By Marlene Shaw
Season’s greetings to all! This time of year, Gulfport’s traditions and events truly bring the spirit and joy of the holidays to life – beginning with our Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Clymer Park on Dec.1. From the twinkle of lights to the laughter that drifts through our many celebrations, every moment reminds me how lucky I am to live in a place where community truly means something.
I’m so grateful to be part of this wonderful town and all of you who make it feel like family. I do my best to make it to as many festivities as possible, because each gathering – every parade, concert, and holiday market – shines with Gulfport’s unique spirit of togetherness. I hope you’ll join in the fun: shop local, dine with friends, listen to the music, and share in the joy that makes this season so magical.
Wishing each of you a holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and connection, and a New Year brimming with hope, good health, and new possibilities. Here’s to another year of sharing in the heart of Gulfport – together.
Upcoming Events in Gulfport
Dec. 4: The Annual Members Holiday Party and Mixer:
The Gulfport Merchants Chamber will host their annual members holiday party and mixer on Wed., 5-7pm, at the North End Taphouse, located in the heart of Gulfport’s Brewery District. At 5:30pm, the Chamber will present grant checks to three deserving local organizations. For more information, visit VisitGulfportFlorida.com.
Dec. 5, 12, 19, 24: Lighted Golf Cart Parades, 6pm: every Friday in December until Christmas. The parade will start at Town Shores Plaza at 28th Ave. S and 58th St. S and next to Wood Ibis Park. The route will travel through Town Shores Condominiums, finally disbursing on Shore Blvd S. Follow Golf Cart Cruisers on Facebook for updates.
Dec. 5: Fundamental Freedoms Art Exhibit, 5:30pm: WonderWorks is honored to host this timely exhibit of art by 30 artists, each representing one of the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations. The event will include a cocktail party and an awards ceremony. WonderWorks is at 5314 Gulfport Blvd. info@wonderworksgulfport.com
Dec. 6 and 7: Art Jones Studio Tour (Dec. 6, 10am-5pm and Dec. 7, 11am-4pm): This year, the Art Jones Studio Tour has 23 artists in nine studios and galleries throughout Gulfport. Ten of the 23 artists are new to the tour. It is a free, self-guided tour that welcomes you into their private studios, ateliers, and galleries to meet the artists, see the process, and buy art. Tour details and map: artjonesstudiotour.com
Dec. 7: The New Horizons Flute Ensemble Concert, 3-5pm: At Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S. Free admission. nhbgulfport@hotmail.com
Dec. 10: Meet & Mingle: Midtown Business Collective, 5pm Social Hour, 6pm Meeting at WonderWorks, 5314 Gulfport Blvd. S. Join fellow business owners and neighbors for refreshments and networking. Everyone is welcome. Bring marketing materials to share and display at the MBC Visitors Center.
Dec. 12: The New Horizons Big Band Christmas, 5-9pm: Tickets available at Eventbrite – Big Band Christmas
Dec. 13: Gulfport Community Holiday Parade, 2pm: The parade route is along the Clymer Park Greenway (Beach Blvd. S) and Beach Blvd. S (in the downtown business district). The event concludes with a community photo with Santa at the city Christmas tree in Clymer Park Pavilion. For extra fun, wear your favorite Santa, elf, or holiday costumes for the picture. Details: Gulfport Holiday Parade Info.
Dec. 13: Gulfport Santa Rampage: The annual Santa Rampage is officially set. Mark your calendars, brush off your Santa suit, shine your boots, and get your reindeer ready! More details on the route, after-party are forthcoming. See Santa Rampage FL on Facebook.
Dec. 13: 39th Annual Boca Ciega Yacht Club’s Lighted Boat Parade, 6pm: Boats will begin to gather in the bay around 5:30pm. At 6pm, the Gulfport Police boat will call all the boats together to line up and will lead the parade. The parade will start at the Gulfport Municipal Marina, pass by Clam Bayou and Osgood Point, and into the bay heading to Williams Pier and Gulfport Casino Ballroom before passing by the beach. The parade will make way through Town Shores, Pelican Bay, Skimmers Point, Bayview Circle, past Kipps Colony, near the Pasadena Yacht & Country Club (due to the marina, they will only be able to go halfway down that canal), then along Dolphin Blvd., to the Pasadena Golf Club Estates, across Isla del Sol, and then back to the slips. Also, BCYC is proud to have been part of Operation Santa coordinated by the Gulfport Police
Department for over 24 years. Everyone is encouraged to donate unwrapped toys at the BCYC clubhouse or at the Gulfport Police Department.
Dec. 13: Paw & Petal, 4-8pm: Dog friendly photos with Santa and Dog Holiday Costume Contest hosted by Gulf Orchids, 5313 Gulfport Blvd. S. gulforchids.com or 727.321.2732
Dec. 14: New Horizons Band of Gulfport Concert, 6-8pm: At the Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S. Free admission. nhbgulfport@hotmail.com
Dec. 14, 4-6pm: Family Play & Potluck in the Gulfport Food Forest in Clymer Park. This is a family friendly community potluck. Bring food to share and your own cups, plates, and cutlery.
Dec. 18, 9am-5pm: US Coast Guard Auxiliary will hold a Recreational Boating Course at the CGA Training Building, 3120 Miriam St. S. Contact: 305.731.3580 or 716auxgulfport@gmail.com
Dec. 19, 6pm: The Enroy Foundation Backyard Concerts Series will present the St. Pete Mountain Boys (Bluegrass and Hippie Folk). Donations and details: enroy@yahoo.com
Gulfport Markets & Traditions
- Find produce, crafts, art, local eats, and entertainment on Beach Blvd. S:
- Tues Fresh Market – Every Tues, 9am–2pm
- Gulfport Night Markets – First Friday & Third Saturday, 5–9pm
- Growers & Makers Market has started up again. It is held on the first Sunday of each month from 11am to 3pm on Thirteenth Ave. S at 1301 49th St. S
- NEW! Seafood Crab Fest in Trolley Market Square – Saturday, Dec. 13, 12-6pm. This month’s theme is a Seafood Crab Fest. This festival will be held on a monthly basis with a variety of themes. Sponsored by Fusion 49th and Saturday Shoppes. 4900 Tangerine Ave. S. Free parking.
Live Music, Open Mics & Jams
Gulfport’s got rhythm! Here’s where to catch weekly open mic nights. See Gulfport Matters on Facebook for other music throughout the week:
- Mon. – North End Taphouse, 5:30-7:30pm
- Tues. – North End Taphouse, 7-10pm
- Thurs. – Gulfport Brewery, 6-9pm
- Fri. – Seabreeze Manor, 4-7pm
- 1st & 7th – Blueberry Patch Open Mic
- 11th – Blueberry Patch Open Jam
*Follow Gulfport Matters on Facebook and stay connected to the creativity, community, and spirit that make Gulfport shine.