Holiday magic fills Greater Baton Rouge this weekend with parades, tree lightings, Santa visits, glowing lights, Christmas markets, free movies, and more. Whether you’re strolling under twinkle lights, enjoying a hometown parade, or visiting Santa, there’s festive fun for every family. Enjoy our Baton Rouge Weekend Holiday Events planner!
Weekend Weather
Friday: Rain
Saturday: Rain
Sunday: and more Rain
⚠️ Event Details May Change
The weather is frightful and wet this weekend. Always verify event details before attending.
Thanks to this week’s Weekend Planner sponsor, Christmas in the Park and the City of Walker Christmas Parade!
The City of Walker Christmas Parade rolls at 3 p.m., followed by Christmas in the Park from 4:30–8:30 p.m., featuring free Santa pictures, crafts, letters to Santa, hot cocoa, a 6 p.m. Christmas Tree Lighting, five-dollar family photos, a 6:20 Movie in the Park, and concessions open all night at City of Walker.
Baton Rouge Weekend Holiday Events
The Merriest Mile – Livingston Parish Fairgrounds – Nightly
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Details: A magical drive-through light adventure featuring over one mile of synchronized lights, a 50-foot MegaTree, animated displays, and festive scenes perfect for sipping hot cocoa in the car.
Location: Livingston Parish Fairgrounds
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Friday, December 5
Festival of Lights
Time: 4–8 p.m.
Details: Baton Rouge’s oldest holiday tradition lights up North Boulevard with half a million lights, snow fun, Santa, live music, ice skating, arts market, fireworks, and a 35 foot tree lighting.
Location: Rhorer Davis Plaza
More Info: batonrougefamilyfun.com/festival-of-lights
First Friday in Downtown Denham Springs
Time: 6–9 p.m.
Details: Live music, local vendors, food and drinks, and small-town holiday charm. Shrimp and Corn Soup from Le Chien will be served.
Location: Downtown Denham Springs
Gonzales City Christmas Tree Lighting
Time: 6 p.m.
Details: Santa visit, Christmas music, sweet treats, and the official tree lighting.
Location: Gonzales City Hall and Jambalaya Park
Saturday, December 6
Christmas in the Park and the City of Walker Christmas Parade
Time: Parade 3 p.m. | Christmas in the Park 4:30–8:30 p.m.
Details: Free Santa pictures, crafts, letters to Santa, hot cocoa, Christmas Tree Lighting at 6, five dollar family photos, Movie in the Park at 6:20, concessions open all night.
Location: City of Walker
Sensory Santa
Time: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Details: A calm, sensory-friendly Santa experience for children and adults with sensory, developmental, or intellectual disabilities.
Location: BREC North Sherwood Forest Community Park
Register: brec.org/calendar/detail/sensory-santa
Learn more: https://www.brec.org/calendar/detail/sensory-santa
Louisiana Lights – Burden Museum & Gardens – Nightly
Time: Timed entry 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Details: Enjoy a peaceful evening stroll through illuminated gardens, light tunnels, glowing pathways, and breathtaking scenes woven throughout Burden’s beautiful property.
Location: Burden Museum & Gardens
Cost: Ticket prices vary
ZooLights – BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo – Nightly
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (grounds close at 9:00 p.m.)
Details: Walk through a glowing trail of animal-themed lights, larger-than-life sculptures, and family-friendly holiday displays. Bring a non-perishable food item for 50% off admission.
Location: BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo
Cost: Adults $5 | Seniors $4 | Ages 2–12 $3 | Under 1 Free
Baton Rouge General Holiday Lights – Nightly
Details: Step into a world of enchantment as BRG lights up the night with dancing-light mega trees, singing trees, candy canes, snowmen, and a giant walk-through ornament. A Baton Rouge favorite for photo ops and family fun!
When: Open Nightly
Location: Corner of Bluebonnet Blvd. and Picardy Ave.
Admission: Free
Christmas Movie Night: The Star
Time: 5 p.m.
Details: Free family showing of The Star with popcorn, hot dogs, chili, jambalaya, sweet treats, and hot chocolate.
Location: Jambalaya Park Amphitheater
Jingle Jeepin’ Parade & Market
Time: Market 12–6:30 p.m. | Live Music 2–5:30 p.m. | Parade 5:30 p.m.
Details: Craft market, food, festive jeeps, and a parade rolling at sunset, family fun!
Location: West Baton Rouge Convention & Visitors Bureau 2750 N. Westport Dr., Port Allen, LA
Christmas at Marché in the Park
Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Details: Free Santa and Grinch photos, food trucks, petting zoo, train rides, face painting, balloon art, fun hair artist, and giveaways all day.
Location: 30372 Eden Church Rd, Denham Springs
Broadmoor Christmas Parade – CANCELLED
Time: CANCELLED
Details: A 1.9 mile community parade beginning and ending at Broadmoor High. Food donations encouraged.
Location: Broadmoor High School
Sunday, December 7
A Rural Life Christmas
Time: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Details: A 19th-century Louisiana Christmas with artisans, storytelling, live music, reenactors, and photos with Papa Noël.
Location: LSU Rural Life Museum
Tickets: bontempstix.com/events/a-rural-life-christmas-2025
First Free Sunday at Magnolia Mound
Time: All day
Details: Free highlight tours and seasonal family activities.
Location: Magnolia Mound Historic Site
Santa’s Block Party at Manship Theatre
Time: 1–4 p.m.
Details: Free Santa pictures, carolers, face painting, arts market, cocoa, Kids Holiday Art Exhibition opening, and more. A ticketed holiday musical begins at 2.
Location: Manship Theatre at Shaw Center for the Arts