Christmas in the Red Stick

Gingerbread houses, tree lightings, carolers singing, Santa flying and snow glistening...celebrate Christmas in the capital city with the magical North Boulevard Festival of Lights downtown on December 2. This celebration features local art vendors, a beautiful tree lighting, live music, a snow village, a “reindeer” run 5k and ice skating. Several downtown attractions such as the Louisiana Art and Science Museum, Louisiana’s Old State Capitol
and the USS Kidd will also host festivities in conjunction with the Festival of Lights. Download the Christmas Itinerary PDF HERE.

Sip egg nog and sing the night away to spread Christmas spirit at local festivals! Experience “A Rural Life Christmas” at LSU’s Rural Life Museum December 3-4. Celebrate the season with musical groups, a bon fire, artisan demonstrations and costumed storytellers who will interpret a traditional Louisiana Christmas. Play in a winter wonderland at St. Francisville’s Christmas in the Country Festival with music, performances and shopping December 2-4. The millions of sparkling lights that trim the Victorian homes, friendly residents and beautiful antique shops in this quaint river town are sure to boost your spirit!

Christmas is a wonderful time to experience Louisiana’s grand plantation homes. Enjoy
candle light tours led by antebellum- costumed guides at Nottoway Plantation throughout
the season. More than 20,000 feet of sparkling white lights, garland and ribbons will adorn
the 151-year-old mansion at the “Christmas on the Levee” celebration on December 2.
Sing along with carolers and gospel choirs at the majestic home. Santa will arrive from
River Road and make his way to the plantation’s 50-foot tall cypress Christmas tree to
flip the switch and kick off the official opening of Nottoway’s first annual Christmas lights
celebration.

Or, drive down River Road to Vacherie to enjoy the savory Cajun/Creole buffet, lively
dance band, and good cheer at Oak Alley Plantation’s Annual Christmas Bonfire Party
on December 3. The mansion will be dressed in fresh fruit, greenery and seasonal floral
arrangements, reminiscent of Creole Christmases past. This event is sure to heighten your
holiday spirit throughout the famous alley of oaks and the lovely antebellum mansion.
Explore traditions, customs and practices associated with Christmas in the African Diaspora
communities around the world at “Creole Christmas: An Exploration of Foreign Influences
on Southern Christmas Celebrations.” This exhibit will be available for viewing throughout
December at Magnolia Mound Plantation.

Holiday celebrations roll through the month of December with the annual downtown
Christmas Parade on December 10. Bring your family to see the Festival of Bonfires at
Lutcher’s Recreation Park each weekend in December. Enjoy “Skating on the River” at the
Baton Rouge River Center throughout the month. Also, drive through the beautiful West
Baton Rouge Light Show at the West Baton Rouge Parish Welcome Center to experience an
enchanted light display that is sure to impress! Enjoy exciting performances at the Manship
Theatre and the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre. Experience a distinctly Louisiana-style
version of one of the most beloved ballet performances of all time, “The Nutcracker: A
Tale from the Bayou” at the River Center December 17-18.

Everyone loves homemade Christmas cookies, the smooth taste of egg nog and who could
forget the fruit cake! Take advantage of hands-on cooking experiences throughout the city
while planning your holiday menu. Check out the leisure classes at the Louisiana Culinary
Institute or enjoy a Christmas tea and dessert demonstration at Strand’s Café downtown.
Pick up freshly-grown local ingredients at the Red Stick Farmer’s Market every Saturday
morning downtown.

And have yourself a Merry Little Christmas in Baton Rouge!