Thanksgiving at Chuck's Fish, Mobile

Years ago, after Charles Morgan had opened Harbor Dock’s Restaurant in Destin, and before Chuck’s Fish in Mobile and Dharma Blue in Pensacola existed, they had a cook from Andalusia, Alabama, named Ann Jones who worked in the Harbor Dock’s kitchen for over 30 years. One day, she suggested to Charles that they open the restaurant for Thanksgiving.

“We were always open, and I felt that Thanksgiving was the one day we should let our employees be with their families. But we decided to open on Thanksgiving because the tourists who were visiting Destin had nowhere to go. Nothing was open except a few hotel restaurants,” says Charles.

A few hundred people showed up, and Harbor Docks used Ann’s recipes to create a traditional Thanksgiving feast. Charles saw that people wanted a place to celebrate Thanksgiving together and decided to make it a thing. 

“We have made a really good living in the restaurant business, so why not have one day a year where we serve people in the community for free, so we began offering a full Thanksgiving meal for anyone who wanted to come. At first, people said they wanted to come, but thought it was just for homeless people. We told them it’s for anyone, and guests showed up and began donating to the cause. We didn’t even ask.”

Charles tells me they have been preparing for weeks and expect large crowds at their restaurants that will be open for Thanksgiving, including Chuck’s Fish in Mobile. “We will serve over 2000 meals at Harbor Docks and at Chuck’s Fish in Tuscaloosa on Thanksgiving. Mobile will have a good crowd. It’s a fun way to give thanks, and we enjoy doing it.”

The funds voluntarily donated will go back into the communities these restaurants serve. It is just one of the ways in which good people help others in the Scenic 98 Coastal area. We appreciate all the organizations that make our communities better and stronger. 

Thanks to Chuck’s Fish, Harbor Docks, and all the staff for making the effort to celebrate Thanksgiving in such a meaningful way! Happy Thanksgiving to all! 

December Can't Miss Events

Experience the Magic: 30th Annual Magic Christmas in Lights Bellingrath Gardens and Home

Now through January 6

Explore the enchanting 30th Annual Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens & Home — a festive paradise on the Gulf Coast! 

Wander through a dazzling 65-acre Garden estate adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. The Bellingrath Home adds to the holiday ambiance with elegant décor and vibrant poinsettias.

Discover the magic of Alabama as our talented staff handcrafts each light display with care and creativity. Immerse yourself in the season’s sounds with live musical performances throughout the Gardens.

Savor the festive spirit with holiday treats and warm beverages — from seasonal delights to timeless favorites, there’s something for everyone. Create lasting memories with family and friends against the radiant backdrop of our displays.
Bellingrath Gardens & Home’s Magic Christmas in Lights is a cherished tradition that brings people together in the true spirit of the season.

A Christmas Story: The Musical! Saenger Theater Pensacola

December 2nd and 3rd

From the songwriting team behind the smash hit Tony Award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen and the critically-acclaimed films La La Land and The Greatest Showman, A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL, brings the classic 1983 movie to hilarious life on stage! 

Set in 1940s Indiana, a young and bespectacled Ralphie Parker schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams, an official Red Ryder® Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. An infamous leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a maniacal department store Santa, and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the distractions that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas wish. 

Nominated for three 2013 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the Associated Press calls A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL “a joyous Christmas miracle,” while The New York Times writes, “I was dazzled. You’d have to have a Grinch-sized heart not to feel a smile spreading across your face.”

Runtime: 2 hours & 15 minutes, including an intermission

Age recommendation: Ages 5+

Flora-Bama Annual Santa Drop

December 6, 11 AM - 2 PM

What’s Better Than Watching Santa Jump Out Of A Perfectly Good Plane?

Flora-Bama kicks off the Christmas holidays with their annual Santa Drop at the World Famous Flora-Bama! You don't need to pay $20 to take a picture with Santa at the mall... see Santa skydive onto our white sandy beaches, then jump in line in the Tent for Santa pics! It doesn’t matter how old you are; you can still sit on Santa’s lap and ask for whatever you want. 

Beginning at 11 AM, before Santa arrives at 12:30 PM, we'll have kids' crafts, games, live music featuring holiday tunes for the kiddos, face painting, juice, and sweet treats - best of all, it's all FREE!

Toys for Tots will be on site, accepting unwrapped and unopened toy donations to help kids in need this Christmas. Anyone who donates a toy gets a free drink card!
And no worries, we'll have plenty of Bushwackers for sale at the bar for those of age.

Pensacola's Children's Chorus presents: Christmas on the Coast!

Join the Pensacola Children’s Chorus in celebrating the holiday season with an enchanting evening of music, featuring fresh takes on beloved holiday classics and fan-favorite moments from the past 35 years of Christmas on the Coast performances.

Highlights include an adventure to Toyland to see wooden soldiers on parade, a party with Santa's reindeer at the North Pole Academy of Reindeer Aviation, and a musical retelling of A Christmas Carol, complete with vivid costumes and a theatrical flair. From traditional carols to spirited new arrangements, this festive concert promises to warm hearts and captivate audiences of all ages.

Mobile Symphony Orchestra presents Holiday Cheer!

Two Shows at Mobile's Saenger Theater, December 13th and 14th

Celebrate your holidays with the MSO! Guest conductor Teresa Cheung is joined by the talented duo of Lelm & Langford to create a sparkling and jazzy salute to the holidays! All things merry and bright!

Teresa Cheung, guest conductor
Kristin Lelm, vocalist, and Paul Langford, arranger and vocalist