One of the great Christmas events of our Southern United States is the captivating Festival Of Lights in the little town you’ll fall in love with - Natchitoches, Louisiana! The Christmas Festival of Lights has been listed as a "Top 100 Events in North America" by the American Business Association for numerous years and has also been honored as one of the "Top 20 Events" for December on six occasions by the Southeast Tourism Society. 

The City of Natchitoches, (Nack-a-tish, a Natchitoches Indian word meaning Place of the Paw-Paw, or Chinquapin) the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, was established in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St. Denis. Natchitoches (population 18,337) is home to a National Historic Landmark District, as well as Northwestern State University, and the Cane River (not really a river—but, sure looks like one—Cane River Lake is a beautiful, meandering body of water flowing through downtown Natchitoches and on the Plantation Country).

The Festival of Lights begins two days before Thanksgiving and lasts into the New Year. Since 1927 Christmas Festival has been held the first weekend in December. The event draws 150,000 visitors each year, and comes complete with parades, live entertainment, food fair, arts, special guest, dances, bands, and loads of “party atmosphere” you can feel comfortable bringing your family.  What is it all about?  The downtown historic area with the lake-like river is a wonderland with the lighting of 300,000+ standard size multi-colored Christmas bulbs, 77+ riverbank set pieces, and lots more! Hotels may be found at: 321.com or http://res.321hotels.com/

The unique setting of this landmark town has brought the movie industry for filming of Steel Magnolias, The Horse Soldiers and Man In The Moon.

Nov. 25 - Jan. 6, 2004
Nightly streetcar tours, carriage rides throughout the "City of Lights".
All events take place in the Landmark Historic District and along Cane River Lake. Fireworks every Saturday in December. Call for additional information (800) 259-1714
Sunday December 7 - Sunday December 21
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Photos with Santa Claus - Santa's House on the downtown riverbank
Tuesday November 25
6:00 PM Opening Ceremonies "Holiday Open House"
Downtown Historic District Business Association
Friday December 5
6:00 PM Lighted barge parade on Cane River Lake
6:30 PM Live entertainment on the Fleur de Lis Stage 'Lil' Fats Jackson - FREE
ADMISSION
7:00 PM Natchitoches/Northwestern Symphony Christmas Gala
Saturday December 6 - 77th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
A daylong celebration with arts, crafts and food vendors, entertainment, a parade and spectacular fireworks & laser show follow the lighting of 300,000+ standard size multi-colored Christmas bulbs and 77+ riverbank set pieces. Admission $5
for 12+.
11:00 AM GTO & 'D' Street Brass
1:00 PM PARADE
4:00 PM STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
6:00 PM FIREWORKS & LASER SHOW
6:30 PM NA NA SHA - Music 50s, 60s & today!
Sunday December 7 (NEW THIS YEAR!!!)
6:00 PM FIREWORKS & LASER SHOW & ENTERTAINMENT
Wednesday December 10
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Holiday Tour of Homes - Admission $15
Friday December 12
5:00PM – 8:00 PM Holiday Tour of Homes - Admission $15
Saturday December 13
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Holiday Tour of Homes, Admission $15
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Fete de Noel - Ft. St. Jean Baptiste-Admission $27:00 PM Fireworks - FREE ADMISSION
7:30 - 10:00 PM Live Entertainment - Kevin Naquin & 'Ossum Playboys
Fleur de Lis Stage - FREE ADMISSION
Wednesday December 17
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Holiday Tour of Homes, Admission $15
Friday December 19
5:00 PM - 8:00PM Holiday Tour of Homes, Admission $15 Saturday December 20
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Holiday Tour of Homes, Admission $15
7:00 PM Fireworks- FREE ADMISSION
7:30 - 10 PM Live Entertainment - Fleur de Lis Stage - FREE ADMISSION
Saturday December 27
7:00 PM Fireworks - FREE ADMISSION
Wednesday December 31
New Year's Eve Midnight - Fireworks - FREE ADMISSION
DECEMBER 1 - 23
REBEL CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK
Rebel State Historic Park, Marthaville, Louisiana 5-8:30 PM, nightly - No admission
The entire park will be covered in colored lights and with various displays
placed about the grounds. People are welcomed to drive through or stop,
walk around and enjoy the scenery. Admission is free.
December 6, 13 & 20
Pictures with Santa Claus at Rebel State Park, 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm - Parents are invited to bring children to the park to have their picture taken with Santa.
Pictures will be taken in the LA Country Music Museum and they are free of charge (This is subject to change without notice). Admission is free. For additional information contact; 888-677-3600 or (318)
472-6255

For more information about dates, admission fees, tours, and accomodations, please contact:
Natchitoches Parish
Tourist Commission
781 Front Street
Natchitoches, LA 71457
1-800-259-1714
www.christmasfestival.com

Happy Holidays and Happy Traveling.
“To The Ends Of The Earth And Then Some”
You may contact me for travel information or questions @
jones@photoandtravel.com