Greater Baton Rouge is overflowing with holiday magic this weekend! From sparkling light displays and snowy surprises to parades, planetarium movies, storytimes, and cultural celebrations, there’s truly something for every family to enjoy.

Weekend Weather

Friday: Sunny and cool
Saturday: Chilly morning, mild afternoon
Sunday: Clear skies and perfect for outdoor festivities

Please Note

Event details can change. Always check with the organizer before attending.

Things to do in Baton Rouge this Weekend – Holiday Edition

The Merriest Mile – Livingston Parish Fairgrounds – Nightly

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Details: The Merriest Mile – !! This festive mile-long holiday light spectacular just added even MORE magic for 2025, and this weekend has a special surprise!

4 brand-new holiday songs

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!

The Santa Truck rolls through on Saturday – Wave to the BIG GUY, Santa Claus, and see the iconic Coca-Cola Christmas Truck as you drive through Louisiana’s absolute best light show!

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

Storytime in the Garden – LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens

Time: Saturday, December 13 | 9 a.m. – Noon
Details: Enjoy cheerful storybook readings every 30 minutes and seasonal activities hosted by the Junior League. A magical morning for little readers.
Location: LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens
Admission: Free

Santa Rocks the Rowe – Perkins Rowe

Time: Saturday, December 13 | 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Details: A festive evening with face painting, Christmas crafts and Letters to Santa with Baton Rouge Family Fun, live music, games, and paid photos with Santa.
Location: Perkins Rowe
Admission: Free | Rain or shine

Let It Sneaux – BREC

Time: Saturday, December 13, 2 – 6 PM
Details: A free family celebration packed with holiday fun including photos with Santa, live music, petting zoo, pony rides, kidpreneur market, food vendors, hot chocolate, craft stations, rides, and a dazzling holiday drone light show.
Location: BREC Event Location
Admission: Free

Polar Express Screening – LASM Planetarium

Time: Saturday, December 13 | 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Details: Experience The Polar Express on an immersive planetarium screen. Enjoy hot cocoa, explore museum galleries, and take home a complimentary sleigh bell while supplies last.
Location: Louisiana Art & Science Museum
Tickets: Ticketed event, limited availability

Red Stick Reads Story Time with Christmas Belle

Time: Saturday, December 13 | Belle visiting 11 a.m. – Noon | Story Time at 11:30 a.m.
Details: A special holiday story time featuring Christmas Belle visiting the bookshop for festive fun and photos. Perfect for young readers and fairy-tale lovers.
Location: Red Stick Reads
3829 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Admission: Free

Jones Creek Christmas Parade – Jones Creek Road

Time: Sunday, December 14 | 2:30 p.m.
Details: The Jones Creek Area Business Association Christmas Parade returns for its 30th year with a festive afternoon of classic holiday fun. Enjoy a lively lineup of floats, local groups, music, decorated fire trucks, and the cheerful return of Santa to close out the parade. This long-running neighborhood tradition is known for its warm, family-friendly atmosphere and strong community support. Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Baton Rouge Food Bank, who will be walking along with the parade.
Location: Jones Creek Road, St. George, LA
Highlights: Grand Marshal Congressman Garret Graves
Admission: Free & open to the public

Inaugural Polar Express Holiday Experience – Jewel J. Newman Community Center

Time: Sunday, December 14 | 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Details: The Jewel J. Newman Community Center and Councilman Anthony Kenney invite families to a magical Polar Express–themed holiday experience featuring the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck, toy giveaways, free gumbo, s’mores, hot chocolate, crafts, face painting, games, and a festive Polar Express Trolley Ride.
Location: Jewel J. Newman Community Center
Admission: Free & open to the public

Chanukah Celebration at the State Capitol – Chabad of Baton Rouge

Time: Sunday, December 14th, 4:30 PM
Details: Celebrate Chanukah with music, face painting, latkes, festive food, and the lighting of a beautiful 9-foot Menorah.
Location: Louisiana State Capitol
Admission: Free & open to the community

First Responders Christmas Parade: Operation Save Santa – Downtown Baton Rouge

Time: Sunday, December 14 | 2 p.m.
Details: A brand-new parade honoring first responders from across the region as they escort Santa through downtown Baton Rouge.
Route: Starts at 4th & North → ends at Convention & 5th
Admission: Free

Creole Christmas – BREC’s Magnolia Mound

Time: Sunday, December 14 | 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Details: A festive cultural celebration featuring historic holiday décor, traditional French and Spanish songs, folk crafts, demonstrations, local vendors, and the annual Papa Noel bonfire.
Location: Magnolia Mound
2161 Nicholson Drive, Baton Rouge
Admission: Free

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

Festival of the Bonfires – Lutcher Park
Time: December 12–14, 2025
Details: The 36th Annual Festival of the Bonfires kicks off the Christmas and bonfire season with one of Louisiana’s most unique and beloved holiday traditions. Enjoy beautifully crafted bonfires, festive food, live music, local vendors, and a rich celebration of culture and community along the river.
Location: Lutcher Park
2545 Louisiana Avenue, Lutcher, LA 70071
Admission: Check festival website for ticket details
More Info: festivalofthebonfires.org