Holidays in Greater Baton Rouge

×

Expand

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 2–December 21: Livingston Holiday Marketplace: With the change of the seasons comes more opportunities to grab gifts for your friends and family, including the Arts Council of Livingston Parish's annual Holiday Marketplace. With many different art works in various mediums, there is sure to be a wide range of possible gifts for everyone on your list. 10 am–noon Wednesday–Friday, 10 am–2 pm Saturday. Free. artslivingston.org.

November 29–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 scores of 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; Free for one and under. Closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. brzoo.org. 

December 1, 6–8: 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 "The Lighting of Christmasville," featuring performances and more. It's an experience designed to foster lifelong holiday memories for the entire family. Lighting at 5 pm–6 pm Dec. 1. Free. firstdenham.com.

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 3–4: Cool Winter Nights and Hot Jazz: For the thirteenth 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, and Fr. Greg Daigle, with the Cool Winter Nights jazz ensemble. 7:30 pm both nights. $25–$50. manshiptheatre.org. 

December 5: Holiday Brass: The Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra presents a holiday concert featuring its full brass and percussion sections conducted by David Torns at St. Joseph Cathedral. 7:30 pm–9:30 pm. $30. brso.org.

December 5: Christmas Bayou with BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet: The Manship Theatre will host Cajun powerhouse sextet Beausoleil with Michael Doucet in a concert guaranteed to get anyone dancing. The group's singular sound is an amalgam New Orleans jazz, blues rock, folk, swamp pop, Zydeco, country, and bluegrass, and is responsible for bringing the traditional Cajun French tradition into the modern world. 7:30 pm. $45–$65. manshiptheatre.org.

December 5–8, 12–15: All is Calm: Christmas in 1914 at the Western Front was far from merry and bright. All is Calm, performed by Ascension Community Theatre,  tells the story of enemies defying orders to gather together in a rare truce, singing and finding brotherhood amid the carnage of World War I. A true story, All is Calm includes an a cappella chorale, using words from the men who lived it. 7 pm; 2 pm Sundays. actgonzales.org.

December 6: 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. $10 per bike. brec.org.

December 6: LSU Museum of Art Store Holiday Shopping: For the twenty-first 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 (excluding George Rodrigue merchandise), plus free gift wrap and raffle prizes. 4 pm–8 pm. lsumoa.org.

December 6: Festival of Lights: Including the lighting of the grand twenty-five-foot tree and fireworks, free ice skating, local vendors for last-minute shopping needs, and Santa himself. Free. 4 pm–8 pm. downtownbatonrouge.org.  

December 6: Outdoor Christmas Movie at the Livingston Parish Library: Grab a lawn chair, blanket, a some festive cheer to watch Miracle on 34th Street under the stars at the Main Library in Livingston. mylpl.info.

December 6–8, 12–15: Theatre Baton Rouge Presents: 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. $38–$43. theatrebr.org. 

December 7: 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. 11 am. broadmoor-br.org. 

December 7: Christmas Stroll Along the Avenue: The city of Donaldsonville will host its annual Christmas Tree Lighting celebration at Crescent Park to kick off the season's festivities, featuring food vendors, music, local businesses, and more along Railroad Avenue. Free. 6 pm–10 pm. donaldsonville-la.gov.

December 7–January 3: Nativity at Louisiana State Capitol: Visit the State Capitol during the Christmas Season to see it fully decorated for the holidays, including a Nativity Scene beside the giant Christmas Tree in the Memorial Hall. Free. Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day. visitbatonrouge.com.

December 8: Baton Rouge Concert Band Christmas: The Baton Rouge Concert Band has been busy practicing favorite Christmas songs, with plans to perform at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge. The program for the concert will cover classic Christmas carols alongside less-familiar holiday selections that are sure to put you in a seasonal mood. 3 pm. Free. brcb.org. 

December 8: 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–5:30 pm. $15; children three and younger free. lsu.edu/rurallife.

December 11: 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 Wednesday, see the green old Grinch steal Christmas again, in the latest 2018 version of the film at 2 pm. Then, later in the evening, it's as classic as it gets with It's a Wonderful Life at 7 pm. 

December 12: A Very Soulful Christmas with Morgan James: Experience a holiday performance filled with gospel, soul, and festive tunes at this special performance with vocalist Morgan James at the Manship Theatre. 7:30 pm. $35–$55. manshiptheatre.org. 

December 13: George Bell and Friends: An Evening of Holiday Jazz: George Bell returns to the Manship for his much-anticipated holiday concert. Don't miss this 12th annual Holiday Jazz performance, featuring Herman Jackson, Harry Anderson, Andy Bourgeois, Ray Mouton, Greg Ward, and Hilda Trenise Gautier, and Quiana Lynell—plus a few other surprises. 7:30 pm. $50. manshiptheatre.org.

December 13: Movies on the Plaza: Holiday Edition: December's Movies on the Plaza at the Baton Rouge Main Library is a holiday celebration. Pack your lawn chair or blanket to view a 2004 classic about a train headed for the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Hot chocolate and other treats will be available. 7 pm. Free. ebrpl.com.

December 13–15: 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 13–15: Livingston'sTri–Parish Ballet: The Nutcracker: 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. Details at odysseyacademyofdance.com/tri-parish-ballet.

December 14: 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 14: Denham Springs Christmas Parade: Use the holidays as the perfect excuse to prepare for Mardi Gras, and head to Denham for this special local tradition. Parade rolls at 2 pm. Visit business.livingstonparishchamber.org for details. 

December 14: 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. christmasinbr.com. 

December 14: Let It Sneaux: Santa is coming to BREC's Perkins Road Community Park, and he is bringing all the goodies with him. S'mores, hot chocolate, sneaux, and much more. 1 pm–5 pm. Free. brec.org. 

December 14: Reindog Run: BREC is hosting its second annual Reindog Run this year, inviting Christmas pups of all shapes and sizes to compete for the title of Champion Reindog. 8 am–12 pm at the Comite River Conservation Area. $35. brec.org. 

December 14–15: 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. 2 pm and 6 pm each day at the River Center Theatre for Performing Arts. $35–$90. batonrougeballet.org.

December 15: Jingle Bell Brunch: Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center is hosting a festive brunch buffet, photos with Santa, a hot chocolate bar, cookie decorating, mimosas for the grown-ups, and cheerful decor. 11 am and 2 pm. $45. eventbrite.com. 

December 15: Creole Christmas at Magnolia Mound: Historic Magnolia Mound is decked out in its Christmas finery today, as local schoolchildren gather to sing traditional songs in French and Spanish. Period demonstrations, folk crafts, and a bonfire also help to welcome Papa Noël. Explore booths from artisans and craftspeople offering handmade items for sale. Noon–5 pm. Free. brec.org.

December 18–23: 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 20–21: Opéra Louisiane: "Becoming Santa Claus": Celebrate the holiday season with this delightful and unconventional tale at the Manship Theatre. Becoming Santa Claus,presented by Opéra Louisiane, follows 13-year-old Prince Claus attempting to outdo the Three Kings. 7:30 pm Friday; 5 pm Saturday. Visit operalouisiane.com for varying ticket prices.

December 21: 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 21: Holiday Market at the Red Stick Farmers Market: Head to the Red Stick Farmer's market for a special guest appearance from the big guy himself. 8 am–noon. breada.org.