Oh, what fun in the Bay! Christmas in the Bay returns with festive parade, tree-lighting ceremony, family-friendly activities and plenty of holiday cheer
BY JENNIFER GENTILE
W hen Bay St. Louis Mayor Mike Favre the holiday season. “The goal was to create a festive event that children and adults could enjoy together, bringing families and friends together and creating lasting memories,” Favre says. “In addition to spreading holiday cheer, we hoped to attract more visitors to Bay St. Louis so they could experience the charm of the city while supporting the community and local businesses.” founded Christmas in the Bay in 2019, he envisioned a merry, joyful celebration that would capture the magic and wonder of
Today, Christmas in the Bay marks the beginning of the festive season in Bay St. Louis and is a beloved tradition locally and beyond. Anticipation is growing for this year’s event, which is set for Nov. 28. “Christmastime in Bay St. Louis is a magical time,” Favre says, encouraging visitors to admire the lights, patronize local shops and restaurants and experience a gathering filled with Christmas cheer and community spirit.
Thousands of lights and decorations will adorn the Depot grounds, creating a warm, cozy setting highlighted by the brightly illuminated 20-foot Christmas tree. “What sets Christmas in the Bay apart is the way it blends a hometown parade with the character of Bay St. Louis itself; Santa arrives on the city’s fire truck, the tree lighting takes place on the grounds of the historic L&N Depot and free hot cocoa, popcorn, and cookies are served alongside a Christmas train ride and South Mississippi ‘snow,’” Stiglet says. “Locals and visitors alike enjoy the evening together, and because the lights and decorations remain up throughout the Christmas season, the festive atmosphere continues long after the event ends.”
Mayor Mike Favre
A PARADE TO REMEMBER Festivities get underway with the Christmas parade, which starts rolling through downtown Bay St. Louis at 5:30 p.m. “The parade features marching bands, dance groups, golf carts, trucks, trailers and decorated floats, with the grand finale featuring Santa Claus riding aboard the Bay St. Louis fire truck,” says Charlene Stiglet, special event coordinator with the City of Bay St. Louis. “Following the parade, the festivities continue on the grounds of the historic L&N Depot with the annual Christmas tree lighting, led by Mayor Favre, officially kicking off the holiday celebration.” HOLIDAY FUN FOR EVERYONE Families can enjoy Christmas music and take a train ride, and kids can get balloon figurines, have their face painted, send letters to Santa and have their picture taken with Mr. Claus himself. “All activities and refreshments are provided free of charge,” Stiglet says, “allowing everyone to enjoy the celebration.”
MERRY AND MEANINGFUL While admission is free to the public, parade participants are asked to bring a donation of food supplies for the Hancock County Animal shelter
or non-perishable food items for the Hancock County Food Pantry. For more information about Christmas in the Bay, visit www.baystlouis-ms.gov.
IF YOU GO Christmas in the Bay Nov. 28, 5:30 p.m. 1928 Depot Way, Bay St. Louis Free admission For more info: www.baystlouis-ms.gov
November 2026
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