As more travelers catch on to Louisiana’s humble holiday magic, the idea of a “Crescent City Christmas” has started to sound better and better. But New Orleans, whimsical as it is, isn’t the only place to see a spectacular display of lights. If you’re keen on keeping small-town charm in your holiday plans, Natchitoches, Louisiana, is the place to go.
The oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, Natchitoches (pronounced Nack-a-tish) has a historic allure that shines even brighter during the winter months. Since the town’s first Christmas Festival in 1927, Natchitoches has embraced an annual six-week holiday season that begins the Saturday before Thanksgiving and glows all the way through January 6. From a lighted boat parade and festive firework shows to set pieces once featured in “Steel Magnolias” and more than 300,000 twinkling lights, here’s how to enjoy Natchitoches during the holidays.
Discover Downtown At Its Merriest
This small town’s historic district brings similar vibes as the Big Easy, only with far fewer crowds. Running parallel to Cane River Lake, this scenic stretch along Front Street is not only reminiscent of the French Quarter, it’s also where the town’s holiday spirit is at its brightest. As you wander beneath wrought-iron balconies and oak branches threaded with lights, stop into some of Natchitoches’ most beloved restaurants, shops, and cultural fixtures.
Warm up with a famous meat pie from Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant or a cup of hot cocoa from StoryBrew Coffee Cafe. Then, step back in time at Kaffie-Frederick Inc., Louisiana’s oldest general store, where you can shop for everything from cookware and kitchen tools to vintage toys and specialty gifts. To take in even more of the season’s charm, join the Christmas Tour of Homes, a series of self-guided walks through some of the district’s most historic and beautifully decorated houses. Thursday evenings bring a special walking tour of “Steel Magnolia” Porches.
Join The Holiday Celebrations
Natchitoches doesn’t save all its holiday magic for one night. Each weekend during the Christmas season brings something different to the riverfront.
Start along the riverbank, where more than a hundred handcrafted set pieces glow across Cane River Lake. These scenes have been part of the festival for generations and are still designed and maintained by the city’s utility department, a quiet tradition that keeps the lights uniquely tied to Natchitoches. Nearby, pop-up vendors serve festival favorites like funnel cakes, cotton candy, and more of the city’s famous meat pies.
Courtesy of Natchitoches Christmas
Throughout the season, visitors can also enjoy a steady rotation of open houses, craft markets, children’s activities, and holiday shopping events around downtown. The annual Christmas Festival Parade is a longstanding favorite that fills the streets with university bands, regional performers, themed floats, and appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Out on the water, the Lighted Boat Parade draws crowds to the banks as decorated boats glide along Cane River Lake.
Fireworks light up the riverfront most Saturday nights, a custom that started in 1936 and has grown into one of the festival’s biggest draws. Northwestern State University’s Christmas Gala takes place the night before Festival Day and features evening performances and children’s matinees that showcase local talent from the School of Creative and Performing Arts.
For families, the Santa Claus House on the riverbank is also a sweet stop. Volunteers from local civic groups take turns greeting children throughout the season, keeping alive one of the festival’s most charming traditions.
Read the original article on Southern Living