Oh, there's no place like the Gulf for the holidays -- or at least we think that's how the song goes! Christmas in Biloxi is a special time in a special place, with a full slate of seasonal events beginning in November and continuing throughout December. With so much going on in Biloxi and its Mississippi Gulf Coast neighbors this winter, who needs snow? Events and specials will be continuously added to this page, so check back often for the latest holiday happenings in Gulfport, Bay St Louis and Biloxi in 2023.
Food, family fun and a festive atmosphere add to the holiday delight of Christmas City. The Shoppers' Paradise even Friday night features live entertainment and beer and wine for purchase, and offers an adults-only shopping environment to melt the traditional stress of Christmas shopping. Tickets are $17 for this event and only $10 per person for a day pass on any of the three days (children enter free with an adult). Breakfast with Santa is also offered for the little ones at $19.99 per person. For more information, visit the Christmas City website.
One of the highlights of year on the Gulf Coast, the Christmas on the Water Boat Parade has been going on so long nobody even remembers when it started. Except maybe people who are over, say, 37. Seriously, 38 years now -- that's some staying power! On December 2nd, starting at 6 p.m., boats decked out in holiday lighting will parade between Biloxi Lighthouse and the Small Craft Harbor, with fireworks to follow.
The event is free, and the best viewing areas are along the shore between Biloxi Lighthouse and the Beau Rivage Casino, or from the Small Craft Harbor to Casino Row. For an extra special experience, join in the boat parade with the Christmas on the Water cruise on the Captain Pete for $50 per person, or aboard the Biloxi Schooner for $45 per adult and $25 per child. Call (228) 435-6320 to purchase Schooner tickets or (228) 806-0351 to book tickets on the Captain Pete.
Beauvoir, the Jefferson Davis Home, kicks off the holiday festivities early. From 6 - 8 p.m. each Saturday - Thursday night (excluding Christmas night), visitors can enjoy a dazzling array of activities on the estate. Tour the mansion, enjoy period games and crafts, marvel at the model train exhibit and tour the beautifully lit and decorated grounds on the Christmas train. Food and beverages will be available, as well as photo opportunities with Father Claus, all while live Christmas music and other entertainers set the mood. For 2023, the wreath laying will be held on Saturday, December 2nd, and the Christmas Encampment will be Dec. 15-16 from 6-9 p.m.
Christmas at the Beau Rivage
Biloxi's Beau Rivage Casino and Resort is always a Christmas hot spot, and we expect 2023 will be no different. While the Beau Rivage has not yet announced its Christmas concert and event schedule for this year, stay tuned to Best Bets Biloxi, and we'll provide updates on this page.
If you didn't make it to the Christmas City show at the Coliseum, here's a second chance to cross off all the names on your gift list in one place. And frankly, even if you do make it to the show at the Coliseum, we'd recommend saving some special gifts to be bought right here in downtown Biloxi, because the selection will be amazing, and you'll really be able to find some nice and unique items, including arts and antiques.
Santa will be here, of course, as will excellent food and drink, and live entertainment. And admission is absolutely free. Open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. December 3rd in the Downtown Biloxi Arts District, Rue Magnolia and Water Street.