WHAT'S HAPPENING for December (Updated Dec. 14)

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TODAY

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.

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.

Christmas meeting: 6:30 p.m., Masonic Lodge, 166 Veterans Ave., Biloxi. Bring a snack to share and choice of drink. Presented by Highlands and Islands Association of Celtic Gatherings.

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

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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.

"The Odd Couple" and "Album" auditions: 5-7 p.m., 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.

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.

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.

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.

"Dreamgirls -- The Musical": 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.

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.

A Verry Merry Celtic Christmas: 6 p.m., Irish Coast Pub, 1307 25th Ave., Gulfport. Music, dancing and food. Irish dancing from Maccrossan School of Irish Dance and Celtic, Southern and Christmas tunes. Kids are welcome. Santa appearance.

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.

SATURDAY

Long Beach Farmers Market: 8:30 a.m.-noon, 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.

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.

SUNDAY

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

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 14, 2015 at 10:05 AM with the headline "WHAT'S HAPPENING for December (Updated Dec. 14) ."