Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival
Visitors embark on a self-guided walking tour through 40 acres illuminated by more than 1.5 million holiday lights and a choreographed Dancing Trees show. Guests can ride carnival attractions, board a park train, or stop by warming stations to roast s'mores. Santa's Village offers a chance to explore Santa's Headquarters, watch working elves, and meet Santa Claus.
Nov 27, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 All ages
See more Christmas lights near Gulfport
Plan Your Visit
Tickets
General admission: $14–$22; children ages 4–12: $5–$7; children age 3 and under: free.
Food & Drink
Carnival-style foods are available throughout the park; visitors can get hot chocolate and buy s’more kits from local vendors.
Parking
Free parking is available at the CTA parking garage north at 15th St. and 20th Ave., and at the west entrance of Jones Park at Hwy 90 and 49. A CTA shuttle runs to and from the show every 15 to 30 minutes.
Accessibility
Jones Park features an enclosed, heated trolley, handicap-accessible trains, and designated accessible parking with assistance.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Buy admission online before arriving to help avoid waiting in line at the box office.
- Use free parking at the CTA garage or Jones Park’s west entrance; CTA shuttles from the garage run every 15 to 30 minutes.
- Bring a phone or camera for Santa photos in Santa’s Village, where Santa visits on open nights except Christmas Day.
- Plan for a walking visit, since personal vehicles cannot enter the park; use the free heated trolley if walking is difficult.
- Buy train and carnival-ride tickets at the event; train tickets are sold at ride booths, and ride tickets are only available onsite.
Special Events & Promotions
- Children age 3 and under enter free.
- Children ages 4–12 have discounted admission.
- Ride tickets cost extra; an all-rides armband is offered Mondays through Wednesdays until December 16.
- Santa is in Santa’s Village nightly except Christmas Day.
- A stuffed animal making station is new this year.
Links & Contact
Run by City of Gulfport
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the festival a drive-through event?
No. It is a self-guided walking tour, and vehicles are not allowed in the park.
What can visitors do and see in the park?
Explore the light displays and Santa’s Village, watch the Dancing Trees show, and ride the train or carnival rides.
Is food available, and where can visitors find it?
Carnival-style food is available throughout the park; warming stations are also spread around the grounds, where local vendors sell s’more kits.
Is there transport for visitors who have difficulty walking?
An enclosed, heated trolley runs inside the park, and the train is handicap accessible.
Can visitors meet Santa, and what should they bring?
Santa is in Santa’s Village on open nights except Christmas Day. Bring a phone or camera for the visit.
Browse Christmas in Gulfport
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.