Holiday Christmas Cheer: November 30—December 3

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Year after year, Santa Claus proves what a magical old elf he is by appearing as the guest of honor in simultaneous Christmas events taking place at various locations all around the region (how does he do it?) So here's a listing of activities to keep your season sparkling—briefly noted.

November 30

• Let It Sneaux, New Iberia: Is there any better way to sum up the Cajun hope for cooler weather? Head to the Isle of Iberia RV Park for a holiday kick-off like no other. Expect train rides, arts & crafts vendors, shaved ice (to eat), snow (to throw), a teddy bear mobile (to hug), and live music from Ryan Foret & the Foret Tradition. 10 am–3 pm. isleofiberia.com.
• Natchez Tree Lighting, Natchez: Venture out to the North Pole Playground for Santa, snowmen, elves, and reindeer. The whole family will enjoy an obstacle course, jumpy house, carousel, and bungee trampoline. The tree will be lit at 6:30 pm. Expect pyrotechnics, music, and snow to accompany. Festivities begin at 4 pm.
• Holiday 'n the Vines, Bush: Trade fir trees for grapevines with Pontchartrain Vineyards' holiday offering. The whole family will enjoy live music and caroling, plus, for the kids, pony rides and Santa Claus (noon–2 pm). A wine sale and food truck are promised, too. Festivities run from noon–4 pm. Gates open at 11am. Admission is free; however, all proceeds go to the Northshore Food Bank in Covington, so it is suggested that each person donate $5 or two canned, non-perishable food items.
• Christmas in the Village, Loreauville: The tree will be lit, the food will be delicious, and the village of Loreauville will bustle with holiday cheer. Don't miss out on a selfie with Santa. 6 pm–9 pm. facebook.com/loreauvillecommunityproject.

November 30 & December 1

• Olde Towne Slidell Christmas Market, Slidell: Family-friendly shopping and a Toys for Tots Drive, all in one. In addition to great gifts, find food, music, face painting, and Mr. Claus in the jiggly flesh. 10 am–5 pm each day. Santa's line will be open from 1 pm–3 pm. First and Erlanger Street. louisiananorthshore.com.

December 1 

• Christmas Parade, Vidalia: The Vidalia Women's Club Christmas Parade rolls at 3 pm, spreading the spirit to the town Jim Bowie made famous. (318) 757-5486.
• Norco Christmas Parade, Norco: This parade features all the trimmings of a Merry Noel rolling through downtown Norco. 2 pm–4 pm. norconoel.com.
• Creole Christmas at Magnolia Mound, Baton Rouge: 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. This year, a special Holiday Fair includes local artisans and craftspeople offering handmade items for sale.  1 pm–6 pm. All ages welcome. brec.org/magnoliamound.

December 3 

• Tree Lighting, Gonzales: The Civic Center tree will be lit with great ceremony: hot chocolate, cookies, a free gift from Santa for each child (infant—5th grade), and jambalaya, because this is Gonzales after all. 6 pm at the Gonzales Civic Center. tourascension.com.