The “Cajun Night Before Christmas” is read in local lingo and follows a similar storyline except gumbo replaces sugar plums, Santa is dressed in muskrat pelts and instead of reindeer and sleighs, alligators pull Santa in a flying skiff (small boat used in coastal areas).
Louisiana’s biggest holiday celebration is the Natchitoches Christmas Festival, featuring 300,000 lights illuminating downtown Natchitoches and over 100 lighted set pieces along the Cane River. Follow the Trail of Lights for local events like Christmas markets, concerts, local eats, holiday window displays, parades and more.
Though traditionally these log piles are built to resemble narrow pyramids, you’ll see elaborate log cabins, trains, swamp creatures and other quirky creations. See tons of lighted sculptures and majestic oak trees draped in over a million lights, and experience the rides at the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park or the festive outdoor bar in the Botanical Garden.
Celebration In the Oaks
Holiday celebrations in Louisiana include all the classic festivities like twinkly lights, carolling, visits with Santa and more.
Christmas Eve in Cajun country has a slightly different version of the “Night Before Christmas.” The Holiday Trail of Lights comprises eight cities from central and north Louisiana – Alexandria, Pineville, Natchitoches, Monroe and West Monroe, Shreveport and Bossier City, and Minden.
Plan your trip to experience Christmastime in Louisiana – it’s unlike any other! Every holiday season, in Louisiana’s River Parishes outside of New Orleans, enormous structures are built on the Mississippi River levees for the Festival of the Bonfires. It’s a magical backdrop for the spectacular fireworks show, entertainment, food vendors, shopping, and more. Bonfires on the levee are set alight on Christmas Eve in a breathtaking display.
