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, Weekends of 12/22-12/25 and 12/29- 1/1

12/22- 1/1


LOCAL EVENTS:


CHRISTMAS NIGHTS OF LIGHTS- Every night through Jan 1st, from dusk until 10pm, including holidays, Hank Aaron Stadium

This amazing drive-thru Christmas light show features over 1 million LED lights, driven by over 10,000 computer channels, synchronized to both traditional and new rocking Christmas music playing through your car radio.  New LED tree and new songs, too!. CLICK HERE   



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

The Mid-American Conference champion (Toledo) and the Sun Belt Conference co-champion (Appalachian State) will face off in the 19th Annual Dollar General Bowl.  

On game day, stop by the Wind Creek Fanfest, from 4pm-6pm,  a tailgate experience with games and activities for all football fans. Also for your entertainment, catch the free iHeart Media Concert at 3:30 featuring country artist Holli Mosley. Fans can also purchase a $15 all-you-can-eat buffet ticket at the Piggly Wiggly VIP buffet. All the fun starts at 3:00 pm in the East parking lot at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

GREERS MARKETS & CASHSAVERS/ THIS IS ALABAMA MARDI GRAS PARADEFri 6:30pm, downtown Mobile

Don’t miss Mobiles largest Mardi Gras themed parade with over 24 mardi gras floats, marching bands from both teams participating in the Dollar General Bowl as well as high school squads from across the country. Following the parade the party will move to Bienville Square for THIS IS ALABAMA PEP RALLY 



16th Annual SANTA RUNSat 10am-12noon, Carpe Diem, Old Shell Road, Mobile

The Santa Run is an annual 2 mile fun-run, walk, bike ride, dog walking, fun-for-the-whole-family charity event. Holiday themed costumes are encouraged! Don’t miss this opportunity to join the fun, spread the Christmas spirit and support USA Children's and Women's Hospital.   CLICK HERE    


Annual CHRISTMAS EVE ELF RUN/WALK- Sun 8:15am-9:45am, Bienville Square, Dauphin St

Dress like your version of an elf or one of Santa's helpers and head on out to Bienville Square December 24th at 8:30 a.m.  This is a "Just For Fun" event we do every year....your distance and your speed is totally up to you. Cost = Smiles and Laughter....with a little bit of sweat thrown in the mix.  CLICK HERE    


ZOOLIGHTSDec 15- Dec 30, 5pm-9pm each night, Gulf Breeze Zoo

Enjoy the beauty of the Zoo at night as you admire thousands of sparkling holiday lights!  CLICK HERE   


MAGIC CHRISTMAS IN LIGHTS- Nightly through December 31 (closed Christmas Day), Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Theodore

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. In addition, the Bellingrath Home is decorated in its holiday finery and enhanced with beautiful poinsettias. Magic Christmas in Lights includes nightly choral performances on the South Terrace of the Home on Sundays through Thursdays.  CLICK HERE   



WINTERFEST PENSACOLA PERFORMANCE TOURS- Wed/Thurs/Sat/Sun (sold out Fri)  5pm, Palafox Place, downtown Pensacola

Winterfest’s premier tour features 16 performances along a 60-minute trolley trip through Downtown Pensacola. Singing guides accompany you into a world of wonder with scenes from your favorite holiday memories. Along the way, Elvis, The Polar Express, and even the Grinch will get on board to share the spirit of Christmas.   CLICK HERE   

WINTERFEST REINDEER GAMES- Fri/Sat/Sun 5pm-9pm, Free family fun, CLICK HERE    



HOLIDAYS AT THE FORT- 

ICE SKATING- Nov 24- March 4 (Closed Nov 27, Dec 4, 11, 25, and Jan 1), The Fort of Colonial Mobile, downtown Mobile

Ice skating returns to Mobile! Guaranteed not to melt!  CLICK HERE     

Also, BRUNCH WITH THE GRINCH (Sun).. CLICK HERE  



CHRISTMAS AT THE WHARF:  Orange Beach, AL

ICE SKATING RINK--  Nov. 17 - Jan. 14, Regular time: 4-10 p.m. (Monday-Friday); 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Saturday-Sunday); Thanksgiving Break: Nov 17 – 26, 10am – 10pm; Christmas Break: Dec 16 – 31, 10am – 10pm

PHOTOS WITH SANTA-- Nov 17-Dec 24; Time: (Fridays) 3-7 pm; (Saturdays)10 am to 7 pm; (Sundays)12-6 pm. Week of Christmas (Dec. 18-23) 10am-7pm. Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: 12-2 p.m. CLICK HERE   


WONDERLAND OF LIGHTS- Fri/Sat 6pm-10pm; Sun 6pm-9pm, Nov 23-Dec 30, Pensacola Interstate Fair

The Christmas season springs to life with dazzling displays of electric cheer. This holiday tradition offers dazzling displays of holiday scenes, easily visible during drive-through car tours, but at Santa's Village, even more holiday wonder awaits.  CLICK HERE   


HOME FREE: A COUNTRY CHRISTMASWed Dec 20, 8pm, Mobile Saenger Theatre

The 2013 winners of NBC’s The Sing-Off  have become known for their show-stopping performances that mix their signature no-instrument, all-vocal music with their quick-witted humor.  CLICK HERE  


SISTER’S CHRISTMAS CATECHISMWed Dec 20, 7:30pm, Pensacola Saenger Theatre

It's "CSI: Bethlehem" in this holiday mystery extravaganza, from the author of Late Nite Catechism, as Sister takes on the mystery that has intrigued historians throughout the ages - whatever happened to the Magi's gold?  CLICK HERE    


WHITE TIE ROCK ENSEMBLE presents TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA- Thurs Dec 21, 7:30pm, Pensacola Saenger Theatre

A White Tie Christmas is an annual holiday concert series featuring music from Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Paul McCartney, The Eagles, Bruce Springsteen and other Holiday Classics!   CLICK HERE  


WHITE TIE ROCK ENSEMBLE presents TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA- Fri Dec 22, 8:00pm, Mobile Civic Center Theater

A White Tie Christmas is an annual holiday concert series featuring music from Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Paul McCartney, The Eagles, Bruce Springsteen and other Holiday Classics!  CLICK HERE   


MUSCADINE BLOODLINE, MIKE RYAN- Fri Dec 22, 9pm, Soul Kitchen, downtown Mobile, CLICK HERE   


BRENDA LEEFri Dec 22, 8pm, IP Casino Biloxi, CLICK HERE    


21 SAVAGESat Dec 23, 9pm, Soul Kitchen, downtown Mobile, CLICK HERE


WYNONNA & THE BIG NOISE- Thurs Dec 28, 8pm, IP Casino Biloxi, CLICK HERE    


BEN LOFTIN & THE FAMILY - Thurs Dec 28, 9pm, Soul Kitchen, downtown Mobile, CLICK HERE  


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


RICK SPRINGFIELDSat Dec 30, Hard Rock Live, Biloxi, CLICK HERE      


PLATINUM COMEDY TOUR featuring MIKE EPPS, SOMMORE, EARTHQUAKE and BRUCE BRUCESat Dec 30, 8pm, Mobile Civic Center, CLICK HERE 


DARREN KNIGHT’S SOUTHERN MOMMA COMEDY TOUR-- Sat/Sun Dec 30th & 31st, 8pm, IP Casino Biloxi, CLICK HERE    


THE MOLLY RINGWALDS- Sun Dec 31st, 11pm, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, CLICK HERE   

   

USA JAGUARS BASKETBALL - USA Mitchell Center, CLICK HERE   

Friday Dec 29, 5pm and 7:05 pm-- The Jags take on Georgia State, with the women’s game at 5, followed by the men’s game

Sunday Dec 31st, 1:05pm and 3:05pm-- The Jags take on Georgia Southern, with the women’s game at 1:05, followed by the men’s game. 


PENSACOLA ICE FLYERS HOCKEY vs MACON MAYHEM- Sat Dec 30 7:05pm, Pensacola Bay Center, CLICK HERE   


POLAR BEAR DIP - Mon Jan 1, 12 noon, Flora-Bama Lounge, Perdido Key

Ring in the New Year by taking a dip into the Gulf of Mexico at high noon. Dippers and other participants dress up or just show up for this special day. The Flora-Bama provides the traditional feast with black-eyed peas, collards, ham, and dinner rolls for those who take the plunge.  CLICK HERE   


HAPPY NOON YEAR- Sat Dec 30, 9am-2pm, Gulf Coast Exploreum, downtown Mobile

Ring in the New Year with family-friendly experiences that explore the world of science, technology, engineering and math.  When the clock strikes noon, a Moonpie will drop, heralding in even more fun throughout the building. Be sure to not miss the Big Boom in the courtyard, when the Exploreum sends hundreds of plastic balls flying through the air. CLICK HERE    


CURIOUS GEORGE: LET’S GET CURIOUS - Thru Jan 7, Gulf Coast Exploreum, downtown Mobile

The new exhibit, Curious George: Let’s Get Curious!, will introduce young children to Curious George’s world and lead visitors on a fun, meaningful interactive math, science and engineering-based adventure. CLICK HERE   




NEW YEAR’S EVE--


MOONPIE OVER MOBILE- Sun Dec 31st, 8pm until 12 midnight, downtown Mobile

George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic headline an evening of entertainment capped by the Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Atmore Fireworks Show at midnight. Events include cutting of the World’s Largest Moonpie (at 8pm) and a Second Line parade from the Riverview to the Main Stage (at 9pm).   CLICK HERE    


KAZOO’S NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION Sun Dec 31st, 5pm-8pm, Community Maritime Park, Pensacola

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos will hold its inaugural Kazoo's New Year's Celebration at Blue Wahoos Stadium this year with the support of the City of Pensacola and the Parks and Recreation Department. The family-friendly night will feature the Pelican Drop, fireworks, inflatables, face painting and live music on the field.  CLICK HERE 


PENSACOLA BEACH NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKSSun Dec 31st 8pm, Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce, CLICK HERE


CITY OF FAIRHOPE NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION- Sun Dec 31st, 8:30pm- 12:30am, Section Street, downtown Fairhope

Residents and visitors are invited to bring their families and ring in the New Year dancing to the band, B Street Benny. 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 


REELIN’ IN THE NEW YEAR STREET PARTY- Sun Dec 31st, 5pm-12 midnight, The Wharf, Orange Beach

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


FLORA-BAMA NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH- Sun Dec 31st 7pm-until, Flora-Bama Lounge, Perdido Key

Blow it all out before making those pesky resolutions. Live music on all three stages will be rockin’ until the party stops. Food, party favors, and champagne flow all night help bring in the New Year the Flora-Bama way.  CLICK HERE   


PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA presents CELEBRATE THE NEW YEARSun Dec 31st, 7pm, Pensacola Saenger Theatre, CLICK HERE    

     


MOVIES:


JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE (PG13)Four teenagers discover an old video game console and are literally drawn into the game's jungle setting becoming the adult avatars they chose. Stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black


THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (PG)Inspired by the imagination of P.T. Barnum, The Greatest Showman is an original musical that celebrates the birth of show business and tells of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation.  Stars Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron


PITCH PERFECT 3 (PG13)Following their win at the world championship, the now separated Bellas reunite for one last singing competition at an overseas USO tour, but face a group who uses both instruments and voices.  Stars Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld


DOWNSIZING (R) A social satire in which a guy realizes he would have a better life if he were to shrink himself.  Stars Matt Damon, Kristen Wiig


FATHER FIGURES (R)Upon learning that their mother has been lying to them for years about their allegedly deceased father, two fraternal twin brothers hit the road in order to find him.  Stars Owen Wilson, Ed Helms, Terry Bradshaw, Christopher Walken


Don’t plan your weekend without your Best Bets- local events, movies, concerts and more!


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