Southern Breeze Magazine - The Good Life on the Gulf Coast

christmas festivals along the gulf coast are sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

By Courtney Austin - photography courtesy of MS Gulf Coast CVB

It's the most wonderful time of the year! When I wake up the day after Thanksgiving there’s this feeling that just seems to take over. Even though it’s chilly outside, I feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Excitement, joy, splendor—it’s the Christmas spirit! It’s been this way since I was a child. Rushing out the door to do my Christmas shopping, then stopping to pick out the perfect Christmas tree on the way home. Listening to Harry Connick Jr.’s holiday tunes every time I get in the car, and watching Christmas movies every chance I get. I love the Christmas spirit—and the Gulf Coast is full of it! Whether you’re full of the Christmas spirit or in search of it, Christmas festivities along the Gulf Coast spread the joy throughout the month of December.

Rock(well)in' Around the Christmas Tree

Destin, Fla.

His nostalgic artwork has touched Americans for generations, and now, famed 20th century artist Norman Rockwell's work can be seen during a special holiday festival at Florida's Destin Commons. Norman Rockwell Holidays features interactive life-size replicas of the artist's memorable Saturday Evening Post covers. Destin Commons, a shopping, dining, and entertainment lifestyle center, comes to life during the holidays with a 50-foot Christmas tree with interactive light songs choreographed to favorite Christmas tunes. After being inspired by the cover replicas and a free museum exhibit featuring 300 Saturday Evening Post covers, guests have the opportunity to try their hand at designing a cover in "Painting in the Commons." "At Destin Commons, we strive to enrich lives and foster the same sense of family values that Norman Rockwell captured over the years," says Crystal Petti, Destin Commons director of marketing. "This is the most unique and memorable holiday experience in Northwest Florida, or should we say in the United States--definitely a must see." As if the Rockwell exhibit weren't enough, Destin Commons welcomes Santa to his village with a large-scale production that pulls out all the stops. For those pets that want to be a part of the "howliday" hoopla, there is a doggie fashion show in which pets wear their Christmas best and can even pose with Rudolph and Frosty for photos. And every Tuesday and Thursday in December, guests are entertained with the Holiday Nights & Lights concert series featuring entertainment from local schools and churches. Holiday shopping is already an event in itself, but this Christmas tradition has been turned into a celebration at Destin Commons.
For more details, go to www.destincommons.com. Destin Commons, 4300 Legendary Dr., Destin, FL, 850-337-8700

Glad Tide-ings

Biloxi, Miss.

Along the Gulf Coast, the water comes to life with the Christmas spirit during coastal Mississippi's Christmas celebration, Christmas on the Water. This isn't your typical Christmas parade--you won't find a Grinch balloon soaring above your head, but a sight better suited for the Coast. Now in its 19th year, Christmas on the Water features the Town Green lighting, a children's parade through downtown, and the highlight of the celebration on December 6, a nighttime parade of dozens of brightly lit boats along the Biloxi waterfront. A procession of 75 boats, lit in twinkling red and green lights, reflect their beauty in the water as they float down Casino Row. The signature event is brought to a close with a fireworks display over the Mississippi Sound. This 10-day celebration features numerous events ranging from parades for children to a holiday performance by the Gulf Coast Messiah Chorus and Orchestra. Thanks to the support of the community and numerous volunteers, most events during this celebration are free to the public. The festival plays tribute to myriad cultures during the month of December with "The Trees of Tullis" paying homage to the city's ethnic groups with a display on the grounds of the beachfront Tullis-Toledano Manor. Christmas on the Water will wrap up with Caroling on the Green as families and friends gather on the Town Green to ring in the holiday season with hot chocolate, cookies, and song.
For more information and schedule of events, visit www.biloxi.ms.us/christmas/events.asp.

Teas the Season

New Orleans, La.

When the weather is chilly, nothing warms you up like a hot cup of tea--especially when you take your tea in New Orleans at the enchanted Hotel Monteleone. The regal hotel is transformed into a winter wonderland during the month of December, featuring costumed carolers, Christmas story time, and Monty's Holiday Tea each Saturday beginning December 6. There is plenty of holiday cheer for children and grownups too! Monty the Lion, the official mascot of this iconic New Orleans hotel, hosts the special teas each Saturday in December. Tea is served with special holiday treats, and each attendee receives a souvenir stuffed Monty to take home. Mrs. Claus will be on hand for story time, followed by a trumpeted procession of Christmas icons including Frosty, Rudolph, and Santa's elves. Guests want to be sure to bring a camera so they won't miss out on a picture with Santa. In addition, the Hotel Monteleone features Christmas concerts performed by area schools each weekday, ensuring the hotel is full of the holiday spirit all month long! "The whole scene is heartwarming. Visually, it's so inspiring. Kids of all ages are all dressed up with their families, looking cuter than cute, experiencing lifelong memories in the making," says Belinda Lazaro, director of public relations for Hotel Monteleone. "It's the kind of event that families turn into a tradition that can last for generations." The holiday tea at the Hotel Monteleone is just the beginning of what New Orleans has to offer during the holiday season. The hotel is the French Quarter's largest full-service hotel, featuring 600 luxurious guestrooms and suites, and is within walking-distance of some of the Crescent City's most famous attractions. After tea, set out and explore the city and really experience a true New Orleans Christmas!
For more information, visit www.hotelmonteleone.com. Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St., New Orleans, LA, 504-523-3341

The Ghost of Christmas Past

Mobile, Ala.

Twinkling Christmas lights flicker in the windows of some of the South's most idyllic antebellum homes during the Old Dauphin Way Candlelight Christmas Tour of Homes on December 6. Guests are transported back to the days of old as the Old Dauphin Way Tour of Homes revisits Christmas past. These grand homes are decoration enough, but when holiday splendor is added to their glorious facades, each house in this historic district takes on new life. Old Dauphin Way, covering 7,760 acres, is Mobile, Alabama's largest historic district featuring more than 14,500 buildings, mostly residential, in 300 years of architectural styles. During December, the district comes to life in the holiday spirit as guests are transported to the days of old with costumed carolers, antebellum decor, and the beauty of the holiday season.
Go to www.odwa.org for additional details.

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Home for the holidays

Picked by Courtney Austin

No matter how hard you dream of one, you’re not likely to have a white Christmas around here. That is, if you’re hoping for a Currier & Ives winter wonderland with sleighs dashing through the snow.

But replace the snow with the sandy beaches of Seaside, Florida and you’re guaranteed a white Christmas. Sure, sand may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the holiday season, but for those who have spent their Christmases along the Gulf Coast, their local version of white powder provides the perfect backdrop for any holiday get-together.

During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, wouldn’t it be nice to get away from it all? Seaside is less crowded in the winter providing for a more relaxed getaway, and that’s perfect to relieve the stress that builds up during the boisterous holiday season. And special deals make it even that much more enjoyable.

Whether vacationers are searching for a beach mansion to accommodate the entire family or a room at an inn that may provide a little more privacy, Seaside’s Cottage Rental Agency offers the perfect home away from home, especially during the holiday season. Many large families choose to rent out ensembles, including a spacious home complete with a carriage house during their stay. These homes supply a gathering place for the entire family to celebrate this special time of year together. The carriage house offers privacy for those who may need even more rest and relaxation during the busy holiday season.

Festive meals with the family are always a major part of the holiday season, even on vacation. Thanks to Seaside’s amenities, much of the busywork required for preparing a holiday meal is taken care of. Modica Market, Seaside’s specialty gourmet market, offers grocery delivery bringing guests everything needed to prepare a meal right to their fingertips. This old-time shop brims with specialty items required to make a home cooked meal with all of the trimmings. Guests can even hire a chef to prepare a meal in their cottage’s state-of-the-art kitchen. For those not wanting to hire a personal chef, the folks at the Vera Bradley Inn by the Sea will create and deliver a complete meal for the family.

Seaside itself is enough to lure tourists to its sandy shores, and with the added bonuses available during the holidays, guests are flocking to the Florida Coast. The town comes to life with myriad celebrations creating a perfect winter wonderland for every family to enjoy together. Don’t just dream about a white Christmas; experience it for yourself and plan a holiday escape to Seaside!