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Louisiana Boot Trail – Sharing Hope & Cheer One Window at a Time!

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As most of us are sheltering in place and practicing social distancing, our walks outside  for some fresh air and exercise will be more precious than ever! Let’s add something lovely to to our daily walk or bike ride – something we can do without touching! Something to remind us that even through this time of uncertainty there is hope and we are Louisiana Strong! 

Let’s launch a Louisiana Boot Trail! Spread the happy, not the virus! 

Louisiana Boot Trail

 

Color a Louisiana Boot — out of any material — or just print one out, and put it in your window!

We have a set of three printables below for you to print and decorate! Get together with the family and decorate your Louisiana Boot with signs of hope and cheer!

When we enjoy our neighborhood walks outside we can look for each other’s Louisiana Boots – be sure to share with your neighborhood association! 

If you see one or create your own, snap a pic and share it back on our Facebook post here!

If you share it on Instagram, tag @BatonRougeFamilyFun so we can see them! 

Let’s get the Louisiana Boot Trail started! 

Printables – Click on the image to print! 

Louisiana Boot TrailLouisiana Boot TrailLouisiana Boot Trail

More posts you might find helpful:

When Social Distancing Cancels Your Kid’s Birthday Party

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I’m sad today. I needed to cancel my kid’s Birthday party because of Covid-19. I understand why. I appreciate the steps my government and my community are taking to lessen the curve of people contracting the virus. But, this still stinks. My sweet girl only turns two once and I was really looking forward to making her day special. The event coordinator in me was really looking forward to decorating and not having to clean my own house!

cancelled-kids-birthday-party

We were having it at Java Mama on Bluebonnet. I know she won’t remember this. I know this is more for me than her, but now I feel like I won’t be able to make it as special and that’s the part that stinks. She’s so special and deserves to be celebrated and she’s getting cheated of that. I appreciate and respect our current health situations and I’m more than willing to abide by the suggestions; but it doesn’t mean that it’s not upsetting or that we won’t miss out on important moments of life.

cancelled-kids-birthday-party

Coming together with friends and family, and celebrating milestones are parts of life that bring so much joy. When we celebrate together, we’re reminded that even though life can be ugly, turbulent, and difficult. Some parts really are worth celebrating. Covid-19 will impact us in ways we still don’t fully understand; both personally and environmentally. So we will do the best in following protocol. We will count our blessings and be appreciative of our health; and we will spend time with our families and make other memories that maybe weren’t attainable without being home. We soldier on when life gets complicated. Stay healthy, practice social distancing, and go make some new memories hopefully happy ones!

Baton Rouge Moms Ambassador – Courtney Cotharn-Lambert

Courtney Cotharn-Lambert
-Wife and doula
-Mom of 2 human babies and fur mom to 3 hairy ones.

I am a Design Consultant, Event Planner, and Doula. My hope is to help a mom: plan her baby shower, design her nursery, help her during labor and birth, and lastly help plan the baby’s first Birthday. Find me online at www.courtneyaid.com

“A one stop support shop for all her baby needs.”

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Introducing Baton Rouge Virtual Playdates – Join us for some virtual fun!

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As you already know, events are being canceled, businesses are temporarily closing and kids are out of school for the next month. We know that school closings will cause lot of disruption and worry for some families. Baton Rouge Moms (soon to be Baton Rouge Family Fun) hopes to make the transition a little easier and a little more fun! Beginning this week, we will be partnering with local businesses and organizations to help you over the upcoming weeks – in the form of Baton Rouge Virtual Playdates!!

Baton Rouge Moms Virtual Playdates

Many thanks to our community partners for making this project possible.

Do you have a business or organization that would like to get involved? Email Tiany at Tiany@batonrougemoms.com to let us know you are interested.

 

Baton Rouge Moms Virtual Playdates

We’re lining up some of your favorite small businesses, organizations and groups to lead us through daily 15-30 minute activities via video.

The Virtual Playdate videos will be available each day on our Facebook and Instagram pages. We hope that this will be a great way to keep our families engaged in the community even while practicing social distancing.

Look Forward to:

  • Follow-Along Dance Lessons
  • Special Character Appearances
  • Study Tips for doing Schoolwork at Home
  • Fun Science Experiments (Video demos you can follow along to)
  • Outdoor Activities
  • Fun Treats Kids Can Make at Home
  • Easy Art & Craft Ideas (How to videos with these too)
  • Family Challenges
  • Ideas for Helping Families in need
    and more!

How to Follow Along 

>> Virtual Playdate videos will be posted to our Facebook and Instagram pages starting this week! 

Follow Baton Rouge Moms on Facebook

Follow Baton Rouge Moms on Instagram

Stay tuned for all this and more in upcoming emails! Sign up to receive the emails to be notified about each days video and any prep you might need to participate.

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See below for links to each day’s posts; we will add them as they are published.

 

More posts relating to COVID – 19

Family Night at the Museum – 12 Famous Museums With Virtual Tours

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We know the Governor’s announcement that all public schools will be closing through April 13th has left us all with lots of questions. Unexpectedly staying home can have some complications beyond having enough food and supplies. Many are wondering what they are going to do with the kids for the next month. There is a plethora of resources for our families to learn and enjoy the extra time we will have together. How about Family Night at the Museum??? According to Fast Company, Google Arts & Culture teamed up with over 500 museums and galleries around the world to bring anyone and everyone virtual tours and online exhibits of some of the most famous museums around the world. 

Now, families can “go to the museum” and never have to leave the couch.

Google Arts & Culture’s collection includes the British Museum in London, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Guggenheim in New York City, and literally hundreds of more places where you can gain knowledge about art, history, and science. This collection is especially good for students who are looking for ways to stay on top of their studies while schools are closed.

Family Night at the Museum - 12 Famous Museums With Virtual Tours Family Night at the Museum – 12 Famous Museums With Virtual Tours

British Museum, London

This iconic museum located in the heart of London allows virtual visitors to tour the Great Court and discover the ancient Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies. You can also find hundreds of artifacts on the museum’s virtual tour.

Guggenheim Museum, New York

Google’s Street View feature lets visitors tour the Guggenheim’s famous spiral staircase without ever leaving home. From there, you can discover incredible works of art from the Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary eras.

National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

This famous American art museum features two online exhibits through Google. The first is an exhibit of American fashion from 1740 to 1895, including many renderings of clothes from the colonial and Revolutionary eras. The second is a collection of works from Dutch Baroque painter Johannes Vermeer.

Musée d’Orsay, Paris

You can virtually walk through this popular gallery that houses dozens of famous works from French artists who worked and lived between 1848 and 1914. Get a peek at artworks from Monet, Cézanne, and Gauguin, among others.

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul

One of Korea’s popular museums can be accessed from anywhere around the world. Google’s virtual tour takes you through six floors of Contemporary art from Korea and all over the globe.

Family Night at the Museum - 12 Famous Museums With Virtual Tours

Pergamon Museum, Berlin

As one of Germany’s largest museums, Pergamon has a lot to offer – even if you can’t physically be there. This historical museum is home to plenty of ancient artifacts including the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and, of course, the Pergamon Altar.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Explore the masterworks from the Dutch Golden Age, including works from Vermeer and Rembrandt. Google offers a Street View tour of this iconic museum, so you can feel as if you’re actually wandering its halls.

Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

Anyone who is a fan of this tragic, ingenious painter can see his works up close (or, almost up close) by virtually visiting this museum – the largest collection of artworks by Vincent van Gogh, including over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and over 750 personal letters.

The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

European artworks from as far back as the 8th Century can be found in this California art museum. Take a Street View tour to discover a huge collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, manuscripts, and photographs.

Uffizi Gallery, Florence

This less well-known gallery houses the art collection of one of Florence, Italy’s most famous families, the de’Medicis. The building was designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1560 specifically for Cosimo I de’Medici, but anyone can wander its halls from anywhere in the world.

MASP, São Paulo

The Museu de Arte de São Paulo is a non-profit and Brazil’s first modern museum. Artworks placed on clear perspex frames make it seem like the artwork is hovering in midair. Take a virtual tour to experience the wondrous display for yourself.

National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City

Built in 1964, this museum is dedicated to the archaeology and history of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic heritage. There are 23 exhibit rooms filled with ancient artifacts, including some from the Mayan civilization.

Sadly, not all popular art museums and galleries could be included on Google Arts & Culture’s collection, but some museums are taking it upon themselves to offer online visits. According to Fast Company, the Louvre also offers virtual tours on its website.

To see more of Google Arts & Culture’s collection of museums, visit the collection’s website. There are thousands of museum Street Views on Google as well. Google Arts & Culture also has an online experience for exploring famous historic and cultural heritage sites.

This article originally appeared on TravelandLeisure.com.

The Joint Chiropractic – Free Visit – adjustment, exam, consultation.

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The Joint Chiropractic is opening up a new location and they currently have a fabulous special and giveaway that you won’t want to miss!

The Joint Chiropractic #TextInToWin FREE ADJUSTMENT! Hey, Baton Rouge Moms! You work hard and we totally feel your pain! Take a break, we’ve got your back!! The Joint Chiropractic will be OPENING a second location in Arlington Market Place next to Rouses soon!! If you are or know someone who is a NEW patient, they can ENJOY a FREE VISIT by texting “ARLINGTON” to 89000. This also enters you into a $1000 VISA GIFT CARD drawing. Includes adjustment, exam, and consultation. $39 Value. No appointments or insurance needed!! Just WALK-IN!!

 

Posh Petites Warehouse Sale – March 15th and 16th

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Posh Petites has announced its Baton Rouge Liquidation sale on March 15th and 16th! Shop THOUSANDS of NAME BRAND BOUTIQUE style boy and girls clothing at wholesale prices! The Posh Petites Warehouse Sale will only be open to the public for TWO DAYS so you won’t want to miss this sale.  Be the first to shop Posh Petites massive collection of new Children’s Smocked and Applique Clothing at WHOLESALE PRICES, it’s the perfect time to stock up for Easter, spring and summer clothing! Plus, ALL THINGS EASTER will be 40% off at the Spring Sale! You’ll want to get there early because they will go fast!

Posh Petites Warehouse Sale

Posh Petites Warehouse Sale

WHERE: Posh Petites 11811 Industriplex Suite B, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70809
 
WHEN: March 15th 2-5pm VIP Shoppers only (Purchase VIP tickets here!)
March 16th 9-2:30 Open  to the public and FREE to enter.
 
 
Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor.  

Red Stick Refinement – Eat, Drink, and Mind Your Manners

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There’s a new etiquette teacher in town and our kids may need her more than we would like to admit! Manners, politeness and being confident in social situations are characteristics of proper etiquette — imperative lifelong skills that will transform the lives of our children. While we do our best to teach our children these basic skills at home, with full days and the busyness of life some important lessons can fall through the cracks… that’s where Red Stick Refinement can make all the difference!
 
Red Stick Refinement
 
Red Stick Refinement’s Baton Rouge Etiquette Classes focus on teaching both traditional etiquette and also modern etiquette. Founder, April Palombo Setliff, teaches the Importance of Eye Contact, Handshakes, and Proper Introductions. These are skills students will use their whole life, instilling confidence in children and teens so that they feel confident in any social situation. During class students also learn to set a formal table and learn how to eat both American and Continental (European) Style. They also write thank you notes and for the teenagers discuss Social Media Etiquette. Our children are considered digital natives, and with our digital world managing your social media presence is important. 
 
Red Stick Refinement

April has taught hundreds of kids from over 20 different schools in the Baton Rouge Area. In addition to teaching classes out of her home, she also travels to campuses to teach. Below are a few options for classes at Red Stick Refinement:

PART I – SOCIAL SKILLS 
We discuss Eye Contact, Handshakes and Proper Introductions. We also talk about respecting others and writing Thank You Notes. Social Media Etiquette is addressed for classes of teenagers.

PART II – DINING ETIQUETTE 
Students learn all there is to know about table manners for both ladies and gentlemen. They learn to set a formal table and also how to eat both American Style and Continental (European) Style.

Red Stick Refinement

Red Stick Refinement‘s Top 5 Etiquette Lessons a Child Needs to Know

1.) Put the device down and make Eye contact. Eye contact, Handshakes, and Proper Introductions are the first things in teach in my class. Having a firm handshake and making Eye Contact not only shows the other person respect, but it also shows self-confidence. I want students to walk away with self-confidence to succeed in any social situation.

2.) For teens, I discuss Social Media Etiquette. They have heard the bad that can happen by posts, so I try to encourage the good. I teach there is a way to position yourself in the best light online.

3.) Send thank-you notes! Thank you notes are becoming a lost art but they are still so very important in my opinion. Send thank-you notes in a prompt manner. State the gift or service you are thankful for then state WHY. 

4.) Table Manners: Learning table manners are important because it’s a skill set they will use their whole life. Have your kids take turns setting the dinner table. Make it a fun activity instead of a chore. 

5.) Be Kind & Mind Your Manners: I feel a person with good manners can carry a conversation and make the people around them feel comfortable, respected and welcome. When making a proper introduction say the name of the older person first out of respect. Or the person of higher authority. For example, if a teen is introducing a new friend to their parent the parent’s name should be said first. “Dad, I’d like to introduce to you my new friend, Matt. Matt, this is my Dad.” A good conversationalist takes it a step further by making a connection between the two people. This encourages the conversation to continue. “Dad, Matt plays soccer at his school. Matt, my Dad coaches my soccer team. We have a game coming up this weekend. When is your next game?” Make a connection then you could ask an opened ended question.

The above is just a glimpse of some of the lessons kids and teens will learn with April at Red Stick Refinement. And Etiquette lessons are not just for children and teens, April also teaches business and personal etiquette for adults!

For more info., visit Red Stick Refinement online on Facebook, Instagram and on their website www.redstickrefinement.com.

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor. 

LSU Football Day declared in Louisiana: Monday, Dec. 16th

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In honor of the success of the LSU football team and their historic season and honors, Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin has proclaimed Monday, Dec. 16,  “LSU Football Day” in Louisiana! Bust out your purple and gold and wear it with pride! This has been a season we will not soon forget, definitely one that we will share with our children and our children’s children. 

Credit: Macon Telegraph

LSU Football Day

LSU Football DayCongratulations to Coach O and the Fighting Tigers!

Brec’s Baton Rouge Zoolights Making Spirits Bright

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Join BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo for Zoolights (November 29rd through December 30th)! Baton Rouge Zoolights festive mile-long trail through the Zoo in the evening boasts more than 50 illuminated sculptures of animals and traditional holiday displays for the whole family to enjoy. 

Baton Rouge Zoolights

This year, 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. Regular admission prices are: $5 for adults/teens; $4 for senior citizens; $3 for children (2-12 years old) and $3 for Friends of the Zoo members. These amounts will be cut in half when a non-perishable food item is presented at the time of entry & all food donations will go directly to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. Learn more at www.brzoo.org. 

Baton Rouge Zoo


 

Baton Rouge Zoolights

Friday, November 29, 2019 – Monday, December 30, 2019

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

Baton Rouge Zoolights displays will include the following:

BREC Baton Rouge Zoolights

ILLUMINATED SCULPTURES: Visitors will find illuminated sculptures representing animals and traditional symbols of the holidays.

GIANT SPECTACULARS: Larger-than-life displays capture the imagination of children of all ages. These displays may include: Flamingos, Giraffes, Lions, Tigers, Gorillas, Rhinos, Elephants, Alligators, Giant Santa, Giant Snowmen, Holiday Trains, Santa in Sleigh pulled by Giant Reindeer and Toy Soldiers. Displays can be up to 30 ft. tall!

ANIMATED SPECTACULARS: Animated displays add additional entertainment value to our event. The use of high-wattage, computer-controlled displays will provide exciting animation to displays.

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

 

2019 Baton Rouge Holiday & Christmas Events Guide – Sponsored by Rapid Urgent Care

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Our Baton Rouge Holiday & Christmas Events Guide is our largest guide to date with over 50 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. Whether you’re looking for a Christmas parade, holiday-themed performance, Santa visit, or lights display, there’s the cornucopia of holiday-themed programs and events throughout the season. Be sure to grab for our FREE Christmas Events List Printable so you don’t miss an event! If you have an event or activity to add, please email us – info@BatonRougeMoms.com

Thanks to Rapid Urgent Care for sponsoring this year’s Holiday Events Guide.  

Baton Rouge Christmas events

2019 Baton Rouge Holiday & Christmas Events Guide 

Baton Rouge Events and Christmas Guide

Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Battle of the Bands: 4:00pm

Parade Starts: 5:30pm

The 68th Annual Cortana Kiwanis Downtown Christmas Parade will roll through Downtown Baton Rouge on December 9 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 troups, non-profit organizations, and local businesses in seasonal themes.

ZooLightsZooLights 2015 Baton Rouge

November 29 – December 30
Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas
Gates open 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Zoo grounds close at 9 p.m.

  • A mile-long trail through the Zoo
  • More than 50 illuminated display sculptures of animals and traditional holiday displays
  • A festive family activity, adding to the quality of life for residents throughout the region
  • The beginning of a new tradition

This year, 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. Regular admission prices are: $5 for adults/teens; $4 for senior citizens; $3 for children (2-12 years old) and $3 for Friends of the Zoo members. These amounts will be cut in half when a non-perishable food item is presented at the time of entry & all food donations will go directly to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. Learn more at www.brzoo.org. 

ILLUMINATED SCULPTURES: Visitors will find illuminated sculptures representing animals and traditional symbols of the holidays.

GIANT SPECTACULARS: Larger-than-life displays capture the imagination of children of all ages. These displays may include: Flamingos, Giraffes, Lions, Tigers, Gorillas, Rhinos, Elephants, Alligators, Giant Santa, Giant Snowmen, Holiday Trains, Santa in Sleigh pulled by Giant Reindeer and Toy Soldiers. Displays can be up to 30 ft. tall!

ANIMATED SPECTACULARS: Animated displays add additional entertainment value to our event. The use of high-wattage, computer-controlled displays will provide exciting animation to displays.

VISITOR AMENITIES: Safari Photo Booth, Seasonal Specials from the Flamingo Cafe’, Safari Post Gift Shop

A Rural Life Christmas

A Rural Life Christmas Baton Rouge

Sunday, December 2
12:30pm until 6:00pm

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 present during this event.

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!

Holiday Skating on the River

The Raising Cane’s River Center will once again magically transform the arena into a “Winter Wonderland” just in time for you to create your holiday memories. 

Please join us for a skating session soon and create winter memories that will last a lifetime. Tickets are currently available at the Raising Cane’s River Center box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, and charge by phone at-1-800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, please contact the Raising Cane’s River Center at 225-389-3030.

Festival of Lights Friday, November 30th, 4:00pm – 9:00pm

Two popular events intertwine for a special holiday Far-Out First Friday combined with the annual Festival of Light’s activities – all rolled into one exciting night! 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. 

A full schedule of Downtown Baton Rouge Christmas Events can be found here!

Louisiana Art & Science Museum

Downtown Baton Rouge Christmas events

All aboard The Polar Express! Wear your holiday PJs and bring your family and friends to enjoy this beloved holiday movie like never before in the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium, and warm up with complimentary hot chocolate before each show.

This event is included in general admission, $12 for adults and $10 for children (ages 3-12) and seniors (65+). LASM Members are free!

Sponsored by Baton Rouge Coca-Cola Bottling Company

Upcoming Dates:

Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 4:00pm
Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 1:00pm
Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 4:00pm
Saturday, December 21, 2019 at 4:00pm

The Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou

The Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou

December 14 & 15, 2019

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!

 

Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra

Holiday Brass – Houmas House Plantation

 

BREC Holiday EventsBREC Holiday Events

Creole Christmas: Sunday, Dec 1st 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
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.

See full list of BREC events here. 

 

Reflections of the Season – West Baton Rouge

REFLECTIONS OF THE SEASON

Drive through the grounds of the West Baton Rouge Conference Center and view the spectacular lights. Take advantage of the FREE shuttle service as there is no parking available on the grounds of the WBR Conference Center during this event; Parking will be at Louis Mouch Multipurpose arena located at 152 Turner Road. You must obtain a wristband at the entrance gate to participate in all the activities. Come inside the conference center to visit the talking reindeer. Walk through the holiday decorated rooms. Enjoy carnival rides for the children or buy those last minute gifts from our crafters. Santa will be here on Friday and Saturday nights only.  Take your holiday pictures with Santa and his elves. 

HORSE & BUGGY RIDES. Cuddle up in a blanket next to your friends and loved ones and take a ride through the lights in a horse-drawn wagon for $5.00 per person. Bring your family and friends and make West Baton Rouge and “Reflections of the Season” part of your Christmas tradition.

Holiday Events Beyond Baton Rouge

 

Nottaway’s Christmas Tree Lighting Festival

Notaway-Mansion-Christmas-

It’s time for Nottoway’s annual Christmas Bonfire Festival! For just $5 per car, you’ll experience a night filled with music, food, vendors, bonfires, fireworks, Santa and more!

  • Friday, December 7,  | 5-9pm
  • Bonfires on the Levee
  • Arts & Crafts Vendors
  • Food & Concessions
  • Holiday Music
  • Christmas Church Choirs
  • Carolers Roaming the Grounds
  • Louisiana Vintage Dancers
  • Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
  • A Visit From SANTA!
  • Fireworks
  • Admission is only $5 per car! 
    Buy your tickets online to avoid the long lines!

Celebration In The Oaks- New Orleans

Celebration In The Oaks- New Olreans

Celebration in the Oaks season:
Open Nov. 30 through Jan 1, 2019
Closed Christmas Eve
Open Christmas Night
Closed New Year’s Eve
Open hours:
Friday and Saturday 5pm to 11pm
Sunday through Thursday 6pm to 10pm

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

celebration_in_the_oaks-family_party_logo_4_600_510November 18th – 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

12/7 • Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville – A Colonial Christmas School Day, 9 – 11:30 a.m. Preregistered students will learn about Christmas traditions in early America. Wassailing, hunting for Christmas dinner, and origins of Christmas traditions are just some of the things students will experience. For more information call 888.677.2838 toll free or 225.635.3739 locally.

12/8 • Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville – A Dickens of a Christmas, 6 – 8 p.m. The plantation comes to life during the holidays, as it shows off its seasonal decorations. Costumed guides accompany the visitor on a trip into the past through the candlelit Oakley House. Take a taste of what´s cooking in the kitchen, or just enjoy the yearly Christmas dance or listen to live period music. For more information call 888.677.2838 toll free or 225.635.3739 locally.

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.

Christmas in the Village – Zachary

Come out to the annual Christmas In The Village in the Zachary Historical District! Kickoff the holiday season and join Zachary Mayor David Amrhein as he welcomes everyone to the annual Zachary Christmas In the Village Celebration from 5:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 7. The event will take place in the Zachary Historical District, on Virginia Street behind City Hall and this year, expands to the fire station and along Main Street to Lee Street. Bring a camera to take photos while you meet the Whoville characters. Santa will be at the Whoville House at the corner of Virginia and Florida streets.

Noel Acadien au Village – Lafayette

LARC’s Acadian Village

NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 23, 5:30-9:00 pm Nightly (weather permitting)

HALF A MILLION LIGHTS   ~  NEW ANIMATED DISPLAYS  ~  CARNIVAL RIDES  PHOTOS WITH SANTA  ~  LIVE NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT LOCAL CUISINE   ~   HOLIDAY SHOPPING – VIP Parking Available 
For more information, click on the drop-down menu on the Noel Acadien au Village tab.
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 displays for our Acadian home porches, lighted holiday displays, live entertainment, carnival rides, local cuisine, photos with Santa, holiday shopping in the Christmas Store and much more! 

Louisiana Bonfires Chrsitmas25th Festival of the Bonfires – St. James Parish

December 14, 15, 16,
Lutcher Park
2545 Louisiana Avenue
Lutcher, LA

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!! 

Christmas Past Festival: Old Mandeville

Christmas Past Festival  Christmas Past Festival DEc. 8th  10 AM-3 PM in Old Mandeville.

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

The City of Slidell celebrates the holiday season with Christmas Under the Stars, an annual celebration of twinkling lights, festive decorations, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Parade of Trees, the life-size Christmas Cottages, Slidell’s Nativity, Christmas songs, and much more. 

 

Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights

Holiday Trail of Lights

This would be another option for a day trip and 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.

See a full list of featured events—> https://www.holidaytrailoflights.com

 

There will be many fun events that you won’t want to miss taking place, we’ve created a fun Christmas Events List printable for you to print and fill out so you don’t miss a thing! 
Baton Rouge Moms PrintableBaton Rouge Christmas events bucket list printable

 

FIND US ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM  for more community info, activities and events!

Thanks to Rapid Urgent Care for sponsoring the Holiday Events Guide.