The holiday season is here! Explore our “winter” wonderland here in Baton Rouge and beyond to see Santa, have a delicious brunch, watch seasonal favorites on stage, and finish your holiday shopping. Let’s geaux!
BUNCHES OF BRUNCHES
Breakfast with Santa
Grace Church of West Feliciana
bontempstix.com
Enjoy breakfast, crafts, Santa, and performances from the WFHS Cheer and Dance Team from 8 a.m.–noon on Saturday, December 7.
Breakfast with Santa
Jefferson United Methodist Church
jumcbr.org
Enjoy breakfast with Santa at 8 a.m. on Saturday, December 7.
Breakfast with Santa
Mason’s Grill
masonsgrill.com
Includes photos with Santa, reindeer pancakes, crafts, and balloons on Saturday, December 8 and Saturday, December 15, at 9 a.m.
Brunch with Santa
The Legacy at Bonne Esperance
eventbrite.com
Enjoy a brunch buffet with a visit from Santa on Saturday, December 14, from 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Pancakes at the North Pole
Main Event Baton Rouge
eventbrite.com
Enjoy cookie decorating and eating pancakes, write a letter to Santa, and meet Santa on Sunday, December 8.
Pancakes with Santa
Barn Hill Preserve
barnhillpreserve.com
Enjoy pancakes, photos, and animal encounter shows on Saturdays, December 7, 14, and 21 and Sundays, December 8, 15, and 22, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Princess and Superhero Holiday Soirée
St. George Fire Department
facebook.com/stgeorgefire
Have pancakes with Santa or flapjacks with firefighters at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 14.
Santa’s Jingle Bell Brunch
Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center
eventbrite.com
Includes a brunch buffet, hot chocolate bar, photos with Santa, and sugar cookie decorating from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. on Sunday, December 15.
CHEERFUL PERFORMANCES
A Christmas Carol
Theatre Baton Rouge
theatrebr.org
See the holiday classic on stage from December 6–15.
A Christmas Concert
Price Leblanc PACE Center
eventbrite.com
Enjoy a concert with George Bell and friends on Friday, December 6.
A Dulcimer and Drums Holiday Concert
EBR Libraries
ebrpl.com
Experience an exciting concert at the East Baton Rouge Parish Libraries this month.
Baton Rouge Concert Band Christmas Concert
St. Joseph Cathedral
brcb.org
The band will accompany the telling of Twas the Night Before Christmas from 3–5 p.m. on Sunday, December 8.
Light Has Come, Christmas Worship
First Baptist Zachary
fbcz.org/christmas
Enjoy a touching, musical worship experience at 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 15.
Christmas Choir Cantata
Jefferson United Methodist Church
jumcbr.org
Enjoy a holiday service on Sunday, December 8, at 10:30 a.m.
Christmas Eve Candlelight & Lord’s Supper Service
First Baptist Zachary
fbcz.org/christmas
Celebrate Christmas Eve at 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 24.
Christmas in the Air
Zoar Baptist Church
zoarbaptist.org
Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas from December 12–15.
Christmas Spectacular Concert
EBR Main Library
facebook.com/civicorchbr
Enjoy a free concert by the Civic Orchestra of Baton Rouge featuring holiday favorites at 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 15.
Cool Winter Nights and Hot Jazz
Manship Theatre
manshiptheatre.org
Jazz evening featuring Brian Shaw, Robin Barnes, Willis Delony, and Fr. Greg Daigle from December 3–4.
Disney Frozen Jr.
The Reilly Theatre
playmakersbr.org
A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. Every Friday and Saturday from December 13–22.
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch
Manship Theatre
manshiptheatre.org
Watch the animated film at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11.
Holiday Brass
Hemingbough
brso.org
Special concert featuring BRSO brass and percussion on Friday, December 6 from 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Holiday Brass
Houmas House
brso.org
Traditional holiday favorites will be performed on Sunday, December 8, from 4:30–6 p.m.
Holiday Brass
St. Joseph Cathedral
brso.org
The glorious St. Joseph Cathedral is the perfect backdrop for renditions of traditional holiday favorites on Thursday, December 5, from 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Holiday Nutcracker
The Dunham School Theatre
cangelosidanceproject.com
The Cangelosi Dance Project presents two performances of their annual Nutcracker on Sunday, December 15, at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Home for the Holidays
River Center Theatre for Performing Arts
brso.org
Hear holiday favorites for the entire family on Saturday, December 21, from 2–4 p.m.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Manship Theatre
manshiptheatre.org
See the film at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11.
JUMC Christmas Play
Jefferson United Methodist Church
jumcbr.org
Enjoy two performances on Sunday, December 15, from 2–3 p.m.
Morgan James: A Very Soulful Christmas
Manship Theatre
manshiptheatre.org
Morgan James is a Juilliard trained singer, songwriter, actress, and recording artist in New York City. See her soulful Christmas performance on Thursday, December 12, at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Movies on the Plaza: Holiday Edition
EBR Main Library
ebrpl.com
Watch a holiday classic on the plaza’s big screen. Bring your lawn chair or blanket, enjoy hot chocolate from S.A.B.’s Snowball Shoppe, and stay for the after-movie dance party on Friday, December 13.
Santa’s Little Helpers
Manship Theatre
manshiptheatre.org
Follow four little elves as they discover who they are, what true friendship is, and what purpose they have as one of Santa’s little helpers on Sunday, December 8, at 2 p.m.
The Extra Elf: A Holiday Surprise
Independence Park Theatre
eventbrite.com
Enjoy a festive tale that celebrates generosity, holiday magic, and the joy of finding one’s place on Saturday, December 7 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 8 at 2 p.m.
The First Christmas: Tales from the Birth of Christ
Jefferson United Methodist Church
eventbrite.com
Experience the magic of the season with storytelling and music at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 15.
The Nutcracker–A Tale from the Bayou
River Center Theatre for Performing Arts
batonrougeballet.org
Experience the holiday classic performed by the dancers of Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre from December 14–15.
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
A Very Merry Museum
LASM
lasm.org
Includes hands-on art and science activities, science experiments, holiday-themed planetarium shows, free Coca-Cola Polar Bear plushes for the first 100 children in the building, and photo-op with Santa Claus and the iconic Coca-Cola truck on Saturday, December 7.
Christmas in the Village
Denham Springs Antique Village
facebook.com/cityofds
Features a free Christmas concert by the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra on Thursday, December 19.
Christmas on Pointe
Pointe-Marie
pointemarie.com
Enjoy Santa pictures, food trucks, a DJ, crafts, a Christmas Market, and inflatable games on Saturday, December 7.
Christmas Tour of Homes
St. Francisville
bontempstix.com
Tour beautifully decorated homes during Christmas in the Country on Saturday, December 7, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
CPKC Holiday Train Express Stops
CPKC Yard
cpkcr.com
Visit CPKC Yard on Thursday, December 5, from 4–8 p.m. to tour the holiday decorated rail cars.
Creole Christmas
BREC’s Magnolia Mound
brec.org
Hear traditional songs in French and Spanish, see period demonstrations, and visit with the vendors from noon–5 p.m. on Sunday, December 15.
Festival of the Bonfires
Lutcher Park
festivalofthebonfires.org
Enjoy food, live entertainment, crafts, carnival rides, and the lighting of the bonfire from December 13–15.
Hankies2Hope Mothers Christmas Tea
The Lake House
eventbrite.com
Enjoy a time of fellowship, hear encouraging stories, have a time of remembrance, and receive hope for the holidays from 2–4 p.m. on Sunday, December 1.
Hilton’s New Year’s Eve Party
Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center
eventbrite.com
Gatsby-esque glamour party, including a Dueling Pianos performance from 88ReasonsWhy on Tuesday, December 31.
Holiday Lights
Baton Rouge General
brgeneral.org
The green space in front of the hospital is transformed into a twinkling, singing, and musically-synchronized lights display for the community to enjoy, now through December 31.
Holiday Open House & Toy Drive Distribution
Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge
fhfgbr.org
Enjoy holiday refreshments, get creative with festive crafts, and meet dedicated staff from 1–3 p.m. on Saturday, December 14.
Holiday Princess Tea
Old Governor’s Mansion
facebook.com/petiteprincesscompany
Meet the snow sisters and Kristoff, while enjoying sweets and photo ops. Times TBA.
Ice Skating on the River
Raising Cane’s River Center
raisingcanesrivercenter.com
The River Center will magically transform into a winter wonderland, from December 18–January 8.
Kids Culinary Class: Gingerbread Houses
Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel
eventbrite.com
Decorate premade gingerbread houses with times on December 7 and December 8.
Land of the Sweets Nutcracker Tea
Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel
batonrougeballet.org
Enjoy an afternoon of dancing, crafts, and photos with the cast at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 1.
Louisiana Lights
Burden Museum & Gardens
lsu.edu/rurallife
Journey through illuminated garden rooms, past a sparkling lake and a shimmering tunnel of light on the grounds of the former Burden family home. Held through December 29 on Thursdays–Sundays, 5:30–8 p.m.
Mini Holiday Workshop
Louisiana Culinary Institute
eventbrite.com
Bake cookies for Santa and make Reindeer food on Saturday, December 7.
New Year’s Eve
Shaw Center for the Arts
eventbrite.com
Ring in both the New Year and the year of the Center’s 20th Anniversary on Tuesday, December 31.
New Year’s Eve Celebration
Crowne Plaza
Executive Center Baton Rouge
facebook.com/crownebaton
Celebrate the New Year with Chase Tyler Band & Wayne Toups from 7 p.m.–2 a.m. on Tuesday, December 31.
Red Stick Revelry
Davis Rhorer Plaza
redstickrevelry.com
Features live music, fireworks, and the countdown until the Red Stick drops at midnight on Tuesday, December 31.
Reindeer Ride
BREC’s Farr Park Equestrian Center
brec.org
Experience a unique eight-mile nighttime family bike ride on Friday, December 6, from 6–8 p.m.
Sunshine Social: Winter Wonderland Ball
BREC’s Milton J. Womack Park Ballroom
brec.org
Get into the holiday spirit with this social for adults and teens with disabilities on Friday, December 20, from 6–9 p.m.
Teddy Bear Tea
The 121 Event Venue
eventbrite.com
Experience a holiday celebration for kids from 2–4 p.m. on Sunday, December 15.
The Merriest Mile
Livingston Parish Fairgrounds
themerriestmile.com
Enjoy synchronized lights dancing to holiday tunes, dazzling attractions, and Louisiana’s tallest MegaTree, now through Tuesday, December 31.
Zoo Lights
BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo
brzoo.org
Now through December 30, enjoy a trail of thousands of dazzling lights around the zoo.
HOLLY JOLLY PARADES
Broadmoor’s Annual Christmas Parade
Broadmoor High School
facebook.com/broadmoorresidentsassociation
Parade rolls at 11 a.m. and features floats, cars, music, and other entertainment on Saturday, December 7.
City of Walker Christmas Parade
City of Walker
facebook.com/cityofwalkerparksandrec
Enjoy the parade on Saturday, December 7, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade
Downtown Baton Rouge
christmasinbr.com
Celebrate Christmas with this seasonal parade on Saturday, December 14.
Jones Creek Christmas Parade
Jones Creek Road
jcaba.org
Watch the parade as it strolls down Jones Creek Road on Sunday, December 8, at 2:30 p.m.
Lighted Christmas Parade
Town of Livingston
facebook.com/townlivla
Experience a lighted Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 14.
Zachary Christmas Parade
Downtown Zachary
zacharychamber.com
Enjoy festive fun at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 14.
MISTLETOE MARKETS
Baton Rouge Winter Wonderland Craft and Vendor Market
Tanger Outlets
eventbrite.com
Shop local vendors from December 14–15.
Christmas in the Village
Downtown Zachary
cityofzachary.org
Shop, eat, and have a lot of holiday fun from 6–9 p.m. on Friday, December 13. The Mistletoe Holiday Shopping Market will continue on Saturday, December 14, from 9 a.m.–noon.
Gonzales Holiday Market
Lamar-Dixon Expo Center
attexpomarket.com
On Friday, December 13, this market is open to the public for all holiday shopping needs.
Holidays at the Depot
Electric Depot
facebook.com/localpopupshop
Enjoy this holiday market from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. on Saturday, December 14.
St. Nicholas Christmas Market
Most Blessed Sacrament School
mbsbr.org
Includes pictures with Santa, hot chocolate, vendors, and games from December 6–7.
SANTA SIGHTINGS
A Rural Life Christmas
LSU Rural Life Museum
lsu.edu/rurallife
Experience the past with music, artisans, storytellers, and costumed re-enactors before ending the day with a magical surprise and a special guest. Held Sunday, December 8, from 10 a.m. until dusk.
Christmas on Pointe
Pointe-Marie
eventbrite.com
Includes Santa photos, food trucks, a DJ, crafts, a Christmas market, and inflatable games from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. on Saturday, December 7.
Festival of Lights
North Boulevard Town Square
visitbatonrouge.com
Holiday celebration featuring 250,000 sparkling lights, a 35-foot Christmas tree, a snow village complete with ice skating, and a visit from Santa Claus himself on Friday, December 6.
Holly Jolly Jamboree
St. Luke’s Episcopal School
stlukesbrschool.org
Take pictures with Santa, eat delicious pancakes, and enjoy a variety of activities on Saturday, December 7.
Holly Jolly PJ Party
Knock Knock Children’s Museum
knockknockmuseum.org/hollyjolly
Enjoy a holiday pajama party filled with Winter Wonderland activities, hot chocolate, snowball donut treats, and a picture with Santa on Thursday, December 12, from 5:30– 7:30 p.m.
Jingle Barre with Santa
Perkins Rowe
perkinsrowe.com
Wear your most festive outfit and get ready to move and groove in this family-friendly class! After the class, stick around to capture a holiday photo with Santa himself on Wednesday, December 18, from 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Let it Sneaux
BREC’s Perkins Road Community Park
brec.org
Take photos with Santa, enjoy live music, watch movies, and play in the snow on Saturday, December 14, from 1–5 p.m.
NOLA ChristmasFest
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
nolachristmasfest.com
From December 20–30, enjoy skating with Santa, mini Christmas parades, and toy giveaways.
Pet Night with Santa
Perkins Rowe
perkinsrowe.com
Have your pet’s photo taken with Santa from 4–7 p.m. on Monday, December 2, and Monday, December 9.
Pictures with Santa
Mall of Louisiana
malloflouisiana.com
Take tree-mendous photos with Santa, now through December 24.
Pictures with Santa
Mike Anderson’s Seafood
facebook.com/mikeandersonsseafood
Meet Santa and enjoy activities, Christmas cookies, a petting zoo, and crafts from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. on Sunday, December 1.
PJ Night with Santa
Perkins Rowe
perkinsrowe.com
Wear your comfiest pajamas and enjoy a delightful evening of pajama fashion on Tuesday, December 17, from 4–7 p.m.
Purple and Gold Night with Santa
Perkins Rowe
perkinsrowe.com
Show your Tiger pride by wearing purple and gold with the man in red on Tuesday, December 10, from 4–7 p.m.
Santa Cares
Perkins Rowe
perkinsrowe.com
Allows people of all ages and abilities to visit with Santa in an all-inclusive environment from 9:30–10:30 a.m. on Sunday, December 8.
Santa in the Senate
Louisiana’s Old State Capitol
louisianaoldstatecapitol.org
Meet Santa and enjoy the festive atmosphere as you create cherished memories together on Friday, December 6.
Santa Rocks the Rowe
Perkins Rowe
perkinsrowe.com
Take photos with Santa and enjoy live music, face painting, and writing letters to Santa from 5–8 p.m. on Saturday, December 14.
Sensory Santa
North Sherwood Forest Community Park
brec.org
Children and adults with sensory-processing disorders have an opportunity to enjoy activities and meet Santa on Saturday, December 7, from 9 a.m.–noon.
Snow and Glow
Baton Rouge General
brgeneral.org
Family-friendly event featuring snow; glow-in-the-dark performers; and a chance to jingle and mingle with Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves, and more on Thursdays, December 5 and December 12.
Ugly Sweater Night with Santa
Perkins Rowe
perkinsrowe.com
Wear your ugly Christmas sweater from 4–7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3.
