Christmas in Baton Rouge is our family’s favorite time of year; there are plenty of family-friendly activities for everyone to enjoy! Whether you’re looking for a Christmas parade, holiday-themed performance, Santa visit, ice skating, or lights displays, there’s the cornucopia of holiday-themed programs and Christmas events in the Capital City throughout the season.
When you’re looking for “the best Christmas events near me” for your Christmas in Baton Rouge celebrations, look no further than our CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN BATON ROUGE: {GUIDE TO THE HOLIDAYS}!
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.
This guide will be updated as new events are listed; check back for more Baton Rouge Family Fun!
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CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN BATON ROUGE
Santa Rocks the Rowe
Join us on Saturday, December 11 from 5pm-8pm for Perkins Rowe’s annual Santa Rocks the Rowe event! They’ll have paid photos with Santa provided by Cherry Hill, live music, face painting, letters to Santa with US, Baton Rouge Family Fun, games, and more! This event is free and open to the public.
From December 2-December 24, bring your family and friends for professional photos with Santa and a chance for children to share their holiday wishes!
Reservations are strongly encouraged with walk-up visits available as space allows throughout the day.
2021 Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade
The Annual Cortana Kiwanis Downtown Christmas Parade will roll through Downtown Baton Rouge on December 11th at 5:30 pm. 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 troupes, non-profit organizations, and local businesses in seasonal themes. DATE: December 11th at 5:30 pm
Baton Rouge Zoo’s ZooLights
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 26 – 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.
A Rural Life Christmas
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 10 and younger will be admitted at no charge. For everyone else, the cost is $10.00 per person. Admission: $10.00 per person. Children 10 years and younger are admitted for free. This event will conclude with a bonfire and a visit from Papa Noel! DATE: Sunday, December 5, 2021 10:00am until 5:30pm
Ice Skating on the River
One of our family favorite Christmas events in Baton Rouge… 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 17, 2021. A fun-filled holiday event for all ages, Ice Skating on the River will have 75 minute sessions nearly every day.
DATES: December 17, 2021 to January 3, 2022.
2021 Downtown Baton Rouge Festival of Lights
Enjoy 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. DATE: FRI 03 DEC | 4:00PM – 5:00PM
The Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou
Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s annual holiday production, The Nutcracker – A Tale from the Bayou is finally returning to the stage in its traditional home, the River Center Theatre of the Performing Arts. It has been three years since the Company has been able to perform on the stage where it feels most comfortable, so our return to live performances on our “home stage” will truly be a celebration! We will again be joined by the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, so don’t miss this magical celebration of the holiday season, where you’ll be enchanted by the beautiful choreography, fun magic, and lush scenery and sets by Nels Anderson.
DATES: December 18-19, 2021 at 2:00 and 6:00 p.m. each day.
Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concerts
Chamber Series – Holiday Brass -December 2nd
Holiday Brass – Whimsical Alley – December 4th
Holiday Brass – Houmas House – December 5th
Holiday Brass – Hemingbough – December 10th
Holiday Brass – Denham Springs Downtown Train Depot – December 11th
Home for the Holidays – December 12th
Magnolia Mound Plantation – Creole Christmas is an annual event featuring seasonal decorations in the historic house, traditional songs in French and Spanish sung by local school children, period demonstrations, folk crafts and the annual bonfire to welcome Papa Noel. DATE: Sunday, Nov 28, 2021 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Let It Sneaux Movie in the Park: Ben Burge
Ben Burge Park – Come RING in the holiday with BREC! Meet Santa, make smores, enjoy hot chocolate and play in the SNEAUX. What else do you need? Also, you can enjoy activities prior to the start of the movie. Activities will begin at 6 p.m. and movie will begin at 7 p.m. The first 100 guest will receive a special gift from the North Pole.
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (PG) – The Grinch and his loyal dog, Max, live a solitary existence inside a cave on Mount Crumpet. His main source of aggravation comes during Christmastime when his neighbours in Whoville celebrate the holidays with a bang. When the Whos decide to make Christmas bigger and brighter, the disgruntled Grinch realises there is one way to gain peace and quiet. With help from Max, the green grump hatches a scheme to pose as Santa Claus, steal Christmas and silence the Whos’ holiday cheer once and for all.
DATE: Friday, Dec 03, 2021 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Let it Sneaux Movie in the Park: Lovett
Come RING in the holiday with BREC! Meet Santa, make smores, enjoy hot chocolate and play in the SNEAUX. What else do you need? Come enjoy activities prior to the start of the movie. Activities will begin at 6 p.m. and movie will begin at 7 p.m. The first 100 guest will receive a special gift from the North Pole.
Elf (PG) Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results. DATE: Friday, Dec 17, 2021 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Sensory Santa
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. DATE: Friday, Dec 10, 2021 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
35th Annual Christmas in Central Parade
Dates: Saturday Dec 4, 2021 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CST
Chanukah at the Capitol
Celebrate Hanukkah with a hot latke bar, menorahs, dreidels, and more hosted by Chabad of Baton Rouge. Children can get their faces painted and play festive games and enjoy strolling performers. The event is free to the public at the steps of the State Capitol.
DATE: Sunday, December 5, 4:00pm to 5:30pm 900 North Third Street, Baton Rouge, LA
Holiday Events Beyond Baton Rouge
Celebration In The Oaks- New Orleans
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 25, 2021 – January 2, 2022
(closed December 24th and 31st)
Christmas in the Park (Lafrienere Park)
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.
The 35th Annual Christmas in the Park will be held nightly at Lafreniere Park beginning on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, and ending on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.
NOLA Christmasfest 2021
NOLA ChristmasFest, a dazzling, family-friendly seasonal event, offers your group the perfect opportunity to get into the holiday spirit, make a little joy, and spread a little cheer. Experience a real indoor ice skating rink, ice slides, carnival rides, Santa and friends, Gingerbread houses, decorated trees and more! Convenient parking nearby. In 2021, this event is open for 12 days (closed on Dec. 23 and 24) with two sessions per day – a morning timed entry and an evening one. Space will be limited for each timeframe so be sure to make your plans early! Tickets go on sale late summer 2021. DATES: Friday, December 17, 2021 – 10:15am to Thursday, December 30, 2021 – 8:15pm
Kenner’s Heritage Park Christmas Village –
CANCELLED – Unfortunately, due to damage caused by Hurricane Ida, Heritage Park will not be having their annual Christmas Village & Light Display this year.
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.
Performances, vendors, Santa photos dates, & more will be announced very soon!
Address: 2015 Fourth Street, Kenner, LA
A Jane Austen Christmas– St. Francisville
Travel back to a time to learn about Christmas in the Feliciana’s during the early 1800’s. See the plantation come 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 what’s cooking in the kitchen, or just enjoy the live period music. Included is our yearly Christmas dance and hot Christmas Punch. For more information please call the park at 1-225-635-3739. DATES: Saturday December 4th 6 pm – 8 pm
Christmas in the Country St. Francisville
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. DATES: DECEMBER 3, 4, AND 5, 2021
Noel Acadien au Village – Lafayette
LARC’s Acadian Village hosts its 23 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 Chapel, NEW ANIMATIONS, lighted holiday displays, live entertainment, carnival rides, local cuisine, photos with Santa, holiday shopping in the Christmas Store and much more! All proceeds directly benefit LARC’s Acadian Village and the residential, vocational, and community supports and services at LARC. DATES:
Christmas in the Park. Moncus Park
Christmas in the Park. Moncus Park. 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Celebrate the season with a 12 night seasonal event that will have live music, as well as six separate activities for kids per night, a Santa Clause visit, selfie stations, a live art installation, local food vendors, and more. Visit the link for a full live music lineup. MoncusPark.org/Christmas. DATES: December 16- 29 –
25th Festival of the Bonfires – St. James Parish
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 10, 11, and 12, 2021
Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights
A weekend trip or long day trip with lots of driving along with lots of memories made.
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. DATES: Begins November 20th with Santa’s arrival!
95th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival
Named after a Native American tribe, Natchitoches (pronounced Nack-a-tish ) is the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase Territory. Since 1927, they are home to one of the oldest community-based holiday celebrations in the country. Starting as a one-day festival, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival has evolved into a six-week long Christmas Season. The Christmas Season begins on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and concludes on January the 6th, the Epiphany. Over 300,000 lights and 100 plus set pieces are on display every night at dusk. Celebrate the Christmas season in Louisiana’s oldest city. Enjoy our daylong festival filled with music, entertainment, arts and crafts, food vendors, and our famous firework show choreographed to holiday music over Cane River Lake. DATES: November 20th to January 6th
Christmas in the Park – Dark Woods Adventure Park
Our Christmas events in Baton Rouge guide will be updated as new events are listed; check back for more Baton Rouge Family Fun! If we’ve missed an event, please email us and we will get it added asap!
While every effort has been made to ensure this information is accurate, we encourage you to contact the patch directly to verify that all details are correct and have not changed.
