A Rural Life Christmas

One of the capital city's best-loved holiday traditions, LSU's Rural Life Museum's old-fashioned Louisiana Christmas celebration conjures up a century and a half of reminiscences on the grounds of the acclaimed museum. Candle-lit historic buildings decorated with freshly cut greenery serve as an atmospheric backdrop for costumed re-enactors recreating the Christmas festivities of the nineteenth century. Around them, distinguished artisans perform living history demonstrations. Seasonal activities traditional to South Louisiana, such as blacksmithing, doll making, candle dipping, and rosary making, make this ghost of Christmas Past all the more evocative. Bring your gift list: lots of handmade things will be available for sale, and author Terri Hoover Dunham will also be present signing copies of her book, The Legend of Papa Noel: A Cajun Christmas Story, from noon until 2 pm. The day’s festivities will conclude with a procession to a traditional Louisiana bonfire to await the appearance of Papa Noël. 10 am–5 pm. $10; children ten and younger free. lsu.edu/rurallife.