Holiday festivities full of cheer for everyone

Published Nov. 28, 2011
By 81st Training Wing
81st Force Support Squadron

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- A variety of family-friendly festivities are planned by the 81st Force Support Squadron to brighten this holiday season.

Dec. 1

3:30 p.m., free 5-kilometer Jingle Bell Run/Walk, marina park. Register at 3 p.m. Awards presented to top three finishers in the male and female divisions. Holiday attire encouraged. Hosted by the fitness centers.

4:30 p.m., Holiday in the Park, marina park. Kickoff the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony, hay rides, holiday music by the Keesler Choir, visit with Santa, free food and beverages.

Dec. 1-18 Elf Vandy. Commanders, first sergeants and supervisors, thank the people working on Christmas Day with a goody bag. Registration, donations and pick-up at Vandenberg Community Center. Bags should be picked up by 6 p.m. Dec. 24. Free to participate.

Dec. 2

6:30-9 p.m., Cocktails and Canvas, arts and crafts center. Paint a unique gift on canvas using acrylics. Light snacks provided, bring your favorite beverage. $15 per person. Registration required; call 377-2821.

Dec. 3

8 a.m., holiday shopping trip to the Tanger Outlets in Foley, Ala. Bus departs the Bay Breeze Event Center at 8 a.m., returns 5 p.m. $25 per person; 15-24 people. Sign up at information, tickets and travel office by Nov. 30 or call 377-3818.

Noon to 8 p.m., holiday tree trimming party, Vandenberg Community Center. Join the "V" staff and fellow nonprior service students to deck the halls, trim the tree and enjoy free cookies and cocoa. Decorations provided or bring your own.

3 p.m., boarding time for Christmas on the Water, base marina. Be a part of Biloxi's 26th annual boat parade aboard the Keesler Dolphin II. $40 per person, includes boat ride, fireworks, food and beverages. Sign up by Dec. 1; tickets first come, first served. For more information, call 377-3160.

Dec. 7

4-5 p.m., free children's story time, McBride Library. Holiday themed stories and crafts, ages 3-12. Co-hosted by airman and family readiness center as part of the family resiliency training program.

Dec. 9

12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., penguin decorating, arts and crafts center. Kids of all ages are invited to transform a bowling pin into their very own tuxedo clad friend. $5 per person. Registration required; call 377-2821.

Dec. 10

9 a.m. to noon, breakfast and bowling with Santa, Gaudé Lanes. Bring the whole family for a delicious breakfast and bowl a few games with old Saint Nick. $10 per person, Free ages 4 and younger.

6-10 p.m., teen holiday Party, youth center. Rock the night away with a reindeer skating race, music, crafts, holiday helping projects and more. $5 admission.

Dec. 14

10 a.m., Christmas in Candy Land, McBride Library. 10-11 a.m., holiday themed story time and crafts, ages 3-5.

1-5 p.m., Everyone is invited to come and see the library's holiday displays and enjoy free refreshments.

4-6 p.m., Enjoy traditional children's holiday stories and create holiday crafts at the library. Free hot chocolate and treats for the whole family.

Dec. 16

6:30-9:30 p.m., Friday night fun holiday party, youth center. Celebrate the holidays with festive games, refreshments, music and surprises, ages 6-12. $10 for first child, $5 each additional. Registration required. Drop-ins welcome on a space-available basis; call 377-4116.

Dec. 17

8:30 a.m., Santa scramble golf tournament, Bay Breeze Golf Course. Two-person select shot with handicap by flight. Prices vary. Fee includes greens, cart, food, drinks, prizes and giveaways. Registration required; call 377-3832.

10 a.m. to 10 p.m., 12 hours of "A Christmas Story", Bay Breeze Community Center. Enjoy this holiday favorite as it plays nonstop. Free popcorn. Order from the grill or bring a snack.

Dec. 18

11 a.m. to 1 p.m., brunch with Santa, Bay Breeze Event Center ballroom. Get a picture with Santa. Live entertainment provided by Jesse Hill. $17.95 for Air Force Club members, $22.95 nonmembers; ages 4-10 half-price, ages 3 and younger free. Reservations required, call 377-2334.

Dec. 19-23

Full day holiday camp, youth center for school-age program and open recreation. Registration required, call 377-4116.

Dec. 27-30

Full day holiday camp, youth center for school-age program only. Registration required, call 377-4116.

Dec. 31

8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Free New Year's Eve party, Vandenberg Community Center. Ring in 2012 playing video games, pool, ping-pong, cards or board games. Watch the ball
drop on the big screen. Nonprior service students only.

8 p.m. to 1 a.m., club New Year's Eve Party, Bay Breeze Event Center ballroom with 80s theme, live entertainment, contests, hors d'oeuvres and late night breakfast. $35 for Air Force Club members, $45 nonmembers. Tickets available at the collocated club Dec. 1-22, Bay Breeze Pro Shop Dec. 23-31 or at the door.

8 p.m. to 1 a.m., New Year's Eve Party, Gaudé Lanes. Bowling, dancing, party favors, food and drinks. $35 for adults, $25 for ages 6-17, free for ages 5 and younger. Alcoholic beverages sold separately.