With the holiday season here, there are a plethora of festivities and events 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 in Baton Rouge below!
ALL MONTH LONG
Sleigh Bells & Cocktails
Starts Nov. 24
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
Nov. 29 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.
Louisiana Lights
Nov. 29 through Dec. 29
Louisiana Lights is making its debut at the Burden Museum & Gardens! This is a must-see holiday experience. So, get your tickets early. Wander through beautifully lit displays, tunnels of twinkling lights, and festive music, creating unforgettable memories. It's perfect for families or anyone looking to soak in the Christmas lights in Baton Rouge.
Ice Skating on the River
Dec. 18 through Jan. 2
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
Baton Rouge General Holiday Lights
Nov. 23 through Dec. 31
Experience the magic of Baton Rouge General's Holiday Lights, where the hospital's greenspace transforms into a dazzling, music-synchronized wonderland. Stroll through the lighted walking path, featuring dancing mega trees, 24-feet of lighted tunnels, singing trees, and festive displays like candy canes and snowmen. Don’t miss the giant walk-through ornament, present, and Santa hat—perfect for holiday photos!
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.
Bass Pro Shop - Now through Dec. 24
Cabela’s - Now through Dec.24
Mall of Louisiana - Nov. 15 through Dec. 24
Perkins Rowe - Check back here for dates.
SPECIAL EVENTS
White Light Night
Nov. 22
Celebrate the season at White Light Night, an art hop and holiday market with local artisans, crafts, food, and live music. Held in Mid City along Government Street from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., this is the place to find unique gifts and holiday treasures.
Holiday Winter Crafts Workshop
Dec. 1
Get creative at the Holiday Winter Crafts Workshop, where participants can make festive keepsakes to take home. This workshop at Louisiana’s Old State Capitol is perfect for families looking to add a personal touch to their holiday decorations.
Ugly Sweater Night with Santa at Perkins Rowe
Dec. 3
Embrace the holiday spirit in the quirkiest way possible! Perkins Rowe will be hosting Ugly Sweater Night on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 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.
Red Stick Spice Cooking Class: Healthy Holidays
Dec. 4
Take part in a festive cooking class at Red Stick Spice on Wednesday, December 4, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., where chefs share holiday recipes with a healthy twist. Perfect for food lovers, this event offers a unique way to experience holiday flavors in Baton Rouge.
Festival of Lights Baton Rouge
Dec. 6
Kick off the holiday season at the lively Festival of Lights Baton Rouge! Experience the joy of this annual celebration in downtown Baton Rouge with over half a million twinkling lights, a towering 25-foot Christmas tree, an enchanting snow village with ice skating, and even a special visit from Santa Claus! Get ready for a magical evening that ends with a spectacular fireworks show and the annual tree lighting ceremony at North Boulevard Town Square.
Holly Jolly PJ Party
Dec. 12
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. 12, and it will be complete with Santa’s Toy Take-Apart Shop, letters to Santa, gingerbread house decorating and ornament making.
Movies on the Plaza
Dec. 13
Bring a blanket and enjoy holiday classics at Movies on the Plaza, a cozy outdoor movie experience ideal for families or date nights. Held at the Main Library Plaza, it’s one of the most relaxing Christmas activities in Baton Rouge.
Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker – A Tale from the Bayou
Dec. 14 & 15
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!
Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade
Dec. 14
Welcome Santa to the Capital City at the Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade, held in downtown Baton Rouge! On Saturday, Dec. 14, 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. 14
Santa is rockin’ at Perkins Rowe on Saturday, Dec. 14, 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. 15
Magnolia Mound is hosting their annual holiday event featuring seasonal decorations in the historic house on Sunday, Dec. 15, 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!
Caroling in the Galleries at the LSU Museum of Art
TBA
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. The event is free to attend, with hot chocolate and cookies provided by the Baton Rouge Delta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Tau.
Christmas in the Capital
TBA
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!
With all these events taking place, your calendar is sure to be full of magic! Make sure to tag @VisitBatonRouge as you enjoy the holiday fun!