Festival of Lights:
When: Friday, 5-9 p.m.
Where: North Boulevard Town Square
What: Holiday celebration featuring local art vendors, music, a snow village at the River Center Plaza, a train ride on the Mansion Express at the Old Governor’s Mansion and more.
How much: Free
63rd Annual Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade:
When: Dec. 14, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Downtown Baton Rouge
What: The parade includes around 80 entries including marching bands, celebrities, dance troupes, nonprofit organizations and local businesses in seasonal themes.
How much: Free
ZooLights:
When: Nov. 29 – Dec. 30, 5:30 – 8 p.m., Closed Dec. 24 and 25
Where: BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo, 3601 Thomas Road
What: A mile-long trail through the zoo with more than 50 illuminated sculptures of animals and traditional holiday displays with special activities planned throughout the season.
How much: $5
Holiday Skating on the River:
When: Dec. 20 – Jan. 5, Closed Dec.25 and Jan.1
Where: Baton Rouge River Center Arena
What: The ticket price includes admission to one 90-minute skating session and skate rental. Multiple skating sessions are offered each day, check Downtownbatonrouge.org for times.
How much: $12
Broadway Santa:
When: Dec.6-15, 7 p.m.
Where: Reilly Theatre, Tower Drive LSU
What: Dubbed “The North Pole’s New York Debut,” this musical tale of Santa’s life features Mrs. Clause, the elves and reindeer.
How much: $17.50
Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou:
When: Dec. 21 – 22, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Where: Baton Rouge River Center Theater for the Performing Arts
What: This classic ballet incorporates local landmarks with accompaniment by the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra.
How much: $20+
Baton Rouge Concert Band Christmas Concert:
When: Dec. 15, 3 p.m.
Where: St. Joseph Cathedral Downtown Baton Rouge, 412 North St.
What: The concert includes songs such as selections from the Nutcracker Suite, music from the movie “Home Alone” and, of course, Sleigh Ride.
How much: Free
A Christmas Carol:
When: Dec. 13 – 22, Thursday-Saturday: 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: 2 p.m.; Dec.14 and 21: 2 p.m.
Where: Theatre Baton Rouge
What: Theatre Baton Rouge’s production celebrates the timeless spirit of Christmas and is a beloved holiday treat for the whole family.
How much: $13 advanced student ticket, $25 regular
Reflections of the Season:
When: Dec. 5-24, 5:30-9 p.m., Closed Monday and Tuesday
Where: 2750 N. Westport Drive Port Allen, La.
What: A spectacular holiday light display on the grounds of the West Baton Rouge Tourist Information and Conference Center with mule-driven wagon rides, ice fishing and more.
How much: $1
Celebration in the Oaks:
When: Nov. 29 – Jan. 4, Sunday-Thursday: 6-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday: 6-11 p.m. Closed Dec.24 and 31
Where: New Orleans City Park
What: City Park’s famous oaks are swathed in thousands of lights and breathtaking light displays scattered throughout 13-gated acres of the park, including the Botanical Garden, Storyland and Carousel Gardens.
How much: $8, $4 two-mile train ride