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