The twinkling lights are up, the cocoa’s hot, and Santa’s schedule is jam-packed! Whether you’re brunching with the big guy, singing along to holiday tunes, or shopping ‘til the sleigh bells ring, our Sparkling Geaux Guide has the holiday event you need to make December merry and bright. From dazzling light displays and festive parades to jolly performances and market magic, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year—Louisiana style.
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 6.
Breakfast with Santa
Mason’s Grill
masonsgrill.com
Includes photos with Santa, reindeer pancakes, crafts, and balloons on Saturday, December 6 and Saturday, December 13, at 9 a.m.
Pancakes with Santa
Magnolia Wilds
magnoliawilds.com
Enjoy pancakes, photos, and animal encounter shows at Magnolia Wilds. Call to book a time.
Pancakes with Santa
St. George Fire Department Headquarters
instagram.com/stgeorgefd
Bring the family for a morning filled with holiday cheer, a pancake breakfast, fire trucks, and photos with Santa himself!
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 on Sunday, December 14 and Sunday, December 21, beginning at 11 a.m.
CHEERFUL PERFORMANCES
A Dulcimer and Drums Holiday Concert
EBR Libraries
ebrpl.com
Experience an exciting concert at the East Baton Rouge Parish Libraries this month.
Amahl & The Night Visitors
Manship Theatre
manshiptheatre.org
Opéra Louisiane presents this retelling of the story of the Magi from the point of view of a young disabled boy named Amahl, who lives in poverty with his widowed mother near Bethlehem, from December 19–21.
An Evening of Holiday Jazz with George Bell & Friends
Price Leblanc PACE Center
aneveningofholidayjazz.eventbrite.com
Enjoy incredible live jazz music that’s sure to put you in the holiday spirit on Saturday, December 20.
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 7.
Baton Rouge TUBACHRISTMAS
Perkins Rowe
perkinsrowe.com
Enjoy a festive outdoor holiday performance featuring tuba and euphonium musicians on Sunday, December 14.
Christmas Eve Worship
Jefferson United Methodist Church
jumcbr.org
Enjoy a holiday service on Sunday,
December 24, at 7 p.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 Wednesday, December 24.
Christmas Play: Stories from the Birth of Christ
Jefferson United Methodist Church
jumcbr.org
Enjoy two performances on Sunday, December 7 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
Raising Cane’s River Center Theater
raisingcanesrivercenter.com
Enjoy a spectacular blend of circus artistry and holiday music featuring acrobatics, aerial acts, and family-friendly festive thrills on Tuesday, December 23.
Civic Orchestra Holiday Concert
EBR Main Library
facebook.com/civicorchbr
Enjoy a free concert by the Civic Orchestra of Baton Rouge featuring holiday favorites at 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 6.
Cool Winter Nights and Hot Jazz
Manship Theatre
manshiptheatre.org
The annual performance will feature Brian Shaw and Willis Delony with the Cool Winter Nights jazz ensemble in a program of new arrangements and holiday favorites on Tuesday, December 2 and Wednesday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch
Manship Theatre
manshiptheatre.org
See the animated film on Tuesday,
December 23 at 2 p.m.
Elf the Musical
Sullivan Theater
sullivantheater.com
Embark on a journey with Buddy from December 4–21.
Groovin’ ‘Round the Christmas Tree
Manship Theatre
manshiptheatre.org
Enjoy a unique revue of holiday hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s on Thursday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Hitmakers Come Home for the Holidays
Manship Theatre
manshiptheatre.org
Enjoy these performances on Sunday, December 28 at 7 p.m.
Holiday Brass
The Mallory
brso.org
Special concert featuring BRSO brass and percussion on Friday, December 5 from 7:30–9 p.m.
Holiday Brass
Houmas House
brso.org
Traditional holiday favorites will be performed on Sunday, December 7, 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 4, 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 Saturday, December 20, at 1 p.m. and
4 p.m.
Home for the Holidays
River Center Theatre for Performing Arts
brso.org
Hear holiday favorites with the entire
family on Saturday, December 13, from 2–3:30 p.m.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Manship Theatre
manshiptheatre.org
See the film at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 23.
Nightmare Before Christmas
Manship Theatre
manshiptheatre.org
Watch the animated film at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 5.
Nutcracker x 2: LSU Symphony & Jazz Ensemble
LSU Student Union Theater
lsu.edu/cmda
Enjoy excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker plus a jazz twist by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn on
December 1.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
The Reilly Theatre
playmakersbr.org
The holiday classic soars off the screen in this musical adaptation of the beloved television special, from December 5–14. There will be a sensory-friendly performance on Saturday, 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 7, at 2 p.m.
The Great North Pole Telethon
Independence Park Theatre
eventbrite.com
Enjoy this family-friendly show that is sure to lift your spirits and get you in the holiday spirit, from December 5–7.
The Joy of Christmas, Christmas Worship
First Baptist Zachary
fbcz.org/christmas
Enjoy a touching, musical worship experience at 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 14.
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 20–21.
The Symphony of Christmas
Zoar Baptist Church
zoarbaptist.org
Experience this spectacular holiday production, featuring a 30 ft singing Christmas tree, thousands of dazzling lights, a full live orchestra, and a cast of more than 100, from December 11–14.
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
Christmas in the Village
Denham Springs Antique Village
facebook.com/cityofds
Features a free Christmas concert by the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra on Wednesday, December 10.
Christmas on Pointe
Pointe-Marie
pointemarie.com
Get into the holiday spirit while
supporting St. Vincent de Paul on Saturday, December 6.
Christmas Tour of Homes
St. Francisville
bontempstix.com
Tour beautifully decorated homes during Christmas in the Country on Saturday, December 6, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Coca-Cola Christmas: A Month of Magic
LASM
lasm.org/christmas
Guests can enjoy joyful programming every Saturday leading up to Christmas, including larger-than-life Coca-Cola box displays, holiday-themed planetarium shows, Santa visits, hands-on activities, live performances, and pop-up science experiments, beginning Saturday, December 6.
CPKC Holiday Train Express Stops
CPKC Yard
cpkcr.com
Visit CPKC Yard on Thursday, December 2 at 6:30 p.m. to tour the holiday decorated rail cars and see performances by Dylan Marlowe and Emily Ann Roberts.
Creole Christmas & Holiday Fair
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 14.
Festival of the Bonfires
Lutcher Park
festivalofthebonfires.org
Enjoy food, live entertainment, crafts, carnival rides, and the lighting of the bonfire from December 12–14.
Free First Sunday: Santa’s Art Studio
LSU Museum of Art
lsumoa.org
Enjoy free ornament crafting, festive fun, and special story times at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 7.
Gingerbread Decorating Contest & Fun
Jefferson United Methodist Church
eventbrite.com
Sign up to make a house that is fully edible. There’ll be food, music, games, and fun, on Sunday, December 14 at 11:30 a.m.
Hankies2Hope Annual Christmas Tea
Lake House Reception Center
eventbrite.com
Enjoy a time of fellowship and hear encouraging stories at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 14.
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 Lights
Mid City Civic Theatre
instagram.com/midcitycivic
Enjoy a night of festive cheer and community spotlight on Thursday, December 18 at 6:30 p.m.
Holiday Pop-Up: Brrrr…The Grinch
BREC’s Milton J. Womack Park
brec.org
On December 6, from 5–9 p.m., see the original production of The Grinch, make Grinchy art, and enjoy green Grinch treats and warm cocoa.
Holiday Princess Tea
Old Governor’s Mansion
facebook.com/petiteprincesscompany
Meet the snow sisters and Kristoff, while enjoying sweets and photo ops on Sunday, December 7 and Sunday, December 14 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Kids Culinary Class: Gingerbread Houses
Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel
eventbrite.com
Decorate premade gingerbread houses with times available on Saturday, December 20.
Louisiana Lights
Burden Museum & Gardens
lsuagcenter.com
Through December 30, journey through illuminated garden rooms, past a sparkling lake and a shimmering tunnel of light on the grounds of the former Burden family home.
Red Stick Revelry
Davis Rhorer Plaza
redstickrevelry.com
Features live music, fireworks, and the countdown until the Red Stick drops at midnight on Wednesday, December 31.
Reindog Run
BREC’s Comite River Conservation Area
brec.org
Trot through a festive two-mile loop along the park’s scenic trails on Saturday, December 6 at 9 a.m.
Skating on the River
Raising Cane’s River Center
raisingcanesrivercenter.com
The River Center will magically transform into a winter wonderland, from
December 11–30.
Sunshine Social: Merry and Bright 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 19, from 6–9 p.m.
Teddy Bear Tea
The 121 Event Venue
tickettailor.com/events/the121
Enjoy tea and treats and leave with a
teddy bear from 2–4 p.m. on Sunday, December 14.
The Merriest Mile
Livingston Parish Fairgrounds
themerriestmile.com
Enjoy synchronized lights dancing to holiday tunes, dazzling attractions, and Louisiana’s tallest MegaTree, now through Sunday, December 28.
Zoo Lights
BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo
brzoo.org
Now through Tuesday, 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 6.
City of Walker Christmas Parade
City of Walker
facebook.com/cityofwalkerla
Enjoy the parade on Saturday, December 6 at 3 p.m.
Jingle Jeepin’ Parade & Market
West Baton Rouge
westbatonrouge.net
On Saturday, December 6, the parade rolls out at 5:30 p.m. The craft market will run from noon–8 p.m.
Jones Creek Christmas Parade
Jones Creek Road
jcaba.org
Watch the parade as it strolls down Jones Creek Road on Sunday, December 14, at 2:30 p.m.
Lighted Christmas Parade
Town of Livingston
facebook.com/visitlivingstonparish
Experience a lighted Christmas Parade at noon on Saturday, December 6.
Zachary Christmas Parade
Downtown Zachary
cityofzachary.org
Enjoy festive fun at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 6.
MISTLETOE MARKETS
Baton Rouge Winter Wonderland Craft and Vendor Market
Tanger Outlets
eventbrite.com
Shop local vendors from December 13–14.
Christmas Marché
30372 Eden Church Road
marketinnorthpark@gmail.com
Enjoy free Santa and Grinch photos, live music, food trucks, a petting zoo, train rides, face painting, balloon art, and all-day giveaways on December 6.
Gonzales Holiday Market
Lamar-Dixon Expo Center
attexpomarket.com
On Friday, December 12, 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.–4 p.m. on Saturday, December 13.
Merry Snowflake Market
39299 Tommy Moore Road in Gonzales
instagram.com/sweet_magnolia_place
Shop over 20 vendors at this festive holiday market on Saturday, December 13.
St. Nicholas Christmas Market
Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School
mbsbr.org
Enjoy unique gifts, food, family activities, and photos with Santa hosted by the MBS Cheer & Dance Teams on Saturday,
December 6.
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 7, from 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Annual Whoville
Oak Point Shopping Center (Watson)
cajuncutiesco.com
Enjoy Breakfast with Santa and the Grinch, all-day Grinch meet-and-greets, local vendors, costume contests, Christmas music, photo spots, and prize giveaways on Saturday, December 13.
Family Night at Stine
Stine (Walker)
facebook.com/stinehomewalker
Enjoy sleigh rides, fire trucks, a concrete pumping truck, crafts, face painting, Santa, and more at this family-friendly event on Friday, December 12.
Festival of Lights
North Boulevard Town Square
visitbatonrouge.com
Baton Rouge’s oldest holiday tradition transforms the winter sky into a wonderland of light and joy on Friday, December 5.
Holly Jolly PJ Party
Knock Knock Children’s Museum
knockknockmuseum.org
Enjoy festive winter-themed play, crafts, Santa photos, hot chocolate, breakfast treats, and fun activities on Saturday, December 6.
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 13, from 2–6 p.m.
Merry Moments with Santa
Perkins Rowe
perkinsrowe.com
Enjoy festive photo opportunities with Santa on Tuesdays, December 2, December 9, and December 16.
NOLA ChristmasFest
New Orleans Ernest N.
Morial Convention Center
nolachristmasfest.com
From December 21–29, 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 1, and Monday, December 8.
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 7.
PJ Night with Santa
Perkins Rowe
perkinsrowe.com
Wear your comfiest pajamas and enjoy a delightful evening of pajama fashion on Wednesday, 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 Wednesday, December 10, from 4–7 p.m.
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 5.
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 13.
Santa’s Wonderland
Bass Pro Shops
basspro.com/santa
Through December 24, enjoy photos with Santa, festive games, crafts, and special events like Christmas Tales and Yuletide Breakfast.
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 6, from 9 a.m.–noon.
Sensory Santa
Perkins Rowe
perkinsrowe.com
This inclusive event offers a calm and welcoming environment for children with sensory sensitivities on Sundays, December 7 and December 14.
