Best Bets

Best Bets

Check your Best Bets before you make your weekend plans, so you don't miss out! We've got local events, concerts and more all along the Gulf Coast.Full Bio

 

Best Bets, Mobile/Pensacola Weekend Events, 12/21-1/1

12/21- 1/1

LOCAL EVENTS:


KIRK JAY PARADE & CELEBRATION- Fri Dec 21st 1pm, Bay Minette

Kirk Jay is coming home to Bay Minette and the City wants to celebrate his accomplishment with a parade in his honor. Mayor Bob Wills will present him a Key to the City and a proclamation declaring Kirk Jay Day in the City of Bay Minette! The parade begins at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, and will conclude with a ceremony on Courthouse Square. The route begins at Bay Minette Elementary School and will travel down Hoyle Avenue, turning onto First Street, then Hand Avenue and will make a loop around the Square.  CLICK HERE  


DOLLAR GENERAL BOWL - Sat Dec 22nd 6pm, Ladd Peebles Stadium, Mobile

The University at Buffalo of the Mid-American Conference will face Troy University of the Sun Belt Conference in the 20th annual Dollar General Bowl.  The game will be nationally televised on ESPN.  CLICK HERE   

GREER’S MARKETS/THIS IS ALABAMA MARDI GRAS PARADEFri Dec 21st 6:30pm, downtown Mobile

The Dollar General Bowl presents Mobile’s largest Mardi Gras Parade with floats from 20 mystical societies. In addition, local high school marching bands and the Bowl teams’ bands and cheerleaders will perform.  CLICK HERE    

THIS IS ALABAMA STREET PARTY and PEP RALLY -  Fri Dec 21st, 5pm-until, Mardi Gras Park, downtown Mobile

There will be music and Santa in Mardi Gras Park, starting at 5pm, for the Street Party. After the parade, follow your favorite Dollar General Bowl football team to the Park for the Team Pep Rally. The night concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over downtown Mobile.  CLICK HERE    



GALLERY NIGHT PENSACOLAFri Dec 21st  5pm-9pm, downtown Pensacola

December’s Gallery Night Pensacola Event is Merry and Bright! Featuring Photographer Laura Bogan and a Gingerbread House Contest.  CLICK HERE   


BALLET PENSACOLA presents THE NUTCRACKER- Fri/Sat Dec 21st & 22nd at 7pm, Sun Dec 23rd at 1:30pm,  Pensacola Saenger Theatre

Follow the adventures of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they battle the Mouse King and embark on a journey through the Land of the Sweets with the guidance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The Nutcracker is a holiday classic, perfect for the entire family.  CLICK HERE    


LIGHTWIRE THEATER: A VERY ELECTRIC CHRISTMAS-  Sun Dec 23rd  2:30pm, Mobile Saenger Theatre, downtown Mobile

Combining the arts of puppetry, theater and dance with the music of timeless holiday hits, this magical and captivating tale of family, friendship and hope creates a truly one-of-a-kind, inspired and exhilarating holiday experience.  (Semi-finalists on America’s Got Talent)   CLICK HERE    


CAROLING WITH BLOW HOUSE BRASS BAND- Sun Dec 23rd 8pm-10pm, Bienville Square, downtown Mobile

Bring the family and join us in singing (or playing) some of our favorite holiday tunes. Whether you've got an instrument, want to sing, or just want to enjoy the music, all are welcome!   CLICK HERE    


CIRQUE MUSICA HOLIDAY PRESENTS WONDERLANDFri Dec 21st  8pm, IP Casino Biloxi

An all-new concert experience featuring the cast of Cirque Musica together with your favorite holiday songs performed by a live symphony orchestra. CLICK HERE


JEWEL’S HANDMADE HOLIDAY TOUR - Sat Dec 22nd, 8pm, IP Casino Biloxi, CLICK HERE    


CHRISTMAS DREAMS- Dec 19th thru Dec 27th,  3pm and 7pm, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Biloxi

An award-winning cast of skaters and singers bring the magic of the holidays to life at the Beau Rivage Theatre. High-energy numbers, brilliant solos, comedy and a visit from Santa and his friends make this performance perfect for the whole family.  CLICK HERE   


CHRISTMAS NIGHTS OF LIGHTS- Nightly 5:30pm-10pm through Tues Jan 1st, Hank Aaron Stadium

This drive-thru Christmas light show features thousands of LED lights, synchronized to music playing through your car radio.  NEW THIS YEAR-- a 25-foot singing Santa!  Plus, Monday-Wednesday, enjoy more rockin’ Christmas music; Thursday-Sunday, the show features more traditional Christmas classics.  Rain or shine.  CLICK HERE    


MAGIC CHRISTMAS IN LIGHTSNightly through Dec 31 (except Christmas Day) 5pm- 9pm, Bellingrath Gardens, Theodore

Guests stroll through a dazzling light display that features more than 1,100 set pieces, 3 million lights and 15 scenes throughout the 65-acre Garden estate. Magic Christmas in Lights includes nightly choral performances on the South Terrace of the Home on Sundays through Thursdays. CLICK HERE   


WINTER AT THE WHARF-  CLICK HERE    

Ice Skating RinkNov. 16 to Jan. 13

Photos with SantaNov. 16 to Dec. 24

    

WALES WEST ARCTIC EXPRESS- Nightly through Christmas Eve, 4pm-9pm, 13670 Smiley St, Silverhill, AL

Ride an authentic Steam Train through a “snowy” wonderland of lights and decorations to the North Pole. Over ONE MILLION lights on display! Petting zoo, pony rides, miniature train rides, a hay-less hayride, bounce house and fun artificial snow.   CLICK HERE    


POLAR EXPRESS PAJAMA PARTY- Sat/Sun 3pm, National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the magical journey to the North Pole to find the true spirit of Christmas.  Every Sat/Sun through Dec 23rd.  CLICK HERE   


PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA presents CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR!- Mon Dec 31st  7pm, Pensacola Saenger Theatre, downtown Pensacola, CLICK HERE 


MUSCADINE BLOODLINE, KOE WETZELFri Dec 21st,  9pm, Soul Kitchen, downtown Mobile, CLICK HERE    


CBDB- Sat Dec 22nd, 9pm, Soul Kitchen, downtown Mobile, CLICK HERE     


DIAMOND RIO- Fri Dec 28th, IP Casino Biloxi, CLICK HERE    


KC & THE SUNSHINE BAND- Sat Dec 29th, 8pm, Hard Rock Live, Biloxi, CLICK HERE    


NICK CANNON PRESENTS: WILD 'N OUT LIVE- Sat Dec 29th, 8pm, Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, CLICK HERE     


BETTER THAN EZRA- Sat Dec 29th, 8pm, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Biloxi, CLICK HERE 


JEFFREY TAMSat Dec 29th, 8pm, IP Casino Biloxi, CLICK HERE    


CHAD PRATHER- Sun/Mon Dec 30-31, 8pm, IP Casino Biloxi, CLICK HERE     


THE MOLLY RINGWALDS- Mon Dec 31st, 10:30pm, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, CLICK HERE       


USA JAGUAR BASKETBALL:

MEN’S TEAM -Wed Dec 19th (7pm) vs Alabama A&M;  Thurs Dec 20th (7pm) vs Mobile; Sat Dec 29th (3pm) vs Richmond,  USA Mitchell Center, USA campus, CLICK HERE   

WOMEN’S TEAM- FIU Holiday Tournament:  Thurs Dec 20th (1pm) vs New Mexico State;  Fri Dec 21st (11am/ 1pm) vs Alcorn State/FIUCLICK HERE     

Listen to Jags Basketball on  99.5 The Jag and iheartradio.com (keyword Jags) all season


PENSACOLA ICE FLYERS HOCKEY vs HUNTSVILLE HAVOCThurs Dec 27th 6:35pm, Pensacola Bay Center, CLICK HERE 

PENSACOLA ICE FLYERS HOCKEY vs BIRMINGHAM BULLS - Sat Dec 29th  7:05pm, Pensacola Bay Center, CLICK HERE   


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NEW YEARS EVE:

MOONPIE OVER MOBILE- Mon Dec 31, 8pm-until, downtown Mobile

The evening begins with the cutting of the world’s largest edible MoonPie, followed by a second-line parade led by the Excelsior Band. Sister Sledge takes the stage at 11pm, leading up to the giant 600 pound electric MoonPie drop, laser light show and fireworks at midnight!   CLICK HERE    


REELIN’ IN THE NEW YEAR STREET PARTYMon Dec 31st, 5pm-midnight, The Wharf, Orange Beach

Live bands, family-friendly AND adult-centered fun all rounding off at midnight with the Marlin drop and fireworks.  CLICK HERE    


KAZOO’S ROCKIN’ EVEMon Dec 31st 6pm-8pm, Blue Wahoos Stadium, Pensacola

The famed Pensacola Pelican Drop will return to Blue Wahoos Stadium on New Year's Eve for the second consecutive year as part of Kazoo's Rockin' Eve! Don't miss this FREE family-friendly celebration highlighted by on-field activities, two live bands, fireworks, and the Pelican Drop!  CLICK HERE    


NEW YEAR’S MIDNIGHT FIREWORK DISPLAY ON PENSACOLA BEACH- Mon Dec 31st  11:55pm- 1:00am Jan 1st,  Pensacola Beach Boardwalk

At Midnight a dazzling light display, provided by the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce, will take place overlooking the Santa Rosa Sound from the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. CLICK HERE    


FAIRHOPE NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONMon Dec 31st 8:30pm- 12:30 am, Fairhope Avenue and Church Street, downtown Fairhope

Residents and visitors are invited to bring their families and ring in the New Year. The band will begin playing at 8:30 p.m. at the corner of Fairhope Avenue and Church Street. Other entertainment will include a DJ, face painting, fireworks and a ball drop at midnight. CLICK HERE   


FLORA-BAMA NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH- Mon Dec 31st 7pm- 3am Jan 1st, Flora-Bama Lounge, Perdido Key

Live music, food and fireworks.  CLICK HERE  


POLAR BEAR DIP- Tues Jan 1st  12 noon-3pm, Flora-Bama Lounge, Perdido Key

Every New Years Day, you can ring in the New Year by taking a dip into the Gulf of Mexico. Those who completely submerge receive free draft beer along with greens and black-eyed peas in the Flora-Bama Tent.  CLICK HERE


GULF SHORES POLAR BEAR DIP- Tues Jan 1st,  11am-3pm, The Hangout, Gulf Shores

Enjoy the beach bonfire, games, and entertainment as we countdown to take the DIP at high noon, followed by a NEW YEAR’S DAY party at the Hangout, featuring LIVE entertainment, free chili & hot chocolate, and all of the college football games. The event is totally free!   CLICK HERE    

  

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE- Tues Jan 1st,  2pm-4pm, Paradise Bar and Grill, Pensacola Beach

Head to Pensacola Beach and plunge headfirst into the Santa Rosa Sound at the annual Polar Bear Plunge. Hundreds of dippers and spectators – many dressed in costume - flock to the beach to participate in this long-established tradition. All proceeds go to the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce.   CLICK HERE    

 

   

MOVIES:


AQUAMAN (PG13)- Arthur Curry learns that he is the heir to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, and must step forward to lead his people and be a hero to the world. Stars Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe 


BUMBLEBEE (PG13)On the run in the year of 1987, Bumblebee finds refuge in a junkyard in a small Californian beach town. Charlie, on the cusp of turning 18 and trying to find her place in the world, discovers Bumblebee, battle-scarred and broken.  Features the voices of Hailee Steinfeld, Dylan O'Brien, Megyn Price


MARY POPPINS RETURNS (PG)Decades after her original visit, the magical nanny returns to help the Banks siblings and Michael's children through a difficult time in their lives. Stars Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw


SECOND ACT (PG13)A big box store worker reinvents her life and her life-story and shows Madison Avenue what street smarts can do.  Stars Vanessa Hudgens, Milo Ventimiglia, Jennifer Lopez 


WELCOME TO MARWEN (PG13)- A victim of a brutal attack finds a unique and beautiful therapeutic outlet to help him through his recovery process.  Stars  Eiza González, Steve Carell, Leslie Mann


THEY SHALL NOT GROW OLD (R) - A documentary about World War I with never-before-seen footage to commemorate the centennial of the end of the war. From director Peter Jackson.


Opening Christmas Day:


HOLMES & WATSON (PG13)- A humorous take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic mysteries featuring Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson.  Stars Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Ralph Fiennes


VICE (R) - The story of Dick Cheney, an unassuming bureaucratic Washington insider, who quietly wielded immense power as Vice President to George W. Bush, reshaping the country and the globe in ways that we still feel today.  Stars Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Steve Carell 


DESTROYER (R) - A police detective reconnects with people from an undercover assignment in her distant past in order to make peace.  Stars Nicole Kidman, Toby Kebbell, Tatiana Maslany


ON THE BASIS OF SEX (PG13)- The story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, her struggles for equal rights and what she had to overcome in order to become a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Stars Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer, Justin Theroux

 

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