Christmas on the River

Pack up the family and head to Monroe and West Monroe for a memorable and magical Christmas on the River, a month-long celebration filled with stunning light displays, festive parades, amazing fireworks, great shopping, and more.

Monroe-West Monroe kicks things off in early November with the lighting of the Freedom Christmas Trees at the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum. Watch as festive holiday parades march by, enjoy a spectacular fireworks display from the banks of the Ouachita River and take in all the other yuletide cheer of Christmas on the River's Festival Weekend. Full of one event after another over three days, Monroe-West Monroe is the best place to be to kick off your holiday season. Start your day off with the annual Christmas on the River 5K. The Downtown West Monroe Fireworks Extravaganza brightens the night sky with an epic light show, while Twin City Ballet takes over the Monroe Civic Center with live performances, decorations, and more! With a full stocking's worth of things to see and do during Christmas on the River's Festival Weekend, it's the ideal time to visit Monroe-West Monroe this holiday season.

Step into Santa’s Christmas Village and you'll be making ornaments, decorating cookies, and riding down Mount Sneaux in no time. Take your time as you admire the outdoor light show and the Coca-Cola Christmas Village train exhibit, and let your kids share what they want for Christmas with Santa. Held from December 3--23 at the Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum, Santa's Christmas Village is a must visit during your holiday retreat in Monroe-West Monroe.

It's not the holiday season without Christmas lights, and Candy Cane Lane is where you'll want to be. Cruise the mile-long route in Calhoun and you'll see more than one million shining lights arranged in a variety of jaw-dropping displays, including a fully lit tunnel you can drive through. 

As majestic as Candy Cane Lane is, it’s not the only place where you can marvel at Christmas lights. Celebrate Christmas at Kiroli Park this holiday season. Enjoy walk-through Christmas light displays, hot cocoa, smores, and holiday activities! Climb aboard Landry Vineyards’ open-air wagon and embark on a thirty-minute tour of Monroe and West Monroe’s shining lights. These jaunts through downtown West Monroe start at 5 pm every Friday and Saturday night from November 26 to December 18. 

Find the perfect gifts for your friends and family while shopping in Monroe-West Monroe. Visit Antique Alley, a shopping district located in Downtown West Monroe with antique shops and trendy boutiques. And of course, check out the great holiday sales at Pecanland Mall. What could be better than watching one of your favorite Christmas movies in Antique Alley under the magical Christmas lights? The Holiday Outdoor Movies are free for everyone! 

Whether you’re traveling with your family or you simply want to experience the magic of the holiday season, visit Monroe-West Monroe for Christmas on the River. Plan your stay here. monroe-westmonroe.org.