Your ultimate family-friendly Weekend Planner is here! Discover the best family-friendly events in Baton Rouge and beyond for an unforgettable weekend with your loved ones. From parades, fireworks, snow and skating to fun-filled activities, your weekend plans are covered! Take advantage of the endless adventures waiting for you and your family.
Events are subject to change, so please be sure to check that events are as scheduled before heading out.
Things To Do in Baton Rouge – Holiday Edition
Baton Rouge Zoo’s ZooLights
NOV. 24 – DEC 30
5–9 PM
Join BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo for Zoolights from November 24th through December 30th! Discover the magic of the season at Zoo Lights, presented by Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital! This year, the lights are shining brighter than ever, creating an enchanting experience for the whole family.
DATES: November 24 – December 30 Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day.
Gates open 5:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The CPKC Holiday Train
December 1st
1401 Foss St. CPKC Yard
The CPKC Holiday Train program is back for its 25th year of spreading holiday cheer and raising donations to help people struggling with food insecurity. 
Friday, December 1, 2023
4PM-8PM
1401 Foss St. – CPKC Yard
Explore the beautifully decorated rail car, and meet with Santa!
Please remember to bring non-perishable food items or make a monetary donation for the local food bank!Get the Details: https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/cpkc-holiday-train/
Uptown Scotlandville Christmas Tree Lighting
December 1ST / 6 PM-9 PM
Scotlandville Plaza
Embrace the joy of the season at the Uptown Scotlandville Christmas Tree Lighting on December 1st! From 6pm-9pm at the Scotlandville Plaza, immerse yourself in the festive spirit with food trucks, vendors, and activities for kids. With games and more, it’s a family affair that promises laughter and holiday cheer. Join us in creating magical memories—this event is free and open to all in the Baton Rouge community.
2023 Downtown Baton Rouge Festival of Lights
December 1ST 4 – 8 PM
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.
, – . Baton Rouge’s oldest holiday tradition transforms 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 North Boulevard Town Square.– Tree Lighting countdown begins at 6:20 PM – Santa – Snow fun – Free Ice Skating
– Arts Market
– Fireworks and more holiday festivities! – North Boulevard Town Square
Broadmoor’s Annual Christmas Parade
December 2nd, 11 AM
1316 S Woodhaven St, Baton Rouge
• This is an outdoor event and the parade will roll as long as weather conditions permit.
• The parade route begins at Broadmoor High School parking lot (on Goodwood Blvd), east onto Goodwood Blvd, through the S curve, then north on Woodhaven St, then west on S. River Oaks Dr., then south on Cora Dr., then east on Goodwood Blvd back to the Broadmoor High School parking lot. The parade route is about 1.9 miles in length.
Annual Christmas in Central Parade
December 2nd, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Joor & Hooper to Joor & Lovett
Jingle Jeepin Parade & Market December
Saturday December 2
Noon to 10 PM
Download the Route
The Craft Market will open at noon inside the beautiful West Baton Rouge Convention & Visitors Bureau. Come out and shop for your Christmas gifts and visit our food vendors serving up Louisiana goodness! Jeepers are invited to the WBRCVB grounds to decorate their jeeps for the parade and listen to the Classics by Jude. There will be an award for “Best Decorated Jeep” at 4:30 pm. Parade rolls out at 5:30 p.m. Wayne Toups takes the stage at 7:30 pm – 10:00pm.
Charlie Brown Christmas
Saturday, Dec 02 at 7:00 PM
Baton Rouge River Center Theatre
Saturday, Dec 02 at 7:00 PM Baton Rouge River Center Theatre
Christmas on Pointe
Saturday, Dec 02 at 10 AM
Pointe-Marie 14200 River Road
Children under the age of 12 get in free. Adults pay $20 via Eventbrite or $25 at the gate the day of the event. This gets you in on all of the festive fun we have planned out in the beautiful Pointe-Marie Square.
A December to Remember
December 2nd, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
N. Sherwood Forest and Big Bend
Join us for ‘A December to Remember’ at the Park Forest Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 2nd from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm! Enjoy an enchanting evening with tree lighting, Santa photos, storytime with Mrs. Claus, snow fun, free food, the Polar Express Train, and more. Bring your festive spirit and join the celebration at the corner of N. Sherwood Forest and Big Bend. 
Baton Rouge General Holiday Lights
Open Nightly
Corner of Bluebonnet Blvd. and Picardy Ave.
Step into a world of enchantment as BRG lights up the night with dazzling displays, including three dancing-light mega trees, 24-foot illuminated tunnels, singing trees, candy canes, snowmen, a giant walk-through ornament, and more!
A Rural Life Christmas
December 3, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Ring in the Christmas season with a 19th century Louisiana celebration. Musical groups, demonstrating artisans, storytellers, and costumed re-enactors will be present to set the holiday mood. The event will conclude with a bonfire and a very special guest.
Ticket prices:
Age 0 – 3 Free
Age 4-11 $10
Age 12+ $12
