Downtown Baton Rouge is set to shimmer this holiday season with two beloved community traditions—the Festival of Lights on Friday, December 5, 2025, and Red Stick Revelry on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Both events, held at Rhorer Plaza, are free and open to the public, offering family-friendly fun that captures the spirit of the Capital City.
Presented by the City of Baton Rouge and the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, the Festival of Lights marks the official start of the holiday season. Beginning at 4 p.m., visitors can browse the Arts Market for one-of-a-kind gifts, enjoy festive performances, and watch as Mayor-President Sid Edwards lights up North Boulevard with half a million sparkling lights. Families can gather around the 30-foot Christmas tree in Town Square before the evening ends with a dazzling fireworks display lighting up the winter sky.
A few weeks later, the celebration continues with Red Stick Revelry, Baton Rouge’s official New Year’s Eve event. Sponsored by Visit Baton Rouge, BankPlus, and Louisiana First News, the evening features live music, fireworks, and the city’s iconic Red Stick drop at midnight. Families can also enjoy Red Stick Rising, an earlier event designed especially for kids to join in the fun.
This year, Louisiana First News (NBC33/FOX44) will provide live coverage of both events. “These celebrations bring people together and remind us that Louisiana’s greatest strength is its spirit,” says Tim Ingram, Vice President and General Manager of NBC33/FOX44.
For details and updates, visit artsbr.org or follow @artscouncilgbr on social media to join the holiday magic in downtown Baton Rouge.
