WHAT'S HAPPENING for December (Updated Dec. 12)

Send calendar items to mynews@sunherald.com or fax 896-2104. For more events, check out sunherald.com/local-events.

TODAY

Santa breakfast: 8-11 a.m., First United Methodist Church, Long Beach. Pancake breakfast, pictures with Santa, feed reindeers and choir performances. Cost: $3 children and $5 adults.

Geekonomicon: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 12-13, Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, Biloxi. Dances, pinup contest, gaming tournaments, contests, celebrities, movie screenings, children's activities, vendors, art, magic show, burlesque revue and more. Details and tickets: 504-475-7475.

Long Beach Farmers Market: 8:30 a.m.-noon Dec. 12, 19, corner of Church Avenue and First Street in parking lot of First United Methodist Church, 208 Pine St. Variety of sustainably grown local produce, artisan breads and more. Live acoustic music.

Toy and clothing giveaway: 9 a.m.-noon, First United Gospel Assembly, 2000 28th St., Gulfport. Details: 669-0054.

Come Learn with Santa: 9 a.m.-noon, Lopez School, 140 St. John Ave., Biloxi. Children up to age 5 can take part in a host of holiday activities including making handprint keepsakes and decorating ornaments. Photos with Santa. Free program sponsored in part by Biloxi Excel by 5 Coalition. Details: 297-6808, 432-2431 or 388-7170.

HIV/AIDS Health and Wellness Fair: 9 a.m.-noon, Greater Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Pascagoula. Sponsored by Moss Point Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Free HIV testing will be available by My Brother's Keeper.

Turkey Shoot: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Daisy Masonic Lodge 421, School House Road, Vestry Community, Jackson County. Details: 392-5227.

Christmas on the Avenue: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Harper McCaughan Town Green, Long Beach. Arts and crafts, food, performers and demonstrations. Free. Presented by Long Beach Concert Choir Association.

Fishes of the Bayou and Meet the Artist: 10 a.m., Pascagoula River Audubon Center, 5107 Arthur St., Moss Point. Mike Murphy of the Nature Conservancy will present the fish program. From 10 a.m.-2 p.m., meet artist Larry Dees, who will talk about his photography and sign prints. Details: 475-0825.

Red Creek Off Road benefit for the Capers family: 10 a.m. Dec. 12-13, Red Creek Off Road, 1192 Vestry Road, Perkinston. Gates open at 10 a.m. Friday and do not close until Sunday evening. Trucks and ATVs welcome. Live music by Lenny Cooper, Twang & Round and more. Cost: $30 weekend pass. Proceeds benefit firefighter Marty Capers and his surgical expenses. Details: 601-945-5055.

Gourmet-to-Go and Art-to-Go: 10 a.m.-noon, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 5303 Diamondhead Circle, Diamondhead. Selling casseroles, soups, candies, jams, breads, desserts and art.

Sit, Stay and Read: 10 a.m.-noon, Pass Christian Public Library, 111 Hiern Ave. Reading sessions last 30 minutes. Children will be awarded bookmarks, stickers, coupons and pencils. Details: 452-4596.

Pet photos with Santa: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Vancleave Public Library, 12604 Mississippi 57. All pets must be leashed or in kennels. Donation of one item encouraged. Refreshments. Details: 826-5857.

Affordable Healthcare Insurance event: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Mercy Housing and Human Development, 1135 Ford St., Gulfport. Presented by Back Bay Mission. Designed to help people understand and register for Affordable Healthcare Insurance. Bilingual assistance available. Details: 432-0301, ext. 302.

Winter Open House: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Crosby Arboretum, 370 Ridge Road, Picayune. Books, pottery, crafts and artwork of local artisans. Light refreshments. Features paintings by Gail Sheasby. Details: 601-799-2311.

Food Market Day: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center, 1600 Government St., Ocean Springs. All invited to rent a booth and showcase culinary talents and artist can sell artwork. Details: 818-2878.

Spirit of Christmas at Hiller Park: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Barbara Ferrill Softball Fields at the park. Holiday activities will include a children's area filled with games, arts and crafts area, a bounce house and more. Vendors will be set up along the fields at 1940 Edgers Road selling their arts, crafts and food. Details: 388-7170.

Christmas Open House: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, 115 First St., Biloxi. Features book signings by Julian Brunt for his "Biloxi Seafood Cookbook" and Alex North for his "Mississippi Coast Blessings." Christmas recital, 2-5 p.m. Refreshments. Special guest is Santa Claus. Details: 435-6320.

10-Minute High School Play Festival: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center, 1600 Government St., Ocean Springs. Performances at 7 p.m. Cost: $5 for students; sign up by Dec. 9. Led by Olivia Dunwoody, Mississippi Theatre Association 10-Minute Festival Chair. Cost to see the show: $5. Details: Stacy Howell, 818-2878.

Children Christmas Party: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., American Legion Post 1992, Bingo Hall, 3824 Old Spanish Trail, Gautier. Presented by Auxiliary Unit. Details: 497-6422.

Christmas Celebration: Noon, Galloping Goose Club House, 3027 Mississippi 43, Picayune. Cost: $10 pulled pork dinner plates. Details: 342-5139.

Gingerbread Man Decorating Contest and Bake-Off: Noon-2 p.m., Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center, 1600 Government St., Ocean Springs. Prizes awarded. Sponsored by Ocean Springs Mayors Youth Council. Decorating contest intended for ages 13 and younger. Bake off designed for adults. Any food item accepted. Details: 818-2878.

Christmas Bingo: 1 p.m., VFW 2539, 2518 23rd Ave., Gulfport.

Fire Truck Christmas Parade: 1 p.m. starts at Bobinger Road ends at the Hancock County Arena, 4184 Kiln-DeLisle Road, Kiln. Details: 216-2045.

Book reading and signing: 1-3 p.m., Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art, 386 Beach Blvd., Biloxi. Features Edmond Boudreaux signing "Lost Biloxi". Details: 374-5547.

Disney on Ice -- "Let's Celebrate!": 2 and 6 p.m. Dec. 12 and 2 p.m. Dec. 13, Coast Coliseum, 2350 Beach Blvd., Biloxi. Tickets: ticketmaster.com, at the Coliseum box office, or by calling 800-745-3000.

Santa & Friends on Ice: 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 3 and 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Dec. 27, Beau Rivage Theatre, Biloxi. Professional skaters and other performers present seasonal classics. Snowfall at every show. Tickets start at $12.95 plus tax and service charge. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will also feature 3 p.m. performances.

"The Velveteen Rabbit" toy tea and performances: 3 p.m. Dec. 12-13, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave., Gulfport. Presented by WINGS Performing Arts. Cost: $15. Advance purchase recommended. Details: 897-6039 or lmdc.org.

Holiday candy-making workshop: 3-6 p.m., Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center, 1600 Government St., Ocean Springs. Cost: $35 members and $45 nonmembers. Details: 818-2878.

14th annual Celebration of Lights: 3:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at D'Iberville Memorial Park. Candle-lighting starts at 4:30 p.m. Light refreshments. Presented by Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes.

Second Saturday Artwalk: 4-8 p.m., Old Town Bay St. Louis. Shopping specials, entertainment, refreshments and more. Details: 344-3108.

Bethlehem Christmas Village Re-enactment: 5 p.m. Christmas Cantata and 6 p.m. re-enactment begins, First Baptist Church, Bay St. Louis.

Club Members Christmas Party: 6 p.m., French Club of Biloxi, 182 Howard Ave. Live entertainment. Details: 436-6472.

Christmas on the Bayou in Gulfport: 6 p.m. begins at Gulfport Lake between The Dock Bar and Grill and the public boat ramps on the south side. The boats, which begin lining up at 5 p.m., will proceed past the viewing stands down Bayou Bernard to the conclusion at the mouth of the bayou at Big Lake. Public viewing, by around 7:30 p.m., at the Blow Fly Inn and the foot of the Cowan-Lorraine bridge, Kremer's Landing and Switzer Park. Details: 896-4869 or email christmasonthebayou@gmail.com.

VFW Post 5699 steak dinner: 6-8 p.m., 612 VFW Road, Ocean Springs. Details: 872-2304.

Stark Bayou Association's annual luminary display: 6-8 p.m. Dec. 12-13, Stark Bayou Subdivision, Ocean Springs.

Christmas at Beauvoir: 6-8 p.m. Saturdays through Thursdays, through Dec. 31, Beauvoir, 2244 Beach Blvd., Biloxi. Enjoy the gardens and Christmas lights. Cost: $5 per car. Details: 388-4400.

Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport's 66th Charity Ball -- Once Upon a December: 7 p.m.-midnight, Beau Rivage Casino and Resort, Biloxi. Silent and live auction, hor d'oeuvres, late-night breakfast buffet and entertainment. Tickets/details: 678-557-3504 or jagulfport.org.

"The Nutcracker" ballet: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 13, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Fine Arts Auditorium, Gautier. Presented by Melange Dance Company. Cost: $15. Details/tickets: 762-6493.

"Dreamgirls -- The Musical": 8 p.m. Dec. 12, 2 p.m. Dec. 13, 8 p.m. Dec. 17-19 and 2 p.m. Dec. 20, Biloxi Little Theatre, 220 Lee St. Cost: $20 general admission and $15 students, military, seniors with ID. Details: downstagetheatre.com.

SUNDAY

VFW Post 6731 breakfast: 8-11 a.m. Dec. 13 and 20, 4321 W. Gay Road, D'Iberville. Details: 392-1152.

Country fried steak breakfast: 9-11 a.m., Ocean Springs Elks Lodge, 2501 Beachview Drive. Cost: $10.

Christmas Concert: 10:45 a.m., Central Bible Church, Bay St. Louis. Features Wade Hammond. Details: 493-4796.

Christmas Horse Parade in the Kiln: Noon, starting at Bobinger Road looping to Fire Department Road 6285 ending back at Bobinger Road at 2 p.m. with Santa. Details: 216-9424.

Red Cross blood drive: Noon-5 p.m., St. Patrick Catholic High School, 18300 St. Patrick Road. Details: 1-800-733-2767.

"The Odd Couple" and "Album" auditions: 1-3 p.m. Dec. 13 and 5-7 p.m. Dec. 15, Randolph Center, 315 Clark Ave., Pass Christian. Presented by Pass Christian Theatre Project. Audition reading material provided. For "Odd Couple," roles are for six women, ages 40 and older, and two men ages 25 and older. For "Album," roles are for two males and two females, high school to college age. Details: 206-0857.

Victorian Christmas at the Charnley-Norwood House: 1-4 p.m., parking available at the Mary C. O'Keefe Arts and Education Center, 1600 Government St., Ocean Springs. Transportation from there to the home will be provided by Coast Transit Authority.

"Oh Light, Everlasting": 2 p.m., Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 870 Howard Ave., Biloxi. Theme: Rise Up, O Flame. Free. Presented by Civic Chorale. Details: 865-4574.

Global warming meeting: 2 p.m., University of Southern Mississippi, Elizabeth Hall, Long Beach. Citizens concerned about global warming are welcome. Hosted by the Gulf Coast Citizens Climate Lobby. Details: 447-3952.

Health classes: 2 p.m. introduction to practical herbalism and 3:30 p.m. introduction to traditional naturopathic principles, The Nourishing Place, Tennessee Street, Gulfport. Details: 257-1946.

Classical guitar benefit concert: 2 p.m., Unity Church of Gulfport, 1700 E. Railroad St., Gulfport. Brenda Buckendahl, a resident of Bay St. Louis, will perform. Free admission. Donations accepted. Proceeds benefit the Gulf Coast Women's Center for Nonviolence. Details: 871-7004.

Christmas Party and Jam Session: 2-5 p.m., Amour Danzar Ballroom, 9355 County Farm Road, Gulfport. Cost: $5 members and $10 nonmembers . Details: 324-3730.

"The Velveteen Rabbit": 3 p.m. Toy Tea and performances, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave., Gulfport. Presented by WINGS Performing Arts. Cost: $7 students; $10 seniors, military and LMDC members; and $13 general admission. Toy Tea and performances: $15. Advance purchase recommended. Details: lmdc.org or 897-6039.

Milonga in Bay St. Louis: 4-8 p.m., 541 Main St. Cost: $15 milonga plus lesson and $10 for milonga only. Tango attire highly encouraged. Presented by Coast Argentine Tango Society.

MONDAY

Jackson County AARP Chapter 1213 meeting: 11:30 a.m., Calvary Baptist Church, 2101 Market St., Pascagoula. Election of officers and pot luck lunch.

Jackson County Utility Authority meeting: 4 p.m., Authority's Witchen Administration Building, 1225 Jackson Ave., Pascagoula.

The Legend of Santa Gator puppet show: 6 p.m., East Central Public Library, Hurley. Puppets, stories and songs.

American Legion Post 1992 meeting: 7-8 p.m., 3824 Old Spanish Trail, Gautier. Details: 497-6422.

tuesday

Pre-legislature briefing: 7:30 a.m. doors open and 8 a.m. program begins, Golden Nugget Biloxi. Sponsored by Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce. Learn about upcoming legislature session with elected officials. Topics: BP settlement funds, education funding, infrastructure, broadband and affordable health insurance. Tickets: $30 general admission and $20 members. Details: 604-0014.

BNI Mississippi information meeting: 8:30 a.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 2703 Denny Ave., Pascagoula. BNI Mississippi is seeking professionals interested in growing their business through marketing and referral efforts. Details: 504-442-8983.

Mississippi Commission on Marine Resources meeting: 9 a.m., Bolton Building, 1141 Bayview Ave., Biloxi. Details: 523-4124.

West Jackson County Utility District Board of Commissioners meeting: 9 a.m., 7312 Rose Farm Road, Ocean Springs. Details: 872-3898.

The Legend of Santa Gator puppet show: 9:45 a.m., Lucedale-George County Public Library. Puppets, stories and songs.

Colt and Capers program: 10-11 a.m., Mississippi Sandhill Crane NWR 40th Anniversary: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Visitor Center, 7200 Crane Lane, Gautier. Designed for preschool and toddler story hours. Outside activites and more. Details: 497-6322, ext. 101.

Preschool and toddler series: 10-11:15 a.m., Pascagoula River Audubon Center, 5107 Arthur St., Moss Point. For ages 2-5. Activities include reading, singing, walking, creating and crafting. Cost: $3 nonmembers, $12 per child for series. Maximum of two children per adult. Free for members. Themes: water, fish, food chains, frogs and winter. Details: 475-0825, ext. 4.

American Society of Safety Engineers-South Mississippi Chapter meeting: Noon, Cast Iron Cafe, Mississippi 57. Presentation given by Yates Construction on Confined Spaces.

Red Cross blood drive: 1-6 p.m., Pass Christian High School, 720 W. North St. Details: 1-800-733-2767.

"Cinderella": 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15-17, Center Stage, 2670 Rue Palafox, Biloxi. Cost: $7. Details: 388-6258 or centerstagebiloxi.org.

Steps Coalition quarterly meeting: 5:30-8 p.m., DeMiller Hall, 610 Water St., Biloxi. Theme: Unsung Heroes and Successes Large and Small. Dinner provided. RSVP encouraged. Details: 435-3113.

Down Home Christmas: 6 p.m., Kiln Public Library, 17065 Mississippi 603. Santa Claus and refreshments.

Cajun Christmas Cooking Class: 6-8:30 p.m., Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave., Gulfport. Led with David Daigle. Cost: $30-35. Details: 897-6039 or lmdc.org.

WEDNESDAY

The Legend of Santa Gator puppet show: 10 a.m., Ina Thompson Moss Point Library. Puppets, stories and songs.

Christmas Coffee: 11 a.m., Old Brick House, Biloxi. Features a Christmas in the style of 1776. Music recordings of Frank Sinatra. Details: 875-5464.

United Methodist Men and Women luncheon: 11 a.m., Blow Fly Inn, 1201 Washington Ave., Gulfport. Presented by Handsboro United Methodist Church. Details: 896-7264.

Daughters of the American Revolution-Gulf Coast chapter meeting: 11:30 a.m., 22119 Clark Lane, Gulfport. Details: 832-0137.

Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport Authority meeting: 2 p.m., Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, third floor of the terminal.

Biloxi Elks Lodge 606 meeting: 7 p.m., 1178 Beach Blvd., Biloxi. Details: 374-0606.

27th Sounds of the Holidays: 7:30 p.m., Saenger Theatre, Biloxi. Features 20-piece Coast Big Band and a cast of more than 100 performers. Show is a fundraiser for the American Heart Association. Tickets: $25 adults, $19 ages 12 and younger and $50 VIP seating. Details: 604-5318 or soundsoftheholidays.com.

THURSDAY

Mississippi State Port Authority board meeting: 8:30 a.m., Great Southern Club, Gulfport. Details: 865-4300.

The Legend of Santa Gator puppet show: 10 a.m., St. Martin Public Library. Puppets, stories and songs.

Bay Emporium Christmas Open House: 5-7 p.m., 112 South Second St., Bay St. Louis.

Wild at Heart Rescue fundraiser: 5-11 p.m., Grand Theatre, D'Iberville. Have your photo taken with "Star Wars" characters for $3. Silent auction, items for sale and raffles. Presented by Rebel Legion, with proceeds being donated to Wild at Heart Rescue.

Gulf Coast Community Action Agency board meeting: 6 p.m., GCCAA, Administration Office, 500 24th St., Gulfport. Details: 896-1409, ext. 8328.

Family Night Out: 6 p.m., Handsboro United Methodist Church, 2333 Demaret Drive, Gulfport. Fellowship and light refreshments. Details: 896-7264.

Line dancing classes: 6 p.m. Dec. 17, 21 and 28, Pascagoula Public Library, 3214 Pascagoula St. Led by Ericka Nicholson. All ages welcome. Details: 769-3060.

Ice skating: 6 and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 17-18; 3:30, 6 and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 19; 2, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Dec. 20; 6 and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 21-23; 3:30, 6 and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 26; 2, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Dec. 27; 6 and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 28-31, Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi. Tickets include admission and skate rental while supplies last. Purchase tickets in person at the box office 30 minutes before each session. Details/tickets: 594-3707.

Live Nativity scene: 7 p.m., First Baptist Church, Bay St. Louis.

Songs and Stories Radio Show: 7 p.m., Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center, 1600 Government St., Ocean Springs. Details: 818-2878.

"A Charlie Brown Christmas": 7 p.m. Dec. 17-19 and 2 p.m. Dec. 20, Salvation Army Kroc Center, 575 Division St., Biloxi. Cost: $10. Details: 207-1218.

FRIDAY

Biloxi Veterans Center Open House: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 288 Veterans Ave. Will focus on services available to veterans and active duty members.

"Star Wars" party: 2-4 p.m., Ina Thompson Moss Point Library. Wear costume, hit the piñata and win prizes. Refreshments. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Details: 475-7462.

Free Friday Night: 5-8 p.m., Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave., Gulfport.

Tours of Lights Bicycle Ride: 5:30 p.m., Pascagoula Recreation Center, 2935 Pascagoula St. Tacky sweater contest. Lights required and helmets recommended. Touring Pascagoula neighborhoods. Details: 938-2356.

Book debut: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Southern Bound Bookstore, 1218 Government St., Ocean Springs. Hosted by Shereen Kostmayer. Chase will sign novels and discuss plot.

Christmas at Beauvoir Family Night: 6-8 p.m., Beauvoir, 2244 Beach Blvd., Biloxi. Closed on Christmas Day. Tour the presidential home and enjoy crafts, photos with Santa, pony rides, hay rides, vendors, Christmas lights and more. Entertainment: A reading of Mark Vogl's "Confederate Night Before Christmas." Cost: $12.50 adults, $10 seniors, $7.50 ages 6-18. Free to ages 5 and younger. Details: 388-4400.

VFW Post 6731 fish plates: 6-8 p.m., 4321 W. Gay Road, D'Iberville. Details: 392-1152.

Special Needs Christmas Dance: 6-9 p.m., Donal Snyder Community Center, 2520 Pass Road, Biloxi. Celebrate with friends and family. Door prizes and food. Security will be provided. Admission is an unwrapped gift of no more than $10, which will be given to the Biloxi Police Department's Santa Wears a Badge Program. Details: 388-7170.

Pot luck Christmas party: 6:30 p.m. doors open and 7 p.m. dinner and dance follows, Amour Danzar Ballroom, 9355 County Farm Road, Gulfport. Cost: $20 per person. Bring a gift to exchange and a covered dish. Reservations/details: 324-3730.

"Santaland Diaries": 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18-19 and 2 p.m. Dec. 20, Center Stage, 2670 Rue Palafox, Biloxi. Cost: $12. Details: 388-6258 or centerstagebiloxi.org.

DEC. 19

Nature Discovery: 9 a.m., Scranton Nature Center, 3928 Nathan Hale Ave., Pascagoula. Cost: $1. Learn about hibernation and enjoy a story with Jackson-George Regional Library. Create pinecone art collected on nature walk. Details: 938-6612.

Breakfast with Santa Claus: 9-11 a.m., French Club of Biloxi, 182 Howard Ave. Details: 436-6472.

Affordable Care Act enrollment sessions: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Pass Christian Public Library, 111 Hiern Ave. Details: 452-4596.

Funday Saturday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Mississippi Sandhill Crane NWR 40th Anniversary: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Visitor Center, 7200 Crane Lane, Gautier. Designed for all ages. Make Christmas decoration using items from nature. Details: 497-6322 Ext. 101.

Biloxi Holiday Open House: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Biloxi Visitors Center, 1050 Beach Blvd. Local artists and craftsmen will be set up and selling their special creations. Pictures with Santa. Refreshments. Admission is free and door prizes will be given away. Details: 374-3105.

Biloxi Gun and Knife Show: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 19 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 20, Mississippi Coast Coliseum, 2350 Beach Blvd., Biloxi. Cost: $8 adults and $2 children 6-11. Under 18 must be admitted with parent. Details: 985-624-8577.

Sit! Stay! Read! program: 10 a.m.-noon, Pascagoula Public Library, 3214 Pascagoula St. Children will improve reading skills by reading to therapy dogs from Visiting Pet Teams of South Mississippi. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free. Details: 769-3060.

Christmas in the Park: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Turnkey Park in Forrest Heights Community. Toy giveaway, Santa Claus, refreshments, bounce houses, face painting and music. Presented by Gulf Coast Outreach and Leadership.

Toy giveaway: 11 a.m., Vernon Gilbert Elks Lodge, 636 Esters Blvd., Biloxi. Toys benefit the needy children in our community.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Boutique: Noon-4 p.m., Edgewater Mall, 2600 Beach Blvd., Biloxi. Between Victoria's Secret and Francesca's. Shop for a cure. Details: 896-8936.

Campers' Christmas gift bag distributions: 1 p.m. Dec. 19 at Westside Park, Gulfport, and 1 p.m. Dec. 20 at Hiller Park, Biloxi. Shepherd of the Gulf presents this event for South Mississippi homeless and seeks community support to make gift bags. Drop off donations at Liberty Coffee House, 1270 28th St., from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Details: 871-7000. Tax-deductible donations can be made to Shepherd of the Gulf at any Hancock Bank or mail to Shepherd of the Gulf, P.O. Box 1000, Gulfport, MS 39501. Details: 229-8980, 249-2339 or 954-695-5764.

Book signing: 2 p.m., Barnes & Noble, Gulfport. Features Thomas Simmons and "By Accident of Birth."

Grilled steak and fish dinner: 6:30-9 p.m., Ocean Springs Elks Lodge 2501, 2501 Beachview Drive, Ocean Springs. Cost: $18 steak and $12 fish.

Christmas Live Nativity Re-enactment: 7 p.m., Bay St. Louis Little Theatre Depot Grounds. Details: bsllt.org.

Christmas Mingle and Jingle: 7-11 p.m., Isiah Fredericks Community Center, 3312 Martin Luther King Drive, Gulfport. Tickets: $20. After-party follows at Club Blue Envy Lounge and Bar. Helping Adopt-A-Family from Salvation Army.

Belles and Buoys Christmas Dance: 7:30-10 p.m., Lyman Senior Citizen Center, 14592 County Farm Road, Gulfport. Caller Harry Case from Brookhaven and Cuer Fran Keller from Pensacola, Fla. Details: 363-2622.

DEC. 20

Red Cross blood drive: 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Our Lady of Fatima, 2090 Pass Road, Biloxi. Details: 1-800-733-2767.

Breakfast by the Mardi Gras Krewe: 9-11 a.m., Ocean Springs Elks Lodge, 2501 Beachview Drive. Cost: $7.

Santa Claus at the Fire Museum: 1-3 p.m., West End Hose Co. No. 3 Fire Museum, 1046 Howard Ave. Children invited to talk with Santa, enjoy snacks and listen to Christmas music. Bring your cameras.

Gingerbread House Family Decorating Workshop: 2-4 p.m., Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave., Gulfport. Cost: $25 per family. Bring family and decorate a gingerbread house together. Details: 897-6039 or lmdc.org.

Holiday Gala: 5 p.m., Pass Christian Public Library, 111 Hiern Ave. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Gala features Bon Operatit, New Orleans opera singers. Cost: $10 nonmembers younger than 17; free to those younger than 17. Light holiday refreshments. Details: 452-4596.

DEC. 21

School's Out Holiday Camp: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 21-23 and 28-30, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave., Gulfport. Cost: $35 per day and $200 for six-day camp. Pottery, baking, gift making, arts and crafts and more. Designed for kindergarten to fifth grade. Space is limited. Details: 897-6039 or lmdc.org.

Holiday movie marathon: 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 21-22, East Central Public Library, 21801 Slider Road, Hurley. Hot chocolate, coffee and snacks. Details: 588-6263.

Winter break game day: 2-4 p.m. Dec. 21-23, Ina Thompson Moss Point Library. Play board games and video games. Hot chocolate, coffee and snacks. Details: 475-7462.

American Legion Post 42's Christmas Party: 6:30 p.m., St. Paul United Methodist Church, Wesson Hall, Porter Avenue, Ocean Springs. Trading of gifts. Ladies should bring a gift for other ladies and the men should bring one to be exchanged for the men; $10 minimum. Details: 875-5233.

Belles and Buoys Half Way Dance: 7-9 p.m., Lyman Senior Citizen Center, 14592 County Farm Road, Gulfport. Caller and instructor Ted and Nancy Kennedy from Grand Bay, Ala. Details: 363-2622.

DEC. 22

Cookies for Santa: 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m., Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center, 1600 Government St., Ocean Springs. For ages 6-12. Cost: $10. Registration deadline is Dec. 20. Details: 818-2878.

Santa's story time: 5:30-7 p.m., Pascagoula Public Library, 3214 Pascagoula St. Bring the kids in their favorite pajamas to take photos with Santa. Enjoy stories, games, cookies and cider. Details: 769-3060.

DEC. 24

Feed My Sheep's Christmas lunch: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 2615 19th St., Gulfport. The soup kitchen will be closed Christmas Day.

DEC. 25

Gulf Coast Public Safety Feed the Needy Program: 8 a.m., Lyman Community Center, 13472 U.S. 49, Gulfport, for volunteers to arrive to help package and deliver meals; deliveries will begin at 9 a.m. To order a meal, call one of the sponsoring agencies: Biloxi Police Department, 385-3033; D'Iberville Police Department, 396-4252; Gulfport Police Department, 868-5703; Gulfport Fire Department, 868-5950; Harrison County Sheriff's Department, 896-0606; Long Beach Police Department, 865-1981; and Pass Christian Police Department, 452-3302. To make a donation, call Lt. Mike Shaw at 868-5703, or mail monetary donations to Gulf Coast Law Enforcement Feed the Needy, Attn: Lt. Mike Shaw, 2220 15th St., Gulfport, MS 39501.

Gulf Coast Rescue Mission annual Christmas meal: Noon-4 p.m., 2750 Mission Lane, Biloxi, off DeBuys Road. Take-out meals available. Volunteers welcomed. Details: 388-3884 or 388-6364.

DEC. 29

Red Cross blood drive: Noon-6 p.m. Dec. 29-30 and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 31, Edgewater Mall, 2600 Beach Blvd., Biloxi. All donors will receive a T-shirt while supplies last. Details: 1-800-733-2767.

DEC. 30

Countdown to Noon: 10 a.m.-noon, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave., Gulfport. Music, snacks, New Year's craft, falling confetti and ball drop at noon. Included with museum admission. Details: 897-6039 or lmdc.org.

DEC. 31

New Year's Eve: 8 p.m., 100 Men Hall, Bay St. Louis. Features Zena Moses and Rue Fiya. Live music, dancing, complimentary food, champagne from Silver Slipper Casino. Cost: $50 per person. Details: 100menhall.org.

Bib Band, New Year's Eve Dance: 8 p.m., Amour Danzar Ballroom, 9355 County Farm Road, Gulfport. Features 12-piece Blue Stars Orchestra. Champagne and party favors provided. Cost: $40 per person. Bring your own food and drinks. Details: 324-3730.

This story was originally published December 11, 2015 at 5:46 PM with the headline "WHAT'S HAPPENING for December (Updated Dec. 12) ."