The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights

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Annie Spratt

How to Celebrate Christmas Along the Holiday Trail of Lights 

Each holiday season, North and Central Louisiana link arms to present a one-of-a-kind Christmas adventure in the part of the state most likely to get snow. There's so much cheer to go around here, it'll surely infect all merry pilgrims making the journey. Here are a few spirited outings to plan your trip around, in the participating towns of Shreveport-Bossier, Many, Ruston, Natchitoches, Logansport, Minden, Alexandria-Pineville, and Monroe-West Monroe. 

November 11–December 31: Freedom Trees at the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum: The Chennault Aviation & Military Museum honors the veterans and those currently serving in the U.S. military during this holiday season with a stunning tribute of its Freedom Trees. See them alight all through New Year's Eve. Free. chennaultmuseum.org. 

November 11–December 31: Candy Cane Lane: For the sixth year, the Hanson family in Monroe invites all to drive through the wonderland of over one million Christmas lights installed on their fifty-two acres of private property—an immersive drive-thru Christmas experience designed to instill all of the excitement and magic of childhood in visitors of every age. 6 pm–10 pm. $20 cash per vehicle; $40 per commercial vehicle (church van, fifteen-passenger can, etc). candycanelane.net. 

November 19–December 31: Logansport Christmas Festival: The village of Logansport will come together at the start of the season to light up the town, transforming it into a glittery winter wonderland. Opening night festivities will include a carnival, local vendors, a car show, a parade, and fireworks—and more special events will take place throughout the season. discoverdesoto.com. 

November 19–January 6: Natchitoches Christmas Festival: The famous Christmas festivities in Natchitoches mean the holiday spirit is in full swing, when over 300,000 holiday lights flicker on every evening for six weeks straight. Saturdays bring vendors, live music, fireworks, a boat parade, and kids activities to the Riverbank area and require armbands for anyone older than six. $10. natchitocheschristmas.com.

November 21–December 31: Land of Lights: The perfect excuse for an evening stroll—soak up the magic of the light displays throughout Downtown Monroe & West Monroe, which get turned on at 5:30 pm each night. monroe-westmonroe-org. 

November 23, 24, 29, 30, December 3, 4: The Kansas City Southern's Holiday Express: The train returns to North Louisiana for the first time since before the pandemic, bringing holiday magic Polar Express-style to Shreveport,  Monroe, Mansfield, DeQuincy, and Leesville. At each stop, you can hop on the train, meet Santa and his elves, and tour three incredibly-decked out traincars. 4 pm. Free. Get the whole schedule at kcsouthern.com. 

Friday–Sunday November 25–December 18, and December 19–23: Christmas in Roseland: The American Rose Center in Shreveport transforms into a whimsical winter wonderland with twinkling lights, giant Christmas cards, and other holiday displays. Each night from 6 pm–9 pm, Santa will be sitting pretty in the Garden for photographs. The vendor market will be by on the weekend of December 2–4, and on the last night of the festivities—a candle-lit singalong will signal it's time for Christmas Eve to finally arrive. 5:30 pm–10 pm. $10 per person; $30 per carload. sbfunguide.com. 

November 25–26,  December 2–3, 9, 16–18: Believe! Lights the Night: The Shreveport Aquarium gets a holiday makeover for this magical, interactive Christmas journey. Attendees will receive a magic, motion-activated Christmas wand with the ability to turn on lights, make music play, create reindeer footprints, jingle bells, and more as they join Christmas cheer with the wonder of the aquarium's underwater residents. Costume characters will complete the experience, from Mrs. Claus to jolly elves to a Snow Mermaid. Plus, hot chocolate and cookies, photo ops, and a holiday craft. Christmas jammies encouraged. $30. 5:15 pm–9:30 pm, with last entry at 8:15 pm. shreveportaquarium.com.

November 25–December 23: Holiday Wagon Rides: Experience the festive dressings of downtown West Monroe from the vantage of a wagon. Pickups take place every thirty minutes in Alley Park, starting at 5 pm. $10 for adults; $5 for kids. monroe-westmonroe.org. 

November 25–December 25: Christmas at Kiroli: For nineteen nights, Kiroli's winding roads will be transformed into a twinkling wonderland. Drive through the displays for miles throughout the holiday season. 6 pm–9 pm. $10 per vehicle, $20 per commercial bus or large van. christmasatkiroli.com. 

November 25–December 25 (Select nights): 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 seasonal treats, and brighten your spirits with magical light displays. $6 for ages four and older. Photo package options. darkwoodschristmas.com. 

Wednesdays–Sundays, November 25–January 29: Sno-Port: Throughout the holiday season, visitors to the Sci-Port Discovery Center in Shreveport will get the opportunity to immerse themselves in a an interactive science "playground," created by local artists to foster a snowy, science-focused, experience. Expect a sock skating rink, a "freeze frame" photo backdrop, snowball pong, and an igloo experience featuring a recreation fo the Northern Lights. 9 am–5 pm Wednesday–Saturday; noon–5 pm Sunday. $6. sci-port.org/snoport. 

November 26: Rockets Over the Red Fireworks Festival: Bring the family out for a free fireworks display plus live music, activities, food trucks, Santa sightings, and more. 4 pm–7 pm, culminating in the fireworks show at the end of the night. Free. rocketsoverthered.com.

November 26: Springhill "Home for the Holidays" Christmas Parade: Set up on Main Street for a holiday display of decorated floats, beauties and beaus, fire trucks, and the special guest: Santa Claus. 5 pm–6 pm. Free. visitwebster.net. 

December 1: A Christmas Carol: Clayton Phillips' new adaptation of the classic tale is stopping along its international tour at the Strand Theater in Shreveport for a one-night-only show. This version of the story promises an upgrade in lush costumes, stunning sets, and even puppetry. 7 pm. Tickets start at $35. thestrandtheatre.com. 

December 1–3: Biedenharn Christmas Open House: Live music, photo ops with Santa, a Christmas Train, and more festive fa-la-las. 5 pm–8 pm. bmuseum.org.

December 1–3: Lincoln Light Up The Pines: Ruston's only drive-thru Christmas lights display comes from a collaboration with Lincoln Parish Park, the Chamber of Commerce, the CVB, and a local camping group. Drive through the campgrounds, where vintage campers will be elaborately decorated for the season. 5:30 pm–10 pm. $10 per car; $20 per bus. All fees will go to benefit Lincoln Parish Park. Details at the Lincoln Light Up the Pines Facebook Page. 

December 1–4: Elf: The Musical: Ruston Community Theatre brings the orphan elf, Buddy, to the stage for their Christmas production. Catch the hilarious, heart-warming story this season at 7 pm Thursday–Saturday; 2 pm on Sunday. $20; $10 for children and students. rctruston.org. 

December 2: Monroe Christmas Tree Lighting: Join the City of Monroe for the annual lighting of the town Christmas Tree at Civic Center Plaza. Hot chocolate and cookies will make the event extra cozy, and the night will close with a screening of a family-friendly Christmas movie. 5 pm–7:30 pm. Free. monroe-westmonroe.org

December 2–December 10: Not a Creature Was Stirring, Not Even a Moose: The Back Alley Community Theatre in Grand Cane presents its fast paced Christmas comedy to kick off the season. 7 pm Thursdays–Saturdays, 2 pm Sundays. backalleygrandcane.com. 

December 2: Moonlight Madness: Many Louisiana's downtown shopping district along San Antonio Avenue lights up with special deals on gifts, Santa Claus, food trucks, and a Christmas movie screening. toledobendlakecountry.com. 

December 3: An Elvis My Way Christmas: Award-winning impersonator Brandon Bennett brings his fabulous tribute to the Mari Showroom at Paragon Casino Resort, with a focus on holiday favorites from the King. 8 pm. $25. paragoncasinoresort.com.

December 3: East Bank Holiday Market: The Bossier Arts Council will once again hosts its annual holiday market in the East Bank Plaza. Get to shopping, holiday-style—while enjoying live music, local vendors, food trucks, and more. 4 pm–9 pm. sbfunguide.com. 

December 3: Grand Cane Christmas Parade & Holiday Market: Head downtown in the little village of Grand Cane for a happy holiday parade, plus plenty of local artisans to grab your gifts from. discoverdesoto.com. 

December 3: Front Porch Tour of Homes: The Grand Cane Historic Association shows off the facades of four of its most beautiful historic homes during Christmastime. Noon–4 pm. $20 for adults, $5 for children younger than twelve. discoverdesoto.com. 

December 3: Caddo Fireworks Festival: Come by Earl Williamson Park in Oil City at 3:30 pm for fair food, live music, chats with Santa (and a free gift), and holiday shopping—then stay for the incredible fireworks display scheduled for 6:30 pm. Free. christmasoncaddofireworks.com. 

December 3: Twin City Ballet Christmas Gala: Join the Twin City Ballet for their 2022 Christmas gala productions, celebrated first with a Patron Party and the annual Festival of Trees. Afterwards, the ballet will perform the productions Santa's Spy and Heavenly Peace. 7 pm. $25. twincityballet.org. 

December 3: Christmas on the Farm: Ruston's Outdoor Wilderness Learning Center invites one and all to an outdoor celebration of the season, featuring pony rides, a petting zoo, a maze, crafts, games, a bounce house, hay rides, a rock wall, and more. And, of course, a chance to meet the man in red. All proceeds benefit the Center's therapeutic riding program. 10 am–3 pm. $20/car, cash only. lumcfs.org/owl-center. 

December 3: Christmas on the River 5K & Walk: Get your jingle on with this annual holiday 5K and walk in West Monroe's Alley Park. Don't forget to come decked out for the season—even if you don't cross the finish line first, you can still win the costume contest! 8:45 am. $30. monroe-westmonroe.org

December 3: Bawcomville Redneck Christmas Parade: Living in Louisiana, to say "you've never seen a parade like this" is no small thing. But I'm telling you, you've never seen a parade like this. This self-deprecatory fun-filled parade dives into the redneck theme, and throws all sorts of interesting surprises. Rolls down Smith Street from Riser Elementary School to Jonesboro Road in Bawcomville. 10 am. monroe-westmonroe.org.

December 3: Kiwanis Christmas Parade: The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ouachita sets out on its annual Christmas Parade, themed this year "Christmas Past and Present"—and concluded by a fireworks display. 3:30 pm. Free. monroelakiwanis.org. 

December 3: Christmas on the River Fireworks: Don't miss the annual shebang, best viewed from downtown Monroe or West Monroe. 6 pm. Free. monroe-westmonroe.org.

December 3–4: Ol' Mel's Farm Christmas Fest: 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. 2 pm–8 pm. $5 at the entry, $10 to park at the neighbors' instead of taking the free shuttle ride. Ol' Mel's Merry Christmas Farm event on Facebook. 

December 3, 10, 17: Breakfast with Santa: Up in the North Pole, the sea creatures are quite different than down in Louisiana. Which is why Santa loves to come visit the Shreveport Aquarium. He will be hosting a special pancake breakfast (pancakes with chocolate chips and whipped cream, scrambled eggs, potatoes, bacon, fruit, coffee, and juice) there for a few Saturdays this holiday season. Afterwards, be sure to explore the magical Christmas-decorated aquarium. Seatings at 8:30 am and 10:30 am. $35 for adults and children. shreveportaquarium.com/santabreakfast. 

December 7: World Ballet Series: Nutcracker: The Shreveport Municipal Auditorium hosts a new production of the Christmas fairy tale best experienced onstage, presented by the multinational cast of professional dancers with the World Ballet Series. 7 pm. Tickets start at $30. shreveportmunicipalauditorium.com. 

December 8: Ruston Holiday Sip and Stroll:  Enjoy the lax open-container laws of Louisiana this holiday season as you finish up your holiday shopping list. Local stores will offer holiday specials and extended hours, along with special signature drinks. 5 pm–8 pm. rustonlincoln.com. 

December 8: Holiday Singalong at Railroad Park: Head to Ruston's Railroad Park for a chance to belt out all your favorite Christmas classics. 6:30 pm. Free. Details at the Ruston Cultural District Facebook Page. 

December 8–11: 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 8–10, 15–17: Natchitoches Christmas Home Tours: 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. Special tours include the "Tinsel & Treats Christmas Porches Tour"  and the "Holly and History Tours". Docents will lead commentaries on the history of each property, as well as their unique holiday decorations. Times and prices vary. Find details at natchitocheshf.com. 

December 8–11, 14–18: Honky Tonk Angels Holiday Spectacular: Shreveport Little Theatre's Main Stage welcomes three good ole country gals for a spirited musical revue at Nashville's "The Hillbilly Heaven Club," where they meet a psychic, gospel soul sister. Catch the show at 7:30 pm Thursday–Saturdays and 2 pm on Sundays. $30. shreveportlittletheatre.com. 

December 9: West Monroe Children's Lighted Parade: There's just something so special about great things, miniaturized. Don't miss this teeny Christmas Parade in Downtown West Monroe, designed for tykes and tinies, with bicycles, wagons, and battery-powered cars rolling down Trenton—all beneath the city's gorgeous light displays. 6 pm. Free. monroe-westmonroe.org. 

December 9–11, 17–18: The Strauss Youth Academy's Production of "A Christmas Carol": This Northeast Louisiana organization focuses on encouraging youth to get involved, be creative, and have fun through the arts. Their production of A Christmas Carol is sure to warm hearts and foster holiday feels. All at the Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts in Monroe, at 7 pm on Friday and Saturdays, 3 pm Sundays. $15. syaaonline.com. 

December 10: Mansfield Christmas Parade: Marching units, performing groups, and elaborate floats will proceed down Kings Highway this season in Mansfield to celebrate all the joy of Christmastime. 11 am. Free. discoverdesoto.com. 

December 10: Ruston Christmas Parade:  Gather up the family for another chance at watching floats and catching goodies this season, now in downtown Ruston. 10 am. rustonlincoln.com. 

December 10: Bossier Holiday Night Market: The largest one-day vendor event in the country, the Bossier Holiday Night Market returns to the parking lot of the Pierre Bossier Mall with 75,000 twinkling lights, live Christmas music, free kids' activities, and lots of Bossier swag. Vendors from all over will be peddling everything from one-of-a-kind handcrafted goods to delicious food truck eats to vintage clothing. 4 pm–9 pm. Entry is free. bossiernightmarket.com. 

December 10: Calhoun Christmas Parade:  This year, Calhoun's annual Christmas Parade is themed "Christmas Movies—Old and New". Sit back and watch the festive interpretations displayed on locally-made floats. 11 am. Free. monroe-westmonroe.org.

December 10: Holidays with the Monroe Symphony Orchestra: Celebrate the season with orchestral performances of Christmas classics, featuring soloists Kristen Oden and Blake Oden. 7 pm at the North Monroe Baptist Church. $25; $5 for students. mymso.org. 

December 10: Pet Photos with Santa: Snag the cutest Christmas keepsake ever by bringing your furry pal to Biedenharn Museum for a photo with the big guy himself. $15 per pet. 9 am–noon. bmuseum.org. 

December 10–11: Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet's Production of "The Nutcracker": Over one hundred local dancers take the stage for this holiday performance, telling the beloved story of adventure and holiday magic. 6:30 pm Saturday, 2:30 pm Sunday. $35–$55. shreveportmetroballet.org. 

December 11: Many Christmas Festival: The cheerful annual parade starts at 3 pm, with the festival to follow at 4. pm complete with a fireworks show at 6:30 pm. Free. toledobendlakecountry.com. 

December 13–16: The Frozen Kingdom: Presented by the Louisiana Delta Ballet at the Monroe Civic Center The Frozen Kingdom tells a story of a land where good and evil collide and trolls live as guardians, side by side with humans. Don't miss this enchanting Christmas adventure, which will conclude with the grand Coronation Ball Gala Performance on December 16 at 6:30 pm—when you can meet the characters, indulge in face painting and dancing, and more before the final performance. All other performances at 7:30 pm. $25 for General Admission; $40 for the Coronation Ball. louisianadeltaballet.com. 

December 13–17, 20–22, 27–29: Winter Wonderland at Ruston Sports Complex: Head to the Ruston Sports Complex and imagine you live somewhere a tad colder. The whole space will be transformed into an ice skating rink, made more magical by appearances from Santa and hot chocolate. 5 pm–7 pm each day, with an additional slot from noon–3 pm on Saturday. rustonlincoln.com. 

December 16: Minden Tree Lighting Ceremony: Join in with the town of Minden to usher in the holiday season by officially lighting the town tree at the Minden Civic Center. Explore the charming own via tractor-pulled hayride, made more magical by the all-alight city and Christmas carols. The Young Women's Service Club will serve Hot Chocolate for $1. 5:30 pm–9 pm. greatermindenchamber.com/christmasinminden.

December 16: Rehab Reindeer Run 5K: Minden Medical Center Rehab & Physical Therapy will host a run/walk through downtown Minden to coincide with the official lighting of the town tree. Starts at 6 pm. $30 until November 28, afterwards $35. greatermindenchamber.com/christmasinminden. 

December 16–18: The Most Amazing Christmas Play Series in the Entire History of the World: The Back Alley Community Theatre gleefully presents these four short plays that turn Christmas traditions on their heads. 6 pm Friday and Saturday. 2 pm Sunday. dramaniacs.com. 

December 17: Start the Season in Downtown Minden: On this special Saturday, downtown Minden businesses will be in full festive mode. Start with a holiday brunch at Geaux Fresh, before grabbing a hot chocolate or coffee at The Broken Bean. Make an ornament craft at the Dorcheat Museum, accompanied by a Christmas movie ($10), and stop by the Reindeer Games children's area downtown to enjoy bounce houses, pony rides, and more. Pearl Street will be filled with arts and crafts vendors, and at The Courtyard, the Junior Service League will be roasting free s'mores. Grab photos with the Clauses, as well as Rudolph and Friends at Logan McConathy State Farm, the Webster Parish Library, and in Jacqueline Park. Then at 4 pm, head downtown for the "Rudolph's Holly Jolly Christmas" parade. The day will end with fireworks, and a screening of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer in Miller Quarter Park. greatermindenchamber.com/christmasinminden 

December 17: Stonewall Christmas Parade: Themed "Elf on the Shelf," the community Christmas parade returns in Stonewall, where all of the floats will be decked out in lights and local organizations will be on full display. 6:30 pm. Free.  discoverdesoto.com

December 17: Jingle Bell Run: Get those twinkly toes out there for this 10K and 5K run designed to encourage the community to embrace a more active lifestyle and to support local nonprofits. Race begins and ends at Forsythe Park. 8 am. $10 for Fun Run/Walk; $30 for 5K; $40 for 10K. louisianapurchasecouncil.org/jingle-bell-run. 

December 17: Christmas Market on the Alley: Head out to West Monroe's Alley Park for a spirited Christmas Market, perfect for all of your last-minute shopping needs. 11 am–3 pm. Free. monroe-westmonroe.org

December 19–23: Christmas Movie Series at the Dixie Center for the Arts: Christmas movie buffs assemble! The Dixie Center for the Arts will be screening some of your favorites as the big day approaches. On Monday, catch The Man Who Invented Christmas, Tuesday: The Muppet Christmas Carol, Wednesday: It's a Wonderful Life, Thursday: A Christmas Story, Friday: The Polar Express. 7 pm. $5, includes a bottle of water and a popcorn. dixiecenter.org. 

December 21: Christmas Coca Cola Truck: The season's most photogenic vehicle is making a stop in Monroe at the Biedenharn, as is the Christmas Train, the Coca Cola Polar Bear, and yummy food trucks. 4 pm–8 pm. Free.  bmuseum.org.