Rumored sightings around town of a bearded gentleman with a booming, infectious laugh. Wears a bright red suit and sturdy black boots. Preferred mode of transportation: a large, red sleigh. Sounds of dancing hooves also overheard.
This could only mean one thing … Santa Claus is coming to town! Of course the kids are clamoring to meet him, wish lists in-hand. So here’s a roundup of all the places along the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights where you can be sure that St. Nick will be making a stop this season.
Alex Winter Fete
Alexandria/Pineville
Santa and Mrs. Claus Sightings & Santa’s Cookie Arrival Party
Nov 23, 10:30 am—12 pm
Alexandria Mall, 3437 Masonic Drive (Alexandria)
Admission: $5 ticket includes a cookie, train ride, holiday goodie bag, & Chick-fil-A "Be Our Guest" card
*
Alex Winter Féte
Dec 5, 5 pm–9 pm. Dec 6, 4 pm–10 pm. Dec 7, 10 am–10 pm
Downtown Alexandria, LA
A free, family-friendly festival packs downtown Alexandria with festive fun for all ages. Glide across the outdoor skating rink, marvel at the dazzling fireworks over the Red River, and explore Jolly Junction, a magical children’s area filled with activities. Enjoy the thrill of live performances, including stilt walkers, fire breathers, and live music.
*
Holiday Light Safari
Alexandria Zoological Park, 3016 Masonic Drive, Alexandria
Fridays & Saturdays, Nov 29–30, Dec 6–7, Dec 13–14, Dec 20–21
Thursday—Saturday, Dec 26–28
5:30 pm–9 pm (last entry 8 pm)
Admission: $10 for ages 13+ and $8 for ages 2–12
*
DeSoto Parish/Logansport
Logansport Christmas Festival
Logansport Riverfront, Veterans Boulevard
Premiere November 23, 12 pm–10 pm.
Ride the Coca Cola Polar Bear Express with Santa & Polar Bear. Free admission.
*
Stonewall
Photo Ops with Santa of Shreveport at Lumiere Christmas
1225 Lumiere Lane (Stonewall) I-49 Frierson Exit
Dec 13–14, 20–21 & 23, 5 pm–10 pm
Tickets required.
*
Minden
Children’s Pictures with Santa
Downtown Minden
Dec 14, 11 am–2 pm
*
Santas Christmas Village
It's all smiles when the Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum hosts Santa's Christmas Village.
Monroe-West Monroe
Santa’s Christmas Village
Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum, 323 Walnut Street, Monroe
December 4—22. Thurs & Fri 5 pm–7 pm; Sat 10 am–6 pm; Sunday 1 pm–5 pm
Admission: $12 ages 2 and up
*
Christmas Open House
Biedenharn Museum & Gardens
2006 Riverside Drive (Monroe)
December 5—7, 5 pm–8 pm
Free admission
*
Santa in the Park
Kiroli Park, 820 Kiroli Road (West Monroe)
December 15, 1 pm–4 pm
$1 admission
*
Natchitoches
Santa Claus House
105 Rue Beauport (Natchitoches)
December 7—23, 6 pm–8:30 pm nightly
Admission: Free except Saturdays
*
Cookies with Santa
Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Museum
800 Front Street (Natchitoches)
November 23 & December 14, 10 am–4 pm
Tickets: www.natchitocheschristmas.com
*
Shreveport-Bossier
Santa's Wonderland
Bass Pro Shop, 100 Bass Pro Drive (Bossier City)
November 3—December 24
Admission: Reservations required
*
5th Annual Shreveport Aquarium: Believe! Lights the Night
601 Clyde Fant Parkway (Shreveport)
November 24—25; December 9—10, 16—17, and 21—23
5:15pm–9:30 pm
Admission: $30 for nonmembers; $20 for members
*
Christmas on Caddo
Earl G. Williamson Park, 11425 LA-1 (Oil City)
Dec 7, 1 pm–8 pm
Event features entertainment, concessions, clowns, family fun, Santa Claus, and fireworks over Caddo Lake. Admission is free.
Christmas shopping at a local market
*
Ruston
Santa Sightings
Holiday Open House and Kickoff to Christmas
Railroad Park, 101 W Park Avenue
Nov 21, 6 pm–8 pm
Festivities include special deals to shop at small businesses, tree lighting, and stroll around town to see the holiday lights and decorations.
*
Children’s Shoppe
Historic Fire Station, 109 N. Trenton Street
Nov 23, 10:30 am–1 pm & Dec 7, 9 am–11 am
200 E. Mississippi Avenue
Once you’ve wrapped up your visit with Santa, check out all the holiday fun happening across Louisiana: shopping small businesses, planning your Holiday Trail of Lights road trip, and throwing a progressive dinner to celebrate the season.
For information on all these Holiday Trail of Lights events and many more, visit holidaytrailoflights.com
