November – Saturday Before Thanksgiving : Natchitoches Christmas Festival
Through January 4
CLICK HEREÂ for the history and pictures of the Festival of Lights
Natchitoches Christmas Festival
(800) 259-1714
Since its beginnings in 1927, the Festival of Lights has grown into Louisiana’s premier community based Christmas Celebration. A family celebration, the festival is held annually on the first Saturday in December. Over 150,000 visitors flock this historic town and are treated to a gigantic parade, star studded live entertainment throughout the day, dozens of food vendors, carnival rides, river cruises, carriage and trolley tours, and a spectacular fireworks show. After which, over 300,000 brightly colored Christmas lights and 77 huge set pieces light the city along the scenic Cane River Lake. The Christmas Festival of Lights has been listed as a “Top 100 Events in North America” by the American Bus Association for numerous years and has also been honored as one of the “Top 20 Events” for December on six occasions by the Southeast Tourism Society. The Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights is a partner with the Holiday Trail of Lights.
City Of Lights
Natchitoches, La. (800) 259-1714 A fairyland of multicolored lights, created by over 300,000 Christmas bulbs strung along city streets and on 78 unique set pieces along Cane River Lake. The lights reflect in the waters below and stretch along the historic downtown area. Fireworks and entertainment every Saturday in December. Shopping, tours of historic homes, boat, carriage and trolley rides are available throughout the holiday season in the City of Lights. Lights remain on through the first weekend after New Year’s.
Photos courtesy of Mark Ussery