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: 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. $25 per vehicle; $50 per commercial vehicle (church van, fifteen-passenger can, etc). candycanelane.net. 

November 11–31: 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 22–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. holidaytrailoflights.com.

November 23–January 6: Natchitoches Christmas Festival: The famous Christmas festivities in Natchitoches mean the holiday spirit is in full swing here beginning November 23, when over 300,000 holiday lights flicker on every evening for several weeks straight. Saturdays bring vendors, live music, fireworks, and kids activities to the Riverbank area. $15. natchitocheschristmas.com.

November 24–January 5: 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 holiday train, a parade, and fireworks—and more special events to take place throughout the season. discoverdesoto.com. 

November 29–December 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 Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night from 5:30 pm–10 pm, Santa will be sitting pretty in the Garden for photographs. The vendor market will be on the weekend of December 13–15, and on the last night of the festivities—December 23—a fireworks show will commence. 5:30 pm–10 pm. $10 per person; $30 family four pack. rose.org/christmas-in-roseland. 

November 29–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 seasonal treats, and brighten your spirits with magical light displays. $8 for ages four and older. darkwoodschristmas.com.

November 29–December 25: Christmas at Kiroli: This holiday season, 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. $20 per vehicle for a season pass. christmasatkiroli.com. 

November 29–February 23: Sno-Port at the Sci-Port Discovery Center: Throughout the holiday season, visitors to the Sci-Port Discovery Center in Shreveport will get the opportunity to immerse themselves in 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, and winter virtual reality experiences. $8. sci-port.org/snoport.

November 30: The Rockets Over the Red Fireworks Festival: Bring the family out for a free fireworks display plus entertainment, activities, food trucks, Santa sightings, a drone holiday light show, and more. 4 pm–8 pm, culminating in the fireworks show at the end of the night. Free. rocketsoverthered.com.

November 30–December 23: "Believe! Lights the Night" at the Aquarium: The Shreveport Aquarium gets a holiday makeover for this magical, interactive Christmas journey. $30. 5 pm–9 pm. shreveportaquarium.com.

December 5–7: Biedenharn Christmas Open House: For more than thirty-five years, this Monroe tradition at the festively decorated Biedenharn home has enchanted area residents and visitors alike. Live music, photo ops with Santa, a Christmas Train, and more festive fa-la-las. 5 pm–8 pm. bmuseum.org.

December 5–7: Alex Winter Fête: The holiday family 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 Figure Skating Club of Louisiana performance on Friday and the Ugly Sweater run on Saturday. 5 pm–9 pm Thursday, 4 pm–10 pm Friday, 10 am–10 pm Saturday. Free. alexwinterfete.com. 

December 5–7, 12–14: 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. $10–$20. Details at rustonlincoln.com.

December 5–8: "White Christmas" at Ruston Community Theatre: Watch a performance of Irving Berlin's classic, White Christmas, at Dixie Center for the Arts in Ruston following two WWII veterans taking their song-and-dance routine on the road. 7 pm; 2 pm Sunday. $20; $10 for students. rctruston.org. 

December 6: Moonlight Madness: Many Louisiana's downtown shopping district along San Antonio Avenue lights up with special deals on gifts for the holiday season. 5 pm–8 pm. toledobendlakecountry.com. 

December 7: 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–3 pm. Parade rolls at 11 am. discoverdesoto.com. 

December 7: Caddo Fireworks Festival: Come by Earl Williamson Park in Oil City at 1 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 7: Twin City Ballet Christmas Gala: Join the Twin City Ballet for its 2024 Christmas gala production, a ballet performance of Scrooge, based on Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. 7:30 pm. $25. twincityballet.org. 

December 7: 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 7: 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 in Bawcomville. 10 am. monroe-westmonroe.org.

December 7: Kiwanis Christmas Parade: The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ouachita sets out on its annual Christmas Parade, themed this year "The Great Elf Takeover." 3:30 pm. Free. monroe-westmonroe.org. 

December 7: 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. 

December 7: Grand Cane Tour of Homes: The Grand Cane Historic Association shows off the facades of four of its most beautiful historic homes during Christmastime. 1 pm–4 pm. $20. discoverdesoto.com. 

December 7: 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 7: Stonewall Christmas Parade: 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. Fireworks will follow the parade. 6:30 pm. Free.  discoverdesoto.com.

December 8: A Christmas Carol: Witness the classic Dickens play at the Strand with all the trappings of the holiday season. 2 pm. See varying ticket prices at thestrandtheatre.com. 

December 8: A Merry & Bright Monroe Symphony Orchestra: Celebrate the season with the Monroe Symphony Orchestra, accompanied by the Delta Youth Chorale and the Nutcracker Dancers from Missy Crain Ballet. 2 pm at the West Monroe Sports Complex. $50; $20 for students. mymso.org. 

December 12: 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. Docents will lead commentaries on the history of each property, as well as their unique holiday decorations. Times and prices vary. 10:30 am–10:30 pm. Find details at natchitoches.com. 

December 13: West Monroe Lighted Children's 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 13–15, 20–22: “It's a Wonderful Life” at Shreveport Little Theatre: Journey to Bedford Falls for this classic Christmas tale at Shreveport Little Theatre, featuring George Bailey and your other favorites. 7:30 pm; 2 pm Sundays. $30. shreveportlittletheatre.com. 

December 14: 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 14: 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 14: Calhoun Christmas Parade: This year, Calhoun's annual Christmas Parade has a Western theme this year, with Santa wanted for breaking and entering. Sit back and watch the festive interpretations displayed on locally-made floats. 11 am. Free. monroe-westmonroe.org.

December 14: Pet Photos with Santa: 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 14: Many Christmas Festival: The cheerful annual parade starts at 3 pm at the Sabine Parish Fairgrounds, with the festival to follow at 4. pm complete with a fireworks show at 6:30 pm. This year's theme is Candyland Christmas Festival: The Sweetest Town Around. Free. toledobendlakecountry.com.

December 14: 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 14: A Christmas Blues Spectacular: The award-winning blues artist D.K. Harrell and Friends will perform classic holiday hits for one performance at the Dixie Center for the Arts. 7 pm. $25 in advance; $30 at the door. rustonlincoln.com.

December 14–15: 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 15: Alexandria Mardi Gras Association Christmas Parade: Celebrate the holidays, Mardi Gras-style, with Alexandria's Mardi Gras krewe. Featuring festively decorated floats, performances, and even a visit from Santa himself, the parade will kick off the holidays on Jackson Street. 2 pm. Free. alexmardigras.net.  

December 18: Christmas Coca-Cola Truck: The season's most photogenic vehicle is making a stop in Monroe at the Biedenharn, as is the Grinch, the Coca Cola Polar Bear, and yummy food trucks. 5 pm–8 pm. Free. bmuseum.org. 

December 20: Ruston Christmas Parade: Gather up the family for another chance at watching floats and catching goodies this season. Lineup begins at Ruston High School. 6 pm–7 pm. rustonlincoln.com.