The City of Natchitoches, the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, was established in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St. Denis. The City of Natchitoches, (Nack-a-tish, a Natchitoches Indian word meaning Place of the Paw-Paw, or Chinquapin) is “the place to be during December!”

Natchitoches (population 18,337) is home to a National Historic Landmark District, one of only two in the state of Louisiana. The city is also home to Northwestern State University, the Cane River National Heritage Area, excellent sporting opportunities and thriving business and industry.  The town is built on

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).  Daily there are 5 plantations open in the Cane River National Heritage area, guided tours of the National Landmark Historic District, historic fort sites, museums, art galleries, shopping, dining and more.   Known as the Bed & Breakfast Capital of Louisiana, and there are also 8 national hotels in the area.  With one of the largest bed and breakfast ratios to town size in the nation, you will find a selection that will dazzle your imagination and offer something for every taste and budget.  Natchitoches was named one of the top six places to retire in the United  States, as well as one of the top eight tax havens for retirees. The city of  Natchitoches was also named one of the Top 100 Best Small Art Towns in America.   To be honest with you, as a travel writer of many years, I fell in love with this quaint town while visiting there!

One of the great Christmas events of our Southern United States is the captivating Festival Of Lights.  The Christmas Festival of Lights has been listed as a "Top 100 Events in North America.  The city of Natchitoches officially turned on its Christmas lights for the first time this season on Saturday, November 19,  during a lighting ceremony on the Fleur de Lis Stage in downtown Natchitoches, which was  immediately followed by musical entertainment by Billy O’Con. A fireworks show took place over the southern end of Cane River Lake

In conjunction with the November  19 opening ceremony, downtown merchants opened their doors for the holiday season as the city prepared for the 79th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival on Saturday, December 3. The festival will feature an assortment of family-filled activities including a parade, crafts shows, children’s activities and great food.

Christmas lights will illuminate downtown Natchitoches every night through the first week in January. Live entertainment and fireworks will take place every Saturday in Natchitoches during the month of December. 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!  “The City’s Historic Landmark District, which fronts Cane River Lake and encompasses a 33-block area, includes many historic homes, churches and commercial structures. A mixture of Queen Anne and Victorian architecture, along with Creole style cottages can be seen throughout the district.”

For more information, call the Main Street Office at (318) 357-3823. For more information about the Natchitoches Christmas Festival, visit www.christmasfestival.com .

Natchitoches Convention and Visitor's Bureau 
781 Front Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457
Toll-free: (800)259-1714
Email: Fill out our contact form  http://www.natchitoches.net/form.php
Local: (318)352-8072 - Fax: (318)352-2415

Happy Holidays and Happy Traveling.