Unmissable Attractions on the Trail

How early is too early to start listening to Christmas carols? We’re of the opinion that it is never too early—and we're thrilled to report that the towns along the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights waste no time in getting into the Christmas spirit. 

Logansport starts decorating as early as November 19, transforming the little town into a bonafide Winter Wonderland—complete with holiday train rides and appearances from Mr. Claus himself. Don’t miss the parade, car show, and the all-too-competitive corn hole tournament while you’re there. The night will end with fireworks over the Sabine River.

Downtown Ruston gets started early too, kicking off the season on November 26 with a showstopping tree lighting ceremony. Experience the historic district from the vantage of a horse-drawn carriage, perfect for admiring the twinkling lights draped across the streets. And don’t stop there—Monroe is only a half-hour drive away, with its iconic Candy Cane Lane drive-through: a mile-long experience of interactive, musical displays featuring over one million Christmas lights. 

Then, from December 8th to December 11, Downtown Alexandria will host its annual free festival, Alex Winter Fete, where participants get to ice skate while listening to the beat of live performances, try local delicacies served from the town’s best food trucks, and more. On the last day, head to the streets for the annual Christmas Parade—a holiday-ified Louisiana celebration akin to Mardi Gras, but more family-friendly and with Christmas carols. Yes, beads will be thrown! Not into the float scene? Take advantage of the Garden District Holiday Tour of Homes, featuring a collection of historically, architecturally, and seasonally significant homes in the historic district. 

On the afternoon of December 16, Santa’s cousin, Stanley Claus, will make an appearance in Minden—where he’ll be offering free hayrides—an excellent chance to tour the picturesque downtown. Historic homes, life-size nutcrackers, and dazzling light displays will spark wonder and delight as you amble over the signature brick streets of the city. Can’t make the date? Not to  worry! You can also schedule a spot for the Historic District Walking Tour in the Visit Webster Parish app. 

Up in the Shreveport-Bossier area, from November 25–December 18, Christmas in Roseland returns to The American Rose Center—the biggest park dedicated to roses in America, made all the more beautiful by a generous dose of Christmas lighting. Santa will be in attendance (and available for selfies), and guests get cozy toasting marshmallows, taking train rides, sipping hot chocolate, and more.   

If you’re a history buff, mark Natchitoches as a must for your holiday adventures. Explore the Cane River Creole National Historical Park to learn about the history of Oakland and Magnolia plantations—home to generations of owners, tenant workers, and enslaved peoples for more than two hundred years. You’ll want to stick around town for the evening festivities of Natchitoches’ Christmas Festival—a six-week-long affair of lights, rides, live music, and more right on The Cane River. 

All this only scratches the surface of the many magical experiences along the Holiday Trail of Lights, which lasts all the way through December. Visit holidaytrailoflights.com for a full schedule of the hundreds of parades, games, Santa sightings, and light displays along the way. Taken together, they're sure to make for a Christmas season you'll not soon forget.