Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee: A Louisiana Tradition
The Great River Road region from New Orleans to Baton Rouge can lay claim to one of the more unusual public holiday lighting displays you’ll find in Louisiana: Christmas Bonfires on the Levee.
Louisiana’s Unique Christmas Tradition
On the earthen levees bordering the Mississippi River, you'll find that local Christmas lights aren’t twinkling bulbs, but instead dozens of 20-to-30-foot-high flaming pyramids of burning logs — like at the Festival of the Bonfires in Lutcher or the Algiers Bonfire & Concert. While the bonfires are, of course, the star of the show, both festivals offer additional activities like amusement rides, craft markets and great food. The Christmas bonfires are mostly pyramid-shaped, but some can be more fanciful assemblages paying tribute to each area's culture and heritage, from replica paddlewheel steamships to local critters like alligators or pelicans. Bonfires are built by families, friends and co-workers who visit, cook and mingle between the fires. It’s a local celebration with an environment akin to football tailgating. The practice has continued for generations and it’s definitely worth a visit in December.
Where to See Louisiana’s Christmas Bonfires
St. James Parish is the heart of this tradition, with the best views found around Gramercy, Lutcher and Paulina. The spectacle attracts locals and visitors alike, who park along state highways 18 and 44 to view the bonfires up close. Popular spots for the Christmas Eve bonfires include:
- Baton Rouge
- New Orleans
- Algiers
- St. James Parish
- Lutcher
- Gramercy
- Paulina
The best viewing is by car along the east- and west-bank River Roads and by walking along the levees. Bonfire parties are not necessarily open to the public, but onlookers will likely be offered kind words and holiday greetings should they mingle on foot.
The History Behind Louisiana’s Bonfire Tradition
The origins of Louisiana’s Christmas bonfires are somewhat unclear. They may date back to French Marist priests who came to Louisiana just after the Civil War to teach at local cottages and adapted an ancient tradition that’s found throughout western Europe. Oral histories dating to the 1880s include mention of these fires. In the decades since, the annual event has become more popular with locals and tourists alike — just drive down state highways 18 and 44 on Christmas Eve, and you’ll notice long lines of spectators’ cars parked at the foot of the levees.
The young and the young at heart continue the bonfire tradition today. Ask a local about why bonfires are made and celebrated here, and the most common response is that the fires illuminate the way for Santa Claus (or Papa Noel, as the Cajuns say) flying his sleigh and eight reindeer to find the homes of good children.
How to Build a Traditional Louisiana Bonfire
Building the bonfires in a cone or pyramid shape on the levee in a method rooted in tradition and passed from generation to generation. If you’re wondering how locals construct these 15-foot-tall structures, see these steps:
- The wood most often used comes from trash trees whose gathering helps clear out overgrowth. Hardwoods are avoided. Willow trees and other fast growing, dry varieties work best and adding cane reed gives it a festive pop and sparkle while burning.
- Traditional, pyramid-shaped bonfires have four, six or eight sides. Six is the most traditional, resulting in a hexagon-shaped base.
- Ground the center pole at least 2 feet deep and so that it stands no higher than 15 feet, per regulations. Prepare a circular piece of plywood, cutting a half-moon shape into the circle’s diameter for each of the side poles, evenly spaced around the circle.
- Add your side poles, grounding them securely, each at the same distance to the center pole and leaning in. The further away from the center pole, the longer logs you will need. Ensure the base area does not cover more than 12x12 feet. Wire the side poles to the plywood using 16-pound wire or larger.
- To begin boxing your bonfire, form the first side by laying a log inside two of the side posts. Do the same for every other side, leaving an open space in-between. For a six-sided bonfire, you’ll lay three logs for the first layer.
- Place logs for the remaining sides in the same fashion, topping the first layer at the corners at the inside of the bonfire.
- Repeat the process, using smaller logs as you move up the bonfire to create the iconic pyramid shape.
- As the structure gains height, fill the center with leftover pieces of wood, smaller logs, branches and cane reed, leaving heavier pieces on the bottom. This is called the gut.
- Diesel fuel can be added to the gut to aid in the burning, and firecrackers and sparklers can add even more to the spectacle
. - Very carefully light your bonfire and enjoy its festive glow with your loved ones. Papa Noel is on his way!
Explore More Holiday Traditions Across Louisiana
While the bonfires are a must-see, the state offers even more holiday cheer. Check out the Holiday Trail of Lights in North Louisiana or explore other Cajun Christmas traditions to fully experience Louisiana’s festive season.