What to do in Louisiana this Christmas season? Check out these 12 events
The state of Louisiana knows how to celebrate like no other and, during the holidays, there are plenty of festivities to take part in.
Whether it's visits with Santa, traditional bonfire festivals, firework shows, parades or decoration displays, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Christmastime in Louisiana.
The 12 Days of Christmas Louisiana-style by Explore Louisiana
Celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas Louisiana-style at these events and activities from Explore Louisiana .
1. North Louisiana Christmas Celebrations
If you're celebrating Christmas in North Louisiana, you should begin with Ruston's Kickoff to Christmas, which features festive activities, holiday music, a tree lighting ceremony, carriage rides and a visit from Santa. Then, in Monroe, you can check out the Christmas Open House at Biedenharn Museum & Gardens, where visitors will be delighted by holiday decor, says Explore Louisiana.
2. Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival
On Dec. 6, attendees of the Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival will have the opportunity to shop the wide selection of arts and crafts, as well as feast on fair-styled foods while being entertained by local cheer and dance groups, church choirs, artists and bands. After enjoying other entertainment and visiting Santa, children and families can enjoy the grand finale fireworks show as it lights up the night sky, says Visit Shreveport-Bossier .
3. Natchitoches Christmas Festival
The Natchitoches Christmas Festival is a a six-week-long celebration where the downtown area is transformed into a winter wonderland with over 300,00 lights and more than 100 display pieces. At this festival, visitors can enjoy cookies with Santa, a drone and firework show, weekly live music, as well as a holiday market.
4. Christmas in the Country
The town of St. Francisville will be hosting Christmas in the Country on Dec. 5, 6 and 7. Here, visitors can enjoy a tree lighting, living nativity, parade, breakfast with Santa, peak into holiday homes, as well as live entertainment, shopping from local businesses and holiday foods, says Visit St. Francisville .
5. Light Up the Lake Christmas Celebration
Light Up the Lake Christmas Celebration in Lake Charles features a holiday art walk, local food trucks with festive food items and drinks, live performances, as well as Santa's Workshop where children can create holiday crafts and meet Santa himself. As the event continues into the night, there will be a lighted boat parade and a firework show along the Lakefront Promenade, according to Explore Louisiana.
6. Logansport Christmas Festival
This year, the theme of the Logansport Christmas Festival is "A Storybook Christmas," and visitors are invited to sit back, relax, as well as enjoy decorations and lights straight from "A Christmas Story." As attendees browse food and craft vendors, they can visit Santa's house, ride the holiday train and wander Main Street after dark in order to take in the Christmas Lights, according to Explore Louisiana.
7. Christmas Markets
There are plenty of Christmas Markets during the holiday season in Louisiana, like the Merry Market in Gonzales, which is one of the largest markets in the state and includes vendors from across the country. Another shopping opportunity is at the Holiday Market at the Mill in New Roads, where guests can engage in shopping and dining in a charming holiday atmosphere, according to Explore Louisiana.
8. Cajun Bonfires
Bonfires on the levee at the Algiers Bonfire & Concert is a South Louisiana tradition where visitors can listen to musical performances, indulge in food from local vendors and shop at the holiday craft market as a 30-foot sculptural bonfire is set ablaze. Another tradition is the Festival of the Bonfires in Lutcher, which dates back to the 1800s, says Explore Louisiana.
9. Northshore Christmas Events
During the holidays, the Louisiana Northshore lights up with glimmering holiday lights and celebrates with a Christmas parade on the Mandeville Lakefront. Here, visitors can hear the sounds of the season, shop at the annual Christmas extravaganza arts and crafts expo, as well as taste special holiday dishes, says Explore Louisiana.
10. Alexandria Holiday Events
In Alexandria, there's plenty of holiday cheer and festive events, including the Rapides Symphony Orchestra's annual concert and the Holiday Light Safari at the Alexandria Zoo, says Explore Louisiana.
11. A Rural Life Christmas
In Baton Rouge, the Rural Life Museum hosts A Rural Life Christmas, which is a 19th-century Louisiana Christmas celebration with decorations representative of bygone times displayed throughout the museum grounds. Here, there will be artisans demonstrating syrup making, open-hearth cooking, textiles, soap making and blacksmithing, according to Explore Louisiana.
12. NOLA ChristmasFest
At NOLA ChristmasFest, visitors can take part in many Yuletide traditions, from gingerbread villages and ice skating to enjoying sweet treats from Mrs. Claus. This year, the festival will take place from Dec. 20 until Dec. 29. Make sure to enjoy plenty of cocoa, candy canes and carnival rides at this festival.
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: What to do in Louisiana this Christmas. 12 ways to take in the holiday
