Plenty of Christmas across the Coast

Thanksgiving is over, even if there are plenty of leftovers.

Now, our attention turns to Christmas, the highlight of the holiday season, and the Coast has no shortage of ways to welcome the Christmas season.

Gulfport Harbor Lights Festival

See the Coast in a new light tonight through Jan. 3 as the Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival transforms the Gulfport Harbor and Jones Park into a brilliant spectacle of holiday magic.

This first-year event is unlike any Gulfport has seen. Lighted Christmas decorations will stand up to 20 feet high and may be viewed by walking, riding or taking a horse-drawn carriage. There also will be a separate light show synchronized to music with projections up to 58 feet high. For a $6 ticket, one can see the Coast from 65 feet in the air by riding Santa's Big Wheel, an observation wheel that allows riders to see a full 360-degree view of the downtown, harbor and Mississippi Sound.

There are separate prices for most rides, including a children's express train and a carousel, but each Thursday through Sunday offers special family activities that are included with admission. For starters, kids can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy cookie decorating, craft workshops and face painting. There also will be Elfie Selfie Stations where kids can take selfies with costumed characters. Live music on those days will include Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, the band Starz, Gulf Coast Youth Orchestra and Coast Big Band.

The first year of the event is an estimated investment of about $1.4 million, including bringing in Universal Concepts of Atlanta to create the light shows. Chris Vignes, Gulfport public information officer, said the event was created to celebrate the season while making Gulfport a holiday destination.

"It's a great opportunity for people to enjoy Gulfport with their families," he said. "It's a tradition we look forward to starting, to bring traffic to merchants throughout Gulfport."

Throughout the event there will be snack stops with hot cocoa, and the Ship Island Excursions tour vessel will offer snacks on board.

Daily hours are 5 to 9 nightly. David D'Aquilla, director of leisure services for the city, said the event can withstand light rain and might go beyond 9 p.m. depending on attendance.

Admission is $5 per person, $20 per car, $40 per van or limousine, and $100 per bus. Attractions, rides and concessions are priced individually. Free shuttles to Jones Park will be offered from the Coast Transit Authority parking garage on 21st Avenue. Parking also is available at Jones Park Drive near the Coast Guard station.

Information is at 868-5700.

Beau Rivage is winter wonderland

Santa & Friends on Ice will debut Tuesday at Beau Rivage Theatre, 875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, and run through Dec. 27.

Each year, the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino welcomes the holiday season with twinkling displays, shopping and holiday charm, and on display through Jan. 4, are larger-than-life nutcrackers, oversized ornaments, frost-covered trees, classic winter scenes, and thousands of white and red poinsettias.

"For more than a decade, Beau Rivage has captivated guests with its must-see displays, affordable family entertainment and holiday festivities," said Beau Rivage General Manager Marcus Glover. "We look forward to spreading holiday cheer

during one of the most joyful and beloved times of the year."

Santa & Friends on Ice will present professional skaters and other performers on a frozen winter pond made of real ice. Santa Claus is joined by Mrs. Claus, his elves and others as they mingle seasonal classics such as "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" with modern routines.

Geared toward young and old alike, the performances promise to captivate all audiences, who can enjoy a snowfall at every show. Tickets start at $12.95 plus tax and service charge. Show times are Tuesday-Friday 7 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 3 and 7 p.m.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day also will feature 3 p.m. performances.

Santa & Friends on Ice special offers are available throughout the resort. Packages of four tickets are available for $40 plus tax and service charge by using code: ICE. Weekday hotel packages start at $99 and include one night accommodations and two show tickets using code: HOLIDAY15.

Guests can present a ticket stub to receive 15 percent off at BR Prime, Stalla, Jia, Terrace Cafe and Coast Restaurant. Kids 12 and under eat free in the Beau Rivage Buffet, and the Arcade will offer double redemption on tickets the same day as show, with ticket stub.

Santa & Friends on Ice will present four special Military Appreciation performances in honor and appreciation of service men and women. Shows on Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. will recognize those who have sacrificed for our freedom. Tickets for service members are four for $30 with military ID and available for purchase at Beau Rivage box office.

Capture the memories made at Beau Rivage and enjoy a holiday meal with Pictures with Santa in The Buffet.

The Buffet is expanding its menu to include new selections for the holiday season. A special children's menu will be available Dec. 13-17 and 20-24 from 5 to 9 p.m. A complimentary photo with Santa is included with Buffet purchase. The Buffet also will have a special Christmas Eve dinner for $29.99, Christmas Day brunch for $32.99 and Christmas Day dinner for $42.99 featuring Maine lobster, snow crab, prime rib, charbroiled oysters and champagne.

Take in the sights and sounds of Beau Rivage at the annual Holiday Open House, Dec. 5 from noon to 5 p.m. The shopping promenade will feature local artists and vendors showcasing specialty items. Carolers will be singing holiday favorites and guests can enjoy gourmet dining samples from Beau Rivage's culinary team.

This story was originally published November 28, 2015 at 11:46 AM with the headline "Plenty of Christmas across the Coast ."