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

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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

Mardi Gras Activity Book – Free Printable – Baton Rouge Family Fun

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Our Mardi Gras Activity Book has every element that makes Mardi Gras fun: trumpets, music, drums, jester hats, king cake, confetti, masks, and more! These 16 worksheets will help preschoolers, kindergarteners, and beyond develop early learning skills with ABCs, numbers, shapes, fine motor skills, handwriting, educational games, and more.

Mardi Gras Activity Book

Mardi Gras Activity Book

Mardi Gras Activity Book – What’s included:

16 Pages

  • Flashcards / Memory Game
  • Mardi Gras, I  Spy
  • Trace the Letters
  • Trace the Numbers
  • Mardi Gras King Maze Game
  • Match the shapes
  • Count and Trace
  • Mardi Gras Words
  • Cutting Practice
  • Trace the Lines
  • Trace the shapes
  • Which is Bigger

Get instant access to our Free Mardi Gras Activity Book Printable – 16 pages of Mardi Gras Fun! 

Please check your Junk Folder for the link
to download the Activity Book!

Mardi Gras History & Facts

What Is Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday that’s celebrated the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the day that begins the Christian season called Lent. During this season, which lasts until Easter Sunday, Christians are supposed to give up bad habits or fast from certain foods. Mardi Gras literally means ‘Fat Tuesday’ in French. It is a day (and night) to live it up and enjoy one last day of fun before the discipline of Lent.

History

Originally celebrated in medieval Europe, particularly Italy and France, Mardi Gras was declared a legal holiday in Louisiana in 1875. The first record of a Mardi Gras celebration in the United States is from the early 1700s. Celebrations took place in New Orleans and were more like fancy balls or dances. The carnival atmosphere did not occur until later in the 1700s. The first parades began in the 1800s, and the parade king became a regular symbol of the festivities.

Symbols & Colors

There are many famous symbols that represent this exciting holiday. Many people enjoy a king cake, a sugary dessert that has a plastic baby baked inside. According to tradition, the person who gets the piece of cake with the baby inside will have good luck and prosperity.

The beads in Mardi Gras necklaces are often made in the official Mardi Gras colors of gold, representing power; purple symbolizes justice; and green, which represents faith. You may see people wearing masks in these colors as well.

Why is Early Learning important?

Simply put, a child’s early years lay the foundation for all that is to come. In recent years, researchers have learned that the human brain develops the vast majority of its neurons and is most receptive to learning between birth and three years of age. In fact, the intake of new information is critical to the formation of active neural pathways (Shonkoff & Phillips, 2000).

Early education can play a critical role during this important developmental period. Research linking early intervention to both cognitive and socio-emotional gains has fueled the proliferation of early childhood programs since the early part of the twentieth century. The last four decades, in particular, have produced many new practices and principles for use with young children. 

Source: study.com

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

Family Friendly Mardi Gras

2023 King Cake Guide – Baton Rouge and Beyond

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King Cake is the demise of many New Year’s resolutions, but how can we resist this buttery danish pastry, sweetened with dusted sugar, icing, and a plethora of flavored fillings? Not us! Here’s a list of numerous places to get King Cakes in Baton Rouge and a plethora of flavors to choose from… traditional, cream cheese, chocolate, praline, strawberry, apple, raspberry to bacon, boudin, and maple! Below we’ve listed over 30 places to get your King Cake fix in Baton Rouge and beyond.King Cakes in Baton Rouge

While every effort has been made to ensure this information is accurate, we encourage you to contact the merchant directly to verify availability. 

King Cakes in Baton Rouge and Beyond:

Alexander’s – 18111 Highland Market Drive – Phone: 615-7800

Ambrosia Bakery – 8546 Siegen Lane – Phone: 763-6489

Another Piece of Cake Bakery – 1001 Blanchard St Brusly, LA 70719

Brew Ha Ha – 711 Jefferson Hwy Suite 2-A – Phone: 923-1923

Cake Jewels – King Cake Balls – Phone: 337-0253

Calandro’s – Government Street: 383-7815 • Perkins Road: 767-6659

Caluda King Cake – Harahan, LA (504) 521-6683

Confectious Delights LLC

Corritomata (Just had a new baby boy, so might not be taking orders this year)

Baton Rouge King Cake

CounterspaceBR – 7575 Jefferson Highway, Suite D

District Donuts – 7415 Corporate Blvd #900, Baton Rouge, LA 70809

Dong Phuong — These king cakes were so popular last year, you were lucky if you got your hands on one. 14207 Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70129 504-254-1568

Eat Fit King Cake — Those looking to stick to their healthy new year’s resolutions will appreciate the Eat Fit King Cake, a mini 11-oz bundt-style king cake that’s gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, low-carb, and even Keto-approved. They can be found at Alexander’s Highland Market

Gambino’s– 8646 Goodwood Blvd – Phone: 928-7000

Gourmet Girls– 3025 Perkins Rd – Phone: 252-0999

Harvest – 12513 Highway 73 (3.55 mi) Geismar, Louisiana 70734 (225) 673-6504

Haydel’s Bakery – 4037 Jefferson Hwy New Orleans, LA 70121 (504) 837-0190

Hi Nabor Supermarket – Available at all three locations

11826 Coursey Blvd – Phone: 293-8115

Maru Bread Company

Maxwell’s Market – Three Locations – (225) 766-9150

Navarre’s Famous King Cakes – 31545 Highway 22 Springfield, Louisiana (225) 294-3438

Oak Point Fresh Market – Watson and Central locations

King Cakes in Baton Rouge

The Poboy House 

Ralphs– 15013 Hwy 44 Gonzales – 622-4044 – 6431 Hwy 44 (Pelican Point) Gonzales – 473-1004

Randazzos– You can get your Baton Rouge Randazzo’s at Carnival Mart off Florida BLVD and at Capital City Crawfish! King Cakes in Baton Rouge

Rouses – Many locations (225) 448-0050

Shannon’s Sugah Shack – Visit Shannon’s Facebook page to order your King Cake!

Sweetime Bakery – 13711 Coursey Blvd, Ste A Baton Rouge, LA 70817 – (225) 615-8005

Thee Heavenly Donut– 17732 Highland Rd – 753.7711 5830 –  S. Sherwood Forest Blvd. – 368.0090

Tredici Bakery – 5078 Capital Heights Ave Baton Rouge, LA 70806 – (225) 448-5216

Whole Foods Market – 7529 Corporate Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 – (225) 218-0452

These are not the only places to find King Cake in the Baton Rouge area but this is a great start! If we have missed one of your favorites, please let us know.

More posts you might find interesting:

Gluten-Free King Cake Recipe – Baton Rouge Family Fun

Easy Boudin King Cake – Mardi Gras Recipe (Video)

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

Family Friendly Mardi Gras

Bonfires on the Levee – A Louisiana Christmas Eve Tradition

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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.

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

 

3 Tips to Help With Holiday Stress – Refinery Counseling Center

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The holidays are notoriously stressful. There are events to attend, kids out of school, parties to host, and financial stress as the cherry on top. Research shows that 88% of Americans feel increased stress during the holidays. Throw in a global health pandemic and crazy inflation rates and this holiday season is primed to be potentially the most stressful yet.

But what if it didn’t have to be?

Refinery Counseling Center is made up of a team of 6 mental health experts, and this holiday season we are bringing you three evidence-based tips to decrease stress and get the most joy out of your holiday experience.

3 Tips to Help With Holiday Stress

3 Tips to Help With Holiday Stress - Refinery Counseling Center

1. More Doesn’t Mean Better:

The holiday season is SO MUCH FUN. There are work parties, holiday programs at the kids’ schools, special events in the community, church proceedings, and more family gatherings than at any other time of year. As exciting and enticing as each event may seem, the most important thing you can do for yourself and your family is to set a limit and honor the limit.

The limit or identified boundary will be different for each family depending on a number of factors, including the size of the family, the typical schedule, whether or not kids are involved, etc. With young kids, it is often wise to limit special events to weekends and keep a normal routine during the week. For families with older children, you may find that you have more flexibility with later bedtimes, or even a special event or two during the week. As tempting as it may be to want to “do it all,” everyone involved will enjoy themselves more if they are rested, fed, and able to be fully present in whatever event has gotten your “yes.”

2. The Mind-Body Connection is Legit- For You and Your Kids:

Gingerbread men., sugar plums, holiday cocktails, oh my! So many of our holiday celebrations are synonymous with treats and alcohol. Holiday meals feature large servings and heavy pours. Work clients or family members may send cookie tins or boxed candies as holiday gifts. Many holiday traditions center themselves around shared meals and specialty cocktails. Or eggnog. Or spiked cider (you get the drift).

So much research is available about the link between our minds and our body. When we aren’t fueling our bodies well, we can’t expect our mind and our mental state to be well either. And that’s not to say that a special treat or beverage can’t be enjoyed during the holidays- certainly it can! But if the goal is mental wellness, then moderation is key. There are many ways to be proactive about caring for your mind and body during the holidays, such as going on a daily walk, tracking water intake, limiting sugar consumption, and implementing stretch or cardio intermittently. Small, intentional habits can yield powerful results.

3. Expectations Will Make or Break You:

Many people go into the holidays with the best of intentions. But even the self-imposed pressure can be overwhelming. Are the teachers going to like their gifts? Is the event planning complete? Is the meal going to impress the family? Was the donation large enough to the holiday charity? Will the gifts arrive in time? Will anyone be sick for the trip back home? Will grandma or grandpa be able to travel? Are the kids in enough holiday camps or activities? Did the company make enough to give end-of-year bonuses… the lists could go on and on.

Slow down. Remember the reason for the season. If a task or event seems overwhelming, practice a moment of gratitude to ground yourself and refocus. Ask for help and delegate. Communicating clear expectations to everyone involved in an event will help set the scene so that everyone can enjoy it to the fullest.

If you need help, assign responsibilities. If you need time, specify how much time you need to set aside prior to the task. If you need hands, recruit them early on. Bringing young kids? Pack snacks. Taking a few minutes on the front end to prepare for whatever is at the center of your stress will allow you to prepare and communicate your needs before reaching a stressor or breaking point.

In the end, all of the tips that will help you thrive during the holidays are going to be rooted in mindfulness. Remembering the reason for the season and practicing gratitude will help reduce stress and bring more enjoyment to the holiday season for you and your family.

When stress becomes chronic or overwhelming, you may be experiencing clinical mental health struggles. Refinery Counseling Center is a team of licensed professionals who specialize in mental health treatment for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. If you believe your anxiety or seasonal depression may be more than just stress, please don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more about mental health treatment options.

3 Tips to Help With Holiday Stress - Refinery Counseling Center

To learn more about mental wellness, visit our website, check out our blog, and download our free Holiday Survival Guide and Holiday Survival Guide for Kids!

Where to Visit Black Santa in Baton Rouge & New Orleans

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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

Baton Rouge Family Fun Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt

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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

Christmas Lights in Baton Rouge & Beyond

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One of our favorite family traditions is taking an evening car ride in search of the best Christmas Lights in Baton Rouge & Beyond. 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. See bright, sparkling lights, listen to holiday music, and donate to worthy causes while enjoying family time.

While every effort has been made to ensure this information is accurate, we encourage you to contact the display directly to verify that all details are correct and have not changed. 

🎄 Download our FREE Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt for some extra Family fun!

Looking for more festive family fun? Find more a plethora of holiday events to enjoy this season in our 2021 CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN BATON ROUGE: {GUIDE TO THE HOLIDAYS}.

If you know of a light display not on this list, we want to know – please email us!

Thanks to Refinery Counseling Center for sponsoring this year’s Holiday Events Guide.

Refinery Counseling Center was founded in 2022 with a heart to bring mental health counseling to the modern world. Far-removed from the sterile and stigmatized counseling experience, they provide elite boutique counseling services for children, teens, college students, adults, couples and families. Their hope is that your experience at Refinery would be one of excellence.

Christmas Lights in Baton Rouge & Beyond

ZooLights

During each evening, the Safari Post Gift Shop and Flamingo Café will remain open & feature special holiday treats and gift options.

WHEN: November 25 – December 30 – Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
Admissions gates open 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Zoo grounds close at 9 p.m.

ADMISSION:
Adults/Teens: $5
Seniors: $4
Ages 2-12: $3
Friends of the Zoo Members: $3 per person​

Prices will be reduced by 50% when guests present non-perishable food items to be donated to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. DATES: Nov. 25 – Dec. 30

Holiday Lights at Baton Rouge General

Join Baton Rouge General for their 5th annual Holiday Lights display, a first of its kind in Baton Rouge, where our lawn is transformed into a twinkling, singing and musically synchronized light display the whole family will enjoy. Candy canes, snowmen, gingerbread kids, and more fill the lawn adding to the more than 400,000 lights that are sure to dazzle the young and the young at heart. Driving by or strolling through, Holiday Lights are here to spread a little holiday cheer.

Holiday Lights Features

  • More than 400,000 twinkling lights
  • One 40-foot & two 25-foot mega trees
  • 24-foot walk-through holiday lights tunnel (new for 2021)
  • Giant walk-through present
  • Giant walk-through ornament – Presented by Audi Baton Rouge
  • Eight singing trees
  • Lighted candy canes, snowmen and gingerbread people
  • 9-foot Cajun alligator light display
Visit brgeneral.org/holidaylights for more info.
DATES: Nov 19 – Dec. 31

Celebration In The Oaks- New Orleans
2 Friederichs Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70124

CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN BATON ROUGE

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. DATES: November 27 – January 2
(closed December 24th and 31st)

Christmas in the Park (Lafrienere Park)
3000 Downs Boulevard, Metairie, LA 70003

Lafreniere Park sparkles for the holidays with millions of twinkling lights and displays! Constructed with over 10 million LED lights, this year’s new exhibit is an interactive Christmas tree. Elaborate decorations, artificial snow, and festive lighted displays illuminate Lafreniere Park and include themes such as Star Wars, Marvel & D.C Comics, Minions, Disney Princesses, a pirate ship and so much more.

At Santa’s Express Mail Center, children are able to view Santa’s elves building toys for all the good little girls and boys. Attendees can also enjoy an interactive walking tour set to random scenes from their favorite holiday classics. There will be special appearances from Santa, Rudolph, Frosty, and the Grinch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Children can write a letter to Santa and mail it to him at the Elf Post Office.

DATES: Dec. 2 – Dec. 30

Kenner’s Heritage Park Christmas Village –
2015 Fourth Street, Kenner, LA

Each year in November and December, the streets and buildings in Rivertown from the railroad tracks to the river are adorned with dazzling lights and displays. The festivities culminate in Kenner’s Heritage Park located at the center of the district and open every day and evening. There, visitors can wander through and view the festival displays, shop local food and craft vendors, find a unique gift, take a photo with Santa or catch a song or dance performance by community churches and school groups.  Children revel in the sudsy “snow” that blankets the park throughout the evening and a special holiday-themed musical laser light show plays in the Planetarium theater right across the street.  You’re sure to catch some holiday cheer in Rivertown.​

Traditionally, the lights and decorations in Rivertown can be enjoyed nightly beginning in late November and running through the month of December.

Vendors, activities, and performances in the Christmas Village are planned every Friday and Saturday evening from 6-9 pm in Kenner’s Heritage Park at 2015 Fourth Street. Admission and parking are free.  Address: 2015 Fourth Street, Kenner, LA DATES: Dec. 2 – Dec. 18

2022 Christmas Light Displays in St. Tammany Parish

Christmas on Front Street

When: Nov 18 – January 1 Dusk ’til dawn

Where: Front Street, Olde Towne Slidell

The City of Slidell and Keep Slidell Beautiful will be welcoming you each night to the Olde Towne area with a dazzling display of holiday lights all along Front Street from West Hall to Erlanger Avenue.

Annual Christmas Under the Stars

When: December 2, 3, 9 and 10, 6-9 p.m.

Where: Griffith Park, 333 Erlanger Ave, Slidell

Join the free celebration of twinkling lights, festive decorations, life-size Christmas cottages and other family fun this December.

Annual Holiday of Lights

When: December 2, 3, 9 and 10, 6-8:30 p.m. each night

Where: Tammany Trace Trailhead at 21490 Koop Drive, Mandeville

The drive-thru Holiday of Lights display runs each weekend before Christmas and again on Christmas Eve and Christmas night.

12 Days of Christmas

When:December 9 – January 6 from dusk until dawn

Where: Historic Downtown Covington

A favorite Christmas carol has a place of prominence in Covington with lighted displays depicting the 12 Days of Christmas. Find them all with the map, snap a selfie, or belt the beloved carol on video to share with all those you’d love to be caroling with this holiday season.

Slidell’s Bayou Christmas

When:  December 15-18 and 22-23 6-9 p.m.

Where: Heritage Park, 1701 Bayou Lane, Slidell

Join the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Louisiana for a jolly ol’ time at their yearly fundraiser.

Noël Acadien Au Village
200 Greenleaf Dr Lafayette, LA 70506

Noel Acadien au Village features half-a-million lights, including the fully lit Chapel, NEW ANIMATIONS, lighted holiday displays, live entertainment, carnival rides, local cuisine, photos with Santa, holiday shopping in the Christmas Store, and much more!

DATES: Dec. 2 – Dec. 23

Residential Christmas Light Displays

Santa Fishing with Friends Lights and music.
8946 Trinity Ave Baton Rouge LA 70806

Brookhollow Glen Subdivision – Christmas lights stretch across five neighboring homes!
13514 Rendale Ave Brookhollow Dr.

This light display seems to grow each year, it’s located at 13514 Rendale Ave in the Brookhollow Glen subdivision – off Perkins Road.

 

Chuck’s Christmas Lights
Cottingham Ct
Baton Rouge, LA 70817

 

Messenger’s Christmas Land
9481 Prince Charles, Denham Springs

Opening night will be on Monday, December 6th, and will run every night until December 28th. They will be open nightly from 6:00-9:00pm.

The story of the Messenger’s Christmas Land starts over 50 years ago with Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Messenger Jr. and their 9 kids. With just a few lights and homemade animated scenes, word quickly spread about the unusual display for the public. The original location was at the Messenger’s home in Red Oaks, Baton Rouge and then relocated in 1992 to Plantation Estates, Denham Springs where Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Messenger III took over for the next 21 years. Now, going on 53 years, this family tradition can still be visited at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Messenger off Prince Charles Street, Denham Springs. With lights everywhere, homemade animated scenes, a timeline, and even the north pole, the display continues to open every Christmas season to all of the public with no charge.

Messenger's Christmas Land

DATES: Dec. 2 – Dec. 27

Wilson Christmas Lights
9615 Sagefield Dr Central City, LA 70818

This is a stay in your vehicle to watch the show, just tune your radio to 96.7 FM to listen to the music.

Lighting up Zachary
1136 Eagle Dr Zachary, LA 70791

🎄This is a FREE, drive-up, animated light show with over 30 minutes of music and lights for the whole family to enjoy! Our display has over 60,000 lights programmed by 180,000 channels of high tech animation.
🎄Our 2022 show runs in cycles, every night from 5:30-10:00 pm, with the last night being January 1, 2023.
🎄We are located at 1136 Eagle Drive in Zachary, Louisiana. We are on the corner of Eagle Dr. and Fairway Dr. , which allows for more viewing points of the show!
🎄You can watch from your car by tuning to 105.9 FM on your radio.
🎄Out of respect for our neighbors (and because we want to continue to have a show each year) please be sure to keep your radio at a reasonable volume.
🎄Please do NOT block the flow of traffic on the roadway or any driveways. Ideally, keeping all parked cars on one side of the street.
🎄This year we are collecting donations for our local St. Jude Children’s Hospital and JDRF Chapter. These are both near and dear to our family and we love to share more with you, if you are interested! You can donate via Venmo: @glimpsesoflightllc and be sure to note what it’s for!

The Griswold’s of Oak Place
34819 Oak Place Drive, Denham Springs, LA 70706

The display is a drive-by display with tons of inflatables!!  (weather permitting)

The Davis’ Magical Christmas Land
26658 John L Ln Denham Springs, LA 70726

The Christmas Display is open nightly (weather permitting) for walk through visitors. Over 300 inflatables!

Christmas lights at The Stroud’s
Plantation Ave, Denham Springs

Across the street from Walgreens at range and Vincent rd in Denham springs

Groome Family Lights
41037 fields court Prairieville Louisiana 70769

Tune radio your vehicle to 90.1

Old Dutchtown Christmas Light Show
13249 Old Dutchtown Ave Gonzales, La 70737

 Set to music with dazzling lights. Runs nightly from 6 to 9 starting December 1st through New Years Day (weather permitting).

Sevario Family Light Show
13378 Lonnie Wascom Drive
Walker, LA 70785

Listen to the lights – 90.1 FM

 

More Christmas Light Display Recommendations:

  • Hundred Oaks and Arlington
  • 5735 Antioch Blvd
  • Woodridge Subdivision off Pecou Lane – Many Lit Houses
  • The Garden District
  • Elliot Rd. – Home lights synced to music
  • Southwind & Wyndy in Parkview off of Stumberg

West Baton Rouge

  • Molaison St in Addis
  • Emily Drive in Brusly

Central

  • 9615 Sagefield Dr.
  • 14003 Triple B Rd.
  • 15901 Chanove Ave.
  • Zoar Baptist Church

Ascension

  • Oak Alley Subdivision, Giesmer
  • Fields Ct. Off 44 near the Dollar General, Prairieville
  • 13255 Old Dutchtown Ave, Gonzales, LA Multipls homes with lights and music.
  • Most of the subdivisions along Bluff Rd

 

Looking for more festive family fun? Find more a plethora of holiday events to enjoy this season in our 2021 CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN BATON ROUGE: {GUIDE TO THE HOLIDAYS}.
Baton Rouge Holiday Events Guide

 

Christmas Movies and Holiday TV Specials Guide

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It’s snuggle weather and that time of year to enjoy your favorite Christmas Movies and Holiday TV Specials! So, grab a cup of hot chocolate or sweet tea depending on the day in Louisiana, and grab the popcorn to enjoy a movie night with the family!

Check out what’s airing this holiday season below from “Rudolph,” “Frosty,” to new Christmas movies and so much more!

All times in Central Time Zone!

CBS CHRISTMAS SPECIALS

Tuesday, November 29

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (7 p.m. on CBS)

Narrated by Burl Ives, who is also heard as the voice of Sam the Snowman, this favorite is a music story based on the popular song of the same name by Johnny Marks. It recounts the tale of a shy reindeer whose Christmas spirit is dampened because his shiny nose has made him the laughingstock of all of Christmasville.

Frosty The Snowman (7 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.)

Frosty, that “jolly, happy soul” whose old silk hat full of magic has turned him into a musical Christmas legend, once again demonstrates his unique showmanship.

Frosty Returns (7:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.)

SATURDAY, NOV. 27

Robbie The Reindeer: Hooves of Fire  (7 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.)

In this animated special, Robbie must train to compete in the Reindeer Races to become a part of the sleigh team for Santa.

Robbie The Reindeer: Legends of the Lost Tribe (7:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.)

In the second of two 30-minute specials, Robbie battles Blitzen in an effort to stop his nemesis’ launch of a reindeer theme park.

The Story of Santa Claus (8 p.m. – 9 p.m.)

This animated musical holiday special revolves around a gentle toymaker whose only wish is to deliver a toy to every child on Christmas.

TUESDAY, NOV. 29th

8:00pm – Reindeer In Here  NEW for 2022 (CBS)

Reindeer in Here, a new one-hour animated holiday special. There’s nothing like being proud of being your true self. As Ralph Waldo Emerson famously said, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” That’s the great message behind Adam Reed’s wildly successful children’s book Reindeer in Here. The book centers around Blizzard (Blizz), a young reindeer living in the North Pole who has one antler that is significantly smaller than the other.”

Christmas Movies and Holiday TV Specials

Christmas Movies and Holiday TV Specials

Christmas Movies and Holiday TV Specials

Friday, November 25

7:00pm – Frosty The Snowman (CBS)
7:00pm – The Polar Express  (TBS)
7:30pm – Frosty Returns (CBS)

Sunday Nov. 27th

6:00pm – Mickey Saves Christmas (2022, stop motion animation) (ABC)

7:30pm – Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (ABC)

Monday, November 28
8:00am – Pinocchio’s Christmas (AMC)

3:45pm – The First Christmas: The Story of the First Christmas Snow (AMC)

4:15pm – Frosty’s Winter Wonderland  (AMC)
4:45pm – Rudolph & Frosty’s Christmas in July  (AMC)
7:00pm – The Great Christmas Light Fight (ABC)
7:15pm – ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas  (AMC)
7:45pm – Rudolph’s Shiny New Year  (AMC)

Tuesday, November 29

8:00am – Little Drummer Boy: Book II  (AMC)
8:30am – The Leprechauns’ Christmas Gold  (AMC)
9:00am – The First Christmas: The Story of the First Christmas Snow (AMC)
8:30am – Frosty’s Winter Wonderland (AMC)
10:00am – Rudolph & Frosty’s Christmas in July  (AMC)
12:30pm – ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (AMC)
1:00pm – Rudolph’s Shiny New Year  (AMC)
2:15pm – White Christmas  (AMC)
7:00pm – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (CBS)
8:00pm – Reindeer In Here  NEW for 2022 (CBS)
9:00pm – Michael Bublé’s Christmas in the City (NBC)

Saturday, December 3

4:00am – Little Drummer Boy: Book II  (AMC)
4:30am – The First Christmas: The Story of the First Christmas Snow  (AMC)
5:00am – Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish (AMC)
6:00am – The Little Drummer Boy  (Freeform)
6:30am – Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas  (Freeform)
7:00am – Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure (AMC)
8:00am – Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas (Freeform)

8:15pm – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer  (Freeform)
9:20pm – Frosty the Snowman  (Freeform)
9:50pm – Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (Freeform)

Sunday, December 4

3:00pm – Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (Freeform)
4:05pm – Frosty the Snowman  (Freeform)
4:35pm – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer  (Freeform)

Sunday, December 11

3:45pm – The Year Without a Santa Claus  (AMC)
3:45pm – The Santa Clause (Freeform)
5:00pm – The Polar Express  (AMC)
5:55pm – The Santa Clause 2  (Freeform)
7:00pm – Elf (AMC)

Tuesday, December 13

7:00pm – Mickey Saves Christmas (ABC)
7:30pm – Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (ABC)
8:00pm – Disney’s Prep & Landing (ABC)

Saturday, December 17

6:00am – Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (AMC)
6:00am – The Little Drummer Boy (Freeform)
7:15am – Frosty’s Winter Wonderland(AMC)
7:45am – ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (AMC)
8:15am – The Year Without a Santa Claus (AMC)

Tuesday, December 20

7:00pm – Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (ABC)

Wednesday, December 21

7:30pm – Frosty the Snowman  (Freeform)
8:00pm – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer  (Freeform)
9:00pm – Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (Freeform)

Thursday, December 22

5:30pm – Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (Freeform)
6:30pm – Frosty the Snowman  (Freeform)

Friday, December 23

7:00pm – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966 cartoon) (NBC)

This Holiday schedule will be updated daily, check back for more Holiday specials!

Baton Rouge Holiday Events Guide

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