Things to Do: Celebrate the Holiday Season in Louisiana
Christmas is a time of celebration and joy for people all over the world, and Louisiana is no exception.
Christmas is a time of celebration and joy for people all over the world, and Louisiana is no exception.
With its rich culture and unique traditions, Louisiana offers a variety of Christmas events for experiencing the magic of the season.
From the twinkling lights of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival to the brightly lit flames of the Festival of the Bonfires, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Louisiana during the holidays. Whether you're looking for a classic Christmas celebration or something special to the Bayou State, you're sure to find an event that's perfect for you.
Natchitoches Christmas Festival
Christmas in Roseland
Holiday Trail of Lights, Alexandria
Santa's Christmas Village
Natchitoches Christmas Festival
A six-week celebration of the holiday season, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival features more than 300,000 lights sure to charm visitors of all ages. Just a few things to look forward to throughout December: cookies with Santa, drone and fireworks shows, weekly live music and a massive holiday market.
NOLA ChristmasFest
New Orleans always knows how to celebrate, and this is especially true during the holiday season. At NOLA ChristmasFest, delight in all the Yuletide traditions, from a gingerbread village to ice skating to sweet treats from Mrs. Claus herself. Bring the kids for cocoa, candy canes and carnival rides.
Louisiana Lights
The Windrush Gardens at the Burden Museum & Gardens get a makeover into an enchanting holiday oasis with the Louisiana Lights, a multi-night celebration where history meets illumination. This beautiful lights display runs from late November to late December, giving guests plenty of time to wander the extravagant display and experience the magic of Windrush Gardens.
Festival of the Bonfires
Lutcher
A Christmas Eve tradition that dates back to the 1800s, bonfires are lit along the Mississippi River throughout St. James Parish. While theories vary from guiding ships along the river to lighting the way to midnight Mass, the Festival of the Bonfires today lights the way for Papa Noel to deliver his gifts. These aren’t just piles of wood, either; structures range from fleurs-de-lis to a giant alligator head.
Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights
Central/North Louisiana
Grab the family and hit the road for the festivities along the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights. Take in a Christmas parade, finish up your gift shopping or enjoy live music in a park. With seven stops along the trail, there’s Christmas magic for everyone.
Holiday Trail of Lights, Minden
Festival of the Bonfires
Celebration in the Oaks
Noel Acadien au Village
Celebration in the Oaks
Located in New Orleans' iconic City Park, Celebration in the Oaks features 25 acres of dazzling lights and breathtaking, festive displays. Drive beneath illuminated oak trees on a 2-mile route to see more than a million lights. You can also book a walking tour, which includes access to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden.
The Nutcracker — A Tale From the Bayou
For some people, the Christmas spirit kicks in when they hear the first few notes of the overture from "The Nutcracker." If this sounds familiar, make your way to Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre's annual presentation of The Nutcracker – A Tale from the Bayou, which beautifully marries the traditional Nutcracker performance with South Louisiana culture.
Reindeer Ranch
If you appreciate classic Christmas celebrations, you'll love the walk-through Reindeer Trails. Find this luminescent park in Greenwood, where you can stroll themed trails studded with glimmering lights and nostalgic decor. Families can also say hello to Santa Claus, grab treats from local food trucks and explore a holiday gift shop.
Christmas Eve with a Réveillon Dinner
Revel in a Christmas Eve dinner reminiscent of the old Catholic tradition of the Réveillon dinner, a feast to satisfy hungry parishioners returning from midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. The reinvention of this tradition welcomes all to celebrate in dozens of restaurants around New Orleans throughout the month of December.
Christmas in Roseland
The American Rose Center Gardens transform into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Walk through Christmas in Roseland to see the gardens aglow with Christmas lights and displays and nightly entertainment. Stop by one of the local vendors' booths to grab a hot chocolate or pick up a gift.
Noel Acadien au Village
LARC’s Acadian Village hosts an immersive Cajun holiday experience the whole family can enjoy during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Bring the kids to the Noel Acadien au Village for carnival rides, live music, food and a visit with Papa Noel himself.
Holidays in Louisiana
Dazzling lights, holiday festivals and seasonal food and cocktails. What could be better? Explore the holiday season in Louisiana.
