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Holly Clegg’s Kid-Friendly Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe

January 15, 2023 by Guest Contributor

Holly Clegg was one of Baton Rouge Family Fun’s greatest supporters. She shared many recipes and resources with Baton Rouge Family Fun. We hope they will continue to be enjoyed by families in Baton Rouge and beyond for years to come. Below is one of her posts from 2018; it’s a community favorite, and it’s so darn good!! We hope you enjoy it.


Even if you’re limited on time, I promise my crescent roll Kid-Friendly Easy Mardi Gras King Cake recipe will be worth the 15 minutes it takes to make it.  No time-consuming yeast dough but all the richness of the best king cake you have ever put in your mouth!

I know I made an impression with this easy king cake recipe when my five-year-old grandson gave me a stack of cut-out king cake newspaper ads and told me he knew I would want them.  You probably have seen, Clegg, on my Facebook Live videos cooking with me. I realized cooking with him has become a teaching moment too.

Who doesn’t like king cakes?  We are so fortunate in Baton Rouge to have some of the best king cakes, but I have been told my crescent roll king cake recipe is “just as good (if not better) than at the bakeries!” With reduced-fat crescent rolls, reduced-fat cream cheese, cinnamon and sugar, and a little icing, this is a lighter trim and terrific king cake recipe that can be made wherever you live.  However, all the rage is my new savory, and sensational Crawfish King Cake with a scrumptious creamy crawfish filling topped with Mardi Gras colored Parmesan cheese. Sweet or savory, this king cake recipe will be your go-to recipe this carnival season! Having company—check out my easy Mardi Gras Menu filled with recipes and tips.

Kid-Friendly Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe

How To Make My Kid-Friendly Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe:  Fun Cooking!

Cooking With Kids:

  • Teaches you to follow directions
  • Measurements teach you math
  • Learn your colors + red and blue make purple
  • Instant gratification with finished recipe
  • Cooking gives kid’s confidence

Easy King Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Cinnamon Filling from Gulf Coast Favorites cookbook

My most popular king cake recipe known as a crescent roll king cake! You can leave out the cream cheese filling if you have picky eaters or sometimes I put half with cream cheese filling and half plain.  Here are photos of the steps of how to make a king cake.

Makes 16 servings

2 (8-ounce) cans of reduced-fat crescent rolls
4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
2 tablespoons confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Mardi Gras Icing (see recipe below)

  1. Preheat oven 350°F. Coat 10-inch round pizza pan with nonstick cooking spray.
    2. Separate crescent rolls at perforations, into 16 slices. Place slices around the prepared pan with points in the center. About halfway down from points, press seams together.
    3. In mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Spread on dough in the center where seams have been pressed together.
    4. In another small bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle over cream cheese. Fold dough points over filling and then fold the bottom of the triangle over points forming a circular roll like a king cake.
    5. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly and drizzle with colored Mardi Gras Icing.

Mardi Gras Icing:

1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1-2 tablespoons skim milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Yellow, green, red, and blue food coloring.

  1. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients, except food color. Divide mixture into three bowls
    2. In the first bowl, add a few drops of yellow food coloring and in the second bowl, add a few drops of green food coloring. In third bowl, add equal amounts of drops of red and blue food coloring (to create purple). Drizzle over baked cake.

Nutritional information per serving: Calories 184 Calories from fat 36% Fat 7 g Saturated Fat 3 g Cholesterol 9 mg Sodium 275 mg Carbohydrate 26 g Dietary Fiber 0 g Sugars 16 g Protein 3 g Diabetic Exchanges 11/2 carbohydrate 11/2 fat

SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL RECIPE NEWSLETTERS ON MY BLOG: The Healthy Cooking Blog FOLLOW ME: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTubeVisit The Healthy Cooking Blog by #TeamHolly here.

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Be sure to check out Baton Rouge Family Fun’s 2023 King Cake Guide here!

Check out our full Mardi Gras Guide for more Mardi Gras Family Fun, King Cake Guides, and more!

Family Friendly Mardi Gras

Filed Under: Ask the Expert, Dinner Ideas, Family Friendly Baton Rouge, Holidays, Moms, Quick & Easy Recipes Tagged With: Holly Cleg, kid friendly king cake, Kid friendly mardi gras, King Cake, Recipe

Gluten Free King Cake Recipe – Baton Rouge Family Fun

January 11, 2023 by Guest Contributor

I pride myself on being a solid scratch baker: Alton Brown practically raised me, for Pete’s sake, not to mention I audited an online Food Science class from Harvard one semester (hair flip). Harvard, people! So when I was tasked with developing a recipe for gluten-free king cake, I wasn’t intimidated. How hard could it be, I know how to bake!

As it would turn out, I do NOT know how to bake without gluten.

Gluten-Free King Cake

Test after test came out dry, crumbly. Disappointing. Just when I had decided I never wanted to see Bob’s Red Mill 1-To-1 baking flour again, I realized: I was going about it all wrong. I was trying to force my favorite king cake recipes to be gluten-free, rather than find a great gluten-free recipe that I could then make my own. Off to the internet I went.

I quickly became overwhelmed by expensive, unfamiliar ingredients. Whey protein isolate? Tapioca starch? Potato flour? If I were looking to get into the gluten-free baking market professionally, investing in these might have made sense. But all I really wanted was to occasionally be able to make a good king cake for my friends.

After some thought, it finally dawned on me: what was simple, comparably inexpensive, and easily accessible? Bread mix! After all, what is king cake, after you strip it of all the flavors, fillings, and toppings? Just mildly sweet, soft, bread.

I used Hodgson Mill gluten-free white bread mix because it was convenient to pick up at my local supermarket, but this recipe is straight-forward enough to work with whatever your favorite may be. For best results, it should be the kind that stays loose, like the consistency of a thick cake batter. I hope you enjoy creating your own homemade gluten-free king cake and would love to hear about the results!

Gluten-Free King Cake

Ingredients

Cake:

  • 3 ½ cups Gluten Free Bread Mix of your choice
  • ½ cup butter, divided (one stick)
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon
  • ¾ cup white sugar, divided
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 1 ½ teaspoons fast rise yeast (included in most mixes, check yours to confirm)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest

Glaze:

  • 1 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon almond flavoring (optional)

Sugar Topping:

  • 1 ½ cups white sugar
  • Purple, Green, and Yellow food coloring
  • 3 sandwich size plastic storage bags

Directions:

Cake:

1. Prepare a standard size bundt pan by spraying with thoroughly cooking spray and lightly coating with either cornmeal or GF baking flour. Tap out excess.

2. Melt ¼ cup butter (half stick) in a medium sized bowl; add ½ cup white sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla. Stir to combine, set aside.

3. Warm milk in a small bowl to approximately 100*-110*. It will be warm to the touch but not scalding.

4. Add 1 teaspoon of the remaining sugar and all of the yeast to the milk. Stir, set a timer for 5 minutes and set aside.

5. Pour the bread mix into a mixing bowl of a stand mixer* equipped with the paddle attachment. Add remaining sugar and ½ teaspoon of salt and mix on low briefly, just to combine.

6. Melt the remaining ¼ cup butter.

7. When your 5-minute timer goes off, add milk and yeast mixture to bread mix along with melted butter, room temperature eggs, cider vinegar, and orange and lemon zests.

8. Mix on low until mostly combined, stop the mixer and scrape the bowl well with a spatula. Mix again for on medium-high for 3 minutes. The dough will be similar to a very thick cake batter.

9. Spoon approximately 1/3 of the dough into prepared bundt pan. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Top with another 1/3 of the dough, sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar. Finish with the last 1/3 of dough, smoothing the top with a wet spatula. Spray lightly with cooking spray, cover loosely in cling wrap. Allow to rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes.

10. Preheat oven to 375* near the end of rising time.

11. Bake at 375* for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when tested.

12. Turn out onto a cooling rack after 5 minutes, allow to cool completely.

Sugar Topping:

While cake is cooling, divide sugar into 3 sandwich bags. Add the purple, green, and yellow food coloring to the bags, then seal and shake. Add more food coloring, a few drops at a time, until desired color intensity is reached.

Glaze:

Combine powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and almond flavoring (if desired). Stir until smooth. Drizzle over cooled king cake then top with colored sugars immediately.

*A hand-held mixer can work also, but add 2 minutes to mix time. Mixing by hand is possible but tough on the arms! Stir for 8 full minutes if by hand.

Gluten-Free King CakeThe Little Things Cakes is a home-based bakery owned and operated by Christy Broady. It was founded in 2016 when increasing demand for her baked goods inspired Christy to go into business on her own. In the three years since starting, Christy has grown from making a few dozen cupcakes here and there to several elaborate cakes a month. With her sophisticated flavors and impeccable attention to detail, Christy can’t wait to show you why it’s the little things that will truly make your next event special.

Be sure to check out our full 2022 King Cake Guide here!

Check out our full Mardi Gras Guide for more Mardi Gras Family Fun, King Cake Guides, and more!

Family Friendly Mardi Gras

Filed Under: Dessert, Family Friendly Baton Rouge, Food Tagged With: Baton Rouge Family Fun, Gluten free king cake, King Cake, Louisiana cooking, Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras 2023 – Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Parade Schedule

January 1, 2023 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

Contrary to popular belief, Mardi Gras can be family-friendly. The festival seems like it was made for children, with floats derived from the depths of the most ingenious imaginations, costumes, and masks that express unending creativity, bold colors, and joyous music abounds through parades. And, most importantly, the beads, doubloons and other treats thrown to the crowds from the floats are a child’s delight. It’s that time of year and we have your full Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Parade Schedule below!

Mardi Gras 2023 is Tuesday, February 21.

Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Parade Schedule

Madri Gras Fun Fact: Rex selected the official Mardi Gras colors in 1872 to honor the visiting Russian Grand Duke Alexis  Alexandrovich Romanoff, whose house colors were
purple, green and gold.

2023 Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Parade Schedule:

Please check the individual parade organizations’ websites for updated details.

Krewe of Oshun
Saturday, February 4th, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM 

Krewe of Oshun

Parade will roll along Howell Boulevard. Festival will be held at BREC’s Scotlandville Parkway Conservation Park.

The parade starts on Harding Boulevard at Pembroke Street, west to Scenic Highway (U.S. 61), south to 72nd Avenue, and west to Howell Boulevard. The festival runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, carnival games, eating contests, vendors and family resources. For more information on the parade and festival, click here.


CAAWS MYSTIC KREWE OF MUTTS
Sunday, February 5th, 10 AM – 4 PM

North Boulevard Town Square

Join CAAWS,  the theme is Jurassic Bark: An Adventure 43 Years in the Making. All proceeds will fund our spay/neuter programs.

CAAWS signature annual fundraiser is the Krewe of Mutts Festival (which includes Bark in the Park, vendors, food trucks, pet contest, and the Mystic Krewe of Mutts Mardi Gras Parade). It’s a dog-gone good day filled with family friendly fun activities, food, shopping, a doggy costume contest and the main event – an entertaining and adorable waling parade with families can dress up their dogs, decorate floats, and strut through downtown.

10 a.m.-4 p.m.—Bark in the Park in North Boulevard Town Square (check out local vendors)
11 a.m.—Baton Rouge Police Department K-9 Demonstration; Galvez Plaza stage
12 p.m.-1 p.m.—Dog Costume Contest; Galvez Plaza stage
1:30 p.m.—Parade lineup along North Blvd.
2 p.m.—Parade rolls (see map)
Food: All Star Catering Food Truck, City Gelato, Fleur Delights
Music: DJ Mike Larry


Krewe of Artemis
Friday, February 10th, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Starting on River Road near the Raising Cane’s River Center, the parade proceeds along River Road, turning right at Hollywood Casino to 3rd Street, then 4th, left on Main, right on 9th, left on Laurel, left on 6th, left on Convention, and left on River Road back to the River Center.

The Krewe of Artemis will roll through the streets of downtown Baton Rouge on Friday, February 10, 2023
at 7:00 p.m. Join the excited revelers as they line the parade route while joining in the festivities and
experiencing Baton Rouge Mardi Gras… Artemis style!! Revelers will be treated with themed throws, including the Krewe of Artemis’ signature High Heeled Shoe, along with footballs, light up tambourines, stuffed animals, float beads and lighted throws.


Krewe of Mystique de la CAPITALE
Saturday, February 11th, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

This family-friendly parade begins and ends at the intersection of River Road and St. Philip Street, next to the Raising Cane’s River Center. The route traverses much of Downtown Baton Rouge.

Celebrating 45 years of parading in Baton Rouge! Come out and see the oldest Mardi Gras Krewe that is family-oriented and fun for all ages. For additional information visit  https://krewemystique.com. 


Krewe of Orion
Saturday, Feb. 11, 6:30 PM

The Parade route starts at the intersection of St. Phillip Street and River Road and ends at the Raising Cane’s River Center.

The Krewe of Orion’s 24th annual Mardi Gras parade in downtown Baton Rouge will once again take place on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 6:30 PM with the theme of “In Our Wildest Dreams”.

Parade goers will be treated to a line of exciting, colorfully-lighted, and tractor-pulled floats. On the floats, masked and costumed riders will throw plenty of themed parade medallions, Krewe of Orion signature footballs, lighted throws, and beads. Marching bands, dance groups, and marching units (all of 20 members or more) will be among the great sights and sounds at this wonderful family-oriented parade.

The parade ends as it runs into the Raising Cane’s River Center Exhibition Hall where our Masquerade is held.


Kroux of Barkus/Bark in the Park – Walker 
Saturday, Feb. 11, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

The ½ mile parade will begin by the Challenger’s Field parking lot and follow the walking path in the park.
Farmer’s/Vendor Market: 10am to 3pm
Pet Registration: 10:30am
Pet Parade: 11am
Zumba Demostraton: 12:30pm
Live Music: 1:00pm to 3:00pm
The ½ mile parade will begin by the Challenger’s Field parking lot and follow the walking path in the park.
This year’s parade will by lead by its Grand Marshall, Bayou; owned by Chris and Holly Reed and Mike and Laurie Mason. Bayou was the #1 competing Giant Schnauzer throughout 2021, winning the 2021 AKC National Best of Show Champion Title.
Bark in the Park will continue until 3pm. The activities will include live Cajun/Zydeco music with the Band Nouveaux and the Xpress Train, a Zumba demonstration, Line Dance instruction, Market and Food vendors, and pet themed booths, including a professional photographer for pet portraits.
All proceeds will benefit the Walker Animal Shelter.

Krewe Denham Springs

Saturday, February 11th at 3:00 PM

Begins at DSHS, travels down Range and turns right on Veterans. Free concert before AND after the annual parade!!

Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Parade Schedule


Krewe of Mid City Gras
Sunday, Feb. 12, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The parade starts at the intersection of 19th Street and North Boulevard and ends at the intersection of North Boulevard and Foster Drive.

 

Mid City Gras is always the Sunday before Mardi Gras on North Boulevard, a road connecting North and South Baton Rouge.

Krewe of Ascension Mambo – Gonzales
Saturday, February 11th at 2:00 PM

Gonzales, La | Parade Route Begins on Irma Blvd and Ends at the corner of Hwy 44 and Hwy 30

 


Krewe of Southdowns
Friday, Feb. 17, 7 PM

Southdowns neighborhood

The 36th Krewe of Southdowns Parade, “Fetes de Louisiane”, rolls at 7PM.
Children and pets are welcome.
Attendees are asked not to park on the parade route itself.
Off-route parking will be available.

The parade route begins at Glasgow Middle School, across Stanford Avenue to Cherrydale Avenue and ends at Perkins Road. The Krewe of Southdowns is Baton Rouge’s first, and most unique, family-friendly night Mardi Gras Parade. Join them on February 17th, 2023, rain or shine, in the Southdowns neighborhood for our 36th annual parade. It’s showtime! For more information, visit our website at www.southdowns.org


Port Allen

Krewe of Good Friends of the Oaks 
Sunday, February 19th at 1 PM

The west side’s only nighttime parade. Lighted throws, street parties, family fun! The 38th Krewe of Good Friends of the Oaks Mardi Gras parade will begin and end at the corner of the LA-1 Service Rd and Oaks Ave. The parade route is as follows: east on Oaks Ave to Jefferson Ave, north on Jefferson Ave to Court St, west on Court St to Sixth St, north on Sixth St to Louisiana Ave, east on Louisiana Ave to Jefferson Ave, south on Jefferson Ave to Oaks Ave, west on Oaks Ave to LA-1 Service Rd.

This year’s theme is Rockin’ Thru the Ages! And we are gonna rock the streets of Port Allen.


Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Festival

Saturday, February 18th, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Free Family Friendly Annual Mardi Gras Festival held in North Blvd Town Square, Downtown Baton Rouge. Enjoy a whole day of live music, art, and great food. The event will showcase live bands and Krewes, with a Vendor Village, art exhibits, food and more.

 

Baton Rouge Family Fun is your Family Friendly Mardi Gras Headquarters!

View our comprehensive Family Friendly Mardi Gras Guide HERE!

Family Friendly Mardi Gras

Filed Under: Celebrate, Family Friendly Baton Rouge, Louisiana Tagged With: baton rouge madri gras, Baton Rouge Moms, Baton Rouge Parade, Mardi Gras, parade

Bonfires on the Levee – A Louisiana Christmas Eve Tradition

December 21, 2022 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

One of Louisiana’s favorite Christmas traditions is the Bonfires on the Levee, a niche staple of the River Parishes’ culture. The tradition of lighting bonfires on the river levees dates back to the earliest Cajun settlers of the regions of southern Louisiana to the west and north of New Orleans.

Bonfires on the Levee, often called Christmas Eve Bonfires, is a centuries-old holiday tradition just a short drive from Baton Rouge and New Orleans in Louisiana’s River Parishes. During the weeks that follow Thanksgiving, families, and friends come together atop the Mississippi River levees to construct nearly two hundred 20-foot-high wooden bonfires that celebrate and honor the region’s storied past. Parades, festivals, and open houses during Bonfire Season build anticipation for the spectacular Bonfires on the Levee on Christmas Eve.

What are the Bonfires on the Levee? 

These massive bonfires on the river levees are intended to light the way for “Papa Noël,” the Cajun Santa Claus. Louisianans gather to watch these spectacular bonfires and enjoy a free show, and, in some locales, free bowls of hot gumbo are served up by local residents. The blazes are often accompanied by displays of fireworks, set off by the fires themselves.

The earliest bonfires on the levees were relatively simple in design and assembly, with long logs arranged into a pyramid-shaped cone, some as high as twenty feet. Shorter horizontal logs holding the structure in place gave it a ladder-like appearance.  – NewOrelans.com

The Christmas bonfires are mostly pyramid-shaped, but some can be more fanciful assemblages paying tribute to each area’s culture and heritage—shapes ranging from replica paddlewheel steamships to local critters like alligators or pelicans. Bonfires are built by families, friends and co-workers who visit, cook and mingle between the fires. It’s a local celebration with an environment akin to football tailgating, and the practice has continued for generations. – Louisianatravel.com

When are the Christmas Eve Bonfires on the levee?

At dusk, usually around 7:00 p.m., the structures are doused and set ablaze, lighting the sky and the surrounding area with towering flames that would be impossible for Papa Noël and his reindeer to miss.

Where are the Christmas Eve Bonfires on the levee?

Bonfires on the Levee

Just drive down state highways 18 and 44 on Christmas Eve, and you’ll notice long lines of spectators’ cars parked at the foot of the levees.

The best viewing is by car along the east- and west-bank River Roads and by walking along the levees. Private Bonfire gatherings are held along the river, but onlookers passing by on foot will likely be offered a smile and some holiday cheer.

 

Blood, Sweat and Bonfires

Bonfires on the Levee

You can see the bullfrog come to life when it’s lit up on Christmas Eve at 7 p.m. sharp. The group is located on the levee in Garyville, with a big, wooden #1 marking their spot.

GOOGLE MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oi9RaxSBAb9xVdBi6


Festival of the Bonfires

LIGHTING OF THE BONFIRES FOR PAPA NOEL

It is recommended that you get into the area before 6:00 PM. The fires will be lit at 7:00 PM. Try spending the afternoon, walking the levee, taking pictures and touring the museum. Parking is available in lots along LA 641. Please do not park in lots that are roped off! There will be a 3 to 4 block walk to the levee. If you are interested in driving through, take LA 3213 to LA 44 (Exit before the bridge). This will take you to the first bonfire. Drive along River Road through Gramercy & Lutcher.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

From Baton Rouge, Take I-10 East to Gramercy Exit, Travel South on U.S. Hwy 61 (Airline Hwy.) to LA Hwy. 3274 (approx. 7 miles on right), Turn Right on LA Hwy. 3125 to LA Hwy. 3193 (Lutcher Ave.) to festival site.


2022 Algiers Holiday Bonfire and Concert

Bonfires on the Levee

Algiers’ biggest annual holiday celebration and New Orleans’ only official holiday bonfire, the Algiers Bonfire is the neighborhood’s largest public event and pays tribute to Louisiana’s river parish bonfire tradition. Listen to musical performances, eat food from local vendors, and shop at the holiday craft market. The star of the event however, is the 30’ sculptural bonfire, designed by NOLA Burners, which is then set ablaze. Easily accessible via the Algiers ferry, and with the New Orleans’ skyline as the perfect backdrop, this event cannot be missed!

This event is free and open to the public! However, in order to improve on this event every year, as well as to track where attendees are from, they ask that you register here!

2022 Bonfire:

December 3, 2022

4:30 PM – 8:00 PM

200 Morgan St. New Orleans, LA 70114, which is the land immediately down River from the Algiers Ferry Terminal

 

Filed Under: Family Friendly Baton Rouge, Holidays, Louisiana, Things To Do Tagged With: Bonfires, Bonfires on the Levee, Christmas events, Mississippi

Atchafalaya Christmas Swamp Tour with Papa Noël

December 12, 2022 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

Beyond the world-famous airboat and swamp tours offered at McGee’s Swamp Tours, they also host special events throughout the year that celebrate our Joie de vie (joy of life)! Christmas-themed tours led by Papa Noël, the Atchafalaya Christmas Swamp Tour, is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays! The family fun doesn’t stop with Christmas, as these tours also introduce guests to Louisiana’s unique swamp environment and heritage.

Atchafalaya Christmas Swamp Tour

We had a wonderful time on the water this past weekend with Papa Noel! It felt as if you were stepping back in time and slowing down to enjoy the simple things we cherish in the festive season, like bells and carols and good old-fashioned chats with Papa Noel.
Atchafalaya Christmas Swamp Tour
Upon arrival, we were welcomed at the door with a swift check-in; walking into the entry to their gift/snack shop, it is very cozy and filled with a few goodies your kids will want to buy. (come prepared for this!)
Once ready, a short walk to the boat, and we were off for some Christmas fun on the Bayou. Papa Noël welcomed everyone, and the elves served up candy canes, cookies, and informative snippets about the region and the wildlife in the swamp.
Atchafalaya Christmas Swamp Tour
Papa Noël read the story ‘Cajun Night Before Christmas’ in the ‘real way it’s meant to be read,’ according to my 10-year-old! You can purchase the book in the bookstore and get it signed by Papa Noël himself! The kids sang a couple of Cajun carols, and a surprise visitor was on board, a baby alligator!
If you are looking for traditional fun with your kids, carol singing and bell ringing, and one-on-one chat time with Papa Noël, this is the experience for you!  Sit and look out for a bald eagle or a Santa skeleton (go and see for yourself!) or jingle the bells and sing along.. the choice is yours!
Upon our return, we enjoyed hot chocolate and crafts –  when back on deck after a photo op with Papa Noel, you can make an ornament to take home and hang on your tree and remember the time you went on a memorable swamp tour with your loved ones at Christmas time!

Papa Noël

Around the world Santa Claus has many names. But in a deep, swampy bayou of Louisiana, he’s known as Papa Noël. In such a hot and humid place, there can be no sleds or reindeer, so Papa Noël rides the river in a boat pulled by eight alligators.

Papa Noël is headed back to the Atchafalaya Basin for the fifth year! McGee’s is again offering swamp tours led by Papa Noël (aka Santa Claus) himself! Alas, the 60-minute tour will share the story of “The Cajun Night Before Christmas.”

After each tour there will be family photos with Santa, ornament decorating (with a swamp-theme), hot chocolate, cookies, and candy-canes. All included in the price of your tour!

WHEN:

  • December – 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23

  • Tour Departures at 9:00AM, 9:30AM, 11:00AM, 11:30AM, 1:30PM, 2:00PM, 3:30PM and 4:00PM.

WHERE:

MCGEE’S SWAMP TOURS
​1337 HENDERSON LEVEE RD.
HENDERSON, LA 70517
337-228-2384

 

ADMISSION:

  • Children and Adults: $25.00

  • Children (under 2 years): FREE

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.

Filed Under: Family Friendly Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Things To Do, Travel Tagged With: Atchafalaya Christmas, Baton Rouge Christmas, Cajun Christmas, Christmas Swamp Tour, Papa Noel, Swamp Tour

Things to Do in Baton Rouge this Weekend {Dec 10 – Dec 11}

December 7, 2022 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

The Family Friendly Baton Rouge weekend guide is a round-up of all the best events happening this weekend and things to do near you. With the holidays upon us, there is no shortage of things to do in Baton Rouge with your family!

Events are subject to change, be sure to check events are as scheduled before heading out. 

Things To Do in Baton Rouge this weekend: 

 

Santa Rocks the Rowe | December 10 | 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Things to Do in Baton Rouge

Join us TOMORROW, Saturday, December 10 from 5pm-8pm for Perkins Rowe‘s annual Santa Rocks the Rowe event!
🎅 Paid Photos with Santa provided by Cherry Hill
🎨 Face painting
🎄 Christmas Crafts and letters to Santa with Baton Rouge Family Fun
🎁 Games
🎶 Live Music and more!
Music Schedule:
Enjoy your favorite holiday tunes by local musicians:
The Cool Beans
5pm-6pm
Town Square Stage
The Baton Rouge Concert Band
6:30pm-8:00pm
Street next to CPK

 


 Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade | December 10 | 5:30pm

Things to Do in Baton Rouge

The Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade rolls at 5:30pm. See the map below for parking and save a spot in front of Hotel Indigo Baton Rouge Downtown for easy access to drinks and restrooms! Battle of the Bands starts at 4pm.


Let it Sneaux | December 10 | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

BREC Park

Friends, community and holiday cheer, make this season the most wonderful time of the year! Perkins Road Community Park is turning into a Winter Wonderland for this year’s Let It Sneaux! Come stuff your stockings on your stroll down Candy Cane Lane, take photos with Santa, enjoy s’mores and hot chocolate while watching movies on the big screen, playing in the snow and much more!

Event is free of charge and donations are welcome to benefit the BREC Foundation’s Send a Kid to Camp Program.

Come join the holiday fun! If you are a business or organization and would like to bRING in the holiday with us, reserve your spot here!

Perkins Road Community Park
7122 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70808


Festival of the Bonfires | December 9-11 |

CHRISTMAS ON THE RIVER…CAJUN STYLE! Enjoy great food, live entertainment, crafts, Santa’s Very Merry Forest and carnival rides throughout the weekend. Each night will be highlighted with a single bonfire lighting! Come out and experience a prelude to the famous Christmas Eve Bonfires: A tradition unique to St. James Parish and all the world!! LOCATION: Lutcher Recreational Park Lutcher Avenue- La HWY 3193 Lutcher, LA 70071 DATES: December 9, 10, and 11


Marche in the Park Christmas Market | December 11th  | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Come out December 11th, 11am-4pm for Denham Springs Big Christmas Market! Come check out Christmas Marché in North Park! 190+ Vendors, Santa Pictures, Grinch Pictures, Face Painting, Bounce House, Free children’s craft corner, Food Trucks, Surprise Guest Appearances, and More!! ????

 

Find more Baton Rouge holiday events and activities for the family in our Christmas Events Guide:

Baton Rouge Holiday Events Guide

Filed Under: Family Friendly Baton Rouge, Things To Do Tagged With: Family Friendly Baton Rouge, Things To Do Baton Rouge, things to do near me, things to do with kids in Baton Rouge

Things to Do in Baton Rouge this Weekend {Dec 2 – Dec 4}

December 1, 2022 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

The Family Friendly Baton Rouge weekend guide is a round-up of all the best events happening this weekend and things to do near you. With the holidays upon us, there is no shortage of things to do in Baton Rouge with your family!

Events are subject to change, be sure to check events are as scheduled before heading out. 

Things To Do in Baton Rouge this weekend: 

 

Festival of Lights | December 2 | 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS - Christmas in Baton Rouge

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. See our post with a full schedule of events!


Boucherie and Balloon Festival | December 2 -4 | Times Vary

The Boucherie and Balloon Festival is coming back to Sorrento! From hot air balloons, carnival rides, and cracklin’ cookoffs, to live music and plenty of shopping, they’ve got festivities you and the family won’t want to miss.


Sensory Santa | December 2 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

North Sherwood Forest Community Park – Drive thru the holidays at BREC’s Selfies with Santa. Each car will receive prepackaged holiday activities, snacks and reindeer food! Santa will also be available to take selfies with you and your family from the safety of your own car. This event is free and open to all ages and abilities.


Broadmoor’s Annual Christmas Parade | December 3 | 11:00 a.m.

Hosted by the Broadmoor Residents’ Association.
• This is an outdoor event and the parade will roll as long as weather conditions permit.
• The parade route begins at Broadmoor High School parking lot (on Goodwood Blvd), east onto Goodwood Blvd, through the S curve, then north on Woodhaven St, then west on S. River Oaks Dr., then south on Cora Dr., then east on Goodwood Blvd back to the Broadmoor High School parking lot. The parade route is about 1.9 miles in length.
In addition, they are asking both participants and attendees to bring a non-perishable food item(s) for donation. All the food items collected will be given to the food pantry immediately after the parade and then distributed to those in need by S.E. Ministries. For information on the Broadmoor Christmas Parade (including the parade route map), check the ‘Parade’ section of the website at http://www.broadmoor-br.org

A Rural Life Christmas | December 4 | 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN BATON ROUGE

Ring in the Holiday season with a 19th century Louisiana celebration at the LSU Rural Life Museum.  Decorations with natural trimmings representative of special times of long ago will be displayed throughout the museum’s grounds.  Seasonal activities such a musical groups, demonstrating artisans, open-hearth cooking, storytellers, and costumed re-enactors will be present during this event. A complete list of activities and musical performances will be available soon. Children ages 0-3 will be admitted at no charge.  For everyone else, the cost is $10.00 per person. Admission: $10.00 per person. This event will conclude with a bonfire and a visit from Papa Noel!


Baton Rouge Zoo’s ZooLights | Through December 30th  | Zoo Hours

Zoolights is a mile-long trail through the Zoo with more than 50 illuminated display sculptures of animals and traditional holiday displays. Once again, the Zoo is partnering with The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank to bring more impact & excitement to Zoolights. Every guest presenting non-perishable food items (minimum of one per person) during the hours of Zoolights, will receive a 50% discount from the regular admission price. All food donations will go directly to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.
DATES: November 25 – December 30 Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Admission gates open 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Zoo grounds close at 9 p.m.

 

Find more Baton Rouge holiday events and activities for the family in our Christmas Events Guide:

Baton Rouge Holiday Events Guide

Filed Under: Family Friendly Baton Rouge, Things To Do Tagged With: Family Friendly Baton Rouge, Things To Do Baton Rouge, things to do near me, things to do with kids in Baton Rouge

RACK – Random Acts of Christmas Kindness

December 1, 2022 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

Tis’ the season to get into the holiday spirit! We are RACKing up Random Acts of Christmas Kindness this season, and we would love for you to join us! We are spreading the joy of the holidays by performing a Random Act of Christmas Kindness each day throughout December. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the true reason for the season… family, togetherness, community, and giving!

The best part of participating in even the smallest act of kindness and/or giving is that generosity and kindness are contagious!

Goodness spurs goodness: A single act can influence dozens more.

Please join us for our 8th Annual RACK! We are showering the Baton Rouge community with Christmas Kindness all month long!

RACK – Random Acts of Christmas Kindness

What is RACK, and how does it work?

 It’s a way to infuse holiday spirit in others by performing a Random Act of Christmas Kindness throughout December! Many do a RACK a day for 25 days leading up to Christmas, an advent of sorts. However, we are asking you to join us in doing what you can, when you can, however big, however small. Be creative and lead with your heart! Most importantly, get the whole family involved!

We have created printable RACK cards in different sizes; print and attach them to your RACK. Although there are many ways to offer a RACK, we have put together an extensive list of ideas and a calendar if you want to follow a list of acts.

RACK – Random Acts of Christmas Kindness Ideas:

  1. Rake the yard of a neighbor who can’t rake it themselves.
  2. Bless your garbage collectors with a treat or small gift card for lunch.
  3. Have your children make the mailman or lady a Thank You card or poster with treats taped to it.
  4. Tape coins on vending machines for snacks or sodas. The hospital would be an excellent place for this!
  5. Tape single dollars to items at the dollar store. (plus a dime for tax)
  6. RACK a Red Box by leaving a dollar or two and some popcorn or a candy cane.
  7. Donate items to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank
  8. Pack toiletry or snack bags for Volunteers of America Greater Baton Rouge homeless shelters.
  9. Donate a coat to Pat’s Coats for Kids.
  10. Bake treats and take them to the police station or fire station with thank you cards for their service.
  11. Take a break from texting and mail an actual handwritten letter or card to someone you love.
  12. Send letters or gifts to an assisted living home. Coordinate with your local nursing or retirement home first.
  13. Take Get Well balloons or flowers to the hospital and leave them with a nurse for someone who is alone.
  14. Fill a Good Samaritans Christmas Box
  15. Tape quarters to laundromat machines.
  16. Leave a basket of Christmas gifts on the doorstep of a family in need.
  17. Leave a $5 bill on the pump at a gas station.
  18. Bring treats to your local urgent care office on Christmas Eve.
  19. Cook a meal and deliver it to someone who could use a meal. Someone who is sick, a new family in the neighborhood or at church, a new mom.
  20. Take a person who’s working on Christmas Eve something special.
  21. Drop off books to give to patients at the OLOL Children’s Hospital.
  22. Drop off a coffee and a treat to a busy mom.
  23. Bring a gift to Santa.
  24. ‘Ding dong ditch’ your neighbors with fresh-baked goods.
  25. Before paying at the grocery store, buy a gift card, and then turn around and hand it to the person behind you or to the cashier.
  26. Leave an extra big tip at a restaurant.
  27. Donate to the local animal shelter. Contact a local animal shelter to find out what they need. (food, blankets, towels, and food bowls, etc.)
  28. Put something you no longer need on Craigslist’s FREE section.
  29. Fill purses you no longer use with toiletries and fun items for men and donate to your local women’s shelter.
  30. Foster a dog for the local animal shelter.

Rack Tag printables…

RACK CardsDownload Medium RACK Cards HERE.

RACK Christmas TagDownload Small RACK Cards HERE.

Small RACK CircleDownload XSmall Circle TACK Tags HERE

 A RACK Advent calendar can be found here.

 More cards and tags can be found here.

It’s our responsibility to discuss gratefulness, generosity, unselfishness and service not just during the holidays but year-round. We are our children’s greatest role models — we should start early to mold our children’s perspectives on the holiday season. May we create such treasured memories of family time and togetherness, and the joy of giving, that our children will hold on to these memories for a lifetime and pass them on to their children.

We wish each of you a blessed Christmas Season full of RACK!

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Filed Under: Baton Rouge Resources, Causes, Community Outreach, Family Friendly Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Social Good Tagged With: Baton Rouge volunteer, Christmas, RACK, Random Acts of Kindness

Where to Visit Black Santa in Baton Rouge & New Orleans

November 30, 2022 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

Santa Claus is coming to town and we know kids are ready to visit with the Jolly Old soul. Most already know Santa can be found at Perkins Rowe, Mall of Louisiana, Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland, and Cabelas, but Black Santa is always a bit harder to find. We are lucky to have a diversity of Santas in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans Area, but it can still be hard to know where to find a consistent Black Santa experience, so we’ve rounded up a few you can visit this holiday season.

Where to Visit Black Santa in Baton Rouge

Chateau Lyle Photos with Santa

Where to Visit Black Santa in Baton Rouge

WHEN: Sunday, December 4, 2022 1pm-4pm

WHERE: CHATEAU LYLE
9405 GREENWELL SPRINGS RD
BATON ROUGE, LA, 70814

Call or text and reserve your spot today.
(985)284-4397


AMY MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY

WHEN: December 3

WHERE: This is an indoor shoot at our Mid City Baton Rouge studio located at
2931 Government St.

Each shoot is a quick 10 minute time slot. The price of $150 includes the shoot, your online gallery and $100 credit toward your order. They offer a variety of products from prints, digital files, cards, albums, framed prints etc.
If your child is afraid of Santa we can do a peek-a-boo option.

*****Another Day may be added if there is enough interest!! *****


 

Where to Visit Black Santa in New Orleans 

Gintilly Santa

Where to Visit Black Santa in New Orleans

WHEN: December 1, 11, 21 and 23

WHERE: Multiple location throughout New Orleans – See images above and follow Gentilly Santa on Facebook and Instagram for more info!


Dennis Photofinish Ltd.

Dennis Photofinish on Tonti in NOLA had NOLA’s famous Chocolate Santa,  Mr. Fred Parker (aka 7th Ward Santa/Chocolate Santa) sadly, he passed away in 2020. A new Chocolate Santa will be doing photos once again and details are being solidified as we publish this. Check back for details!

WHEN: By Appointment only – TBA

WHERE: 1753 N Tonti St, New Orleans, LA, United States, Louisiana
(504) 944-5449

Check back as we will update this list through the Holiday season!

You might also enjoy perusing through our Christmas Events Guide for Things to Do in Baton Rouge and beyond!
Baton Rouge Holiday Events Guide

Filed Under: Baton Rouge Resources, Family Friendly Baton Rouge, Holidays Tagged With: Baton Rouge Santa, Black Santa, chocolate Santa, New Orleans Santa

Baton Rouge Family Fun Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt

November 28, 2022 by Tiany Davis

One of our favorite family traditions is taking an evening car ride in search of the best Christmas Lights in Baton Rouge. From the houses with thousands of synchronized dancing lights to the simple and elegant ones, we appreciate the time it takes to share the beauty of their Christmas lights with the community. As you are driving around looking at Christmas Lights, add some more fun with a Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt!  You can add your own ideas to the list, too!

Find our giant list of Amazing Christmas Lights in Baton Rouge & Beyond here!

Baton Rouge Family Fun Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt

Click on the image below for a FREE printable to take with you on your next adventure!

Christmas & Holiday Events in Baton Rouge & BeyondBaton Rouge Holiday Events Guide

Filed Under: Family Friendly Baton Rouge, Holidays Tagged With: baton rouge christmas lights, Christmas Baton Rouge Events, Christmas Gonzales, Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt, Christmas Prairieville, Family Friendly Baton Rouge, Louisiana

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