The Mississippi Sound will sparkle, glow, and groove this holiday season. For 40 years, Biloxi’s Christmas on the Water Boat Parade has turned the city’s waterfront into a floating festival of lights, music, and family fun and this year promises to be bigger, brighter, and more colorful than ever. With the new theme, Disco Glow Christmas, the parade sets sail on Saturday, December 6th at 6 p.m.
The festivities kick off the night before with the Children’s Parade on Friday, December 5th. First through third graders ride a hay wagon through the city to the town green, decorate the community Christmas tree with ornaments, and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies. Santa Claus is on hand to greet the children, setting the tone for a weekend of holiday cheer.
This year, parade organizers expect 65 to 70 boats, continuing the momentum from last year’s 57. Rusty David, chairman since the parade’s revival in 1986, reflects on the milestone: “We were the first Christmas boat parade on the coast. I did not think I would make 40 years, but I have met so many wonderful people and had a lot of fun. We are excited to keep the tradition going.”
“I was raised on the water,” he told me, salt-air calm like someone who knows every inch of Biloxi Bay by heart. “I grew up doing the Blessing of the Fleet in the summer. So being part of Christmas on the Water just… feels like home.”
Boats will travel down to the Golden Nugget before making a U-turn back to Schooner Pier, their port sides aglow with festive lights. Many feature music, and some even have Santa interacting with spectators via microphone. The night concludes with a fireworks display by J&M Displays near the island, illuminating the water and sky around 7:00 p.m.
For the first time since Katrina in 05, an awards party follows at Point Cadet Marina, with live music from Category 6 and interactive glow paint for attendees. Five award categories honor creativity: boats under 41 feet, 42–53 feet, over 53 feet, commercial boats, and sailboats. Rusty fondly recalls 2004, the year with 86 boats, as his favorite.
Raised on the coast, Rusty has spent a lifetime involved in maritime traditions, from the blessing of the fleet to Fourth of July fireworks. His boathouse leads the parade, followed by the Schooner, carrying 45 people, while the Ship Island boat accommodates 150. Glow sticks will be handed out to participants, adding to the disco glow atmosphere. This year brings something brand new: the parade’s first-ever theme, Disco Glow Christmas and the glow is no joke. Think lights, color, music, sparkle, and glow sticks… a lot of glow sticks.
“I bought enough glow sticks for everyone in the parade,” Rusty laughed. And he means everyone. Spectators can view the parade from Biloxi Small Craft Harbor or along the beach, enjoying lights, music, and community energy. Commemorative shirts are available for $30 at the Maritime and Seafood Museum.
From twinkling lights to glowing paint and lively music, the 40th Christmas on the Water offers a unique celebration of Biloxi’s maritime heritage and holiday spirit. Bring your family and experience the magic of the coast illuminated in festive cheer. Forty years is a big milestone not just for an event, but for a community. That is why this year is not just another parade; it is a celebration of resilience, traditions, and the Coast’s deep connection to the water. Rusty summed it up simply:
“It is just what we do down here. We celebrate on the water.”
And this year, Biloxi is ready to glow brighter than ever.
