Looking forward to the holidays on the MS Gulf Coast -

Being a Southern girl - born and raised - I have spent my holidays nowhere else than on the Mississippi Gulf Coast - Biloxi to be exact. My mom always makes a delicious turkey dinner on Thanksgiving, gumbo and ham on Christmas. What I love most about being in Biloxi at Thanksgiving, is that the weather is the perfect temperature for me. Sitting outside, enjoying the sunshine and eating an early dinner with the people I love, IS Thanksgiving to me. After Thanksgiving, we start decorating for Christmas. And with that, comes so much fun stuff to do on the Coast for the holiday...

My husband, daughter, and I do not miss the 6th Annual Winter Wonderland Christmas, which is held in Long Beach, on Commission Road. The Balbock Family decorates their property - inside and out - just magically. Over 40,000 lights and decorations, Santa and his elves, and even a snow machine and hot chocolate welcomed us last year. The family that hosts the event is so hospitable and we look forward to going every year. It's held November 26 - January 1 and IS FREE!!! For directions, call (228) 669-2123.

Here's a picture of the village they set-up:

Even though my husband disagrees, one day I'll have a set-up like this!



Another fun event is the CHRISTMAS IN THE PASS & NIGHT BOAT PARADE that's happening December 3rd in Pass Christian. At this event, vendors and businesses offer an evening complete with tree lighting, a visit from the jolly guy himself SANTA, the boat parade, and lots of shopping specials. It goes on from 5:30pm to 9:00pm and you can get more details by calling (228) 604-0014.

The City of Biloxi will host the "Lighting of the Town Green" on December 3. Everyone is asked to bring an ornament so they can participate in the decoration. This is especially fun for out-of-towners, who can have their ornament hung in Biloxi all season! 6pm ~ For more details call (228) 435-6185.

If you haven't been to Beauvoir lately, be sure to make your visit December 3-5 for CHRISTMAS AT BEAUVOIR. The home and grounds of Jefferson Davis will be decorated for touring. For times and admission costs, call (228) 388-4400.

A must-do while you are in town is the 25th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS ON THE WATER PARADE in Biloxi. The night boat parade - WITH FIREWORKS - makes it way along the Sound at Highway 90 from the Isle Casino to the Biloxi Lighthouse. Festivities begin at 6pm!

The D'IBERVILLE/ST. MARTIN CHRISTMAS PARADE is held on December 5 at 2pm. If you can't make it to the Gulf Coast for Mardi Gras in March, this is the next best thing! Decorated floats parade through the city and throw goodies!

If you're looking to have "A BLUE CHRISTMAS" then catch "Elvis" performing Christmas hits at the Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi. He begins at 8pm on December 10 & 11. For tickets, call (877) 877-6256.

And if Elvis isn't enough for you, the 23rd ANNUAL SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE will be happening December 10-12 at the First Baptist Church in Biloxi. This FREE event features a Christmas musical with people singing on a tree shaped platform. For times, call (228) 396-8500.

The holiday MUST SEE, "THE NUTCRACKER" will be performed on December 18 & 19 at the Saenger Theatre in downtown Biloxi. For tickets and times, call (228) 822-0490.

And after Christmas, if you need a break from presents and pie - trade it for a puck...at the Mississippi Surge game at the Coast Coliseum in Biloxi on December 26.

As you can see, December is buzzing with holiday festivities for your family to enjoy on the Gulf Coast. No, you won't find any snow, but we have plenty of beautiful white sand for you to enjoy! So come "RELAX...on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!"

Until next time...~Taryn

So much to do this weekend on the Gulf Coast -

Good morning from the beautiful and breezy MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST and HAPPY FRIDAY! Our local weather station, WLOX, is forecasting great weather for the next seven days with no rain in sight! The cool weather is great for hiking at Tuxachanie trails or the National Seashore in Ocean Springs.

We here at the Convention & Visitors Bureau hope that your Friday morning is going well and that you are excited and ready for a weekend on fun here! To start your weekend off right, enjoy our casino entertainment for tonight – TERRY FATOR will be live at 8pm at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi and MARTIN SHORT will be at Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi at 8pm.

If you are like me and love live music, check out ROOSTER BLUES performing tonight at The Shed BBQ in Ocean Springs at 7pm. You won’t be disappointed! While you are there, “get fed at the shed”….enjoy some delicious pulled pork and potato salad!

Tonight at the Humane Society of South Mississippi in Gulfport, enjoy a fun-filled evening of painting with friends and supporting homeless pets along the Coast. Paint a masterpiece, enjoy light hors d'oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages, all while supporting a GREAT cause! Classes taught by experienced instructors. Sponsored by BYO Brush Studios, IP Casino, & Humane Society of South MS! Proceeds benefit Humane Society of South MS! For reservations and more information, contact Jode at (228) 822-3803.
Michael Grimm will be performing tonight at the Hancock County Multi-Purpose Center and Martina McBride will be performing tomorrow night there as well. These special concerts are to provide Mississippi Gulf Coast tourism. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS are going on today (beginning at 6:30pm) and tomorrow (from 8:30am to noon) at the Harrison County Fairgrounds in Gulfport. Come out and cheer on these special folks as they go for the “gold” and build lasting memories. Spectators are free. For more information, contact Pete at (228) 861-9292.
If you are ready to do some holiday shopping, visit the 14th Annual Holiday Boutique being held in Pass Christian at the West Harrison Community Center today and tomorrow from 10a-6p. Vendors are offering jewelry, art, clothing, plants, food, and more. For more information, call (228) 493-0779. If you are looking for mall shopping, visit Edgewater Mall in Biloxi, Crossroads Mall in Gulfport, or Gulfport Premium Outlets.

To experience the culture of Greece, don’t miss Greek Night Hits the Coast "OPA!" on tomorrow, November 20 at IP Casino Resort Spa in Biloxi. FOR MORE INFO CALL (228) 386-7016. Here you’ll be able to take a stroll through the Greek Isles and enjoy savory Greek cuisine, pastries, dance, music, & authentic attired dancers exhibiting traditional Green dances. Event takes place from 6p-11p. Admission charged.

Also going on tomorrow night at the IP Casino Resort Spa is PAWN STARS GOLD & SILVER ROAD SHOW from 10a to 4p. Rick, Corey, & Chumlee will be there to greet guests who may bring in gold, silver, jewelry, and collectables to the event for a possible offer to buy the item or tell a great story about it. For tickets, call (888) 946-2847.

For the sports enthusiast, our professional ice hockey team, the MISSISSIPPI SURGE, drops the puck tonight at 7:05 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi. Ice skating will follow the game, beginning at 9:30pm, for the cost of $10 per person, which includes skate rental. You do not have to attend the game to go ice skating, but who would want to miss the action?!?

If you love the theater, visit Saenger Theater in downtown Biloxi this weekend for the showing of “AIDA!” This classic love triangle plot is about three people forced to make difficult choices which alter history forever! Presented by KNS Theater. For tickets and show times, call (228) 697-5670.

The City of Biloxi and the Gulf Coast Running Club host the MAYOR’S CUP 5K RUN tomorrow morning beginning at 8am in front of City Hall, located at 140 Lameuse Street. For more info on the event, please call (228) 380-7037. Spectators are free.


Tomorrow from 2p-6p, visit the Lyman Orange Grove Community Center on Highway 49 in Gulfport for the 58th ANNUAL MS GULF COAST CAMELLIA SHOW. Spectators are free. For more information, call (228) 872-0908.
On Sunday, November 21, Oak Crest Mansion Inn in Pass Christian will host the 2nd ANNUAL WILD WOMEN’S SOUTHERN TEA PARTY from 1p-4p. Enjoy spirits, teas, treats, sweets, and activities of interest to women. For tickets or more details, call (228) 594-3640.

On Sunday from 6p-8p at Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi, enjoy DANCE TIME USA, where you can dance like a pro to today’s greatest hits. Jive to Enrique Iglesias, Rumba to Lady Gaga, Waltz to One Republic, and more. For more info, call Hard Rock at (877) 877-6256.
Take the kids to Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport for hands-on learning and FUN! They won’t want to leave and parents, you will love it just as much as the children! In addition to their regular days open, they will also be open Monday, November 22 from 10a – 5p, since kids in the area will be out of school for Thanksgiving break.

Children ages five and older can also enjoy making holiday ornaments tomorrow at GALLERY 782 on Water Street in Biloxi. Class sizes are limited, so call Mary at (228) 539-9904 for reservations.

After finishing up your turkey and pumpkin pie, head to Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi for ATLAS FIGHTS cage fighting, happening at 7pm. For tickets, call (877) 877-6256 or (228) 374-7625.


Hope you enjoy your weekend here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. For more events happening in the upcoming weeks, please visit our website at www.gulfcoast.org/events. Until next week....~Taryn

American Cancer Society's All-Star CHILI CHALLENGE

American Cancer Society's All-Star Chili Challenge

“Spicing Up the Fight Against Cancer”

December 18, 2010

In Association with the 2010 Bernard Blackwell All-Star Football Classic

All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society

See Stars .............Meet Celebrity Judge “Master Chef” Whitney Miller and be entertained by some of the coast’s hottest bands and high school drumlines

Be A Judge ..........People’s Choice Award will be chosen!
Be A Cook ...........Compete with the best chili recipes on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Win Prizes ...........$1,000 for Best Professional Team; $1,000 for Best Amateur Team.Winners will be announced on Live Television, broadcasted throughout Mississippi & Memphis!
Watch the Game......Watch the Best High School Football Players from across the state in the Bernard Blackwell All-Star Game

Earn Bragging Rights to the Best Chili on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!
Join your friends at work to form a team or enter independently with friends and family, or buddies from church or civic organizations.Professional cooks are welcome too.Regardless of who will be joining you to cook, you’re sure to have fun, eat great food, and most important, help the American Cancer Society raise money to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

When....................December 18, 2010 ~ 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Where..................Greyhound Stadium, Highway 90, Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Entry Fee..............$75 for amateurs, $100 for professionals

More Info.............Contact Molly or Lyndsey at the American Cancer Society at 228-896-2005