Christmas on Water kicks off month of holiday events

Biloxi ushers in the Christmas schedule of events this weekend with the annual Christmas on the Water celebration, followed by a month of special events.

Christmas on the Water is highlighted by a Saturday evening parade of brightly lit boats, which move in an offshore line from the Biloxi Lighthouse to the tip of Point Cadet. The parade will begin at 6 p.m., with a fireworks display afterward. Those interested in participating in the parade may contact Rusty David at (228) 617-3112 or Mary Cruthirds at (228) 432-2563.

The Christmas on the Water celebration actually begins on Friday, when children ages 12 and under participate in the annual children’s Christmas parade in downtown Biloxi.

The parade will begin at 6 p.m. at I-110 overpass on Howard Avenue. It will travel east on Howard, along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, south on Lameuse and end at the Town Green, where the city’s Parks and Recreation Department will have hot chocolate and cookies for participants. Santa also will be on hand for photographs with children.

Among the other city-sponsored events taking place in December:

Dec. 1: Christmas in the City, downtown Biloxi

Dozens of vendors are expected to line Lameuse Street in this daylong holiday arts and craft festival, which takes place Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event, sponsored by Main Street Biloxi, will include an appearance by Santa Claus, Main Street ornaments and afghans and Christmas shopping ideas from arts and crafts vendors. Details: Kay Miller, (228) 435-6399 or kmiller@biloxi.ms.us.

Dec. 4: Christmas at Beck Park

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department will host Christmas at Beck Park on Tuesday, Dec. 4 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the John Henry Beck Park, 671 Division St. The celebration will include decorating the Christmas tree while all enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. Santa will be present to hand out treats. The celebration will conclude with the lighting of the Christmas tree. Details: (228) 435-6148 or at biloxi.ms.us/pr.

Dec. 6: Christmas at Eagle Point

The Parks and Recreation Department will celebrate Christmas at Eagle Point on Thursday, Dec. 6 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Eagle Point Fire Station, 9370 Oaklawn Road. The celebration will include decorating the Christmas tree while all enjoys hot chocolate and cookies. Santa will hand out treats for children. The celebration will conclude with the lighting of the Christmas tree. Details: (228) 435-6185 or at biloxi.ms.us/pr.

Dec. 12-13: North Pole Calling

Santa and his elves will be making phones calls to Biloxi children on Dec. 12 and 13 in the city’s annual North Pole Calling. Parents of pre-school, kindergarten and first and second graders can arrange for the calls by filling out a form available at the Hiller Park office, 380 Hiller Drive, weekdays between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or on the city web site. To get a form now, click here. Forms are due by Dec. 5. This program is co-sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Biloxi, Gambrell and Associates, PA, and the Key Club. Details: (228) 435-6148, or visit biloxi.ms.us/pr.

Dec. 14: Christmas Dance for children

The city will host a Christmas Dance on Friday, Dec. 14 from
6 to 8 p.m. at the Donal Snyder Community Center, 2520 Pass Road. The dance is open to children ages 6 to 12 years old and their parents. Admission is a canned good item, which will be donated to the Salvation Army. Security will be provided during the dance, and refreshments will be available. All children must be picked up from the center by 8 p.m. Details: (228) 435-6148 or visit biloxi.ms.us/pr.