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 24–December 30: Zoo Lights: Generations of Capital City families have built a holiday tradition around a visit to BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo to see Zoo Lights—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. Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank for a 50% discount on admission. 5:30 pm–8 pm nightly. $5 adults; $4 seniors; $3 ages two through twelve. On Fridays and Saturdays before Christmas, find Santa himself at the Otter Cabin. Closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. brzoo.org. 

November 30 & December 3: Chamber Series "Holiday Brass 2023": 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 Our Lady of Mercy (November 30, 7:30 pm) and Houmas House Gardens (December 3, 4:30 pm). $30–$50. brso.org.  

December 1: Pop Up Holiday Concert at the Shaw Center: See a special performance of holiday classics performed by LSU Chamber of Music at the LSU Museum of Art. 6 pm. Free. lsumoa.org. 

December 1: Reindeer Ride: Welcome the holiday season with an 8-mile nighttime family bike ride along the levee from Farr Park to downtown Baton Rouge, which will be all alight with its Festival of Lights celebrations. Bring your own bike or rent one from BREC for $10. 6 pm–8 pm. Free. brec.org. 

December 1: LSU Museum of Art Store Holiday Shopping Event: For the nineteenth 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 1: 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, when Mayor Broome and Santa will lead the countdown to the lighting of the city's 25-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 on the first floor of the River Center Plaza, 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 activities presented by downtown churches and museums, who will be displaying live nativity scenes, giving away hot chocolate, singing carols, and more. And don't miss the grande finale: a fireworks show over the Mississippi River. 4 pm–8 pm. Free.  downtownbatonrouge.org. 

December 1: George Bell and Friends: An Evening of Holiday Jazz: George Bell returns to Baton Rouge for his annual holiday concert, this year at the River Center Performing Arts Theatre. 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. $43–$50. Details at the "George Bell and Friends Holiday Jazz" Facebook Event. 

December 1–2 and 8–9: Christmasville Spectacular: Expect 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 Storyland—where you'll 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. Details at firstdenham.com. Free. 

December 1–December 23: Livingston Holiday Marketplace: Throughout the holiday season, the Arts Council of Livingston Parish Gallery once again welcomes its annual marketplace, featuring a wide range of local art for holiday shoppers—from oil and acrylic works, to handmade jewelry, to pottery. 10 am–noon Wednesday–Friday; 10 am–2 pm Saturday. artslivingston.org. 

December 2: Christmas at Conway: With the festive seasonal spirit comes a host of spectacular markets. Explore this one in the Conway Development in Gonzales, where vendors will set out to provide face painting, balloon art, pop up shopping, food trucks, and live music. Mrs. Claus will be in attendance, and the halls will be thoroughly decked. 9 am–1 pm. Free. visitlasweetspot.com. 

December 2: 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, seasonal screenings in the planetarium, and—of course—an appearance from the Clausey old guy himself in the Coca Cola truck. 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 2: 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 2: A Louisiana Christmas to Remember: Meet the Louisiana native authors of this heartwarming book at the Main Library at Goodwood at 10 am. ebrpl.com.

December 2: 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 11 am, starting from the Broadmoor High School. Details at the Broadmoor's Annual Christmas Parade Facebook Event. 

December 2–December 9: "Spreading Cheer" Watercolor Workshop: Create a joyful holiday-themed watercolor painting with guidance from local artist Roberta Loflin at BREC's Studio in the Park. 9:30 am–noon on Saturdays. arguildlouisiana.org. 

December 3: A Very Electric Holiday: Join Lightwire Theater at the Manship for A Very Electric Holiday, chronicling a young bird’s jolly journey through the North Pole. The story features all of the songs of the season, from Tchaikovsky to Mariah Carey. 2 pm. $25. manshiptheatre.org.

December 3: Advent Lessons and Carols: St. James and Cecilia Choirs will lead a lesson using the famous "O" Antiphons as the basis. At St. James Episcopal Church, followed by Champagne and shortbread in Coleman Hall. 4:30 pm. stjamesbr.org. 

December 3: 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 at St. Joseph's Cathedral. Free. brcb.org. 

December 3: 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. $12; $10 for children ages four to eleven; children three and younger free. (225) 765–2437 or lsu.edu/rurallife.

December 3: Jingle Bell Brunch: A Baton Rouge classic, 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. 9:30 am and 1 pm. $75–$110 at bontempstix.com. 

December 3: West Baton Rouge Museum's Holiday Open House: Celebrate the season with traditional arts demonstrations, live music, shopping, and storytelling—while snacking on gingerbread and hot cider. Papa Noel will make an appearance to host a game of "Find the Elves!" and the historic buildings will be open for complementary tours with tableau performances, as well as presentations by Master Naturalists. 2 pm–5 pm. Free. westbatonrougemuseum.com.

December 5–6: Cool Winter Nights and Hot Jazz: For the twelfth 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, and Robin Barnes, alongside a fifteen-piece jazz ensemble. 7:30 pm both nights. $30–$50. manshiptheatre.org. 

December 7–9 and 14–16: A Cajun Christmas Carol: Ascension Community Theatre is putting a Cajun twist on the favorite Dickens tale. 7 pm. $15–25. actgonzales.org. 

December 8: Dailey and Vincent Christmas Show: Renowned bluegrass/country musicians Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent take the stage at the Manship Theatre for a special holiday musical performance, showcasing their exceptional vocal harmonies, instrumental prowess, and festive repertoire. 7:30 pm. $41–$51. 

December 8–10: Gonzales Holiday Market: A one-stop shopping expo designed to bring holiday gift-givers with vendors offering the most special of under-the-tree treats. At the Lamar Dixon Expo Center, starting at 10 am each day. $10/day or $25 for three day access. attexpomarket.com. 

December 8–10 & 14–17: 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. $35, $25 for students and children seventeen and younger. theatrebr.org. 

December 9: 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 9: Christmas at Crescent: The city of Donaldsonville will host its annual Christmas Tree Lighting celebration to kick off the season's festivities, featuring food vendors, local businesses open late, various holiday open houses, appearances from the old bearded guy himself, and the lighting of the tree. Free. 6 pm–10 pm at Crescent Park. donaldsonville-la.gov.

December 9: Denham Springs Christmas Parade: Mardi Gras is right around the corner. 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 9: Cajun Christmas Storytime at Livingston Parish Library: Parents and kids can hear holiday favorites like Cajun Night Before Christmas read aloud by Cajun Mrs. Claus. 10:30 am at the Main Branch; 2 pm at the Watson Branch. Free. mylpl.info.

December 9: 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 9: Pancake Breakfast with Santa: Start your Saturday with the utmost Christmas spirit, by participating in Rescue Alliance's breakfast event at 42430 Church Point in Gonzales. Your furry friends will thank you, offering a free breakfast and photo opp in exchange for a donation of kitten food, cat litter, laundry detergent, dish detergent, or cash. 9 am. visitlasweetspot.com. 

December 9: Christmas Movie Night at Jambalaya Park: Volunteer Ascension presents its annual movie night at Jambalaya Park, featuring a screening of the hilarious classic, ELF, with concessions, face painting and balloon art. During intermission, grab a photo with Mr. Claus. 5:30 pm. Free. visitlasweetspot.com. 

December 9: 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, live music by Capital City Soul, a Mini Makers Market, and much more.  It all wraps up with Baton Rouge's first ever holiday drone light show. 5 pm–8 pm. Free. brec.org. 

December 9–10: Livingston's local Tri–Parish Ballet again presents The Nutcracker, enchanting audiences with dancing dolls, toy soldiers, waltzing flowers and a number of new surprises for returning audiences. Since Saturday's (6 pm) performance serves as a benefit, admission is a non-perishable food item for the Baton Rouge Food Bank and the food pantry at the First United Methodist Church of Denham Springs. On Sunday at 2 pm, admission to the full-length performance is $30; $35 at the door. Both performances will be in the LSU Student Union Theatre, and tickets can be purchased at lsuuniontheater.universitytickets.com or by calling (225) 578-5128. 

December 10: Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas: Christmas offers ample opportunities for Fancy Nancy to indulge in her fancy preferences, such as dazzling decorations and glamorous outfits. Bring your little ones to join Fancy Nancy onstage at the Manship Theatre, and see how splendiferous Christmas can be for yourself. 2 pm and 4:30 pm. $25. manshiptheatre.org.

December 10: Magnolia Mound Creole Christmas and Holiday Fair: This historic home gets thoroughly dressed up for the holidays. Wander through the cozy decor, and listen to holiday songs in French and Spanish, period demonstrations, folk crafts, and local vendors. It all closes out with a bonfire to welcome Papa Noel. Noon–5 pm. brec.org. 

December 11: Downtown Christmas Pilgrimage: A church-to-church pilgrimage where each congregation will offer music of their choice. Begins at Mount Zion First Baptist Church at 5:30 pm and ends at 7:30 pm at St. James Episcopal Church. stjamesbr.org.

December 10 and 22: Santa at the Market: Head to the Red Stick Farmer's market for a special guest appearance from the big guy himself. breada.org. 

December 12: Sorrento Christmas Celebration: Find all the charming trappings of small town Christmas here, including the lighting of the town tree, Christmas carols, and Santa making a grand entrance on a fire truck. Children can do arts and crafts, meet Santa, take photos, and receive a goodie bag from his elves. Onsite will also be jambalaya, soft drinks, hot chocolate, and cookies. 6 pm–8 pm. Free.  visitlasweetspot.com. 

December 13–14: Here Comes the Bells, So Many Bells: Kids can join one-woman drumming sensation Lady Chops for a high-energy, jingly, jangly, holiday program. Find the schedule at ebrpl.com.

December 14: Holly Jolly PJ Party: The Knock Knock Museum is getting cozy, with a special pajama party planned for good girls and boys, featuring arts and crafts, holiday treats, hot chocolate, and visits from the Big Man himself. 5 pm–7:30 pm. $17; $8 for members. knocknockmuseum.org. 

December 14: Caroling in the Galleries: Come join in on the seasonal singing at this caroling experience hosted by the LSU Museum of Art—all while enjoying hot chocolate and cookies provided by Baton Rouge Delta Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. 6:30 pm. Free. lsumoa.org. 

December 14: Holiday Harmony—A Recital by the Collaborative Piano Institute: This evening of music promises to be mesmerizing, thanks to the talents of professional and student performers with the Collaborative Piano Institute teaching program. Performers will showcase familiar seasonal songs, as well as lesser-known works, and there will be a Q&A afterwards. All will take place in the rotunda at the Energy, Coast & Environment Building (93 S. Quad Drive) at LSU. 8 pm. Free. collaborativepianoinstitute.org. 

December 15: Movies on the Plaza: A Christmas Carol: The Main Library at Goodwood will host a screening of the vintage holiday favorite, Jim Henson's 1992 adaptation of Dickens' classic Christmas tale. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, and stay for the after-movie dance party. 7 pm. Free. ebrpl.com. 

December 15: Outdoor Holiday Movie at Livingston Parish Library: One of the season's most wonder-filled movies, The Polar Express, will be screened 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 15 & 17: Opéra Louisiane's Production of The Christmas Spider: Based on a Ukrainian legend, this performance tells the story of a spider who brought good fortune, through love and togetherness, to a poor family at Christmastime. The show, produced by composer Clint Borzoni and librettist John de los Santos, will make its world premiere at the Manship Theatre this holiday season. 7:30 pm each night.  $10–$140. operalouisiane.com.

December 16: Reindog Run: BREC is hosting its first annual Reindog Run this year, inviting Christmas pups of all shapes and sizes to compete for the title of Champion Reindog. 9 am–1 pm at the Comite River Conservation Area. $35. brec.org. 

December 16–17: 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: A Tale From the Bayou. 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 for Performing Arts.  $30–$90. Ticketmaster or (225) 766-8379, or at the River Center Box Office. batonrougeballet.org.

December 16–22: A Dulcimer and Drums Holiday Concert: Madam Dulcimer and Lady Chops are joining forces for an unforgettable holiday kids concert at various East Baton Rouge Parish libraries. Find the schedule at ebrpl.com. 

December 21: 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. $35–$65. raisingcanesrivercenter.com.

December 21: Story Time with Santa at the Market: Bring the little ones to the Red Stick Farmers Market, where Red Stick Reads will be on hand for a fun seasonal storytime with the jolliest host. 8 am–noon. breada.org.

December 21 and 22: Holiday Movies at the Manship: Santa's just around the corner, so time to cozy up. See some of your favorite festive films on the big screen at the Manship Theatre. On Thursday, see the green old Grinch steal Christmas again, in the latest 2018 version of the film at 2 pm. And on Friday, it's as classic as it gets with It's a Wonderful Life at 7 pm.