New Orleans is about 1 1/2 hrs - Mobile AL is an hour away. There is a huge flea market in Mobile (search online) there are Mardi Gras parades in various towns all around starting beginning of Feb ( search Mardi Gras 2017) and the casinos and they all have entertainers there for shows. There is a sidewalk that runs along the beach and you can bicycle 28 miles along the coast. There is an alligator farm with air boat rides I think in Moss Point. Take a boat out to Cat Island . Look for christmas activites in all the towns around. There is a boat parade in Biloxi, Waveland and maybe others. Nothing is far away, so wander the coast. Could even visit Pensacola FL or Dophin Island for a day. Have Fun