When it comes to Christmas celebrations in Louisiana, few can compare to the Natchitoches Christmas Festival. Not only is it one of the best Christmas Festivals in the country, but it’s one of the longest-running festivals, too! With Christmas quickly approaching, now is the time to head over to Louisiana’s oldest town and experience this holiday festival for yourself. 

2023 marks the 97th year for the Natchitoches Christmas Festival, and this might just be the best year yet.
Anirudh Grey/Google Reviews
The six-week festival runs until January 6, 2024, so you've still got plenty of time to see it.
The Cane River Lake truly transforms at night.
Rolando/Google Reviews
Over 100 illuminated set pieces and more than 300,000 lights adorn the riverbank for all to see.
Here's a helpful map of the festival.
Natchitoches Christmas/Facebook
From kid zones to food vendors, the entire Riverbank in downtown Natchitoches plays a part in the festival.
Local shops will have extended hours for shoppers to snag last-minute gifts, too.
MeganMarie/Google Reviews
Be sure to stroll down Front Street to check out all of the wonderful window displays.

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Many of the historic homes are decorated, too.
Carmen Gonzalez/Google Reviews
Spend some time strolling through the 33-block Historic District. Pictured above is the famous Steel Magnolias House, which you can spend the night in!
Tickets to the Christmas Festival are $10.
Jessica Borrero/Google Reviews
Children 6 and younger are free. Admission to the Riverbank area is only charged on select Saturdays. It’s free from Sunday through Friday.
If you're still looking for something to do on this last weekend before Christmas, this is the place to be.
S.T/Google Reviews
This Saturday, December 23 there will be a drone show before the fireworks! Admission is FREE (even though it’s a Saturday) so come out and watch a unique drone show over the Cane River Lake!
After the drone show, stick around for the fireworks display and live music.
Carmen Gonzalez/Google Reviews
Chase Tyler Band, a two-time Louisiana Music Hall of Fame member, will take the Riverbank Stage at 7:15 p.m.

Visit the Natchitoches Christmas Festival website to learn more, and be sure to follow the Natchitoches Christmas Festival on Facebook so you don’t miss out on any special announcements.

What are your favorite Christmas celebrations in Louisiana? Shout ’em out in the comments section!

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Natchitoches, LA, USA