Travel Louisiana for the Holidays
Fall has arrived across Louisiana, and the holiday season has hitched a ride on the cool breezes blowing across the state. Louisiana parishes and cities are excited to offer residents and visitors opportunities to enjoy the festive season with events, lights, shopping, and more.
Light display in Ruston/Lincoln Parish
This time of year welcomes us to reflect on our love and gratitude for one another, so it’s the perfect time to join loved ones and enjoy the gifts and bounty of what this diverse state has to offer. From the tall pines of North Louisiana down to the bayous of Cajun country, the following destinations welcome guests from near and far to relish the magic of the season and experience the different ways of celebrating that make each area unique.
As the holidays near, Ruston and Lincoln Parish offers Louisiana families and visitors festive celebrations that highlight the creativity and charm of the region. From shopping opportunities to drive-through displays, November and December are full of events.
The holiday shopping season kicks off November 4 with Downtown Ruston’s Holiday Open House. Following Thanksgiving, Christmas spirit goes into high gear with the Kickoff to Christmas on November 27 in Downtown Ruston’s Railroad Park—with the flip of a switch, all of downtown will be aglow for the holidays.
December 2-4, Lincoln Parish Park will host Lincoln Lights Up the Pines, a drive-through light display perfect for all ages. On December 4 you can also experience the Holiday Arts Market in downtown Ruston, featuring makers and artisans selling unique items and artwork perfect for gifting. The Ruston Christmas parade rolls through on December 11, bringing fun for the whole family. Finally, on December 18, families are invited to indulge in cookies with Santa at Esma’s Alley from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
For more information on these attractions and events, visit experienceruston.com.
Fall is in the air in Avoyelles as the parish awaits Thanksgiving and the Christmas season.
November brings a cornucopia of events. Avoyelles Arts Council presents Art in the Rafters 10, an annual membership drive, on November 4 at 5 p.m. at Avoyelles Courthouse Square in Marksville. Christmas shopping opportunities abound with Christmas on the Island and the Christmas Craft Show both on November 13 and the Christmas Extravaganza on November 20. Also on November 20, Paragon’s Fall BBQ Throwdown and Southern Style Cruisers Car Show adds tasty food and thrilling sights.
On December 2, Christmas on the Square takes place in downtown Marksville at the Avoyelles Parish Courthouse with a variety of activities for the young and young at Heart beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Visit travelavoyelles.com for additional information or email tourism@kricket.net with your inquiries. Happy holidays to you and yours from Avoyelles Parish Tourism.
Lafayette is worth a visit any time of year. Plan your stay around the holidays to see Lafayette transform into a winter wonderland for Cajun and Creole Christmas.
New this year is 12 Nights of Christmas at Moncus Park. The park will be open December 16-29 (except Christmas Eve and Day) from 5 – 10 p.m. and feature music, local food and drinks, kids’ activities, and photo opportunities with Santa. A Christmas Market featuring over 30 Acadiana vendors will also be available. What a great way to get into the holiday spirit and get a sneak peek of the park before it opens in January.
Downtown Lafayette’s Merry & Bright is returning this year with even more things to do. The month-long celebration includes window displays, a Christmas tree extravaganza, holiday decorations, photo opportunities, and much more.
Looking for more things to do this holiday season? Visit LafayetteTravel.com/Christmas for a complete schedule of events.
Noël Acadien Au Village in Lafayette
Holiday Events
Ruston and Lincoln Parish
Nov 4
Downtown Ruston’s Holiday Open House
Nov 27
Kickoff to Christmas
Dec 2-4
Lincoln Lights Up the Pines
Dec 4
Holiday Arts Market
Dec 11
Ruston Christmas parade
Dec 18
Cookies with Santa
Avoyelles Parish
Nov 4
Art in the Rafters 10
Nov 13
Christmas on the Island
Nov 13
Christmas Craft Show
nov 20
Christmas Extravaganza
Nov 20
Paragon’s Fall BBQ Throwdown and Southern Style Cruisers Car Show
Dec 2
Christmas on the Square
Lafayette
Nov 28
Breaux Bridge Christmas Parade
Nov 28
Million Dollar Orchestra Christmas
Dec 3- 23
Noël Acadien Au Village
Dec 4
Noël à Broussard
Dec 11-12
The Nutcracker.
Dec 16-29
12 Nights of Christmas at Moncus Park
