Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee: A Louisiana Tradition

Louisiana’s Unique Christmas Tradition

On the earthen levees bordering the Mississippi River, you'll find the local Christmas lights aren’t twinkling bulbs — they’re dozens of 20-to-30-foot-high flaming pyramids of burning logs. The Christmas Eve bonfires are mostly pyramid-shaped, but some can be more impressive wooden sculptures that pay tribute to each area's culture and heritage, from replica paddlewheel steamships to alligators, blue crabs or pelicans. 

Bonfires are built by families, friends and coworkers 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 Christmas Eve Bonfires

Bonfires In & Near New Orleans

While the majority of Christmas Eve bonfires are found on the levee in St. James Parish, folks looking to enjoy the festivities closer to New Orleans have a few options, too. 

Algiers Holiday Bonfire & Concert
Join the revelry at the only bonfire in New Orleans, which is both free and open to everyone. Get swept away in the Louisiana holiday spirit thanks to live music, a local artisans market and, of course, plenty of food vendors dishing up local deliciousness. Note that this event is held in early to mid-December. Find more information on Algiers Holiday Bonfire & Concert. 

New Orleans Christmas Eve Bonfire Adventure
Hop on a motorcoach for a full day of holiday adventure, including a Cajun Christmas Eve dinner, courtesy of Gray Line Tours. Once the sun goes down, let the eggnog and carols flow as you marvel at the crackling bonfires of Gramercy. Learn more about the Christmas Eve Bonfire Adventure.

Bonfires in St. James Parish

St. James Parish is the heart of the bonfires-on-the-levee 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. 

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. 

Festival of the Bonfires
Lutcher’s annual fiery affair gives visitors a chance to feel the heat of the holiday excitement first-hand with a full weekend of live music, Creole, Cajun and soul-food vendors, and — of course — flames licking the starry Southern night sky. Note that this event is held in early to mid-December. Learn more about the Festival of the Bonfires.

The History Behind Bonfires on the Levee

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. 

The annual celebration 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 to admire the bonfires in St. James Parish.

The young and the young at heart continue the tradition today. Ask a local about why bonfires are made and celebrated here, and the most common response is that the fires light the way for Santa Claus (or Papa Noël, 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 is a method rooted in tradition and passed from generation to generation. If you're wondering how locals construct these massive structures, see these steps:

1. 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.
   
   
2. Traditional, pyramid-shaped Christmas Eve bonfires have four, six or eight sides. Six is the most traditional, resulting in a hexagon-shaped base.
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. Add your side poles, grounding them securely, each at the same distance to the center pole and leaning in. The farther away from the center pole, the longer logs you will need. Ensure the base area does not cover more than 12-by-12 feet. Wire the side poles to the plywood using 16-pound wire or larger.
   
   
5. 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.
   
   
6. Place logs for the remaining sides in the same fashion, topping the first layer at the corners at the inside of the bonfire.
   
   
7. Repeat the process, using smaller logs as you move up the bonfire to create the iconic pyramid shape.
   
   
8. 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.
   
   
9. Diesel fuel can be added to the gut to aid in the burning, and firecrackers and sparklers can add even more to the spectacle.
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10. Very carefully light your bonfire and enjoy its festive glow with your loved ones. Papa Noël is on his way!

Explore Louisiana Holiday Traditions

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.