Holidays in Central and North Louisiana

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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 10–December 30: Candy Cane Lane: For the seventh year, the Hanson family in Calhoun 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. $25 cash per vehicle. candycanelane.net. 

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 18–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. logansportchristmasfestival.com. 

November 18–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. Keep an eye out for a feature from the award-winning film The Dirty South, which was filmed in Natchitoches, at the parade on Saturday, December 2. $10. natchitocheschristmas.com.

November 23, 25, 29, 30, December 2, 4: The Kansas City Southern's Holiday Express: The train returns to North Louisiana, 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. 

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. $7 for ages four and older. darkwoodschristmas.com. 

Wednesdays–Sundays, November 24–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. 

Friday–Sunday November 24–December 17, and December 18–23: 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 8–10, 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: 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 25–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 24–25,  December 2–3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 21, and 23: 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 24–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 30: 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. 5 pm–8 pm. toledobendlakecountry.com. 

November 30–December 2: 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.

November 30–December 2: 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-sees include the Ugly Sweater 5K on Saturday at 9 am. alexwinterfete.com. 

November 30, December 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9: 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 rustonlincoln.com.

November 30–December 3: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: Ruston Community Theatre brings the hilarious holiday show 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 1: A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Peabody award-winning story by Charles M. Schulz is coming to the stage of the Strand Theater in Shreveport for a one-night-only show. 7 pm. Tickets start at $30. thestrandtheatre.com. 

December 1: 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. 6 pm–8 pm. Free. monroe-westmonroe.org

December 2: 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. 9 am–2 pm, parade rolls at 11 am. discoverdesoto.com.

December 2: Grand Cane 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 2: 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 2: Twin City Ballet Christmas Gala: Join the Twin City Ballet at the Monroe Civic Theater Center for their 2023 Christmas gala production, celebrated first with a Patron Party and the annual Festival of Trees. Afterwards, the ballet will perform the production of The Nutcracker. 6:30 pm. $25. twincityballet.org. 

December 2: 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 2: 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 2: 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 2: Kiwanis Christmas Parade: The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ouachita sets out on its annual Christmas Parade, themed this year "Ugly Christmas Sweaters"—and concluded by a fireworks display. 3:30 pm. Free. monroelakiwanis.org. 

December 2: 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 2: 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 7: 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–7 pm. rustonlincoln.com. 

December 8–9, 14–16: 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 8–10, 15–17: Winter Wonderettes: Shreveport Little Theatre's Main Stage welcomes the Winter Wonderettes, who use their creativity to save the holiday party when Santa goes missing. 7:30 pm Thursday–Saturdays and 2 pm on Sundays. $30. shreveportlittletheatre.com. 

December 8: 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: 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. 2 pm. Free. discoverdesoto.com. 

December 9: 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. 3 pm–9 pm. Entry is free. bossiernightmarket.com. 

December 9: 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 9: 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 9: 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 7 pm. Free.toledobend.com. 

December 9–10: 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 10: Alexandria Mardi Gras Association Christmas Parade: Celebrate the holidays, Mardi Gras-style, with Alexandria's Mardi Gras krewe. 2 pm. Free. alexmardigras.net.

December 15: A Very Merry Oz Christmas: Presented by the Louisiana Delta Ballet at the Monroe Civic Center, A Very Merry Oz Christmas tells the story of Dorothy getting swept back to Oz on Christmas Eve. All other performances at 7:30 pm. Tickets start at $25. louisianadeltaballet.com. 

December 16: 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 16: 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. 10 am–3 pm. Free. monroe-westmonroe.org. 

December 19: Heart of the 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 20: 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. 5 pm–8 pm. Free.  bmuseum.org. 

December 22: A Very Bluesy Christmas with D.K. Harrell: The award-winning blues artist will perform classic holiday hits for one performance at the Strauss Theatre Center. 7 pm. $30 in advance. strausstc.com. 

December 23: 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–8 pm. sbfunguide.com.