Things to do in Baton Rouge this Weekend – Dec 19-21

The holiday magic continues across Greater Baton Rouge this weekend! If you’re looking for easy, festive plans with the family, you’re in luck, several of our favorite Christmas light displays from last week are still glowing and ready to enjoy. Whether you prefer a cozy walk-through experience or a drive-through tradition with hot cocoa in hand, here’s your Weekend Planner with Things to do in Baton Rouge this Weekend!

Weekend Weather

Expect a mix of cool evenings and warmer daytime temps this weekend, perfect weather for holiday light hopping. Evenings will be chilly, so plan layers for nighttime outings.

Please Note

Event details, dates, and times can change. We always recommend double-checking official event pages or social media before heading out.

Events by Date

The Merriest Mile – Livingston Parish Fairgrounds – Nightly

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Details: This festive mile-long holiday light spectacular just added even MORE magic for 2025!

New themed light sections

Candy Cane Lane Tunnel

Christmas Story Tribute

Santa’s Reindeer Stables

Bumble Mountain

20% MORE lights across the show

Expanded Rudolph Re-Run Lane open weeknights (except Christmas Eve + Christmas Day) drive through TWICE, and enjoy even more music!

Location: Livingston Parish Fairgrounds
Cost: Ticket prices vary

Louisiana Lights – Burden Museum & Gardens – Nightly

Time: Timed entry 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Details: Enjoy a peaceful evening stroll through illuminated gardens, light tunnels, glowing pathways, and breathtaking scenes woven throughout Burden’s beautiful property.
Location: Burden Museum & Gardens
Cost: Ticket prices vary

ZooLights – BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo – Nightly

Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (grounds close at 9:00 p.m.)
Details: Walk through a glowing trail of animal-themed lights, dazzling sculptures, and family-friendly holiday displays. Bring a non-perishable food item for 50% off admission.
Location: BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo
Cost: Adults $5 | Seniors $4 | Ages 2–12 $3 | Under 1 Free

Baton Rouge General Holiday Lights – Nightly

Details: Wander through dancing mega trees, singing trees, candy canes, snowmen, and a giant walk-through ornament — a Baton Rouge favorite for festive photos.
When: Open Nightly
Location: Corner of Bluebonnet Blvd. and Picardy Ave.
Admission: Free

Baton Rouge Family Fun Christmas Lights Guide

Date: Anytime
Details: Looking for neighborhood light displays and drive-by setups across the area? Our Christmas Lights Guide is updated throughout the season and is perfect for creating your own festive family adventure.
More Info: https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/baton-rouge-area-christmas-lights/

Ice Skating on the River – Raising Cane’s River Center

Dates: December 11 – 30
Details: Glide into the holiday season at Baton Rouge’s annual indoor ice skating experience.
Location: Raising Cane’s River Center
Cost: Ticket prices vary

Coca-Cola Christmas: A Month of Magic – Louisiana Art & Science Museum

Dates: Through December
Details: A month-long holiday celebration featuring Santa visits, crafts, model trains, planetarium shows, holiday films, art workshops, and festive displays.
Location: Louisiana Art & Science Museum
Admission: Most activities included with general admission; select events ticketed

Amahl and the Night Visitors

Date:
• Friday, December 19, 2025 at 7:30 PM
• Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 7:30 PM
• Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Details:
Bring your whole family to a show that truly centers the meaning of the season. Amahl and the Night Visitors is a beloved holiday tradition that tells the heartwarming story of a young boy, his mother, and their miraculous encounter with the Three Kings on their journey to deliver gifts to a newborn child. Filled with beautiful music and a powerful message of generosity and faith, this one-act opera is a meaningful and memorable way to celebrate Christmas together.
More Info: https://www.operalouisiane.com/

Meet Santa & Mrs. Claus Before Amahl and the Night Visitors

Date:
• Friday, December 19, 2025
• Saturday, December 20, 2025
• Sunday, December 21, 2025
Details:
Arrive one hour before each weekend performance of Amahl and the Night Visitors to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus! Families can enjoy a sweet treat and complete a festive Christmas craft before heading into the show. A perfect way to make the evening extra magical for little ones.
More Info: https://www.operalouisiane.com/

Christmas Express: A Journey Through Time – A Sweet Adelines Holiday Show

Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
Details:
Step aboard the Christmas Express: A Journey Through Time, an enchanting holiday performance presented by the Baton Rouge Chorus of Sweet Adelines. This award-winning women’s a cappella chorus brings timeless holiday music to life with dynamic four-part harmonies, high-energy performances, and immersive custom-designed visual projections on the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium dome. Following the show, guests are invited to a festive reception with seasonal drinks and sweet treats as part of LASM’s Coca-Cola Christmas event series.
More Info: https://114191.blackbaudhosting.com/114191/Christmas-Express-A-Journey-Through-Time–A-Sweet-Adelines-Holiday-Show

The Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou

Details: Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s beloved holiday production returns with live music from the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra — a magical experience for all ages.
When: December 20th–21st, 2 & 6 PM
Location: River Center Theatre for the Performing Arts
Admission: $40 – $95
More Info: Learn more here

Planetarium Show: Let It Snow

Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
Details:
Let It Snow features a joyful mix of holiday favorites from Frank Sinatra and Chuck Berry to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee, all paired with immersive visuals inside the planetarium dome. The 31-minute show wraps up with a stunning multimedia finale set to Trans-Siberian Orchestra, making it a festive and fun experience for all ages — especially families.
More Info: https://www.lasm.org/planetarium

Planetarium Show: Laser Holidays

Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
Details:
Celebrate the season in a totally unique way with Laser Holidays! This high-energy planetarium show combines classic holiday music with dazzling laser visuals, giving new meaning to the phrase “holiday lights.” A fun and exciting experience that’s great for kids, teens, and adults alike.
More Info: https://www.lasm.org/planetarium

Planetarium Show: Star of Bethlehem

Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
Details:
Journey back in time to the night sky over 2,000 years ago in Star of Bethlehem. This thought-provoking planetarium show explores the mystery of the Star that guided the Magi — who they were, where they came from, and what celestial event could have led them to the Christ child. A meaningful and educational experience perfect for the Christmas season.
More Info: https://www.lasm.org/planetarium

Celebration in the Oaks – New Orleans

Details: One of the country’s most spectacular light festivals, featuring decorated oak trees, train rides, and City Park’s iconic holiday displays.
When: November 28th – January 1st
Location: 4 Friederichs Ave., New Orleans
Admission: Ticketed
More Info: Learn more here