With the holiday season here, there are a plethora of festivities and events taking place in Baton Rouge. Admire the holiday light displays at Louisiana Lights and the Baton Rouge Zoo, or get your photo taken with Santa at locations all around the city. Whatever you choose to do this holiday season, these activities will guarantee joy and provide something 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

Baton Rouge General Holiday Lights

Friday, Nov. 21 through Tuesday, Dec. 30

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!

ZooLights at BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo

Friday, Nov. 28 through Tuesday, Dec. 30

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

Friday, Nov. 28 through Tuesday, Dec. 30

Louisiana Lights is back for its second year 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.

Coca-Cola Christmas at LASM

Saturday, Dec. 6 through Sunday, Jan. 4

This immersive, family-friendly celebration transforms the Louisiana Art & Science Museum into a festive destination for the season with larger-than-life Coca-Cola box displays, holiday-themed planetarium shows, Santa visits, hands-on activities, live performances, pop-up science experiments, and more. 

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. Take your photo with Santa at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela's, the Mall of Louisiana, Perkins Rowe, or even during Santa in the Senate at the Old State Capitol.

• Bass Pro Shops & Cabela's - Now through December (check website for exact dates)

• Mall of Louisiana - Now through Dec. 24

• Perkins Rowe  - Nov. 28 through Dec. 24

• Santa in the Senate  at the Old State Capitol - Dec. 5

Ice Skating on the River

Dec. 11 through Dec. 30 (select dates)

Skate, slide and glide your way into an actual winter wonderland during 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.

SPECIAL EVENTS

White Light Night

Friday, Nov. 21

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.

CPKC Holiday Train

Tuesday, Dec. 2

All aboard the holiday train! Experience the magic of the holidays during the CPKC's holiday train stop in Baton Rouge on Tuesday, Dec. 2. This family-friendly event is all about spreading the holiday cheer and raising money, food and awareness for community banks. Enjoy a free holiday concert and immerse yourself in one of the greatest times of the year.

Purple & Gold Night with Santa at Perkins Rowe

Wednesday, Dec. 3

Embrace the holiday spirit: LSU-style! Perkins Rowe will be hosting a Purple & Gold Night on Wednesday, Dec. 10, and it will be a festive and fun-filled evening where you can don your tiger stripes and have your picture taken with Santa Claus. Cheer on your favorite team and even get the chance to enter a fun giveaway by the Alumni Hall.

Festival of Lights Baton Rouge

Friday, Dec. 5

Kick off the holiday season at the Festival of Lights! 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.

A Rural Life Christmas 

Sunday, Dec. 7

Celebrate the season at the LSU Rural Life Museum’s 19th-century Louisiana Christmas event. Enjoy live music, skilled artisans, storytellers, and costumed re-enactors bringing holiday traditions to life. Families can meet Papa Noël, explore festive activities, and immerse themselves in the joyful spirit of the season.

Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker – A Tale from the Bayou

Saturday, Dec. 20 & Sunday, Dec. 21

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!

And that’s not all: there are even more happenings on our events calendar waiting to be added to our holiday plans! Keep an eye on our events calendar, you won't want to miss a thing! Don’t forget to tag @VisitBatonRouge as you celebrate the season.