Holiday Travel

When Spanish Moss begins to sway in the cool Fall breeze, the Gulf Coast opens its arms to welcome all comers, both local and visiting, into the wonder that is a sensational Southern Holiday Season.

Lafayette

The heart of Cajun & Creole Country, Lafayette, LA, is transformed into a winter wonderland throughout the months of November and December with a Cajun and Creole Christmas. From light shows to parades, tours of homes, performances, carolers, and much more, you can be sure to find something to get the family in the holiday spirit.

You can visit the Noel Acadian au Village, featuring half a million lights, including the fully lit Chapel, lighted holiday displays, live entertainment, carnival rides, local cuisine, and photos with Santa. Also, bring the family and enjoy the spectacle of The Nutcracker performed by the Lafayette Ballet Theatre professional company dancers. Enjoy a magical experience as talented artists, dazzling stage sets, spectacular special effects, and Peter Tchaikovsky’s delightful musical score bring this engaging E. T. A. Hoffmann tale to life before their eyes!

Learn more about these exciting events and so much more at  lafayettetravel.com.

Alexandria Museum of Art

In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s devastating impact on the city of New Orleans and, ultimately, the state of Louisiana, the Alexandria Museum of Art will be presenting EMERGE: New Orleans Artists from the Saratoga Collection, on view from November 1, 2025, through February 14, 2026. The Saratoga Collection, commissioned by Marcel Wisznia and curated in 2010 by Terrence Sanders-Smith, stands as a testament to the resilience of the creative spirit in the face of disaster. It is made up entirely of work created by artists living and working in New Orleans in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The devastating storm may have physically damaged the city, but it did not dampen its artists’ spirits. The artwork, music, poetry, and literature that followed in its wake continue to inspire and move the public to this day.

Avoyelles Parish

As you travel the roads of Louisiana this summer into fall, take a backroad trip to the center of Louisiana, yes, that is correct, Avoyelles Parish boasts the coordinates to CENTRE de la LOUISIANE, 31.0693876La, -91.9970055Lo.  The physical address is 1860 Old River Road, Mansura, LA   71350.  Come on out and take a selfie in Louisiana’s center and share your history-making photo with us on FB:  TravelAvoyelles.

When you visit Avoyelles, you’ll get Louisiana your way.  A laid-back stroll down a charming main street –it’s here!  Cultural attractions in a beautiful natural setting –that’s us too!  And the thrills of a Vegas-style casino with a bounty of entertainment and dining.  When is the last time you visited a service station where an attendant pumped your gas and wiped your windshield sites along a historic highway?  You’ll find it all and more when you find your center in Avoyelles!

West Baton Rouge

West Baton Rouge is proud to present its Jingle Jeepin’ Parade and Market on December 6 from noon to 6 pm. Featuring a caravan of festive Jeeps displaying their Yuletide best, the parade rolls out at 5:30 after a full day of festivities, including crafts, food vendors, and music galore. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting with gifts for children and photo ops as well, while the band Tuxedo Speedo is set to perform from 2 pm to 5:30 pm.

There is no entry fee for Jeeps participating in the parade, but donations of pet food are recommended and appreciated. So bring the family out for the holiday event of the season! Learn more at westbatonrouge.net/reflections-season. 

Big Cypress

Spend this holiday camping inside one of the world’s largest pyramids at Big Cypress Lodge. Nestled inside the iconic Memphis Pyramid, this luxury hotel offers rustic rooms with inviting fireplaces, balconies overlooking Bass Pro Shops, and plush furnishings for a glamping-style retreat. Complete with dining options, spectacular shopping, and a convenient downtown location with a complimentary shuttle that gives you access to the city’s best attractions and entertainment, there’s nothing like spending Christmas at the Big Cypress Lodge. Here you’ll be transported into a wonderland of rustic charm, Christmas trees, and yuletide wonder you won’t find anywhere else. With family-friendly activities and unforgettable holiday experiences, this is one Christmas you and your family are sure to remember forever.

Learn more, or make your reservations today, at big-cypress.com.

Ridgeland Tourism

The holiday season in Ridgeland, Mississippi, shines a little brighter thanks to Wrap It In Ridgeland, the city’s premier holiday shopping and getaway promotion. This festive celebration transforms Ridgeland into a holiday hub, inviting visitors to shop, dine, and stay local while making lasting memories with family and friends. From November 1 through December 31, participating hotels, shops, and restaurants roll out the red carpet for travelers seeking a one-of-a-kind holiday experience featuring a collection of unique boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops that offer everything from fashionable finds to artisan treasures.  And when the shopping bags are full, visitors can unwind with at Ridgeland’s thriving dining scene and exclusive savings at participating hotels through the Wrap It in Ridgeland hotel package.

Whether you’re planning a girlfriend’s shopping trip, a family weekend away, or a couples’ retreat, Wrap It In Ridgeland delivers the perfect blend of holiday magic and Southern charm.

Learn more at exploreridgeland.com/wrapit.