Biloxi, Mississippi is the place to be this holiday season as they will host their 5th Annual Biloxi Christmas in the City. Over one hundred merchants, artisans, and antique dealers will gather together for the area’s biggest unique Christmas shopping and holiday celebration extravaganza. You can find something for everyone on your list while given the chance to purchase unique gifts from the area’s favorite vendors.

Get your Christmas shopping done right on time so you don’t have to worry about the last minute rush and gift monotony of the regular mall experience. Bring out the whole family and enjoy a day of fun and celebration with a holiday theme. The 5th Annual Biloxi Christmas in the City celebration will feature their very own live Santa so you can get those favorite holiday picture with your kids. Also enjoy live entertainment from the Biloxi MS area’s best performers and musical talents. Walk the streets of downtown Biloxi while sampling treats from food and candy vendors.

Special holiday samples such as hot cocoa and Christmas cookies will be readily available and there will even be many complimentary refreshments. Get there early so you will be sure to taste all of the treats while they are still available.

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The Holiday Jazz Festival is an annual event and this year promises first class entertainment for the Thanksgiving weekend. The Hyatt Regency Resort will host a concert with Chris Botti on November 27th, 2009 and Boney James on November 28th, 2009. Chris Botti is a trumpeter and has worked with Bob Dylan, Sting, Paul Simon and Aretha Franklin. Boney James plays the saxophone and is a Grammy Award nominee.

Doors open at 7.00pm and the concerts commence at 8.00pm.

There are two ticket options:
Individual VIP Tickets - $95 for each concert includes preferred seating at the venue and entrance to the pre-concert wine reception at the Hyatt Casino.
Reserved Seating Tickets - $65 for each concert.

Individual tickets can be ordered through the concierge at the Lake Tahoe Hyatt Regency by phoning (949) 360.7800. For reservations or more information on the Holiday Jazz Festival Thanksgiving Day Dining or overnight packages, phone the Hyatt Regency Resort, Spa and Casino on (775) 832.1234.

Every year over 80,000 spectators gather in Palm Springs, CA to witness the Festival of Lights Parade. This monumental event features breath taking floats, horses, and big rigs, all riding downtown to bring in the holiday season. Given the name in the early nineties, the Palm Springs Festival of Lights holds true to its title, displaying hundreds of lighted vehicles and floats to light up the winter night sky. This annual event will even feature some highly anticipated celebrity appearances as well as live music from today’s hottest bands.

The Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade welcomes in guests from around the world as this event is larger than life. Each year this event allows its coordinators to keep giving to local and nation-wide charities that support the health and wellness of children. This year, the parade title sponsor is The City of Palm Springs and the presenting sponsors will be the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.  

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The DSES Island Extravaganza on December 12th, 2009 is a fundraiser benefit for the Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra. The DSES is run by volunteers and is a non-profit organization that assists adults and children with disabilities. This very worthy cause is celebrating its work with a party that will feature live music and a DJ. Canyon Lodge in Mammoth in California is the host and the evening will also include dinner, a raffle, and a large Silent Auction.

The DSES organizes outdoor activities for people with disabilities, enabling them to do a range of winter and summer sports. This is possible with the adaptive equipment provided and the expert tuition from instructors. The organization is always grateful for volunteers and for donations.

For more information on the DSES Island Extravaganza or to book tickets, contact Christine Souza at csouza@disabledsportseasternsierra.org.

Get up close and personal with some of your favorite actors, actresses, directors, and writers from across the world with the 2009 Whistler Film Festival at Whistler Village. It’s time to celebrate the 9th annual Whistler Film Festival with over 90 film viewings, 40 feature length and 50 shorts.

This competitive event will present over $40,000 in prizes with seven distinct awards. Most of the films will feature Canadian actors, actresses and directors, but there will be a good 30% of the films from America and around the world. The 2009 Whistler Film Festival will start off with an elegant Gala event that will feature some of the industry’s greatest talents. Special guest speakers and entertainment presentations will all be a part of this incredible start to an even more incredible annual film festival.

As the films are being shown, and between feature film presentations, there will be several events scheduled; the highlight of these being the celebrity ski race challenge. Of course, you can’t forget the fantastic Festival Party that will feature delicious foods, incredible drinks, live music and much more. You will be given the freedom to choose which films you would like to see, as tickets to each film are sold separately. The 2009 Whistler Film Festival will end out on a sweet note with the annual closing brunch and finale film. All film presentations will be at the Village 8 Cinemas, or the Whistler Conference Center.

This four day event will take place between December 3rd, 2009 and December 6th, 2009. For more information on the 2009 Whistler Film Festival ticket pre-sales or events call 1.877.838.FILMS.

The Lighting of Breckenridge is the biggest holiday event of the season in this area! Stop on by for holiday festivities that will appeal to the entire family with plenty of food, craft, shopping, and contests to keep you jolly and entertained all day long.

Main Street Breckenridge will transform into an unforgettable winter wonderland for the start of the holiday season. Take part in the cheer by partaking of the complimentary hot beverages, cookies, and of course, caroling. Join the procession as Santa Claus leads the parade down Main Street, arriving at Main Street Station. There will even be a giant Christmas tree lighting to complete the event, as the Lightning of Breckenridge gets its name.

Follow Santa inside the Blue River Plaza for photographs with the jolly man himself as well as an incredible indoor holiday concert with all of the favorite songs of the season. Tour the area and enjoy its colorful splendor while taking your time to paruse the shops for gifts that will delight your loved ones.

The Lighting of Breckenridge is one yearly event that should not be missed! Join in on all for the fun on December 5th, 2009 at Main Street Breckenridge as well as Main Street Station. For additional Breckenridge Holiday news call 888.251.2417.

Come on down to historic Downtown Dillon, Colorado for a holiday arts and crafts festival that is primarily for the kids in your life.

Children of all ages are welcome to accompany Mom and Dad for a day filled with seasonal music and even complimentary food and sweets. At the Lighting of Dillon there will be a Santa and Mrs. Claus for plenty of photo opportunities as well as interactive craft booths so your child or children are able to take home mementos of their lovely day.

Also sample delicious seasonal beverages like hot cocao, tea, and more as well as visit vendors from the most gifted artists and craft makers of this region. The Lighting of Dillon is topped off by a visit from the official “lightning” of the town so don’t leave before the surprise is unfurled! This event begins on December 3, 2009, and is an all-day affair. All you have to do is bring your family to have some fun, no tickets required!

For a unique and unforgettable Christmas memory, check out the 8th Annual Christmas on the Bayou. Unlike other holiday happenings, this event takes place on top of water! This lighted boat parade is scheduled to take place on the Bayou at Big Lake in Bayou Bernard, Gulfport, MS. There is nothing else like it, and just as soon as it starts getting dark you will start to see beautiful decorated boats light up the entire Bayou.

The 8th Annual Christmas on the Bayou is free for spectators and will provide bleacher seating for its eager onlookers. Don’t be afraid to bring your own blankets and chairs to curl up with your friends and family and enjoy the view. The 8th Annual Christmas on the Bayou will take place on December 12th, 2009 at 6:00pm and will last until the last boats turns around and shuts off their lights.

Enjoy the company of your loved ones while viewing one of the most spectacular sights in the Southeast. The 8th Annual Christmas on the Bayou lighted boat parade was awarded as one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Fall Events, and is definitely one of the most unique traditions in the entire nation. No one else celebrates the joys of the season like the people of Bayou Bernard, Gulfport MS. Take a seat at the foot of famous Lorrain Bridge to watch the boats take sail for a Christmas cause. For more information about the 8th Annual Christmas on the Bayou call 228.324.2724.

The Country Christmas Faire is an annual event that takes place on the weekend following Thanksgiving and the dates for the 25th Faire in 2009 are November 27th – November 29th. The Faire, held at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, California, has a reputation for being one of the best shows to display local crafts. More than 100 artisans come to sell their work and there are lots of other attractions, including a community bonfire, live entertainment, food, carols, and wagon rides. Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves are in attendance and there is a free babysitting service.

The hours are as follows:
 November 27th – 10.00 am – 5.00 pm
 November 28th – 10.00 am – 5.00 pm
 November 29th – 10.00 am – 4.00 pm

Admission: $4
Free Admission for children under 12 years of age.
$1 off admission coupon for November 29th.

For more information on the 2009 Country Christmas Faire, call (530) 273-6217.

Photo Credit: zemistor

Lake Tahoe is a family geared community, but with plenty of things to do in Tahoe for the adults and teens. Whether you are a family with small children, or a couple on their honeymoon, the possibilities are endless. The winter season is prime time for all of the great things to do in Tahoe. This is because the city and surrounding areas are abuzz with festivals, skiing opportunities, and loads of specials and discounted rates on lodging and winter sports.

In fact, this season will provide an especially satisfying time for those who are looking to stay on the move with things to do in Tahoe. For a change of pace to the normal winter stay at Lake Tahoe, try taking a dog sledding adventure! With your guide you will navigate through the woods behind a pack of beautiful trained canines that know the mountains like the back of their paws. How about snowmobiling down the peaks, faster than you ever thought possible? Everyone thinks about skiing when they think about the things to do in Tahoe, but how about trying something new!

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