Christmas in Central Louisiana

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Nastya Dulhiier

With major stops along the Holiday Trail of Lights, Central Louisiana hosts a flurry of exciting holiday events not to be missed, including the Natchitoches Festival of Lights and Alex Winter Fete.

How to Spend the Holidays in Central Louisiana 

November 20–January 6: Natchitches Christmas Festival: The famous Christmas festivities in Natchitoches mean the holiday spirit is in full swing here beginning November 20, when over 300,000 holiday lights flicker on every evening for six weeks straight. Saturdays bring vendors, live music, fireworks, and kids activities to the Riverbank area and require armbands for anyone older than six.  $10. natchitocheschristmas.com.

November 26–7; December 3–December 25: Dark Woods Christmas in the Park: Immerse yourself in Christmas Spirit at the annual Christmas in the Park event, located just a short drive from the famous Natchitoches Christmas Festival. Meet the Clauses, enjoy sesasonal treats, and brighten your spirits with magical light displays. $6 for ages four and older. Photo package options. darkwoodschristmas.com. 

Friday–Sunday November 6–December 19; December 22–23, 26–29: Holiday Light Safari: One of CENLA's favorite holiday traditions, the Alexandria Zoo's Holiday Light Safari features thousands of whimsical lighted animal figures, a merry trainride with holiday music, and a chance to share your wish list with Santa. 5:30 pm–9 m (last entry at 8 pm). $8. Details at the Alexandria Zoological Park Facebook Page. 

December 1–31: Christmas Light Show Spectacular: Experience the magic of the holidays at this annual light show at Journey Church in Alexandria. Park and walk or drive-thru (there is even an eighty foot dancing Christmas light tunnel!) displays of dancing candy canes and more. Open every night in December, and featuring special weekend nights with a hot chocolate bar, food trucks, and a live nativity. 6 pm–9 pm. Free. Details at the Journey Church Facebook Page. 

December 2–5: A Calvary Christmas: Calvary Baptist Church invites all to celebrate this Christmas production, telling the true story of manger, the shepherds, Joseph and Mary, and the Christ child. 7 pm. $15. calvary.net. 

December 3–4: Rudolph!: Get to the Pointe Ballet Academy presents their production of Rudolph!, which incorporates classical ballet with original choreography by Sarah Lavana Ochs. 7 pm both nights, with an additional 2 pm performance on Saturday. At the Hearn Stage at Kress Theatre. $12.50. Details at the Get to the Pointe Ballet Academy's Facebook Page. 

December 3: Christmas in Candyland: Head over to the TREE House Children's Museum for ornament-making and cookie-decorating. 6 pm–8 pm. $7. kidtreehouse.org. 

December 4: Christmas in the Park: Find music, shopping, food trucks, and Santa Claus himself at Ward 8 Ballpark in Pollock this Saturday, all to celebrate the annual Christmas Parade, rolling from Town Hall and ending at the Ballpark starting at 11 am. Details at the Town of Pollock's Facebook Page. 

December 4: Ornament Making Workshop: Craft your own holiday ornaments at the TREE House Children's Museum. 1 pm–2 pm. Included in price of admission. kidtreehouse.org.

December 4: Christmas in the Pines Market: Local vendors are set to gather at Main Street in Pineville, creating an ideal shopping day made even better by live music performances, a snow alley, an appearance from Santa Claus, and the annual Christmas Tree lighting. 2 pm–7 pm. Details at the City of Pineville Facebook Page. 

December 4: Old Fashioned Christmas: Kent Plantation House invites children from near and far to a special old-fashioned celebration of the holiday season, where they can assist in decorating the Kent House Christmas Tree with old fashioned popcorn and cranberry garlands and paper chains. Papa Noel will be in attendance, and hot cocoa (or lemonade if its warm) and cookies are on the menu. 4 pm–6 pm. Free. kenthouse.org. 

December 5: 'Tis the Season Concert: The Rapides Symphony Orchestra invites all for an afternoon of traditional carols, sing-a-longs, and a visit from St. Nick at the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center. 2:30 pm. $25. rapidessymphony.org. 

December 9–11, 16–18: Christmas Tour of Homes: Hosted by the Natchitoches Historic Foundation, these tours take you into some of the historic district's most fascinating homes, all decked out for the season. Docents will lead commentaries on the history of each property, as well as their unique holiday decorations. $25. natchitocheshf.com. 

December 9–12: Alex Winter Fete: This free, family-friendly festival returns to Alexandria with a slate of exciting cozy activities for all. Try a twirl on the outdoor skating rink, watch in wonder at the fireworks over the Red River, explore the multicultural village and Jolly Junction, and interact with talented stilt walkers, fire breathers, live bands, and more. It all begins with the traditional lighting of the tree and Santa's arrival at Santa's Village at the Alexander Fulton Mini Park downtown. Other must-see events include the Ugly Sweater 5K on Saturday and the Alexandria Mardi Gras Association Christmas Parade downtown at 2 pm on Sunday. alexwinterfete.com. 

December 11: The Holiday Hoopla: With stops at three local churches, this major shopping event brings together over one hundred vendors, ensuring you knock out your entire Christmas list. Locations include the St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, Crossroads New Life Tabernacle, and Longview Baptist Church. 8 am–3 pm. (318) 715-2697. 

December 11: Gingerbread House Workshop: Learn to craft your own delicious house for the holidays at the TREE House Children's Museum. 1 pm. Children ages six and older can be dropped off for the workshop, but anyone under six must have parental supervision. $20. kidtreehouse.org.

December 11: Polar Express Reading: Join the folks at TREE House Children's Museum for a reading of The Polar Express, with a craft to follow. 1 pm–2 pm. Included with price of admission. kidtreehouse.org.

December 11: Christmas in the Dog Park: Get your pooch in on the holiday spirit for a fun event hosted at the Hynson Dog Park in Alexandria, featuring puppy painting, holiday pet pictures, raffles, games, a treat bar, a holiday costume/sweater contest, and more. All proceeds go to local rescues. Details at the Christmas in the dog park 2021 Facebook event. 

December 11: The Alexandria Garden District Holiday Tour of Homes: Explore some of the historic Garden District's most beautiful homes for this year's holiday tour, which showcases the history architecture, and gracious living in some of the city's oldest neighborhoods. Tickets and maps available at Southern Chic or through Evenbrite, as well as on the day-of at First United Methodist Church. 4 pm–7 pm. $25. alexandriapinevillela.com. 

December 11: Natchitoches Lighted Boat Parade: Watch as decked-out vessels make their way down the river in Downtown Natchitoches, heightening the already spirited environs of the ongoing Natchitoches Christmas Festival. 5 pm–6 pm. natchitocheschristmas.com.

December 12: Light the Way 5K and Fun Run: The nighttime race will run through the famous Natchitoches Festival of Lights, starting in front of the riverbank stage, going past Santa Claus Lane, and returning back to the riverbank. One lap is the Fun Run, three completes the 5K. Warm ups begin at 6 pm. $30 for 5K; $25 for Fun Run; $15 for children twelve and younger.  runsignup.com/race/la/natchitcohes/lighttheway5kandfunrun. 

December 17–18: Ol' Mel's Merry Christmas Farm: Explore the Farm-turned-Christmas Village at 50 Chevalliar Road in Deville, where you can shop vendors, sweets and treats, take photo ops with Santa, ride horse, frolic in  a snow area, roast marshmallow, sing carols, and more. 5 pm–10 pm. $5; some activities have additional costs. Details at the Ol' Mel's Merry Christmas Farm event on Facebook.