Thanks to Associates in Pediatric Dentistry for sponsoring the Holiday Events Guide.
Our 2015 guide is our largest guide to date with over 40 events. This list will be updated daily as we learn of new events being hosted in our area. We’re sharing events within a 60 mile radius of Baton Rouge. Be sure to print out your Holiday Bucket List and fill it up with memory making fun, a great activity to do with the kids!
Whether you’re looking for a Christmas parade, holiday-themed performance, Santa visit, or lights display, there’s the cornucopia of Baton Rouge holiday events this year. If you have something to add, please leave it in the comments below.
Get your 2015 Baton Rouge Holiday Events HERE in PDF form for easy viewing!
Click the Print button at the bottom of the guide to print or email the guide to yourself or a friend!
LSU Holiday Spectacular
Celebrate the season at LSU Holiday Spectacular Tuesday, December 1, with festivities beginning at 5 p.m. in the LSU Student Union.
Christmas Tree Lighting in Free Speech Circle located on LSU’s campus. This event is FREE to the public and CC’s Streetside Café will be giving out FREE hot chocolate and medium roast coffee!
Holiday Performances
5 p.m. | LSU Student Union Theater
Featuring performances from LSU students, faculty & community organizations.
LSU Christmas Tree Lighting
6 p.m. | Free Speech Circle
Benjamin Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols” Concert
featuring LSU Women’s Chorale with the St. James Treble Choir
7:30 p.m. | St. Alban’s Chapel, Highland Road at Dalrymple Drive
Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade
DECEMBER 12th – Find Parade Map HERE.
The 64th Annual Cortana Kiwanis Downtown Christmas Parade will roll through Downtown Baton Rouge Saturday, December 12th at 5:30 p.m. Every year, more than 70,000 people watch the parade live and thousands more enjoy it on television through the holiday season. The Parade is a celebration and a great way to connect with the community. The parade is open to everyone. Typically the parade includes about 80 entries. These entries are a mix of marching bands, celebrities, dance troups, non-profit organizations, and local businesses in seasonal themes.
ZooLights 2015
November 27 – December 30
Beginning November 27, visitors will enjoy the lights and displays of all your favorite Zoo animals and holiday traditions. Walk through the Zoo and be amazed by larger-than-life light displays. Bring the whole family and get in the holiday spirit of the season. Hot cocoa and other treats will be available to purchase.
ZooLights will take place November 27 – December 30 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). For more information, call 225.775.3877.
Special Activities:
November 27: Coca-Cola Truck @ ZooLights
November 27: Ornament Decorating
November 28: Ornament Decorating
December 4: Pictures with Safari Santa
December 5: Pictures with Safari Santa
December 11: Art Gone Wild Exhibit
December 12: Art Gone Wild Exhibit
December 13: Art Gone Wild Exhibit
December 18: Pictures with Safari Santa
December 19: Pictures with Safari Santa
December 26: Ornament Decorating
A Rural Life Christmas
December 6
12:30pm until 6:30pm
Ring in the Christmas season with a 19th century Louisiana celebration. Musical groups, demonstrating artisans, storytellers, and costumed re-enactors will be present to set the holiday mood. The event will conclude with a bonfire and a visit from Papa Noel.
Regular fee for adults and seniors; children under 10 are free.
Holiday Skating on the River
It might not get snow in Baton Rouge, but you can still have fun on the ice at the Baton Rouge River Center with its holiday tradition, “Ice Skating on the River.”
This holiday tradition will kick off the ice skating season on Friday, December 18, 2015. A fun filled holiday event for all ages, Ice Skating on the River will have 75 minute sessions nearly every day until January 3, 2016. Tickets are on sale now at $12 per person with special group pricing for parties over ten people. Birthday packages are also available for Ice Skating on the River. For more information about group or birthday packages, please call 225-389-3030.
Festival of Lights
December 4th
5:00pm – 8:00pm – Join an evening under downtown’s historic oaks to commemorate Baton Rouge’s oldest holiday tradition. Transforming the winter sky into a wonderland, the Mayor will light North Boulevard with half a million sparkling lights. Experience the magic beneath the 35-foot Christmas tree in Town Square. Bethlehem Village with a real life village set in Biblical times where children can craft ornaments and decorations, plus a magical train ride on the Mansion Express at the Old Governor’s Mansion. Visit Santa’s Gift Shoppe and listen to holiday music during an evening of visual, culinary, and performing arts.
LASM Holiday Events
December 6th
Special Holiday First Sunday
Sunday, December 6th| 1-4 PM
Holiday Ornament Workshop: 1-3 PM
Santa Claus & the Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan: 1-4 PM
Let It Snow: 3PM
Visit LASM for a special day of holiday activities! Get creative while participating in the annual holiday ornament workshop, where you and your family can make small seasonal decorations to cherish for years to come. The famous Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan will also stop outside LASM, bringing along a special guest – Santa Claus! Be sure to have your wish list handy when you meet Santa, who will be giving out candy canes as well. Not only are these activities free, but you can additionally enjoy free admission to explore all of LASM’s galleries and a reduced admission of $5 for adults and $4 for children and seniors to the planetarium shows – including the new holiday music show Let It Snow.
The Nutcracker : A Tale from the Bayou
December 19th – 201th
The Nutcracker – A Tale from the Bayou, created by Molly Buchmann and Sharon Mathews in 1992, has become one of the most highly-anticipated events of the holiday season. Accompanied by the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, the production incorporates local landmarks while maintaining the grandeur and integrity of the classic ballet. This lavish production continues to thrill children and adults alike, and snow is always guaranteed!
A Charlie Brown Christmas
December 11-20 The classic animated television special comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation where Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the other Peanuts grapple with the real meaning of Christmas.
Tickets are $20 for Adults and $15 for Children (ages 2 – 11) and can be purchased at PlaymakersBR.org. (225) 578-6996.
The Living Nativity
December 11th & 12thThe 5th Annual Drive Through Live Nativity takes place on the parking lot of FBBC. Load up your family and journey back to the first Christmas as represented through 12 different scenes. December 11th & 12th 7-9 PM
Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra
This years holiday BRSO events will include:
- Christmas Brass at Hemingbough December 6 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, In Central – December 8 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, In Plaquemine – December 9 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Home for the Holidays December 4th & 6th – The Holiday Season would not be complete without the Family Pops annual Home for the Holidays concert! Join Maestro Muffitt as he leads this spectacular cast of hundreds featuring our very own Baton Rouge Symphony Chorus, and numerous guest performers and musical groups from across our city. Join us in a musical celebration of community and the spirit of the season.
Manship Theatre Holiday Events
- The Shoemaker and the Christmas Elves – Two Christmas Elves are sent to work for a poor cobbler until he does something nice for them. When he does, the elves will become true Christmas Elves and be sent to work for Santa at the North Pole. Multiple dates in December.
- The Muppet Christmas Carol – December 20th
Kansas City Southern Holiday Express Train
November 27th – Sadly, the KCS Holiday Express will not be making a stop in Baton Rouge. He will however be roughly 2 hours away in DeRidder, LA if you would like to make a day trip out of it. Meet Santa and receive a holiday treat bag! For more information, download the Kansas City Southern Holiday Express Train app from the iTunes store.
At each scheduled stop, The KCS Charitable Fund makes a contribution of gift cards to the local Salvation Army to provide warm clothing and other necessities for children in need. Over the past 11 years, thanks to the generous contributions of KCS’ employees, vendors and friends, the Holiday Express has donated over $1 million in gift cards to this cause.
Reflections of the Season – West Baton Rouge
Get into the Holiday Spirit at the Reflections of the Season Christmas Light Display.
This walk or drive through display is open to the public from December 3th – December 24th, Thursdays through Sundays. Closed Monday through Wednesday. For just $1.00 per person drive through the grounds of the West Baton Rouge Conference Center and view the spectacular lights.
Thursday through Sunday nights come inside to visit “Trevor” the talking singing reindeer. Walk through the holiday decorated rooms. Enjoy carnival rides for the children or buy those last minute gifts from our crafters. Take your holiday pictures with Santa and his elves.
Special activities:
FRIDAY NIGHTS ONLY: 6:00 – 8:30 Human Snow Globe. Free with gate ticket. (Photographer on site, pictures available to purchase.)
Cuddle up in a blanket next to your friends and loved ones and take a ride through the lights in a mule or horse drawn wagon for $2.00 per person.
Dec. 5th & 12th there will be ice fishing from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, $3.00 per child for 10 minutes.
Dec. 12th – Children’s Craft Night from 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Dec. 19th Have some cool fun in the snow from 6:00 – 8:00 pm!! Snow Patch is $5.00 per person.
Bring your family and friends and make West Baton Rouge and “Reflections of the Season” part of your Christmas tradition.
50th Anniversary of A Charlie Brown Christmas
Exhibit opens November 21, 2015 at the West Baton Rouge Museum
Port Allen: In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the beloved Peanuts animated tale, A Charlie Brown Christmas, the West Baton Rouge Museum will host the exhibition The 50th Anniversary of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” . The exhibit opens Saturday, November 21, 2015 and runs through January 3, 2016.
The first of over forty Peanuts television specials, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is the longest running cartoon special in history. It has continued to air every December since its debut 50 years ago. It is a holiday favorite for countless families and an icon of American pop culture.
The exhibit will feature artwork and creations by the talented artists and illustrators of the Baton Rouge Cartoonist Society. Peanuts items and artifacts on loan from local visitors will also be on display. Visit the museum to enjoy this exhibit and watch the animated film, A Charlie Brown Christmas with a cup of cocoa Sundays at 2:30pm, November 29, December 6, December 13, December 20, December 27 and January 3.
Strands Christmas Tea TBA
Holiday Events Beyond Baton Rouge
Nottaway’s Christmas Tree Lighting Festival – White Castle
Friday December 11th from 5 pm to 9:30pm: Holidays at Nottaway Plantation are absolutely breathtaking! Live music includes The Navy Band New Orleans Ceremonial Band, Church choirs will be performing throughout the grounds and food and Beverage stations will be open. Enjoy the Hand Bell Choir, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Fireworks on the Levee and Santas arrival. Bring your camera and take photos of your kids with Santa on the front balcony of the Mansion!
Oak Alley Plantation’s Annual Christmas Bonfire Party
December 5th- 7pm – Midnight This year marks the 40th anniversary of this joyous event at Oak Alley. Celebrate the Christmas Season in one of the southland’s most beautiful settings. The mansion will be dressed in fresh fruit, greenery and seasonal floral arrangements, reminiscent of Creole Christmases past. Delicious Cajun/Creole buffet, open bar, lively dance band, and plenty of good cheer combine to heighten the holiday spirit throughout the famous alley of oaks and the lovely antebellum mansion.
Celebration In The Oaks- New Olreans
November 27 – January 2
Closed: 11/30 – 12/3, 12/24, and 12/31
Sunday – Thursday : 6pm -10pm
Friday & Saturday: 6pm -11pm
Last entry to event is 20 minutes prior to closing.
Celebration in the Oaks in City Park is one of the most spectacular holiday lights festivals in the country. This beloved annual celebration is fun for all ages and has become an enduring holiday tradition for families, who come to Celebration in the Oaks to ride the train or carousel every year. Visitors are treated to a wide range of attractions, from light displays to the walkways lined with dozens of Christmas trees decorated by local school groups. Perennial favorites include the two-mile train ride through glittering light exhibits, the animated Cajun night before Christmas display, and of course, New Orleans’ iconic snowman Mr. Bingle.
Family Preview Party – New Orleans
November 22nd – Kids get the royal holiday treatment at their own Celebration in the Oaks Preview Party and – bonus! – mom and dad can enjoy this family experience without lifting a finger. Your little ones will feel like the kings and queens of the ball at this fun-filled party.
And special this year at the Celebration in the Oaks Family Party – we’ll have the characters from FROZEN! That’s right, Princess Anna, Queen Elsa, Kristoff and the lovable Olaf. They’ll be walking around and will be ready to take photos with the kids (and those who are kids at heart, too). Don’t forget your camera.
Krewe of Jingle Parade & More! – New Orleans – TBA
New Orleans’ official holiday parade, the “Krewe of Jingle,” will once again delight locals and visitors alike with authentic parade floats, marching bands, stilt walkers, Christmas characters and many more magical surprises!
A Civil War Christmas- – St. Francisville
December 5th & 6th
Visitors will see a recreation of the sights and sounds of St. Francisville in 1864 during the American Civil War. Throughout the day walk through the soldiers camps and see Living History demonstrations of soldier life. You will hear black powder weapon demonstrations of both rifle and cannons. Each day will feature a small reenactment of the October 1864 Battle Oakley Plantation which happened across the grounds of the park. On Saturday night the plantation comes to life during the Holidays as it shows off its seasonal decorations. Costumed guides accompany the visitor in a trip into the past through the candlelit Oakley House. See the glow of the blacksmith at work, take a taste of what’s cooking in the kitchen, or just enjoy the live period music. Included is our yearly Christmas dance and hot Christmas Punch. The program is free to all paying the park admission fee. For more information please contact Audubon State Historic Site in St. Francisville, La. at 1-225-635-3739.
Christmas in the Country St. Francisville
December 4, 5 and 6
– Nothing says Christmas to an excited child more than a parade, especially a safe small-town one like St. Francisville’s popular Christmas in the Country parade the first Saturday each December, complete with marching bands and decorated floats, Santa resplendent in his sleigh. Millions of tiny white lights trace soaring Victorian trimwork and grace gallery posts to transform the entire town into a veritable winter wonderland for Christmas in the Country, as special activities throughout the extensive National Register-listed downtown Historic District provide fun for the whole family at this celebration of the season, a joyful alternative to mall madness. View the full schedule of events here.
Christmas in the Village – Zachary
November 28 – December 23, 2015 ~ 5:30-9:00pm Nightly (weather permitting) THe Christmas village will have 5 TONS OF SNOW coming to town, and will welcome Anna, Elsa and Olaf Characters from the Frozen Movie. They will also debut a spectacular Christmas Animated Light Show! They will have Gourmet Food Trucks, lots of music, dance and entertainment as well an arts and crafts market that is going to be amazing! BREC will be airing the Frozen Movie on the big portable screen! It will be a wonderful “FROZEN” night!
Annual Zachary Christmas Parade
Main Street, Zachary – December 12th 10:00am Celebrate the sights and sounds of Christmas in Zachary. Enjoy this annual parade in the heart of town.
Denham Springs Christmas Parade
December 12th at 2:00pm Denham Springs Christmas Parade – Parade begins at Denham Springs High School and travels down Range Ave. through the Antique District turning right onto Florida Blvd. and ending at Veterans Blvd.
Noel Acadien au Village 2014 “A Blue Christmas” – Lafayette
LARC’s Acadian Village hosts its 25-night Christmas festival fundraiser annually in December to benefit LARC, a local 501c(3) non-profit organization benefiting persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Noel Acadien au Village features half-a-million lights, including the fully lit Open Door Chapel, themed Acadian home porches, lighted holiday displays, live entertainment, carnival rides, local cuisine, photos with Santa, holiday shopping in the Christmas Store & The Village Art Gallery, and much more! Displays include themed acadian homes, lighted grounds, Santa’s Sleigh, floating oil rigs, The Gingerbread House, and The Christmas Carolers.
25th Festival of the Bonfires – St. James Parish
TBA Enjoy 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! Experience a prelude to the famous Christmas Eve Bonfires: A tradition unique to St. James Parish and all the world!!
Christmas Past Festival: Old Mandeville
December 12th, 9 am-3 pm
The Christmas Past street festival is packed with over 40 vendors lining Girod Street. The festival will extend from near the Mandeville Trailhead complex and continue down to the lakefront. Keeping with an international season theme, each block will highlight a different region: Germany, England, France, Louisiana, and America. For maps and the program of events, please visit their Christmas Past Festival Facebook Page.
Christmas Under the Stars – Slidell
December 4th, 5th, 11th, and 12th from 5 to 9 p.m.
The City of Slidell is celebrating the holiday season with Christmas Under the Stars, the city’s 28th annual celebration of twinkling lights, festive decorations, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, live entertainment, the Parade of Trees, the return of the newly revamped Christmas Train and Village Display, Slidell Movie Nights and much more. Admission is free.
7th Annual “Christmas at TerraBella”
Sunday, December 6, 2015 3pm-6pm
Join the community as they celebrate the spirit of the season and experience the magic of Christmas. Enjoy live holiday music from local talent, hot chocolate, Christmas crafts, write letters to Santa, and ride the TerraBella Express. Special appearance from Santa Clause to greet and consult with children about their wish lists. Complementary and festive holiday event all children are sure to love. For more information email: laura@terrabellavillage.com or call 985-871-7171
Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights
This would be another option for a day trip and lots of driving along with lots of memories made, this would make a great trip for those with older children.
The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights has existed for nearly 30 years to enhance the holiday experiences for locals, visitors and group tours. The trail spans I-20 and I-49 in north Louisiana and incorporates Shreveport-Bossier, Minden, Monroe-West Monroe, Natchitoches, and Alexandria/Pineville.
Festivities generally start in mid-November and run through the New Year. Some of the popular and recurring events include shopping/dining/entertainment at the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets in Shreveport-Bossier, Fasching Festival in Minden, shopping and dining in Antique Alley in Monroe-West Monroe, Festival of Lights in Natchitoches and the Christmas parades in Alexandria/Pineville.
The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights can be experienced in one day or a week with each day totally unique and special. The cities are all within driving distance of one another, making the tour a convenient hour-long trip from any one city to its neighboring city. Visitors are encouraged to see the brilliant lights, dine at the local restaurants, dance at the festivals, shop, and play in all of the eight festive cities.
Facebook Holiday Events Guide
This is a comprehensive round-up of Family Friendly Holiday events & activities in Baton Rouge & beyond to make it easy for Baton Rouge families to find things to do this Christmas season, we hope you enjoy it! Be sure to click “GOING” on the Event Page to receive updates on Baton Rouge area holiday events and activities! We will update the list daily and welcome the community to list events as well!
Be sure to print out your free bucket list to fill out with the kids!
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