Things to Do in Louisiana This Month
No matter the season, there's always something to celebrate in Louisiana.
From festive fêtes to dazzling displays, here's how to spend December in Louisiana.
It’s winter in Louisiana, and you know what that means — it’s holiday season. From grand light displays to family-friendly festivals and Christmas Eve bonfires, our state comes alive this time of year.
Festival of Lights
December 5
Baton Rouge
Step into a winter wonderland in Louisiana's capital city. The Festival of Lights transforms North Boulevard Town Square into a glimmering holiday paradise, with half-a-million sparkling lights, a towering 25-foot Christmas tree, twinkling decorations and a “snow village” complete with a family-friendly ice-skating rink.
Before the festival, grab a bite at a Baton Rouge culinary institution: Louie’s Cafe. Enjoy old-school-diner vibes as you nom on Louisiana-style dishes, like omelets featuring Gulf shrimp, bowls of spicy chicken and sausage gumbo, and Louisiana crawfish stir-fry.
Listening Room Film Festival
December 5-6 & 12-13
Baton Rouge
Independent entertainers and filmmakers debut original works at Listening Room Film Festival, an immersive digital media experience that centers around music. Watch films and engage in panel discussions with artists from across the Southeast.
Later, discuss films over drinks at the enchanting Lotus Lounge. Beat the winter blues one sip at a time with zippy, fruit-forward cocktails reminiscent of summer vacation.
Algiers Holiday Bonfire and Concert
December 6
New Orleans
These aren’t marshmallow-roasting, hot-cocoa-drinking bonfires. In Louisiana, these ten-foot-tall structures light the way for Papa Noel, the Cajun Santa Claus. Gather ‘round the only New Orleans holiday bonfire in Algiers, a neighborhood divided from the French Quarter by the mighty Mississippi. Listen to live music, shop handmade goods and more.
After the event, ferry to the French Quarter for holiday-themed revelry, or keep your night cozy: Catch a ride on the St. Charles Streetcar to Uptown or the Garden District, where mansions with manicured lawns boast grand holiday displays. Wind down with fluffy beignets and a mug of hot cocoa at The Vintage.
Bawcomville Redneck Christmas Parade
December 6
Bawcomville
Roll up for the most down-home holiday parade in North Louisiana. The Bawcomville Redneck Christmas Parade is an over-the-top celebration where pickup trucks, tractors, ATVs and horses cruise down Smith Street throwing out beads and toys with holiday cheer. The best part? This heartwarming tradition helps local families in need.
Before you call it a night, swing by Candy Cane Lane, where you can drive through a tunnel of more than 1 million holiday lights. Don’t forget to crank up the volume on your favorite holiday album as you ride.
Christmas on Caddo Fireworks
December 6
Oil City
Take part in the communal joy of Christmas on Caddo Fireworks, an annual extravaganza in downtown Oil City. Watch Disney™-level pyrotechnics light the sky in shades of red and green as you listen to live music and enjoy light bites.
Before the show, stop by the Sci-Port Discovery Center for Sno-Port, a seasonal, snow-themed exhibition. This interactive playground includes a make-believe sock skating rink, igloo experience, ice fishing pond and more.
Learn more about Shreveport-Bossier.
Festival of the Bonfires
December 12-14
Lutcher
Experience one of Louisiana’s hottest holiday traditions: Festival of the Bonfires. Lutcher’s centuries-old practice has European roots that shine from atop the Mississippi River levee even still. The weekend lineup leaves no stone unturned, from carnival rides and authentic Cajun cuisine to nightly bonfire lightings and live music.
While you’re in town, marvel at the willowy-green beauty of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Stop by the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center for a deep dive into the marshes of Bayou Lafourche or embark on a brisk winter hike.
Learn more about Louisiana’s River Parishes.
NOLA Christmas Fest
December 20-29
New Orleans
New Orleans’ best indoor holiday attraction returns for another festive year. This snow-globe-turned-amusement-park features dozens of rides for all ages. Surf down ice slides or skate across the Big FREEZY Ice Rink. Marvel at The Gingerbread Village, where mini-mansions of sugary stature line tables. Stop by Mrs. Claus’s Sweet Shop for warm bread pudding and s’mores on your way home.
If a few sweet treats aren’t enough, make your way to the French Market, where the original Café Du Monde still stands. Alongside a serving of the delightful dessert, order the chicory-spiced café au lait that brought the establishment to fame.
Visit New Orleans.
Christmas in Roseland
Through December 23
Natchitoches
Transformed by thousands of glimmering lights and larger-than-life holiday cards, Christmas in Roseland is Shreveport’s winter wonderland. Throughout December, watch fireworks, sing along with carolers and roast marshmallows.
Experience more local beauty at 318 Art & Frame, a Cajun-culture-centered art gallery. Find an eclectic mix of artwork from local and regional artists perfect for checking off your Christmas list, like hand-painted wine glasses and greeting cards.
Learn more about Shreveport-Bossier.
Christmas at Kiroli
Through December 25
Monroe
Make the season bright without leaving your warm and toasty car. At Christmas at Kiroli, guests are invited to drive through a wonderland of light displays synchronized to holiday tunes. Santa and the Grinch are known to make an appearance, too.
Monroe’s impeccable coffee scene ensures you’ll have a warm cup of joe or cocoa for your drive. Try Seventh Square Coffee, Corner Coffee + Provisions or Daily Press.
Louisiana Lights
Select dates through December 30
Baton Rouge
Step inside an incandescent wonderland during Louisiana Lights at Burden Museum & Gardens. Journey through gleaming garden rooms and twinkling trees. Each Wednesday holds a different surprise, like a holiday arts market, a pup-friendly night or live storytelling. Check the Louisiana Lights calendar for more information.
During the day, take in the views of the city along the Mississippi River Levee Path — an ADA-accessible spot. Or, sample local cuisine like bread pudding and chargrilled oysters at Mansurs on the Boulevard.
Winter Wonderland of Lights
Through December 31
Many
If you’re looking for a special experience to share with your favorite people, lead them through Winter Wonderland of Lights — a glimmering arc of waterfront lights in beautiful Cypress Bend Park.
After an evening stroll through the North Pole, grab dinner at Martone’s Italian for wood-fired pizzas and authentic scratch pasta. Later, grab a drink at one of Cypress Bend Resort’s social houses.
Celebration in the Oaks
Through January 1
New Orleans
Located in New Orleans' iconic City Park, Celebration in the Oaks features one of the most spectacular holiday light shows in the country! Explore 25 acres of dazzling lights and breathtaking, festive displays. The park, botanical garden, Storyland and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are all captured with hundreds of thousands of lights to create a winter wonderland in the Big Easy.
While you're in City Park, consider a self-guided walking tour. Discover an oak tree estimated to be more than 500 years old, grab coffee and beignets, or marvel at more than 90 breathtaking sculptures.
Winter Lantern Festival
Select dates through January 4
Westwego
Chinese legend comes to life in Louisiana during the Winter Lantern Festival at Bayou Segnette State Park. Wander among thousands of glowing handcrafted lanterns, watch gravity-defying acrobatic shows and sample tasty food and drink from local vendors. All ages are welcome, and children under 3 receive free admission.
Learn more about Westwego's fascinating history — including how a train conductor gave the town its name — at the Westwego Historical Museum. The museum is housed in the town's original general store, which is filled with antiques and artifacts from the late 1800s.
Natchitoches Christmas Festival
Through January 6
Natchitoches
Did you know Natchitoches is home to one of the nation’s longest-running holiday festivals? Considering the town looks like the inside of a Hallmark snow globe, it’s no wonder. Tickets provide a stroll along the river, where thousands of lights refract a prismatic show soundtracked by seasonal classics.
Before you enter the festival, grab a cup of hot cocoa at StoryBrew Coffee Cafe. The historic shop is known for flaky, mile-high cinnamon rolls and tender, buttery scones.
Learn more about Natchitoches.
Ring in the Holidays
Visit seven spirited areas across the Holiday Trail of Lights, which feature dazzling displays, lively parades, seasonal music, live theater, magical visits from Santa and more. Enjoy the festivities from November to January!
Make Plans for Louisiana This Month
Whether it's one of our many exciting festivals or an adventure in the great outdoors, there is always something unique to experience in Louisiana. Be sure to check our calendar of events for the most up-to-date list of festivities.
