Biloxi’s signature holiday event, Christmas on the Water, will once again feature land and water parades, fireworks, arts and crafts, and, of course, Santa Claus.
The event kicks off Friday, Dec. 5 with a children’s parade through the downtown and lighting of the Town Green, followed by a “Christmas in the City” arts and crafts show throughout the day Saturday, and, later Saturday night, the centerpiece of the weekend, the parade of decorated boats cruising along the waterfront, climaxing with an east Biloxi sky filled with fireworks.
Christmas on the Water, which is organized by a small group of volunteers, is one of several community events that helps Biloxi usher in the holidays.
The boat parade begins at 6 p.m., and travels from the Biloxi Lighthouse to Point Cadet. Applications to enter the boat parade are available by calling 228-388-7170 or emailing programs@biloxi.ms.us The cost to enter your boat in the parade is $25. For a registration form, click here.
Christmas on the Water shirts also are available at the Biloxi Visitors Center, which is on U.S. 90 at Porter Avenue, or at the Main Street office, in the Bond Grant House on Howard Avenue.
Details on the boat parade: Rusty David, 228-617-3112 or Mary Cruthirds, 228-388-7170Â Â or 228-861-8171.
Your complete holiday preview
Here’s a lineup of other city-sponsored holiday events:
Dec. 4, 5:30 p.m. Lighting of the Biloxi Lighthouse. The city ushers in the Christmas season with the lighting of the Biloxi Lighthouse with 1960s-era decorations.
Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. Children’s Christmas Parade, downtown Biloxi. The City of Biloxi Parks & Recreation Department and the Christmas on the Water Committee are sponsoring the annual parade, which will feature hay wagons and other vehicles. Parade will begin at Dr. Frank G. Gruich Sr. Center, 591 Howard Ave., travel west on Howard Avenue. through the Vieux Marche, turn south on Reynoir, east on Jackson, south on Lameuse St. and end at the Town Green, where the Lighting of the Green will take place. Details: Sherry Bell, 228-388-7170 or programs@biloxi.ms.us or Sarah Rider, 228-861-6997. To see a parade registration form, click here.
Dec. 5, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Celebrate Christmas on the Town Green. This free event gets underway once the children’s parade arrives at the Town Green. Santa will be on hand to oversee decorating and lighting of the tree. Jolly Ol’ St. Nick also will be giving away treats, and hot chocolate will be served. Handmade ornaments for the tree are welcome. Details: 228-388-7170 or :programs@biloxi.ms.us. To print a flyer, click here.
Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 10th Annual “Christmas in the City,” downtown Biloxi. This Main Street-sponsored event will feature dozens of vendors, choirs, bands and dancers, pictures with Santa, and pusharatas, special Biloxi treats. Details: 228-435-6339 or kmillercarter@biloxi.ms.us. To print a flyer, click here.
December 13, 9 a.m. to noon: Come Learn with Santa, Lopez School, 140 St. John Ave. Children up to age 5 can take part in a host of holiday activities — make a handprint keepsake, decorating ornaments, and be photographed with Santa in this free program. Sponsored by Excel by 5, the city and Biloxi Public Schools. Details: 228-297-6808 or programs@biloxi.ms.us. To print a flyer, click here.
Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Christmas at Hiller Park, at Hiller Park in West Biloxi. This event, a fund-raiser for the Hiller Park revitalization effort, will feature Christmas vendors offering arts and crafts, a stage of live entertainment, nominally priced food and drinks and a children’s area. Santa and Mrs. Clause will be on hand, along with carriage rides. Details: 228-388-7170 or programs@biloxi.ms.us. To print a flyer, click here.
Dec. 17-18, 6 to 8 p.m. North Pole Calling. Santa will and his Elves will be calling children – pre-schoolers and up to Grade 2 — to see if they are ready for the arrival of Christmas in this free program sponsored by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and Edgewater Mall, and facilitated by the Biloxi Fire Department and the Biloxi High JROTC. Applications are due by Dec. 13. To print an application, click here. Details: programs@biloxi.ms.us  or 228-388-7170.
Dec. 19, 6 to 9 p.m., Special Needs Christmas Dance for all ages, Donal M. Snyder Sr. Community Center, 2520 Pass Road. Food and door prizes will be available at this annual affair open to all ages with physical or mental disabilities, and their friends. Admission is an unwrapped gift valued at no more than $10. All gifts will be given to the Biloxi Police Department’s “Santa Wears a Badge” Program. Details: 228-388-7170 or programs@biloxi.ms.us. To print a flyer, click here.
Dec. 20, 9 a.m . to 5 p.m., Biloxi Visitors Center Open House. The center, located at 1050 Beach Blvd., will showcase local artists and craftsmen and their wares in this last-minute Christmas gift-buying opportunity. Admission is free, and door prizes will be awarded throughout the day. Questions? Email visitor@biloxi.ms.us.
