'Tis the Season at Alex Winter Fête

Snow flakes are drifting through the air, the hot chocolate is flowing freely, and that jolly “ho ho ho!” sounds awfully familiar...but no, this isn't the North Pole—it's Alexandria's signature “cold weather” festival, Alex Winter Fête!

A light snowfall is an idyllic way to ring in the holiday season no matter where you are, but in Louisiana, where it's not unusual to celebrate Christmas in shorts and shirtsleeves, it's nothing short of magical. That might account for part of the wild popularity of Alex Winter Fête , which transforms downtown Alexandria the first weekend of December with Christmas lights, a crop of “snow” for picturesque flurries and snowball fights, and even an ice skating rink.

No matter how much snow is around, there's no denying the Louisiana flair, but why would you? The North Pole meets the Deep South with a lineup of live music including brass bands, singer-songwriters, classic rock, and beyond, as well as some of that unbeatable local cuisine to warm you up on a “snowy” evening. Need to squeeze in some gift shopping? Handmade goods from area artisans make for unique gifts for that special someone, whether their taste runs to fun and funky baubles or elegantly practical hand-carved furniture.

And that's just the start of all the fun! Past years have included all manner of spectacles and events over the three days of the fête, and whether you're into acrobats, zydeco, or whatever in between, you're sure to find entertainment to fit the bill. Horse and carriage rides and appearances from Santa cheerily keep up the spirit of the season, while a breathtaking fireworks display celebrates it with a bang.

It's no surprise that Winter Fête has been a hit since its inception in 2015, even snagging the award for Louisiana Travel Promotion Association's Festival/Event of the Year in 2017. Drawing tens of thousands of visitors every year (and still growing!), the Fete is free for all to enjoy. Keep an eye on AlexWinterFête.com website for vendor lists, registration for the Ugly Sweater Run, ice skating fast passes, and more.