gets to 50, they will tell you it’s cold. Ask a snowbird wearing shorts, you know what they will say in the middle of January.

Snowbirds love the white sand beaches after their escape from the cold. Take a stroll along the Biloxi boardwalk and enjoy the long empty beaches. Or, bring some firewood and use one of the many fire pits on the beach.

Want to know much more, check out this article about Snowbirds and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Check out our articles on this site and visit our activities page. Snowbirds who actually escape need things to do and there are many here.

Where to stay?

You should book early for the best properties. Booking during the summer and early fall will usually guarantee that you will find the property you desire. While there are various types of properties hotels, and motels for example. Many snowbirds will feel right at home renting a vacation property for a few days, weeks, or months.

Short-term rentals are very popular on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and few property management companies have the great selection that Christies Gulf Beach Rentals offers.

You found our website, Christies Gulf Beach Rentals. The best place to start. We have several properties within walking distance of the beach and a special bayou retreat as well. Go back to the home page and take a look at the variety we offer. Book right on the site and save money over using the 3rd party sites.

If you are planning to stay for more than two weeks, it’s best to contact us for a lower rate e.g. 30+ days. We will email you a coupon and then you can reserve it right on our site with your credit card.

Happy Porpoise Cottage walking distance of the beach. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, yard, fire pit, bbq, picnic table, laundry it’s all there.

From a single-family house with a fenced yard to a townhome and bed and breakfast-type accommodations inside of a historic house. Your group can be as small as one or as many as 13. We have two houses next to each other and we can sleep a total of 25 between both, great for a large family.

Many of our properties have fire pits which are terrific for winter evenings. Most of our properties have BBQs outside in the backyard. If you are traveling with a group for an event and need additional parking, some of our properties can accommodate multiple vehicles.

Stay with us

Contact us at Yes@christiesgulfbeachrentals.com by email or just reserve on the site. Rates are lower in winter so take advantage of them. If you are active-duty military or a veteran, contact us for our discounted rates. If you want to learn more about the area, read some of our blog articles and go to RetireCoast.com and Logan Anderson, Gulf Coastal Realtors sites that specialize in articles about the area.

PODCAST

Is the Mississippi Gulf Coast a fun place?

It is a fun place to visit. There are so many things to do it will be hard to know where to start. How about that beach? The casinos? Do you like to fish or boat? Where to begin, that’s the question.

You will need to eat so one of the first places you start is at one of our excellent restaurants. Try one that offers Gulf Coast cooking including shrimp, crab, and oysters. Gumbo and anything with crawfish is staples on the food front. After you have eaten your fill, why not take a walk on the beach. Try the Biloxi Boardwalk.

Have you ever been down a bayou? Go out on a boat and see live alligators in the swamp. This is a fun adventure and the operators guarantee that you will return safely. If taking a boat to see alligators is too much, visit the Gulf Islands National Seashore in Ocean Springs. You can walk around and see alligators in one or more locations.

Try fishing

Want to try your hand at fishing. Stop by a store and pick up some fishing gear. Try one of the public piers or just fish from the beach. There are about 200 species of fish in waters around the Mississippi Gulf Coast. You can also go out on a charter boat to catch some bigger fish. Leave from one of the marinas along the coast.

Fishing is Mississippi Gulf Coast a fun place
Catch a fish

Have you ever caught blue crabs? Buy a basket, drop in a chicken leg and lower it into the water. While you are taking pictures of the water and texting friends, our crabs will accommodate you by jumping in the basket. Take them to your vacation rental, boil them, and enjoy.

Rent a boat and navigate our bayous. These beautiful waterways are a unique experience you only see in the South. If you want, pull a blow-up toy around behind for the kids. The water is warm in the summer. Take your boat out to one of our islands for the day.

Is the Mississippi Gulf Coast a fun place

Yes, it is. If the above is not enough, keep reading. How about this for a day. Get up in the morning, and have your coffee or tea at a local restaurant. Eat a benet (a Southern delight) and stroll to the beach. Swim and layout on the sand. Get up, walk to a restaurant, and have a great meal of gulf shrimp overlooking the water.

Take a drive in the afternoon along U.S. 90 in either direction and look at the beautiful homes that face the water. Stop at one of the marina restaurants for a refreshing drink and a snack of fried pickles. Return home and get ready for the evening.

Drive over to one of the casinos that are offering free entertainment, have dinner and cocktails then try your luck or watch the entertainment. After, it’s off to bed to start a new day.

Boating fun on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Boating on the Bayou

Take a boat to Ship Island

Want to spend a great day on the water. Take the boat to ship island from one of the marinas. Pack your lunch and beverages in an ice chest. Bring your 10×10 awning and towels. Take the ship to the island. Walk to the Southside of the island where waves and crystal clear water await.

You can take a walk around the island and return a few hours later. Perhaps it’s time to rent a jet ski on the beach. Drive around on your jet ski and enjoy our warm water. Jump off and do some swimming in shallow water just offshore. Then ride back and head out for dinner.

This evening, light a fire at your vacation rental fire pit or the beach. Hang around and enjoy the company of your companions. Buy some cooked crawfish, corn, and potatoes at Rouses and have your Boil.

Mississippi Gulf Coast fun food, crawfish
Crawfish boil

Where to go from here

A great article about 22 things to do on the Mississippi Gulf Coast may help, click here to read it. You will need a place to stay and we recommend one of the properties on ChristiesGulfBeachRentals.com. Several of our properties are located on or near the beach.

if you are interested in property on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, visit Logan&Anderson, Gulf Coastal Realtors. You may find that buying a vacation home of your own is affordable on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

To read more about the Mississippi Gulf Coast, please click here it will take you to RetireCoast.com where you can dive into articles about the Coast, finance, and lifestyle subjects.

Are you still asking yourself Is the Mississippi Gulf Coast a fun place?

Bay St. Louis is a trendy, fun place to play and live

Don’t leave out a visit to Bay St. Louis on your visit to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Trendy and fun. Pubs, cafes, shops, fishing well, just lots to do. Enjoy views of the bay while sipping your favorite beverage.

Located not far from New Orleans, Bay St. Louis is easy to reach. Take I 10 South at the Bay St. Louis exit or drive along U.S. Highway 90 from the West or East. The small city is located at the mouth of the Bay of St. Louis.

Stay at one of our vacation rentals and drive a few minutes West along Beach Blvd. Cross the Bay of St. Louis bridge and arrive. Walk around the quaint old town where houses were first built in the late 1800s. These houses serve as restaurants, shops, and pubs.

Take a bay tour from the marina or rent a boat or jet ski and explore for yourself. Please take time to listen to the podcast produced by Gulf Life Now by clicking below.

Great restaurants on the Mississippi Gulf Coast-Podcast

There are so many excellent restaurants on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, that it’s hard to know where to start. What we did was create a podcast for you to learn about restaurants that are close to our coastal vacation rental properties.

Most are located on U.S. 90 and our guests generally drive by these restaurants coming and going along the Coast. They see one and wonder if it’s a good place to go. Listen to our podcast below for some recommendations.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Food Culture

There is simply no place in the nation that has a greater variety of cultural foods than the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Much of the food culture here is closely connected to that of New Orleans not far away. Seafood is of course a staple here and fresh seafood is something that you can only get where it’s caught.

Seafood

Starting with seafood, you should know that our country is being bombarded with fish originating from other nations. I understand that there is seasonality for some fish but there is no reason why anyone should eat catfish caught anywhere but Mississippi or Louisiana. Our fish is earned hereunder strict government regulation. Yet, catfish caught in Southeast Asia is still served in some restaurants. When you eat catfish along the coast ask if it’s locally produced.

Shrimp is abundant in the area. There are two main seasons for shrimp here and they are tasty. Many restaurants receive fresh shrimp daily. In fact, you can buy fresh shrimp from the same fishermen at the ports along the coast. Once again, you can go to the big box store and buy frozen shrimp that is imported from Asia. Why? There is no better shrimp than gulf shrimp.

Blue Crab is a local favorite. You can find it prepared in many ways but fried crab it the most common way it is served. Often you receive several on your plate and then open and eat. The blue crab is caught all around the bayous and inland waterways.

Redfish, black drum, flounder, bass, speckled trout, and many other species of fish are available in restaurants. Redfish are still considered somewhat endangered and it is hard to find outside of the South in a restaurant. Fish comes in daily to restaurants so enjoy.

Crawfish

I put crawfish into its category. While it’s fish, people here enjoy them in a season which is generally the early winter through spring. Crawfish are served boiled on everything from stuffing for flounder to a topping for eggs. The most popular way to eat crawfish is to buy them from a shack that opens just to sell them cooked in a bag or live in a bag. Everyone who sells them cooked in a bag or even live mixes them with their mix of seasoning. Crawfish are farmed along the coast but again, it irritates me to see Asian crawfish competing with our local farmers.

The shacks only sell locally sourced crawfish however cooked crawfish may come from elsewhere. Ask before you order. Why come all this way to eat crawfish from another country?

The Boil

Now we are talking. The typical boil is a “crawfish boil”. You start with a large pot and I mean a very large pot. They make pots just for boils. Fill partly full with water, throw in yo, ur spices and bring to a boil. Throw in corn-on-the-cob, sausage, and redskin potatoes. Then fill the pot with fresh live crawfish. Bring back to a boil. When ready, empty the water and toss the entire contents on a trestle table. If your boil is not for a party, you use boil trays which are large with a one-inch lip to hold any juice and fill it with crawfish and the other ingredients.

By the way, five pounds of fresh crawfish is about right per person.

Popular dishes

Red beans and rice with sausage is a local favorite. Jambaliah is a rice dish with various ingredients e.g. chicken or fish. Etouffee can be crawfish, , crab or shrimp., this saucy dip is eaten with rice which is added at the time of eating. Fried chicken is without a doubt one of the most popular southern favorites. Anything fried, from candy bars to an alligator. Greens are on most menus along with okra and other traditional southern veggies. Don’t forget fried green tomatoes and fried pickles.

Even local deserts

Coconut cake is popular in the spring around Easter. King cake is popular during mardi gras. There are several pies and cakes that are local to this area and New Orleans. You can buy them in grocery stores.

I could go on and on about the food here, I left off many dishes that you would probably not find elsewhere. You should know that while these delicious Cajun and Southern dishes are popular you can find almost any other fare here. With the connection to the rest of the world through the military bases, many cultures have restaurants here. Enjoy.