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Baton Rouge Holiday Events Guide
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Ice Skating on the River – Baton Rouge Family Fun

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The Raising Cane’s River Center will once again magically transform into a “Winter Wonderland” just in time for you to create your holiday memories. Ice Skating on the River is an annual holiday tradition that will kick off on Friday, December 16, 2022

A fun-filled holiday event for all ages, Ice Skating on the River will have 75-minute sessions nearly every day from December 166th until January 3.

Skating lessons for beginners covering basic skating skills will be available from 9:00 AM until 9:45 AM on December 18, 19, 24, 26, and 31.

Ice Skating on the River

The lesson is a 20-minute Instructor-led class with the remaining time devoted to practicing skills taught. Skating lesson costs are $20 for one lesson, $50 for three lessons, or $75 for five lessons. To get additional information, please email rivercenterskatinglessons@gmail.com.

What better way to celebrate the holiday season than with Ice Skating on the River? Please join us for a skating session and create winter memories that will last a lifetime.

Tickets will be available online at www.Ticketmaster.com or at the River Center Box Office on River Road soon. For more information, please contact the Raising Cane’s River Center at 225-389-3030.

Ice Skating on the River

Ice Skating on the River

WHEN: Friday, December 17, 2022 – January 3rd.

SESSION TIMES*: 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.

Dec 24 – 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM

Dec 25 – CLOSED

Dec 31 – 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM

Jan 1 – CLOSED

Jan 2 – 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM

WHERE: Raising Cane’s River Center Arena, 275 S River Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

ADMISSION: Session ticket prices are $20. This ticket price includes your stake rental.

Paid admission is required for skaters only, spectators do not need tickets.

Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.com or at the River Center Box Office on River Road.

Tickets are only valid for the session you purchase them for.

To place an order for group rate tickets, field trips or birthday parties, please complete the form at the top of the page and someone will be in touch with you within 1-2 business days.

Birthday/ Pizza Parties – $27 per person

Groups of 10-19 – $15 per person

Groups of 20-49 – $14 per person

Groups of 50+ – $13 per person

Learn more on the River Center Website: raisingcanesrivercenter.com/ice-skating-on-the-river

Looking for more festive family fun? Find more a plethora of holiday events to enjoy this season in our 2022 CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN BATON ROUGE: {GUIDE TO THE HOLIDAYS}.

Baton Rouge Holiday Events Guide

The Legacy Brunch with Santa and Jingle & Mingle

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The Legacy is back with it’s popular Holiday events in December!! These events are family-friendly and strollers are welcome. However, if you are in need of a parenting break,  Jingle & Mingle would make a wonderful Date Night or Moms Night Out! See below to learn more about The Legacy’s holiday events…

The Legacy – 3rd Annual Jingle & Mingle

The Legacy Brunch with Santa and Jingle & Mingle

Join The Legacy for their 3rd Annual Jingle & Mingle Shopping Event!! It is a one-of-a-kind “evening stroll” shopping event just in time for the gift-giving season. There will be a variety of well-known local vendors showcasing their specialty merchandise just for you. This will be the perfect place to shop for all of those hard-to-find items for the upcoming holidays.

Sip, Stroll, and Shop while enjoying live music from Box and Kevin!
WHEN: Friday, December 9th from 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM CST
WHERE: The Legacy at Bonne Esperance 1655 Sherwood Forest Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70815
ADMISSION: Free to Shop but grab you a VIP pass, you won’t regret it!
VIP PASS – limited amount will be sold
$20 on Eventbrite – All you can drink wine and all you can eat Hor d’oeuvres
$30 at the door – All you can drink wine and all you can eat Hor d’oeuvres
Bar and Grill will be open.
Free Parking.
Stroller Friendly.

 

The Legacy – Brunch with Santa

The Legacy Brunch with Santa and Jingle & Mingle

Celebrate the season with The Legacy at their Brunch with Santa. Enjoy a brunch buffet with a very special visit from Santa.
BATON ROUGE BRUNCH WITH SANTA
WHEN: Saturday, December 17th BRUNCH WITH SANTA SESSIONS: 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 12 PM
WHERE: The Legacy at Bonne Esperance 1655 Sherwood Forest Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70815
ADMISSION: $5 – $30
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
Please register all attendees to reserve their seats. Space is limited. All brunch tickets include the brunch buffet and your choice of soft drink, coffee, or juice. Alcohol is not included with your ticket, but can be purchased separately the day of.
This event sells out every year so grab your tickets now!

 

Baton Rouge Holiday Events Guide

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – Christmas in Baton Rouge

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Grab your cameras and your Christmas cheer, and get ready to enjoy the magic of the season. The Festival of Lights, Baton Rouge’s oldest holiday tradition, transforms the winter sky into a wonderland on December 2nd from 4-8 pm.

Welcome the holidays with half a million sparkling lights on North Boulevard, a 35-foot Christmas tree, a snow village complete with ice skating, and a visit from Santa Claus himself! Watch as the magic lights up before your eyes with a fireworks show and the annual tree lighting ceremony in North Boulevard Town Square.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS - Christmas in Baton Rouge

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Skating begins at 4 PM – Ages 5-10 Only
Snow Village begins at 5 PM – Ages 5-15 Only

Snow in Baton Rouge??? Yep, 10 tons of real snow will be ready and waiting for the kids at Repentance Park! Repentance Park is located between the Old State Capitol and River Center. Enjoy Baton Rouge’s very own Rockefeller Center-style ice skating rink located on the first floor of the River Center Plaza, where festival-goers can stand on the balcony and watch the children skate around the plaza!

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS - Christmas in Baton Rouge

HOLIDAY FILM SCREENINGS – 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

From 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m., you can enjoy screenings of your favorite holiday classics, such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Frosty the Snowman, at Harley/Vey Theatres.

TREE LIGHTING & FIREWORKS – 6:20pm 

Mayor Broome will countdown the City’s Christmas Tree lighting along with half a million sparkling lights on North Boulevard. Experience the magic beneath the 25-foot Christmas tree on North Boulevard and marvel over the elaborate fireworks show on the Mississippi River! While you await the countdown, you can support Louisiana Youth Orchestra by shopping their bake sale, where baked goods, hot chocolate, and popcorn will be available for purchase, or let the kids decorate a personalized ornament to cherish for years to come.

The preferred area for viewing the fireworks will be North Boulevard at Town Square, facing the Christmas Tree and Mississippi River.

BATON ROUGE  SANTA – 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

Santa will assist Mayor Broome to countdown the lighting of Baton Rouge’s Christmas Tree! Afterwards you are invited to the Louisiana Old State Capitol for a special photo-op and other holiday festivities. Louisiana’s Old State Capitol will host their annual “Santa in The Senate” on Friday, Dec. 2nd from 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

Guests of the Old State Capitol will have the opportunity to take their photo with Mr. & Mrs. Claus in the old Senate Chamber and then enjoy a Christmas film in the old House Chamber.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own cameras or cell phone to take pictures. There will be arts and crafts for children to partake in and a special treat upon existing the building.

DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Downtown Baton Rouge will be in the holiday spirit with tons of activities going on. Most of the downtown churches and museums participate in the evening by having live nativity scenes, giving away hot chocolate, singing Christmas carols, and much more!

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS - Christmas in Baton Rouge

ARTIST VILLAGE

Produced by the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, this year’s Artists Village at the Festival of Lights will be located in the Rhorer Plaza Lawn. Over ten local artists will be selling handmade crafts to complete your Christmas shopping list. Along with the artists, the festival will include a bake sale, hot chocolate for sale, and multiple food vendors.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS - Christmas in Baton Rouge

 

Looking for more festive family fun? Find more a plethora of holiday events to enjoy this season in our 2022 CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN BATON ROUGE: {GUIDE TO THE HOLIDAYS}.

Baton Rouge Holiday Events Guide

Creole Christmas + Holiday Fair

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Are you looking for things to do in Baton Rouge this weekend? Looking to get into the holiday spirit? BREC’s Magnolia Mound Plantation‘s Annual Creole Christmas and Holiday Fair is the perfect way to kick off the Christmas season! This is one of our favorite Christmas traditions; it’s a perfect mixture of Christmas cheer, education, and supporting local makers – there is something for every member of the family to enjoy.

Bundle up the family and join us Sunday, November 27th, from 12-5 at  BREC’s Magnolia Mound Plantation to celebrate Christmas with French Creole traditions.

Creole Christmas

Creole Christmas + Holiday Fair

Magnolia Mound’s popular annual holiday event returns this year. Enjoy the first sounds of the holidays on the historic grounds of Magnolia Mound. Local artisans, musical performances, and traditional craft demonstrations. Be sure to visit the gift shop in the Turner Family Visitor Center for special gift items for family and friends. Friends of Magnolia Mound receive 20% off any item in the gift shop. Admission to Creole Christmas is FREE.

Creole Christmas

WHERE: Magnolia Mound 2161 Nicholson Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70802
WHEN: Sunday, Nov 27, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
ADMISSION: FREE

Looking for more festive family fun? Find more a plethora of holiday events to enjoy this season in our 2022 CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN BATON ROUGE: {GUIDE TO THE HOLIDAYS}.

Baton Rouge Holiday Events Guide

Knock Knock! Boo’s There? – Halloween Family Fun

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On Thursday, Oct. 27th I took my boys to the Knock Knock! Boo’s There? at Knock Knock Children’s Museum. It turned out to be fun Halloween-themed party and adventure for the whole family; and the decorations were on point, prefect for photo ops.

Knock Knock! Boo’s There?

Knock Knock! Boo’s There?

Each area had a different Halloween surprise; there was so much to do, we didn’t get to everything. The usual centers were also open and ready for the children to learn through play.

Knock Knock! Boo’s There?

As we walked around the museum, there were treat stations so the kids could trick or treat as they made their way through activities. They gave out popits and other fun surprises. 

Knock Knock! Boo’s There?

Jack did a science experiment in the kitchen area while Jacob cooked up some delicious Halloween foods. The kitchen was decorated so festively and included Halloween menus. 

Knock Knock! Boo’s There?

In the Art Garden, the children decorated their very own pumpkins exactly how they wanted. It was hilarious and heart-warming. 

Knock Knock! Boo’s There?

The dry ice bubbles were definitely a highlight. Who doesn’t love bubbles?!? We spent a significant amount of time with the bubbles. I may, or may not have, popped a few of my own. 

Knock Knock! Boo’s There?

One of my absolute favorite areas was a fortune-telling station. Jack’s card reminded him that we can create our own happiness. 

There was a pumpkin village area too but I’m not sure we’ve reached the independent scissor stage yet. 

SPOOK-TACULAR ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE MUSEUM INCLUDED:
Art Garden – Pumpkin Painting
Big Back Yard – Bubble and Fog fun for an eerie good time
Crawbaby – Love Your Little Monster
Paws And Claws – Animal Costume Contest
Bubble Playground – Ooey Gooey Smokey Bubbles with Knock Knock’s Mad Scientist
I See Food Cafe – Magical Potions 101 with Julia the Good Witch
Trick or Treating in select Learning Zones
Closing Costume Parade

Overall, a fun time was had by all. We highly recommend this Halloween celebration!

Melanie McHenry

Melanie is a wife, mom, daughter, and friend who loves adventures with her two sons. Originally from Mississippi but fell in love with Louisiana over a decade ago. This was the first place she felt that everyone was able to express themselves artistically.

Melanie enjoys photography, watercolor painting, and creating from nature. Nothing makes her happier than a family cuddle and planning for future adventures.


Boo at the Zoo 2022 – Fall Family Fun

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Known for exciting days of friendly staff, costumes, animals, and family fun, the Baton Rouge Boo at the Zoo event has quickly become a crowd favorite. Mix in amazing fall weather and the promise of a treat bag and you’re bound to have children coming back. Boo at the Zoo is presented by Hancock Whitney along with some amazing sponsors all focused on creating a fun and safe space for families to enjoy the many animals as well as giving them an opportunity to wear their costumes more than once. 

Boo at the Zoo 2022

We arrived at the zoo around 11:30 am and while the parking lot was full it did not take us long to park and walk to the front gate. There were four lines open and the staff members were excited to see so many people steadily coming into the zoo with their costumes. Our family decided to dress up as Toy Story (yes, even the adults) and when we saw the frame for pictures we were hyped! It was so nice that a family took a picture so that we could all be included and of course, we decided to return the favor. After pictures, we embarked on our trip to see the animals and other costumes of those in attendance. 

Coy fish, tigers, monkeys, giraffes, and the African Rhino were popular and I was surprised that my nephews wanted to get close to the zoo keepers holding a snake. Who knew they were not afraid like I was, but if they wanted to see I wasn’t going to stop them. Even the Mountain Lions enjoyed seeing all the costumes passing by. It was as if they were posted enjoying the parade of people in attendance. 

Along the end of the zoo route were funnel cakes, jambalaya, and a crowd favorite…a dunking booth for anyone who wanted to dunk one of the staff members. They showed great sportsmanship by even allowing a few missed hits to actually come up and press the button to dunk the zookeeper. That area instantly became a hit once seeing her fall into the water. My niece was so tickled watching and I’m sure the splash of water was welcomed as well. 

 

Once the walk around the zoo was over all children under the age of 12 are allowed to pick out a mini pumpkin to take home and are given a goody bag from Hancock Whitney. It was great to allow the kids a chance to actually enjoy and appreciate the animals of the zoo without being so focused on getting treats until the end. This whole experience was great not only for me but for Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie as well. If you have a chance make sure you go this weekend, October 29th and 30th between normal zoo hours to catch this amazing event. You won’t regret it. 


Murlonda is a local children’s book author of the Playing with Angels series, books focused on teaching life lessons through sports. She is an avid reader and traveler but her favorite pastime is hanging with her nephews. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, she feels that the best lessons come through situations that are outside of our comfort zones. When not traveling, she can be found watching reality tv, selling her books at popup shops, hanging out with friends/family or reading a good book.

Corn Maze at Burden – What to Know Before You Go

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As a family, we have learned so much culturally from our move to America. One of the things I have loved embracing is the holidays here and the traditions surrounding them. Fall is when all the pumpkins come out, and sweater weather and gumbo making is in full swing.

There are specific experiences that each season here offers, and having our children be a part of these new traditions is very exciting. There is something magical in having so many wonderful memory-making traditions and times with your children; so much joy is shared in these moments!

Corn Maze at Burden

Annually we carve pumpkins (well… mostly, my hubby does all the work,) organize Halloween outfits, and go to a pumpkin patch as our ‘must-do’ traditions. We found our favorite pumpkin patch fall fun day at the LSU Botanical gardens, and this year was our third year. Some activities have remained, and new ones have been added, but each time we have come away after a fun day out, soaking up the incredible feeling of fall being in the air and fun being the only thing on the agenda.

Where Is It?

The Corn Maze at Burden is held at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens in Baton Rouge. The setting is scenic, with the flowers and plants as a backdrop. The farm fall feeling is there in abundance. So if you are looking for a day of fall fun, this is the perfect spot for it in the city.

What Is There To Do At The Corn Maze at Burden

  • Cornmaze
  • Parents will appreciate that this Cornmaze is not the longest or most difficult and the patchy spots are perfect for both big and little kids. The characters that are spotted along the way add to the fun.
  • Spook-tactular Playground
  • The spider web is back and just as much fun for kids of all ages. Being low to the ground makes it so easy for the little ones to climb on. You may spot a green dragon made of painted tires to climb on and there are two closed slides near the entrance.
  • Petting Zoo
  • Animal lovers unite! Bring a couple of dollar notes to buy some food as you enter the area and let your kids feed and pet the goats, cows, and Llamas. A hand washing station is there for your convenience once the kids have had their fill of fun.
  • Hay Mountain
  • Climb to the top of a hay mountain and take a photo with the American flag at the top!
  • Hay Ride
  • This is my favorite! The hay ride stops for you to hop off and pick satsumas. You can ride or walk a short distance back. Watching the kids pick and eat the juicy satsumas fresh off the trees is priceless. Sunflowers are weather dependent.
  • Corn Crib – This could be an activity to keep my kids busy for the entire two hours! It’s huge and such sensory fun… lots of digging, jumping, and crawling to be done. Do yourself a favor and dig your feet in too!
  • Temporary Tattoo Parlor
  • Let the kids put a tattoo on by themselves!
  • Picnic area with local food vendors
  • Freshly popped corn, gelato, or snowballs with drinks and water for sale to quench thirst and curb hunger.
  • Pumpkin Patch
  • Choose your perfect pumpkin to take home and decorate and take a photo at the adorable photo op station.

What To Know Before You Go

  • Offered every Saturday of the month of October in 2-hour time slots
  • Morning 9-11am, Midday Noon-2pm, Afternoon 2.30- 4.30pm, Night maze on 29 October only at 6-9pm
  • Buy a $15 ticket per person and free for children 2 and under here: https://lsuagcenterbg.ticketspice.com/corn-maze
  • Make a toilet stop at the Burden Museum and Gardens Visitor Information office before entering to park.
  • No pets allowed.
  • Bring a few dollars in cash for a snack, or some feed for the petting zoo.
  • Wear comfortable shoes which you don’t mind getting dirty.
  • Pack water, sunscreen, and hats.

 

Roz is a wife and mother of two, who loves traveling and experiencing life to the fullest. Raised in Southern Africa, she has lived in the UK, Thailand, and now the USA. She enjoys camping with her family, exploring new places, and sitting by a campfire. When she is not working, you will find her shouting for her kids on the soccer field, jogging with loud music in her ears, or creating art with her kids.

 

Merry Not Scary Halloween – West Baton Rouge

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Put your best costume forward and get ready for a Merry Not Scary Halloween with tricks, treats, and a whole lot of fun! Trick-or-treaters will enjoy exploring the six-acre campus to encounter vintage party games, craft activities, and a magic show performed by Chris Miller Magic starting at 7:15 pm.

Merry Not Scary Halloween - West Baton Rouge

Merry Not Scary Halloween

  • Location: West Baton Rouge Museum
    845 N. Jefferson Avenue

    70767 Port Allen , LA

  • Date: October 21st, 2022
  • Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Admission: FREE

Starting at 6:00 PM, trick-or-treaters can meet a fortune teller, go on a scavenger hunt, play games, and more. This year they are bringing back some favorites like the pumpkin patch and the spoon and eyeball race!

At 7:15 PM, guests are invited to gather near the Juke Joint for live entertainment by Chris Miller Magic for a spectacular show! Bring your beach towels, blankets, and lawn chair to have the best possible viewing experience. Keep up with both the West Baton Rouge Museum and the West Baton Rouge Parish Library on social media and our respective websites for more information and updated schedules.

In the event of rain, activities will be moved to the West Baton Rouge Community Center and Pavilion. 

Merry Market Mimosas in the Morning VIP Shopping

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This November, the First Annual Merry Market will be kicking off  at Lamar Dixon Expo Center – with family-friendly shopping, a Kid’s Corner, and Mimosas in the Morning – a VIP shopping experience!

Mimosas in the Morning will take place Saturday, Nov. 12th from 8- 11 am!

What’s Included in “Mimosas in the Morning” VIP Shopping:

  •  1 hour of Private Shopping

  •  Exclusive Swag Bag

  •  20% off your Entire Purchase from the VIP vendors (See Below)

  •  Sweets and Treats

  • Step-n-Repeat

  • Premiere Parking

  • Unlimited Weekend Pass

Click here to purchase tickets

Introducing Your Merry Market Mimosas in the Morning VIP Vendors 

 The Olive Place  – 92

 Stacey  by Design – 80

 Aroma Flame Candles – 60

Topanga Scents- 49

Cher   Bebe Boutique- 142

Lil’ Sweet Pea’s Boutique- 88-90 / 117-119

Be You Boutiqu-  198-199

SDJ Sweet Treats-  152-153

Cobra Security Products- 156 – 157

Spencer’s Custom Wood- 32  & 47

Soulfulicious  Designs from the Bayou- 136

Fab Boutique & Etc.- 155

Knick-Knack-Patty Ca- 100

 Hurd’s Stirs- Food Court

Spencer    Glass Design                       113

Autumn Lane –  1-2

Cake Stands with a Twist- 169

The Body Shop at Home                 83

tias- 8 & 21

Ludic Soul- 112

Eye Nspire Wellness- 159

Discovery Toys- 77

B. Caldwell Creations- 178-179

All Jammed Up- 166

Sleepovers to Geaux- Kids Zone

Sump’n Fishy- 8 & 21

Impeccable Crown- 187

Eclectic Gifts- 135

Soleil Apparel and More- 43

Creative Cajun Cooking

2022 Swamp Haunted Hikes – BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

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Are you looking for a fun, family-friendly alternative to the commercial haunted houses? Come to Bluebonnet Swamp’s 2022 Swamp Haunted Hikes on October 14, 21, and 28 to learn about snakes, insects, rats, and other “creepy critters” along the trail. Track down costumed characters to receive “treasures” then trek through the Swamp Graveyard to our Education Building for Carnival Games and Spooky Storytime. Skip the line this year by pre-purchasing your tickets today!

 2022 Swamp Haunted Hikes

2022 Swamp Haunted Hikes
Bluebonnet Swamp’s Haunted Hikes are designed especially for children, but all ages enjoy the spooktacular excitement of these Halloween-themed evenings. Event admission is through the education building, where crafts and storytelling are just around the corner.
2022 Swamp Haunted Hikes
Don’t be afraid of the dark! At night, head into the woods to get some treats and learn about snakes, insects, rats, and other “creepy critters” at educational stations along the Haunted Hike Trail. No scare tactics are used during this program as we strive to create cheerful-not-fearful experiences for our younger participants. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Costumes are welcome, and flashlights are recommended. Food vendors will be on-site during the event. We enjoyed a howling good time!
2022 Swamp Haunted Hikes

WHERE: BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
WHEN: Oct. 14 + 21 + 28 – Doors open at 6 p.m.
COST: $6 per person / Ages 2 + under free

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor.