Christmas lights are an absolute treat in a place that’s as festive and tightly knit as The Magnolia State. While there are plenty of places to view twinkling lights and festive decor, the Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival is consistently considered a best winter hike in Mississippi. The annual outdoor festival is still a newbie in a state full of tradition, but don’t let that fool you – it’s already one of the most anticipated seasonal events in the state. Take a look:
Held at Jones Park, the Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival typically takes place from late November through December 31st, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. every night, except Christmas Eve and Christmas.
JASawyer Imaging/Facebook
A great event for the entire family, it offers all sorts of holiday fun, including a spectacular light show.
John L.H./Yelp
The multi-million dollar show consists of thousands of twinkling lights and festive decor.
John L.H./Yelp
The impressive light show is presented as a walking tour, but it can also be viewed from aboard a free heated trolley.
Gulfport Harbor Lights - Winter Festival/Facebook
But dazzling lights aren’t the only reason to attend.
Gulfport Harbor Lights - Winter Festival/Facebook
There are plenty of rides to keep kids (and kids at heart) entertained.
Gulfport Harbor Lights - Winter Festival/Facebook
Candy, hot chocolate, marshmallows, and other snacks are also available to help get you into the holiday spirit.
Gulfport Harbor Lights - Winter Festival/Facebook
In addition to rides and food, you’ll find plenty of festive photo-ops, like the Polar Express (pictured).
Gulfport Harbor Lights - Winter Festival/Facebook
Elfie Selfie stations are scattered throughout the park, so you’ll have lots of chances to create lasting memories.
Gulfport Harbor Lights - Winter Festival/Facebook
Santa arrives nightly at 6 p.m. for pictures. Remember, there’s no photographer, so have your camera or Smartphone ready.
Gulfport Harbor Lights - Winter Festival/Facebook
And Santa isn’t the only one you’ll want to get a picture with. You never know who will make a surprise appearance at this annual tradition!
Gulfport Harbor Lights - Winter Festival/Facebook
The Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival is held at Jones Park (2250 Jones Park Drive). For more information on this best winter hike in Mississippi, click here.
JASawyer Imaging/Facebook
John L.H./Yelp
Gulfport Harbor Lights - Winter Festival/Facebook
Looking for another place that’s perfect for a cool weather walk? Check out “The One Hikeable Creek In Mississippi That’s Simply Breathtaking In The Fall.“
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Gulfport Harbor, Gulfport, MS 39501, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Winter Hike In Mississippi October 20, 2019 Nikki Rhoades What are the best walk through light displays in Mississippi? After seeing the enchanting images from this Christmas light hike in Mississippi, it’s understandable that you’d be left longing for more wintertime fun. There’s a reason we’re known as The Hospitality State – we offer holiday events that are delightfully welcoming! Tylertown’s Christmas in the Park offers both walking and driving tours, and Lewis Lights includes displays featuring familiar characters in addition to a quarter of a million lights. You’ll find that there are many things to do in winter in Mississippi, especially in our tightly-knit communities and small towns. Can I go hiking in the winter in Mississippi? Winter hiking in Mississippi is actually extremely pleasant, as our charming state features short, mild winter seasons. You will need to bundle up when there’s a decent breeze, but you’ll find that the slightly nippy weather offers a much-needed break from the intensity of our summer months. There are many great trails that are perfect for winter hiking, and many of our parks and communities beckon to adventure-seekers throughout each and every season. What are the best parks to visit in the winter in Mississippi? There’s a reason so many Northerners travel south in the winter… we have very little (if any) snowfall each year! This is to our benefit, as the milder winter months provide a refreshing retreat from the intense summer sun. Wintertime is perfect to explore our many parks and natural spaces – if you’re not familiar with the area, don’t be afraid to chat with the locals! Our state has a vast landscape, but they’ll surely be able to point you in the direction of the coolest natural spaces in the area.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Winter Hike In Mississippi
October 20, 2019
Nikki Rhoades
What are the best walk through light displays in Mississippi? After seeing the enchanting images from this Christmas light hike in Mississippi, it’s understandable that you’d be left longing for more wintertime fun. There’s a reason we’re known as The Hospitality State – we offer holiday events that are delightfully welcoming! Tylertown’s Christmas in the Park offers both walking and driving tours, and Lewis Lights includes displays featuring familiar characters in addition to a quarter of a million lights. You’ll find that there are many things to do in winter in Mississippi, especially in our tightly-knit communities and small towns. Can I go hiking in the winter in Mississippi? Winter hiking in Mississippi is actually extremely pleasant, as our charming state features short, mild winter seasons. You will need to bundle up when there’s a decent breeze, but you’ll find that the slightly nippy weather offers a much-needed break from the intensity of our summer months. There are many great trails that are perfect for winter hiking, and many of our parks and communities beckon to adventure-seekers throughout each and every season. What are the best parks to visit in the winter in Mississippi? There’s a reason so many Northerners travel south in the winter… we have very little (if any) snowfall each year! This is to our benefit, as the milder winter months provide a refreshing retreat from the intense summer sun. Wintertime is perfect to explore our many parks and natural spaces – if you’re not familiar with the area, don’t be afraid to chat with the locals! Our state has a vast landscape, but they’ll surely be able to point you in the direction of the coolest natural spaces in the area.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
After seeing the enchanting images from this Christmas light hike in Mississippi, it’s understandable that you’d be left longing for more wintertime fun. There’s a reason we’re known as The Hospitality State – we offer holiday events that are delightfully welcoming! Tylertown’s Christmas in the Park offers both walking and driving tours, and Lewis Lights includes displays featuring familiar characters in addition to a quarter of a million lights. You’ll find that there are many things to do in winter in Mississippi, especially in our tightly-knit communities and small towns.
Can I go hiking in the winter in Mississippi?
Winter hiking in Mississippi is actually extremely pleasant, as our charming state features short, mild winter seasons. You will need to bundle up when there’s a decent breeze, but you’ll find that the slightly nippy weather offers a much-needed break from the intensity of our summer months. There are many great trails that are perfect for winter hiking, and many of our parks and communities beckon to adventure-seekers throughout each and every season.
What are the best parks to visit in the winter in Mississippi?
There’s a reason so many Northerners travel south in the winter… we have very little (if any) snowfall each year! This is to our benefit, as the milder winter months provide a refreshing retreat from the intense summer sun. Wintertime is perfect to explore our many parks and natural spaces – if you’re not familiar with the area, don’t be afraid to chat with the locals! Our state has a vast landscape, but they’ll surely be able to point you in the direction of the coolest natural spaces in the area.
