With the holiday season here, there are a plethora of festivities taking place in Baton Rouge. Admire the holiday light displays at the Baton Rouge Zoo or get your photo taken with Santa at locations around the city. Whatever you choose to do this December, these activities will guarantee holiday joy for the whole family. Don’t miss out on the fun and check out our entire list of holiday events below!

 

ALL MONTH LONG

Sleigh Bells & Cocktails
Now through Jan. 1

Immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas all season long! 13 Social will be creating a pop-up bar experience with Christmas cocktails, heartwarming décor and joyful holiday vibes. Don’t miss out on this festive wonderland that is sure to make your holiday season merry and bright!

 

ZooLights at BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo
Now through Dec. 31

Looking for a family fun activity that everyone can enjoy? Head to BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo to celebrate the annual ZooLights! With more than 50 light sculptures of zoo animals and holiday displays to gaze upon, this one-mile trail through the zoo is one you don’t want to miss out on.

 

Ice Skating on the River
Dec. 18 through Dec. 31

Skate, slide and glide your way into an actual winter wonderland Ice Skating on the River at the Raising Cane’s River Center! Whether you ice skate every year or you’re a beginner looking to try out the rink, this is the perfect place to escape from the Louisiana heat and experience a true winter season!

 

Pictures with Santa 
Are you naughty or nice this year? Come find out when you stop by any of these three locations for the perfect photo opportunity with Santa Claus! While reservations aren’t required, they are encouraged. 

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade
Dec. 9

Welcome Santa to the Capital City at the Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade, held in downtown Baton Rouge! On Saturday, Dec. 9, the Christmas Parade will roll at 5:30 p.m., and you can watch as the magic of the holiday season comes alive through beautifully lit floats and special appearances by your favorite holiday characters.

 

Santa Rocks the Rowe
Dec. 9

Santa is rockin’ at Perkins Rowe on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be photos with Santa, live music, letters to Santa, games and more!

 

Creole Christmas & Holiday Fair at Magnolia Mound
Dec. 10

Magnolia Mound is hosting their annual holiday event featuring seasonal decorations in the historic house on Sunday, Dec. 10, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be traditional songs in French and Spanish, period demonstrations, folk crafts and booths from local vendors. The event closes out with a bonfire to welcome Papa Noel!

 

Ugly Sweater Night with Santa at Perkins Rowe
Dec. 12

Embrace the holiday spirit in the quirkiest way possible! Perkins Rowe will be hosting Ugly Sweater Night on Tuesday, Dec. 12, and it will be a festive and fun-filled evening where you can don your most outrageous tacky holiday sweater and have your picture taken with Santa Claus.

 

Caroling in the Galleries at the LSU Museum of Art
Dec. 14

It isn’t the holiday season without some caroling! Enjoy the sweet sounds of some of your favorite holiday classics with a special concert by the best and brightest talent in the city of Baton Rouge, on Thursday, Dec. 14. The event is free to attend, with hot chocolate and cookies provided by the Baton Rouge Delta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Tau.

 

Holly Jolly PJ Party
Dec. 14

Grab your holiday PJs and get ready for a party!  Knock Knock Children’s Museum will be hosting their annual holiday event on Thursday, Dec. 14, and it will be complete with Santa’s Toy Take-Apart Shop, letters to Santa, gingerbread house decorating and ornament making.

 

Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker – A Tale from the Bayou
Dec. 16 & 17

Celebrate the arts with a live performance of Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker - A Tale from the Bayou at the River Center Performing Arts Theatre. Joined by the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, this performance by the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre is one of the most anticipated events of the season. It only happens two days a year, so don’t miss it!

 

Christmas in the Capital
Dec. 17

On Sunday, Dec. 17, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum will be hosting “Christmas at the Capital,” presented by Mask Off Group. The Radio Board Quartet will be playing your favorite holiday songs all throughout the evening!

 

Cirque Musique Holiday Wonderland
Dec. 21

Head to the Raising Cane’s River Center on Thursday, Dec. 21 for an unforgettable holiday experience for the entire family! Cirque Musique Holiday Wonderland is a world-class circus experience infused with the holiday classics everyone loves.

 

With all these events taking place, your calendar is sure to be full of magic! Make sure to tag #ExploreBatonRouge as you enjoy the holiday fun in Baton Rouge!