By Morgan Crawford Scott
Ice Skating
Baton Rouge
From mid-December to early January, Raising Cane’s River Center turns into a winter wonderland ready to fulfill your ice skating dreams of becoming the next Michelle Kwan. Grab tickets and lace up your skates for a fun evening spent gliding your way into the holiday season.
Old Time Winter Traditions
Lafayette
December 13–29
Throughout December, this event brings to life Acadiana arts and crafts of the past. Candle- and soap-making, pomander-decorating, and writing letters to Papa Noël are just the start; the fun continues with classic Cajun and Creole foods and a stocked gift shop with locally made goods.
Natchitoches Christmas Festival
Natchitoches
At 99 years old, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival is one of the longest-running community Christmas festivals in the state. Countless visitors flock to see more than 300,000 lights and decorations—and the stunning fireworks show that takes place each Saturday—that set Cane River Lake aglow. The City of Lights stays true to its nickname with this essential event.
Christmas at the Oaks
Thibodaux
December 14
There’s an abundance of family-centric fun at Christmas at the Oaks of Thibodaux. Get your furry fix at the petting zoo or a pony ride, get creative with ornament-decorating and face-painting, shop the local craft booths, and sip hot cocoa while enjoying a cheerful Christmas movie.
Rockets over the Red
Shreveport
November 30
From the drone light show to an epic fireworks display, Rockets over the Red is an experience not to be missed. There will also be food trucks on the riverfront and musical performances from local artists. Consider your weekend plans set.
Celebration in the Oaks
New Orleans
November 28–January 1
This showstopping lights festival draws in hundreds of thousands of visitors from the Bayou State and beyond. Pick your adventure—a walking tour or a driving tour (or both)—and be amazed by sights like the New Orleans Botanical Garden lit up in true holiday fashion. This celebration also serves as an annual fundraiser to help keep New Orleans City Park beautiful and accessible all year long.
Candy Cane Lane
Calhoun
November 7–January 3
Pack up the family and prepare for a festive jaunt through Candy Cane Lane. This mile-long holiday light show packs more than a million lights into its Christmas-themed wooded drive. Since it’s open nightly from early November though the first days of the new year, you’ll have plenty of time to experience the magic.
Christmas in the Country
St. Francisville
December 5–7
The West Feliciana Parish is home to St. Francisville’s very own Christmas in the Country. Purchase memorable Christmas gifts from local vendors selling unique, handmade treasures, delight in breakfast with Santa, enjoy live music and libations, take a tour of local homes, marvel at a sweet Christmas parade, and so much more.
Downtown Cookie Crawl
Ruston
December 14
Explore downtown shops while collecting a delicious holiday cookie at each location. By the end of the afternoon, you’ll have your own box of assorted, locally made Christmas cookies.
LOLA
Covington
The iconic train car that houses part of LOLA makes for a cozy spot to grab lunch year-round, but during the holidays, it’s particularly captivating.
Light Up the Lake
Lake Charles
November 29
