Louisiana is rich in culture and traditions, making the holiday season in the state like no other.
During Christmastime, there are plenty of holiday festivals, parades and other events, as well as attractions that boast plenty of festive lights and displays.
11 things to do in Louisiana to celebrate this holiday season. What to know
If you’re looking to have some fun celebrating this holiday season, then check out these 11 things to do from Explore Louisiana.
1. Natchitoches Christmas Festival
The Natchitoches Christmas Festival is a a six-week-long celebration where the downtown area is transformed into a winter wonderland with over 300,00 lights and more than 100 display pieces. At this festival, visitors can enjoy cookies with Santa, a drone and firework show, weekly live music, as well as a holiday market.
2. NOLA ChristmasFest
At NOLA ChristmasFest, visitors can take part in many Yuletide traditions, from gingerbread villages and ice skating to enjoying sweet treats from Mrs. Claus. This year, the festival will take place from Dec. 20 until Dec. 29. Make sure to enjoy plenty of cocoa, candy canes and carnival rides at this festival.
3. Louisiana Lights in Baton Rouge
Louisiana Lights is a holiday oasis located within the Windrush Gardens at the Burden Museum & Gardens. This multi-night celebration, running from late November to late December, combines history and illumination. Here, there and hundreds and thousands of lights and themed displays that highlight the garden’s history.
4. Festival of the Bonfires in Lutcher
The Festival of the Bonfires in Lutcher is a Christmas tradition that dates all the way back to the 1800s, in which bonfires are lit along the Mississippi River throughout St. James Parish, says Explore Louisiana. Today, wooden structures are lit aflame in order to light the way for Papa Noel. This weekend festival will be held on Dec. 12, 13 and 14 this year.
5. Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights
The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights is a chance to experience lights, fireworks, shopping and many holiday events in Louisiana’s 10 most festive cities. The trail include the cities of Alexandria, Pineville, Minden, Monroe, West Monroe, Natchitoches, Ruston, Logansport, Shreveport and Bossier.
In this episode of the Homestyle podcast, hosts Leigh Guidry and Joe Cunningham talk about activities and places to go to get your holiday fix, like the Natchitoches Christmas Festival in Joe’s hometown. Homestyle Natchitoches Turn On The Holidays
6. Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans
Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans takes place in New Orleans’ City Park and features 25 acres of dazzling lights and festive displays. Here, visitors can take in two miles of illuminated oak trees adorned in over a million lights. Guests can also book a walking tour, which includes access to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden, according to Explore Louisiana.
7. The Nutcracker — A Tale From the Bayou in Baton Rouge
“The Nutcracker — A Tale From the Bayou” put on by the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre at the Baton Rouge Rivercenter Theatre is an annual presentation that combines the traditional Nutcracker performance with South Louisiana culture. Tickets to the ballet are on sale now and the show dates are Dec. 20 and Dec. 21.
8. Reindeer Ranch in Greenwood
The Reindeer Ranch in Greenwood is a luminescent park where visitors can stroll themed trails alit with glimmer lights and nostalgic decor. Children and their families can visit with Santa, enjoy treats from local food trucks and peruse items at a holiday gift shop, says Explore Louisiana.
9. Christmas Eve with a Réveillon Dinner in New Orleans
Christmas Eve with a Réveillon Dinner in New Orleans is a dinner reminiscent of the Catholic tradition of the Réveillon Dinner, which is a feast to satisfy hungry parishioners returning from Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. This revitalized tradition welcomes all to celebrate at dozens of restaurants around New Orleans throughout the month of December, according to Explore Louisiana.
10. Christmas in Roseland in Shreveport
Christmas in Roseland in Shreveport is a winter wonderland during the holiday season where gardens are aglow with Christmas lights and displays. The American Rose Garden is the largest rose park in the U.S., and during the month of December, visitors can enjoy nightly entertainment, hot chocolate and shopping at local vendor booths.
11. Noel Acadien au Village in Lafayette
The Noel Acadien au Village in Lafayette is an immersive Cajun holiday experience that families can enjoy during the weeks leading up to Christmas. This wonderland boasts half a million lights, live entertainment, carnival rides, delicious food and photo-ops with Santa.
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: What are some fun things to do in Louisiana during the holidays?