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 14–January 9: Holiday Wreath Contest at the Library: Submit your most festive wreath to the Ascension Parish Library by December 9, and vote for your favorites between December 10–16. Enjoy the display until January 9. (225) 647-3955. myapl.org. 

November 25–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—featuring more than fifty illuminated, 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. 

November 29–November 30: Cool Winter Nights and Hot Jazz: For the eleventh year, The Manship Theatre will bring a broad assortment of jazz talents to the stage for its Cool Winter Nights and Hot Jazz concert. This year, the evening of contemporary arrangements and holiday classics will be performed by Brian Shaw, Willis Delony, Fr. Greg Daigle, Sasha Masakowski, and Bill Grimes, alongside a fifteen-piece jazz ensemble. 7:30 pm both nights. $30–$45. manshiptheatre.org. 

December 1: Chamber Series "Holiday Brass 2022": The full Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra brass and percussion is ready and prepped to put you in the holiday spirit in the magical environs of the St. Joseph Cathedral. 7:30 pm–9:30 pm. $30. brso.org.  

December 2: LSU Museum of Art Store Holiday Shopping Event: For the eighteenth 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. 4 pm–8 pm. lsumoa.org. 

December 2: Festival of Lights at North Boulevard Town Square: Downtown Baton Rouge's oldest holiday tradition returns to takeover downtown, transforming it into a winter wonderland of lights, carols, and magic. It starts at 4 pm with a performance by the McKinley Middle Magnet School Choir on the Community Stage. Then at 6 pm, Mayor Broome and Santa will be leading the countdown to the lighting of the city's 35-foot Christmas tree, featuring half a million sparkling lights. Afterwards, grab a photo with the big guy in the Old State Capitol for "Santa in the Senate" from 6:30 pm–8:30 pm, try your hand (er ... feet) at ice skating in Repentance Park or swirl amongst the flurries in the Snow Village, and mingle with local vendors while searching for the perfect Christmas gift in the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge's Artists Village. All the while, enjoy performances from the Baton Rouge Center for Visual & Performing Arts, Helix Mentorship STEAM Academy, Liberty High Dance Team, EBR Schools Fine Arts Program’s Crème de la Rouge dancers, Baton Rouge Cheer Academy, Capital High School dance department, McKinley Middle Dancers, and the musical theatre group from Forest Heights Academy of Excellence. And don't miss the grande finale: a fireworks show over the Mississippi River. 4 pm–8 pm. downtownbatonrouge.org. 

December 2–3: George Bell and Friends: An Evening of Holiday Jazz: George Bell returns to the Manship for his 10th annual holiday concert. Don't miss this festive performance, featuring Herman Jackson, Harry Anderson, Andy Bourgeois, Ray Mouton, Greg Ward, Betsy Braud, and Hilda Trenise Gautier, and Quiana Lynell—plus a few other surprises. 7:30 pm both nights. $45. manshiptheatre.org.

December 2–4, 9–12: 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 Christmas Tree Farm courtyard, where you'll enjoy Hot Cocoa and sweet Christmas treats. Then on to the Christmasville Toyland—where you'll wander through presentations of the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ.  At the farm, meet some friendly animals, and catch a ride on the Toyland Express Train. It's an experience designed to foster lifelong holiday memories for the entire family. Find timeslots at eventbrite.com. Free. 

December 3: Home for the Holidays Concert: The Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra will fill the River Center Theatre 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. 2 pm–4 pm. brso.org. 

December 3: 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 3: 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: 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 4: 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. 10 am–5 pm. $10; children ten and younger free. (225) 765–2437 or lsu.edu/rurallife.

December 4: 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 live holiday performances. For more information, reach out to Gale Roy at roygaleb@bellsouth.net or call (225) 638-6049.

December 4: West Baton Rouge Museum's Holiday Open House: Celebrate the season with traditional activities, art, music, and storytelling—while snacking on gingerbread and hot cider. Papa Noel will make an appearance to host a game of "Find the Elves!" 2 pm–4 pm. Free. westbatonrougemuseum.com.

December 4: 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 $50. houmashouse.com. 

December 5–17: Tots for Toys at Curbside Burger: Curbside is joining forces with Toys for Tots and LSU Offensive Lineman Will Campbell to offer a free small order of tots in exchange for a new toy, which will be donated to Toys for Tots. On December 17 from 4:30–6:30 pm Will Campbell will be present to sign autographs in exchange for toy donations, and there will also be opportunities to take photos with Santa (bring your own camera) and enjoy holiday music. curbsideburgers.com.

December 7–19: 13 Days of Merchmas: Beginning December 7, each day for thirteen days The Overpass Merchant will offer different specials, giveaways, and collaborations. theoverpassmerchant.com. Catch the following specials:

• December 7: Sierra Nevada Stocking Stuffer
• December 8: Steak Night
• December 9: Il Supremo Gardens
• December 10: Family Wedding: Early Dismissal
• December 11: Stein’s Deli Bagel Brunch
• December 12: 20% off Merch Merch
• December 13: Steam Bun Freakout
• December 14: Wine Bottle Blowout
• December 15: Prime Rib Night
• December 16: Martini Madness
• December 17: Oysters & Champagne
• December 18: Bayou Brunch Special
• December 19: Christmas Chinese Food

December 9: Movies on the Plaza: Home Alone: The Main Library at Goodwood will host a screening of the holiday favorite, Home Alone on the lawn this evening. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, and stay for the after-movie dance party. 7 pm. Free. ebrpl.com. 

December 9–10: "Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time" at the Manship: Local performers Mike Esneault, Don Vappie, Keith Simoneaux, Clarence Johnson III, David Ellis, Victoria Cave, Brandy Johnson, Margaret Fowler Milam, and Ed Perkins come together on the Manship stage for a celebration of the holiday classics—especially the hits from the 1970s, '80s, and '90s. 7:30 pm both nights. $30–$45. manshiptheatre.org.

December 9–11 & 15–18: Theatre Baton Rouge's "A Christmas Carol": Some classics are timeless for a reason, and this Dickens Christmas tradition is one of them. The same characters we know and love return to the stage: 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 10: 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. Parade rolls at 2 pm, ending off Veterans in Denham Springs. Visit the Denham Springs Antique Village on Facebook for details. 

December 10: 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. 5:30 pm. christmasinbr.com. 

December 10: Jingle Bell Brunch: The newly-renovated Juban's is hosting a festive brunch with three courses, photos with Santa, a hot chocolate bar, a cookie decorating bar, mimosas and poinsettias for the grown-ups, and cheerful decor. 10 am and 1 pm. $75–$95 at bontempstix.com. 

December 10: Christmas Movie Night at Jambalaya Park: Volunteer Ascension presents its annual movie night at Jambalaya Park, featuring a screening of Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause with concessions, face painting and balloon art. During intermission, grab a photo with Mr. Claus. 5:30 pm. Free. visitlasweetspot.com. 

December 10: 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 10: Ascension Parish "Stroll on the Square": Usher in the season with a Christmas Tree lighting in Gonzales's Louisiana Square. Santa Claus will be in attendance, and there will be shopping, plus food and beverages and fun for all ages. 6 pm–10 pm. visitlasweetspot.com.

December 10: Gonzales Christmas Market: Find live music, crafts, and gifts galore at 17198 Old Jefferson Highway—presented by Prairieville Market Collective. visitlasweetspot.com. 

December 13: Carols in the Garden: No better way to infuse oneself with Christmas spirit than by singing all the classic carols. Join East Ascension High Choir Director Erin Perdue, who will lead a group in singing seasonal favorites in the Gonzales library's rain garden. Afterwards, enjoy hot chocolate and a treat from Sweet Melissa's Confectionary. 6:30 pm. Free. myapl.org. 

December 16: Outdoor Holiday Movie at Livingston Parish Library: Meet Arthur Christmas, Santa's clumsy son, in a screening of Arthur Christmas 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 17: A Very Merry Museum: LASM is getting all gussied up for the big, jolly day with a special holiday ornament workshop, a museum scavenger hunt, Sneaux to Geaux science experiments (sponsored by BASF), seasonal screenings of Let it Snow and The Star of Bethlehem in the planetarium, and—of course—an appearance from the Clausey old guy himself in the Coca Cola truck from 1:30 pm–4 pm. 10 am–5 pm. Free with admission. Visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. lasm.org. 

December 17–18: 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 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. $10–$35. 7:30 pm Saturday; 3 pm Sunday. operalouisiane.com.

December 20: Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland: The River Center Theatre welcomes the mystifying performance of Cirque Musica to its stage—opening the door to a wonderland of dazzling delights created by the world's greatest cirque performers to a backdrop of symphonic music. 7 pm. $25–$160. raisingcanesrivercenter.com.