Best Christmas Festivals In Louisiana

As the holiday season approaches, Louisiana transforms into a winter wonderland with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and a plethora of events that provide visitors with unforgettable experiences. From historic plantations to state parks and traditional parades, here are the top Christmas festivals that you should check out while in Louisiana.

1. Natchitoches Christmas Festival 🎄

Natchitoches is a historic town in northern Louisiana that has been hosting the Natchitoches Christmas Festival for over 90 years. The festival is a month-long celebration that features live music, parades, fireworks, and a spectacular display of over 300,000 lights. During the festival, visitors can enjoy local Cajun cuisine, take carriage rides, and browse the numerous craft vendors.

The Best Time to Visit Natchitoches Christmas Festival 🎅

The Natchitoches Christmas Festival is held from November 20th to January 6th every year. However, the best time to visit is during the first weekend in December when the town is filled with the sounds of holiday cheer and twinkling lights.

2. Christmas in the Country 🎉

Christmas in the Country is an annual event that takes place in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, and is known for its small-town charm. The festival features live music, craft vendors, and a parade that showcases local school bands. Visitors can also enjoy a ride on the Christmas Express Train, which takes them on a tour of the town’s beautiful holiday decorations.

What to Expect at Christmas in the Country 🚂

Christmas in the Country is held in early December and attracts tourists from all over. Local vendors sell everything from handmade crafts to delicious Cajun foods, while the town’s antique shops offer unique gifts and souvenirs. Visitors can also enjoy the holiday-themed light displays and take photos with Santa Claus.

3. Festival of the Bonfires 🔥

The Festival of the Bonfires is a traditional event that takes place in Lutcher, Louisiana, every Christmas Eve. The festival features a parade of boats adorned with Christmas lights, fireworks, and a spectacular display of bonfires along the Mississippi River levee. Visitors can enjoy live music, food, and drinks while watching the bonfires light up the night sky.

What Makes the Festival of the Bonfires Unique 🌟

The Festival of the Bonfires is a unique Christmas celebration that dates back over 200 years. It is rooted in the tradition of lighting bonfires along the Mississippi River to guide the way for Papa Noel (Santa Claus) on Christmas Eve. Today, the festival is both a cultural and holiday tradition that attracts visitors from all over the world.

4. Oak Alley Plantation Christmas Bonfire Party 🎉

The Oak Alley Plantation Christmas Bonfire Party is an annual event that takes place on the historic plantation in Vacherie, Louisiana. The event features live music, food, and drinks, and a spectacular display of bonfires along the plantation’s iconic alley of oak trees. Visitors can also enjoy a tour of the plantation’s historic mansion and learn about its rich history.

What to Expect at the Oak Alley Plantation Christmas Bonfire Party 🏰

The Oak Alley Plantation Christmas Bonfire Party is held on the second Saturday in December and is one of Louisiana’s most popular holiday events. Visitors can enjoy local Cajun cuisine, take part in traditional holiday activities, and watch the stunning display of bonfires light up the night sky. The event is family-friendly and is an excellent way to get into the holiday spirit.

5. Celebration in the Oaks 🎡

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual event that takes place in New Orleans’ City Park during the holiday season. The festival features a light display that covers over 25 acres of the park, along with amusement rides, a train ride, and a visit with Santa Claus. Visitors can also enjoy live music, food, and drinks, and can take a stroll through the park’s Botanical Garden.

What Makes Celebration in the Oaks Special 🎇

Celebration in the Oaks is one of Louisiana’s most popular holiday events and attracts visitors from all over the world. The event is a unique blend of holiday cheer and New Orleans’ cultural traditions, making it a must-visit destination during the Christmas season. Visitors can enjoy the stunning light display, take part in traditional holiday activities, and indulge in local food and drinks while exploring the park.

6. Christmas Past Festival 🎁

The Christmas Past Festival is an annual event that takes place in the charming town of Madisonville, Louisiana. The festival features live music, craft vendors, and a parade that showcases the town’s unique history. Visitors can also enjoy local food, take part in traditional holiday activities, and explore the town’s beautiful holiday decorations.

What Makes the Christmas Past Festival Special 🎄

The Christmas Past Festival is a unique celebration that highlights Louisiana’s rich history and cultural heritage. The town of Madisonville is known for its charming, small-town feel, and the festival is an excellent way to get into the holiday spirit while experiencing the local culture. Visitors can enjoy live music, local food, and traditional holiday activities while exploring the town’s unique holiday decorations.

7. Christmas on the Bayou 🎅

Christmas on the Bayou is an annual event that takes place in the historic town of Thibodaux, Louisiana. The festival features live music, craft vendors, and a traditional Cajun Christmas parade that showcases the town’s unique culture. Visitors can also enjoy local food, take part in traditional holiday activities, and explore the town’s historic landmarks.

What to Expect at Christmas on the Bayou 🌟

Christmas on the Bayou is a unique celebration that highlights Louisiana’s rich cultural heritage. The festival is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the traditional Cajun Christmas celebration. Visitors can enjoy live music, local food, and traditional holiday activities while exploring the town’s unique history and holiday decorations.

8. Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights 🎉

The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights is a six-week event that takes place across eight cities in Louisiana. The trail features holiday light displays, parades, and festivals that showcase the unique culture of each city. Visitors can also enjoy local food, take part in traditional holiday activities, and explore the town’s historic landmarks.

What to Expect on the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights 🔥

The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights is a unique holiday celebration that showcases the state’s rich cultural heritage. The trail is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the magic of the holiday season in Louisiana. Visitors can enjoy live music, local food, and traditional holiday activities while exploring the unique history and holiday traditions of each city on the trail.

9. Christmas at the Governor’s Mansion 🏰

Christmas at the Governor’s Mansion is an annual event that takes place in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The event features a tour of the Governor’s Mansion, which is decorated in over 70 Christmas trees and thousands of lights. Visitors can also enjoy live music, local food, and a visit with Santa Claus.

What Makes Christmas at the Governor’s Mansion Special 🎁

Christmas at the Governor’s Mansion is a unique way to experience the magic of the holiday season in Louisiana. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the historic mansion, which is decorated in a traditional Christmas style, and learn about the state’s rich history and culture. The event is family-friendly and is an excellent way to get into the holiday spirit while experiencing Louisiana’s unique culture and traditions.

10. Cajun Christmas 🎅

Cajun Christmas is an annual event that takes place in Lafayette, Louisiana, and is known for its unique blend of traditional Cajun culture and holiday cheer. The festival features live music, craft vendors, and a parade that showcases the town’s unique culture. Visitors can also enjoy local food, take part in traditional holiday activities, and explore the town’s historic landmarks.

What Makes Cajun Christmas Unique 🌟

Cajun Christmas is a unique celebration that highlights Louisiana’s rich cultural heritage. The festival is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the traditional Cajun Christmas celebration. Visitors can enjoy live music, local food, and traditional holiday activities while exploring the town’s unique history and holiday decorations.

11. Bonfires on the Levee 🔥

Bonfires on the Levee is an annual event that takes place on Christmas Eve in St. James Parish, Louisiana. The festival features a spectacular display of bonfires along the Mississippi River levee, along with fireworks and live music. Visitors can also enjoy local food and drinks while watching the bonfires light up the night sky.

What to Expect at Bonfires on the Levee 🎇

Bonfires on the Levee is a unique Christmas celebration that dates back over 200 years. It is rooted in the tradition of lighting bonfires along the Mississippi River to guide the way for Papa Noel (Santa Claus) on