Christmas in Greater Baton Rouge

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Karl Hornfeldt

From light displays, to photos with Santa, to visions of sugar plums dancing in performances of The Nutcracker, Baton Rouge melds holiday cheer with Southern hospitality this time of year.

November 18–December 3: Christmas in the Country Wreath Sale 2021: Complete your Christmas decor with one of the Old Benevolent Society's large (36") wreaths, for sale at the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum as a fundraiser for the Old Benevolent Society's Building Restoration projects. 10 am–4 pm.  $40–$45. eventbrite.com. 

November 26–December 30: Zoolights: Generations of capital city families have built a holiday tradition around a visit to BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo to see ZooLights. This year the zoo steps up with another mile-long trail around the grounds, featuring more than fifty illuminated display sculptures of animals and traditional holiday displays; larger-than-life displays of flamingos, giraffes, lions, tigers, gorillas, and more; and a range of festive family activities that lights up the night all month long. Many high-wattage, computer-controlled displays are animated to add extra pizazz. 5:30 pm–8 pm nightly. $5 adults; $4 seniors; $3 ages two through twelve. Closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. brzoo.org. 

December 1–2: George Bell and Friends: An Evening of Holiday Jazz: After a two-year hiatus, George Bell's return to the Manship is a much-anticipated one. Don't miss this 9th annual Holiday Jazz performance, featuring Herman Jackson, Harry Anderson, Andy Bourgeois, Ray Mouton, Greg Ward, Betsy Braud, and Hilda Trenise Gautier, amd Quiana Lynell—plus a few other surprises. 7:30 pm both nights. $45. manshiptheatre.org.

December 3: Festival of Lights at North Boulevard Town Square, including the lighting of the grand thirty five-foot tree and fireworks, free ice skating, ten tons of "real" snow to play in, and Santa himself. Free. 4 pm–8 pm. downtownbatonrouge.org.

December 3: Holiday Brass: The South Baton Rouge Church of Christ invites all to get into the holiday spirit with a performance of various holiday favorites and custom arrangements. 7 pm. Free. sbrcc.org. 

December 3: LSU Museum of Art Store Holiday Shopping Event: For the seventeenth year, the LSU MOA invites all to shop unique holiday gifts, local artwork, and more with a special deal of twenty percent off any one item, plus free gift wrap and raffle prizes. Noon–8 pm. lsumoa.org. 

December 3: Reindeer Ride: Eight miles to kick off the holidays? Experience Baton Rouge a little bit differently, and catch the Downtown Christmas Festival of Lights while you're at it. Ride up the levee from Farr Park all the way downtown, and be sure to dress the part. Ages eight and older. 6 pm–8 pm. $5 bike rental. brec.org. 

December 3–5, 10–11: Christmasville Spectacular: A curated experience of all things Christmas, designed for fanatics especially craving those warm fuzzy feelings of the holidays. Start indoors for the Denham Springs First Baptist Church's presentation of "Welcome to Christmasville," featuring caroling and other performances, then head out to the Café in the courtyard, where you'll enjoy Hot Cocoa and sweet Christmas treats. Then on to the Christmasville Village Fair! Interactive story cabins will serve as micro-holiday-experiences, all surrounded by Candy Land Christmas displays and the sounds of your favorite carols. At the farm, meet some friendly animals, and catch a ride on the Bayou Express Train. It's an experience designed to foster lifelong holiday memories for the entire family. Find timeslots at eventbrite.com. Free. 

December 4: Broadmoor Christmas Parade: A beloved tradition in Baton Rouge's Broadmoor neighborhood, this parade features local school groups, antique cars, nonprofit organizations, and Santa Claus himself. Kicks off at noon, starting from the Broadmoor High School. broadmoor-br.org. 

December 4: Outdoor Holiday Movie: Join the Whos in Whoville for a screening of the holiday classic at the Main Branch Library in Livingston, complete with hot chocolate and popcorn—B.Y.O. blanket for snuggling. Free. 6 pm. mylpl.info. 

December 4: Kids Reindeer Drawing and Chalk Pastels Workshop: The Arts Council of Livingston Parish is hosting a workshop for kids, where instructor Shelly Frederick will teach them how to draw an adorable reindeer, and color the design in with chalk pastels. All supplies included. For ages six and up. $10. 10 am–11 am. For more information visit artsivingston.org and select "Book a Class" or call (225) 664-1168. 

December 4: Very Merry Museum: The Louisiana Art & Science Museum is dedicating a day to all things Christmas, featuring holiday-themed planetarium shows, engaging activities like scavenger hunts, and festive fun for visitors of every age. 10 am–5 pm. lasm.org. 

December 4: Christmas in Central Parade: Don't miss this festive celebration down Joor Road in the charming community of Central. 11 am. members.cityofcentralchamber.com. 

December 4: A Jane Austen Christmas: Experience a Regency period holiday at Audubon State Historic Site—reminiscing on the years in which Jane Austen wrote. During tours of a candlelit Oakley House, each room will interpret the last days of Spanish West Florida and social life at the time. Visitors may brush up on social etiquette at a tea or enjoy wassail and chestnuts by the fire; and later, enjoy a period dance as 1810-style Christmas music fills the air. 10 am–4 pm. (225) 635-3739. 

December 4 & 11: Holiday Strings at the Library: Talented local musician Karlina Nurkala-Persyn will perform Christmas carols on the cello, violin, and viola at the Denham Springs–Walker Branch Library. Free. Registration is required. mylpl.info. 

December 4 & 12: Holiday Cookie Decorating Classes: The Arts Council of Livingston Parish is offering two classes for kids and two for grown-ups, all focused on decorating festive and delicious holiday cookies. $35 for the kids class, for one child over six to be accompanied by an adult, and includes all supplies. Participants will leave with eight decorated cookies, or a dozen for an additional $10. The kids' classes are December 4 from 12 pm–1:30 pm and December 12 from 1 pm–2:30 pm. $45 for the adult class, which is for highschool-age and up and where participants leave with around half a dozen cookies, all supplies included. Adult classes are December 4 from 2:30 pm–4:30 pm and December 12 from 3:30 pm–5:30 pm. At the gallery at 133 Hummell St. in downtown Denham Springs. For more information, email info@artslivingston.org.

December 5: West Baton Rouge Museum's Holiday Open House: Celebrate the season with traditional activities, art, music, and storytelling. 2 pm–4 pm. Free. westbatonrougemuseum.com.

December 5: A Rural Life Christmas: One of the capital city's best-loved holiday traditions, LSU's Rural Life Museum's old-fashioned Louisiana Christmas celebration conjures up a century and a half of reminiscences on the grounds of the acclaimed museum. Candle-lit historic buildings decorated with freshly cut greenery serve as an atmospheric backdrop for costumed re-enactors recreating the Christmas festivities of the nineteenth century. Around them, distinguished artisans perform living history demonstrations. Seasonal activities traditional to South Louisiana, such as blacksmithing, doll making, candle dipping, and rosary making, make this ghost of Christmas Past all the more evocative. Bring your gift list: lots of handmade things will be available for sale. The day’s festivities will conclude with a procession to a traditional Louisiana bonfire to await the appearance of Papa Noël. 8 am–6 pm. $10; children 10 and younger free. (225) 765–2437 or lsu.edu/rurallife.

December 5: Photos with Santa at The Royal Standard: Catch Santa for a pic at the Royal Standard (Perkins location) this Sunday. A professional photographer will be on standby. Walk ins welcome from 11 am–2 pm, or reserve your time slot online at eventbrite.com. $30. 

December 5: Baton Rouge Concert Band Christmas Concert: Catch the Baton Rouge Concert Band performing a medley of traditional Christmas music the likes of Adeste Fidelis and Ave Maria, as well as selections from Polar Express and Henry Mancini's music. 3 pm. Free. brcb.org. 

December 5: Baton Rouge Symphony Christmas Brass Concert: With a backdrop of the Houmas House Plantation and Gardens grounds, the Baton Rouge Symphony presents a special brass and percussion concert featuring holiday favorites and custom arrangements. 4:30 pm–6:30 pm. Tickets start at $30. A $100 ticket includes a buffet dinner in the pavilion; $150 ticket includes a seated dinner at Latil's Landing. houmashouse.com. 

December 8: Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical: Santa's helpers will take center stage at the Raisin' Canes River Center in this family holiday favorite national touring production. 6 pm. $29.99. raisingcanesrivercenter.com.

December 8: Vendors at the Village: Local artisans will like the sidewalks in Acadian Village Shopping Center, ready as ever to celebrate the holiday season. Santa will be in attendance, as will vendors serving Poinsettia Sorbet Mimosas, hot chocolate, apple cider, and more. 3 pm–7 pm. ladivinacafe.com. 

December 9 & 16: Mommy and Me Sculpting Christmas Ornaments Workshop: Mommy's grab your little partners in crime for a special workshop inspired by the Louisiana Art & Science Museum's Iridescence exhibition. All supplies and museum admission are included. Designed for children ages two to five years old. 10 am–10:45 am. $35; $10 for each additional child. Pre-registration required. lasm.org. 

December 10–January 10: Holiday Wreath Contest at the Library: Submit your most festive wreath to the Ascension Parish Library by December 10, and vote for your favorites between December 11–17. Enjoy the display until January 10. (225) 647-3955.

December 10–12 & 16–19: Theatre Baton Rouge's A Christmas Carol: Some classics are timeless for a reason, and this Dickens Christmas tradition is one of them. This year, TBR will be staging a new adaptation by John Mortimer, featuring the same characters we know and love: miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, and all those Christmas ghosts among them. Performances at 7:30 pm, 2 pm Sundays. $30, $25 for students and children. theatrebr.org. 

December 11: Let It Sneaux: Santa is coming to BREC's Perkins Road Community Park, and he is bringing all the goodies with him. Gingerbread house making, s'mores, hot chocolate, sneaux, and much more. 1 pm–5 pm. Free. brec.org. 

December 11: Denham Springs Christmas Parade: Mardi Gras is right around the corner, and after these past two years we certainly need some practice. Use the holidays as the perfect excuse, and head to Denham for this special local tradition—themed for superheros this year. Parade rolls at 2 pm, ending off Veterans in Denham Springs. denhamspringsmainstreet.org. 

December 11: Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade: A favorite of downtown Baton Rouge residents (since 1948!), this parade put on by the Cortana Kiwanis Club and the Kiwanis Club of Cortana Baton Rouge Foundation, Inc. celebrates community as the holidays descend, spotlighting local marching bands, celebrities, dance troupes, nonprofits, and local businesses. 4 pm. christmasinbr.com. 

December 11: Crystal Gayle's Holiday Show at the Manship: A Christmas concert by one of Country music's best awaits. Come see Grammy and Academy Award winner Crystal Gayle, who was also named one of the top one hundred greatest country artists of all time, at the Manship. 7:30 pm. $75. manshiptheatre.org. 

December 12: Teddy Book Tea: Bring the little ones to Red Stick Reads in Mid City, which will be transformed by Red Cake Events into a winter wonderland with books, tea, and Santa. The event is free and open to the public, with Santa photo packages by Eye Wander Photo available. eyewanderphoto.com.

December 12: Manship Screening of The Grinch (2018): You already know the story of the Whos, the disgruntled Green fella, and his sweet pup Max. See the 2018 animated version at the Manship. 2 pm. $9.50. manshiptheatre.org.

December 12: Home for the Holidays Concert: The Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra will fill Istrouma Baptist Church with holiday music from favorites like The Polar Express, The Nutcracker, and Home Alone, and invite the audience to carol and sing along. $19–$65. 7:30 pm–9:30 pm. brso.org. 

December 17: Light up the Holidays: The Poydras Center in New Roads will light up for the season at this event hosted by the Arts Council of Pointe Coupee, with festive food and drinks, potential to win door prizes, and a holiday performance by Baton Rouge pianist Michael McDowell. The event will also feature art vendors, including Ann Bachmann, Angela Campbell, Sarah and Cecile Fabre, Anita LeJeune, Lana Bernard Toniolo, and Terry Vought. For more information, reach out to Gale Roy at roygaleb@bellsouth.net or call (225) 638-6049.

December 17, 18 & 19: Christmas on Court Street: Court Street in Port Allen is getting a festive reimagining in time for Christmas, with live music, carnival rides, craft vendors, and food & drinks. 6 pm–9 pm Friday, 1 pm–9:30 pm Saturday, and Sunday from noon–7 pm. westbatonrouge.net.

December 17–January 3: Ice Skating On the River: Bundle up and get out on the ice this holiday season! The Raising Cane's River Center is offering ice skating on a winter wonderland-themed rink until January 3. Slipping and sliding is a possibility ... but inventive winter recreation is guaranteed. Admission includes seventy-five minutes of skating. By minute 76, you'll be confident enough to pull out some moves from Cutting Edge or Mighty Ducks 2. $12–$14. Times vary daily. Closed on Christmas Day. (225) 389-3030. raisingcanesrivercenter.com.

December 18: Celebrate Christmas with Opéra Louisiane: Enjoy variations from The Nutcracker and the holiday opera Amahl and the Night Visitor, with photo opportunities and hot chocolate to follow. $5–$30. 7 pm. operalouisiane.com.

December 18: Legends of Christmas: This twelve-act, narrated circus presented by Circus Louisiana follows the story of two children who escape the evil Krampus' Nightmare Town. Two performances at the Manship Theatre at 2 pm and 7 pm. $30 at manshiptheatre.org.

December 18: Grand Country Junction Christmas: A night of live classic country music and Christmas cheer at Suma Hall in Livingston. $15 for adults, $10 for kids. 7 pm. Find the event on Facebook for more information. 

December 18–19: The Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou: The "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" melody is intertwined with the holiday season. And in this part of the world, so is the long-running Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre production of The Nutcracker. Each year for generations, local and national dancers of all ages have flitted and fluttered across the stage of the River Center, breathing hyper-local life into Tchaikovsky's masterpiece to the tune of Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra accompaniment and a stage set that invokes Baton Rouge landmarks like the Old State Capitol and Oak Alley. BRBT's version of the timeless classic has become a by-word for Baton Rouge Christmas tradition. World-class dancers, the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, and over three hundred local children participate in this city-wide artistic act of holiday love. Feel the love during four performances: 2 pm and 6 pm each day at the River Center Ballroom. $30–$65. Ticketmaster or (225) 766-8379, or at the River Center Box Office. batonrougeballet.org.

December 19: Manship Theatre screening of It's a Wonderful Life (1946): Catch this Christmas classic at the Manship. 2 pm. $9.50. manshiptheatre.org.

December 28: Home for the Holidays Concert: Join beloved Louisiana singer-songwriters for this beloved tradition, returning for the eleventh year in a row. Pursuing their careers near and far, local musicians return to the Capitol Region for the holidays for this special night of music and storytelling at the Manship Theatre. manshiptheatre.org.