Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights Guide

At a Glance 

• The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights is a collection of holiday celebrations among several cities and towns in central and northern Louisiana from November through early January.
• Enjoy dazzling light displays, festive parades, live performances, seasonal attractions, Christmas festivals, fireworks, holiday markets, delicious foods and local entertainment.

"It’s the most wonderful tiiiiiime of the year!" And across the sate, we celebrate the holidays with the flavorful festivals, traditional sounds and sights of merrymaking that only Louisiana could serve up. The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights celebrates the joy of the season, spreading Christmas cheer with beautiful displays of holiday lights, parades, live music, theater performances, visits from Santa and more.

Alexandria & Pineville 

Visit Alexandria and Pineville, located in the “Heart of Louisiana,” to get into the holiday spirit, from holiday home tours to live symphony performances. Pop over to AlexWinterFête and glide across an outdoor ice-skating rink, warm up with eats from local vendors and enjoy fireworks over the Red River. End the weekend shopping for the perfect holiday gift, handmade goodies or original works by local artists, or by seeing the Holiday Light Safari at the Alexandria Zoo. 
 

Minden

Minden’s sweet holiday charm offers a perfect setting to warm up this holiday season. In November, Minden kicks things off with its Main to Main Trade Days, featuring art, antiques, home furnishings, jewelry and more. Downtown shops embrace a festival-like atmosphere, with outdoor shopping and food and craft vendors. 

Continue shopping along historic Minden Main Street, learn more about the town’s history on a hayride tour and stroll cobbled streets to admire the holiday lights. Don’t forget to take photos with the life-sized nutcrackers that line the streets downtown, a nod to the city’s German heritage.

Monroe-West Monroe

Monroe and West Monroe have a jam-packed holiday schedule! See special holiday decorations and check out the exhibits at the Biedenharn Museum & Gardens or enjoy the Christmas on the River fireworks. Of course, there's always great shopping at antiques stores, boutiques and more along West Monroe’s Antique Alley. 

Natchitoches

Head to Natchitoches, Louisiana’s oldest city, for the perfect dose of holiday spirit. The annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival features more than 300,000 lights illuminating downtown Natchitoches, plus charming light displays along Cane River Lake. It's a magical backdrop for the spectacular Saturday evening fireworks, entertainment, food vendors, shopping and more. Explore the historic district on an evening horse-and-carriage ride, soaking up the charm of one of the 25 Best Christmas Towns in the U.S.

Shreveport-Bossier

Shreveport-Bossier’s annual holiday events might just make your heart grow three sizes. The Christmas in Roseland display transforms America's Rose Garden into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights. Take the kids to try something new at the Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival for rocking music, fireworks and pictures with Santa. Check out BELIEVE! Lights the Night at the Shreveport Aquarium for an interactive holiday experience, where your motion-activated magic Christmas wand lights trees, plays music, sparks a cozy fireplace and even makes it snow.

Ruston 

Make your way to Ruston for the annual Holiday Open House and Kickoff to Christmas for special deals at local businesses, a spectacular tree lighting, and holiday lights and decorations around the town. Take advantage of extended shopping hours and sales, then head to Holidays in CedarTown, a premier holiday market with an array of vendors for every need. Stop by downtown Ruston for a beloved family tradition — the Christmas Cookie Crawl. Each local business provides a delicious holiday cookie, plus deals and specials. You’ll leave with a full belly and Christmas gifts for the entire family!

Logansport

Is Logansport’s Christmas festival on your holiday itinerary? Make your list and check it twice, because it should be! The Logansport Christmas Festival, from November through early January, starts with stunning Christmas lights and decorations along the Sabine Riverfront. Enjoy food and craft vendors, visit Santa’s house for a few pictures — and to put in a good word with Saint Nick — and ride the holiday train.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights? 

The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights is a regional holiday celebration featuring Christmas lights, parades, live music, shopping, food, entertainment and family-friendly events across communities in north and central Louisiana. 

What cities are included along the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights? 

The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights takes place in cities and towns throughout the state, including Alexandria/Pineville, Minden, Monroe-West Monroe, Natchitoches, Shreveport-Bossier, Ruston and Logansport. Each destination offers its own holiday lights, events and attractions. 

When does the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights take place? 

Holiday events along the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights generally begin in November and continue through the holiday season into late December or early January. Exact dates vary by community, so visitors should check the individual destination's current event schedule when planning a trip. 

Is the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights free? 

There is no single admission price for the entire Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights. Each community hosts its own holiday attractions and events, and some activities may be free while others may require admission. Check the current event information for the specific destination and activity you plan to visit. 

What can you do on the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights? 

Visitors can see Christmas light displays, attend holiday parades and festivals, listen to live music, shop for gifts, enjoy seasonal food, visit Santa and participate in family-friendly activities. Depending on the destination, activities can also include fireworks, holiday markets, theater performances, ice skating and magical light displays. 

What is the best city to visit on the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights? 

The best destination depends on what you want to experience. Natchitoches is known for its large Christmas light display; Alexandria/Pineville offers holiday events and the Holiday Light Safari; Minden combines historic downtown charm with holiday lights and shopping; and Shreveport-Bossier offers several major holiday attractions and light displays. 

Is the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights good for families? 

Yes! The trail offers many family-friendly holiday experiences, including visits with Santa, Christmas light displays, parades, holiday markets, fireworks, live entertainment and activities for children.