Page 25 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2022

November 25 – December 31
Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Gates close at 10:30 p.m. Closed Christmas Eve
Open Christmas Day Admission: $15 for general admission, $5 for children ages 5-12,
free for any child age 4 and under
FEATURED ACTIVITIES:
Gift Shop • Santa’s Village CTA Trolley • Warming Stations Visit with Santa • Train Station Dancing Trees • Train Ride Carnival Rides • Singing Reindeer
Just north of Santa’s Village, you and your family can hop on a train at the Harbor Lights Train Station. This is an excellent alternative to walking through the park, as visitors can ride and view the magical lights and famous Dancing Trees, a choreographed light show created
by tree-shaped fixtures! The train is handicap accessible.
Even when bundled up on a chilly night, you may need some additional warmth. Don’t worry, hot chocolate, s’mores, and warming stations are in abundance at the show! Purchase your hot chocolate and s’mores kit from local vendors, and use the warming stations to take a break from the chill and roast marshmallows.
If you think this is a serene picture, you’re not the only one. This idyllic scene has been featured prominently in the 2017 Lifetime film “Christmas in Mississippi,” starring Jana Kramer and
Wes Brown. Be sure to watch the movie before attending the festival so you can recreate your favorite scenes when you visit!
The location of Gulfport Harbor Lights also makes it unique, as it is held on the beach with a view of the harbor. “Enjoying millions of lights on the outskirts of the harbor under our beautiful oaks in Jones Park is memorable in itself,” says City of Gulfport Communications and Marketing Manager Jase Payne. “As you walk throughout the event, you will see nautical displays, including marina life, Santa’s sleigh with seahorses, and much more. Our team continues to elevate the experience yearly for our community and visitors.”
With the addition of the Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival and other festivals, the City of Gulfport has
expanded its tourism season to include year-round offerings.
“We are overjoyed with the success
of Harbor Lights,” says Mayor Hewes. “With over 110,000 visitors attending
last year, we see people from all over the country. It’s amazing to watch the families enjoying the holiday season in our city.”
Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival runs daily from November 25 through December 31 from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Admission costs $15 for an adult, $5
for children aged 5-12, and is free for children age 4 and under.
Gulfport Harbor Lights
Winter Festival
2269 Jones Park Dr., Gulfport 228.868.5881 www.gulfportharborlights.com
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
December 2022 | 25