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 11–December 20: 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. Free. artslivingston.org.

November 21–December 30: Holiday Lights at Baton Rouge General: Baton Rouge General once again transforms the greenspace in front of the hospital into a dazzling winter wonderland—complete with a musically synchronized lights display. Begins nightly at 5:30 pm. Free. brgeneral.org.

November 22: 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, photos with Santa, and more along Railroad Avenue. Free. 6 pm. donaldsonville-la.gov.

November 28–December 30: Louisiana Lights: Burden Museum & Gardens once again glows this holiday season, with hundreds of twinkling lights guiding visitors through an enchanted landscape filled with holiday delight. 5:30–8:30 pm. $22; free for children three and younger. lsuagcenter.com.

November 28–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. Visitors who bring a non-perishable food item will receive a 50% discount on admission. Closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. brzoo.org. 

November 30, December 5–7: 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 Nov. 30. Free. firstdenham.com.

December 2–3: Cool Winter Nights and Hot Jazz: For the fourteenth 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 along with a special remembrance of Fr. Greg Daigle. Featuring special guest Sasha Masakowski with the Cool Winter Nights jazz ensemble. 7:30 pm both nights. $40–$60. manshiptheatre.org. 

December 4: 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. $40. brso.org.

December 4–21: Elf the Musical: Watch a hapless man learn that he is not, in fact, an elf born to live and work in the North Pole. (So that's why he's so tall and can't make toys...) Song and dance are a natural fit. At the Sullivan, with performances running Thursday–Sunday. 7:30 pm; 2 pm on Sundays. $28–$39. sullivantheater.com.   

December 5: Festival of Lights: Make merry at Rhorer Plaza, ringing in the season with the lighting of the grand thirty-foot tree and fireworks, free ice skating, local vendors for last-minute shopping needs, and more. Free. 4 pm–8 pm. downtownbatonrouge.org.  

December 5: Santa in the Senate: Louisiana's Old State Capitol plays host to old St. Nick himself. Enjoy an evening of cheer filled with holiday crafts, a cozy Christmas movie, and photos with Santa. 6:30 pm–8:30 pm. Free. louisianaoldstatecapitol.org.

December 5 & 23: 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 Friday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 pm, catch Jack Skellington obsess over the most wonderful time of the year in Nightmare Before Christmas. Then, on Tuesday, Dec. 23, see the green old Grinch steal Christmas again in the 2018 remake at a 2 pm showing, followed by a visit with the Bailey family in It's a Wonderful Life at 7:30 pm. Then, later in the evening, it's as classic as it gets with It's a Wonderful Life at 7 pm. $5 for Dec. 5; $11:50 for Dec. 23 at 2 pm and $12.50 for 7:30 pm. manshiptheatre.org.

December 5–7: LSU Museum of Art Store Holiday Shopping: 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. 10 am–5 pm. lsumoa.org.

December 6: Holiday Sinatra with Ned Fasullo & The Fabulous Big Band Orchestra: Support Capital Region Crime Stoppers at this festive performance of favorites by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee and more. Special guests include Hugo Andricain and Ashley Orlando. 7 pm–9:30 pm. $35, with VIP options. bontempstix.com. 

December 6: Saturday Night Ballroom's "A Very Merry Christmas" Holiday Dance Party: Head to the American Legion hall in Baton Rouge for a holiday night to remember with special performances from dance pros. Expect music perfect for ballroom, Latin, and swing dancing—and be sure to dress in holiday attire (or whatever you feel best dancing in). 7 pm–10 pm. $15. batonrougeballroom.com.

December 6: Civic Orchestra Holiday Concert: The Civic Orchestra of Baton Rouge presents its annual holiday concert at the Main Library at  Goodwood, playing seasonal favorites by Leroy Anderson—along with the Hallelujah Chorus. This year's concert features a special presentation of Sergei Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf, narrated by local puppeteer and radio DJ Clay Achee. 3 pm. Free. ebrpl.com. 

December 6: Coca-Cola Christmas: A Month of Magic at LASM Kickoff: LASM is getting all gussied up for the big, jolly day—but first for a celebration kicking off its Coca-Cola Christmas month of festive activities. Expect a day filled with special holiday crafts, balloon animals, 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. Kiddos can also catch a Louisiana artist Emily Welch read her holiday story, The Nutcracker: A Swamp Tail, and those who stick around past 2 pm can enjoy a Teddy Bear Tea with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear. Kickoff 10 am–2 pm; Teddy Bear Tea at 2 pm. Kickoff free with admission; Teddy Bear Tea is $75 per seat. lasm.org.

December 6: Knock Knock's Holly Jolly PJ Party: It's not every day you are given permission to wear your most festive pajamas to a party, but the Knock Knock Children's Museum has extended the invitation to Baton Rouge-area families. Seemingly overnight, the museum will become a winter wonderland, filled with all types of hands-on play, fun, and good, old-fashioned holiday cheer. There will be much Sneaux to be had, along with hot chocolate, donuts, and more. 9 am–11 am. $18; free for children two and younger. knockknockmuseum.org.

December 6: 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 6–January 2: 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 6: Christmas in Central Parade: Don't miss this festive celebration down Joor Road in the charming community of Central. 9 am. members.cityofcentralchamber.com. 

December 6: Reindog Run: BREC is hosting its third annual Reindog Run this year, inviting Christmas pups of all shapes and sizes to compete for the title of Champion Reindog. 8 am–1 pm at the Comite River Conservation Area. $35. brec.org. 

December 7: Wassailing in Windrush: The LSU Rural Life Museum's Windrush Gardens welcomes you to a holiday tradition like no other. Take an evening stroll through beautifully illuminated gardens, enjoy holiday music by the Greater King David Choir and James Linden Hogg, partake in seasonal food and drink, and celebrate the yuletide magic. 5 pm–7:30 pm. $65. bontempstix.com. 

December 7: 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 songs ("A Christmas Festival," "Sleigh Ride," and Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus") alongside other seasonal favorites like "Greensleeves" and "We Three Kings." 3 pm. Free. brcb.org. 

December 7: 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. 11 am–4:30 pm. $14.38; $12.24 for children; children three and younger free. lsu.edu/rurallife. bontempstix.com.

December 11: Réveillon dinner at the Stockade Bed & Breakfast: This year, start a new holiday tradition at the Stockade Bed & Breakfast, which will host it's first Réveillon dinner for a small gathering of thirty guests. Following the French Creole tradition of a multi-course dinner with wine pairings, the night will feature shrimp and okra gumbo, smashed red skinned truffle parmesan new potatoes, sous vide New York strip steak with green peppercorn butter, and more delectable dishes. 6 pm–9 pm. $175 with wine pairings; $145 for a non-alcoholic seating. thestockade.com.

December 11: Groovin’ 'Round the Christmas Tree: Join Mike Esneault at the Manship Theatre for a review of holiday hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. 7:30 pm. $35–$55. manshiptheatre.org.

‍December 11: Handel's "Messiah": Let St. Joseph Cathedral's glorious acoustics inspire you with light and music at this special Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra performance of George Frideric Handel's famous oratorio, "Messiah." 7:30 pm–9:30 pm. $40. brso.org.

December 11–21: Miracle on 34th Street: Presented by Ascension Community Theatre, this delightful family-friendly story explores the journey of Kris Kringle, an old man in a retirement home who gets a job working as Santa. Showing Thursday–Sunday. 7 pm; 2 pm on Sundays. $18–$33. actgonzales.org.

December 11–30: 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 for almost the entire month of December. Slipping and sliding is a possibility ... but inventive winter recreation is guaranteed. Admission includes seventy-five minutes of skating. Times vary daily. Closed on Christmas Day. $23. raisingcanesrivercenter.com.

December 12: Holiday Open House at the West Baton Rouge Museum: West Baton Rouge Museum opens its doors for the holiday season, transforming the space into a winter wonderland featuring Santa's workshop, a Christmas tree around which musical guests will rock all evening long, hot cider, gingerbread, and a "Find the Elves" scavenger hunt. 6 pm–8 pm. Free. westbatonrougemuseum.org.

December 12–14: 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 13–14: Livingston'sTri–Parish Ballet: The Nutcracker: Livingston's local Tri–Parish Ballet again presents The Nutcracker—this year at Independence Park Theatre—enchanting audiences with dancing dolls, toy soldiers, waltzing flowers and a number of new surprises for returning audiences. 6 pm Saturday; 2 pm Sunday. Bring a can of nonperishable food for admission Saturday; $25 for Sunday, $30 at the door. For details, visit the Tri-Parish Ballet Facebook page.

December 13: 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 13: 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. 2 pm–6 pm. Free. brec.org. 

December 13: 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. $25–$80. 2 pm–3:30 pm. brso.org.

December 14: 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 14 & 21: 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 both dates. $49.19; free for children two and younger. eventbrite.com. 

December 18: Holiday Lights at The Civic: This one-night only performance seeks to raise funds for the newly launched Mid City Civic Theatre after Theatre Baton Rouge's closure earlier this year. The night includes live performances from talented singers, musicians, and theatre artists, along with seasonal bites and cocktails. 6:30 pm–9:30 pm. Tickets start at $25. midcitycivic.org.

December 19–21: Opéra Louisiane: "Amal & the Night Visitors": At the Manship Theatre, celebrate the holiday season by attending this moving opera based on Italian folktales of the Nativity and Epiphany. Follow the story of Amahl, a young, poverty-stricken, disabled boy, who lives near Bethlehem—and what he discovers the night of Christ's birth. 7:30 pm; 3 pm on Sunday. $31.50–$61.50. operalouisiane.com. 

December 19–23: 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: 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.  

December 20: “Christmas Express: A Journey Through Time” : Join the Baton Rouge Chorus of Sweet Adelines at the Irene W. Pennington  Planetarium inside the Louisiana Art and Science Museum, and step into a stunning visual and auditory experience of the sights and sounds of Christmas through time. 6 pm; a festive reception will follow the performance at 7 pm. $30; $20 for children twelve and younger. batonrougechorus.org.

December 20–21: 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. $40–$95. batonrougeballet.org.