Christmas City Gift Show in Biloxi 2024, Mississippi

The annual Christmas City in Biloxi has grown to become one of the largest gift shows in the southern United States, attracting thousands of attendees each year. Taking place at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, the event is scheduled for November 8-10, 2024. This year's edition promises to be filled with exciting activities, exclusive shopping opportunities, and plenty of holiday cheer.

Shopping and Unique Gifts

Christmas City Gift Show features over 300 booths, which offer a wide variety of gifts. From handcrafted jewelry and gourmet foods to unique pieces of art and fashionable accessories, there is something for every taste and occasion. For those looking for truly one-of-a-kind items, this event presents an excellent opportunity to find special holiday presents. The show also includes a dedicated "Shopper’s Paradise" on Friday evening, a shopping session reserved for adults. This exclusive experience offers live entertainment, wine and beer for purchase, and door prizes every 15 minutes, making it a popular option for those wanting to shop in a more relaxed environment.

Family-Friendly Activities

Families attending the event can also enjoy interactive holiday-themed activities. One of the highlights is Santa Land, which offers 25,000 square feet of fun. Children can explore model railroad and LEGO® railroad displays, ride hand-peddle cars, and hop aboard “Thomas the Train” or the “Spirit of Gulfport” train ride. Kids and adults alike will have the chance to take a photo with Santa and even enjoy a special breakfast with him on Saturday morning. Tickets for the breakfast are $25 per child, which includes a meal, a photo with Santa, and an ornament craft activity. Parents can attend for free without a meal or purchase a breakfast plate separately.

Events and Hours

The Christmas City Gift Show will open its doors on Friday, November 8, 2024, with general shopping hours from 10 am to 4 pm. Veterans and their spouses will receive a $2 discount during this time. The “Shopper’s Paradise” event will run from 5 pm to 9 pm the same evening, providing a more exclusive shopping experience for adults.

On Saturday, November 9, breakfast with Santa will be held from 8 am to 9:15 am, followed by regular shopping hours from 9 am to 5 pm. Attendees can enjoy door prizes every 15 minutes throughout the day. The event concludes on Sunday, November 10, with shopping available from 10 am to 4 pm and a grand prize drawing at 3 pm.

Tickets and Parking

General admission for the Christmas City Gift Show is priced at $11 for a day pass, which is valid from Friday through Sunday, excluding the "Shopper’s Paradise" event (priced at $18). Children aged 15 and under can attend for free, provided an adult accompanies them, though this offer does not apply to the adult-only "Shopper’s Paradise." For group purchases of 10 or more tickets, a $2 discount per ticket is available. Parking is available at the convention center, with plenty of spaces for visitors. For those looking to skip the lines, online ticket buyers are automatically entered into a drawing to win $250 in cash.

Location and Surrounding Attractions

Located at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, Christmas City is just minutes away from downtown Biloxi. Visitors can explore the nearby Biloxi Beach or visit the city’s famous casinos for entertainment beyond the gift show. The event’s central location makes it easily accessible for both locals and out-of-town visitors.

History

Founded by Ron Meyers, a seasoned event promoter, Christmas City has been a holiday tradition in Biloxi for over 40 years. According to the organizers, the event attracts more than 15,000 attendees annually and continues to grow in size and popularity. Meyers’ dedication to creating memorable experiences has turned Christmas City into a cherished event for both vendors and shoppers.

Meyers and his team spend eight months preparing for the show, carefully selecting vendors and ensuring a safe and enjoyable shopping environment. In recent years, the layout of the event has been updated with wider aisles to accommodate larger crowds and provide a comfortable experience for all guests.

A Holiday Tradition

For many families, Christmas City has become an annual holiday tradition. The event fosters a festive atmosphere where attendees can create lasting memories while shopping for unique gifts.