November
What: Louisiana Renaissance Festival
When: through Dec. 7
Where: Hammond
The Louisiana Renaissance Festival brings to life what an English village and festive marketplace could have been like, mixed with a little bit of Louisiana spice. There will be seven stages, 100 merchants and a cast and crew of more than 300 people putting on one of the best events in Louisiana. The festival is held weekends only, and on Friday, Nov. 28 (day after Thanksgiving) rain or shine from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Info: (985) 985-9992 or (877) 203-2910, or visit www.la-renfest.org
What: Prospect.1 New Orleans
When: through Jan. 18
Where: New Orleans
Prospect.1 New Orleans will be the largest international exhibition of contemporary art ever presented in the United States, showcasing the work of 75 artists from around the globe while establishing New Orleans as a major center for contemporary visual art exhibitions. The exhibition plan calls for a total of 100,000 square feet of exhibition space, divided among several museums and other buildings in various historic New Orleans neighborhoods, including the Warehouse District, the Bywater, French Quarter, the Marigny and the Treme.
Info: Visit www.prospectneworleans.org
What: White Light Night Art Hop
When: Nov. 21
Where: Baton Rouge
This annual event is held every Friday before Thanksgiving. The Mid City Merchants Association is once again bringing this event to Baton Rouge to see the latest in art trends, meet the artists and help start the holiday season. Hop a ride on one of the Gerry Lane shuttle vans, the city’s red trolleys or carpool with friends. Refreshments will be served at each participating location. Festivities will take place from 6–10 p.m.
Info: (225) 924-6437, or visit www.midcitymerchants.com
What: Celebration in The Oaks Adult Preview Party
When: Nov. 21
Where: New Orleans Botanical Gardens in City Park
New Orleans City Park annually hosts a magical holiday festival with lights, a snow machine, amusement rides, entertainment, dinosaurs and more. Adults can kick off the 2008 holiday season at the Celebration in the Oaks Preview Party. This sparkling holiday party previewing the light display benefits the New Orleans Botanical Garden. There will be live music, food, libation and spirit providers. The event takes place from 7:30–11 p.m.
Info: (504) 483-9415, or visit http://celebrationintheoaks.com
What: Camp Moore Annual Civil War Living History Encampment
When: Nov. 22–23
Where: Camp Moore Confederate Museum, Tangipahoa
Scripted battles, living history and memorial ceremonies highlight this two-day event held from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. each day. It will feature entertainment and education for the entire family. Souvenirs and books will be available for purchase.
Info: (985) 229-2438, or visit http://personal.atl.bellsouth.net/c/o/cosby_w/reenactment.htm
What: 82nd Annual Festival of Lights
When: Nov. 22–Jan. 6, 2009
Where: Natchitoches
Experience the charm of the original French colony in Louisiana during the Festival of Lights and Christmas Festival, one of the nation’s oldest community-based holiday celebrations. Throughout the six-week celebration, mini-festivals are held every weekend with a Holiday Tour of Homes, entertainment and fireworks every Saturday and at midnight on New Year's Eve. More than 500,000 visitors annually trek to Natchitoches during the holiday season to enjoy the light displays, riverbank vendors, shops, restaurants and nightly tours by streetcar or carriages. The Christmas Festival will take place the first weekend in December and draws in excess of 100,000 visitors for the parade, live entertainment, food fair, arts and crafts show and a spectacular fireworks show over the scenic Cane River Lake.
Info: (800) 259-1714, or visit www.christmasfestival.com
What: Celebration In The Oaks: Childrens’ Preview Party
When: Nov. 23
Where: New Orleans City Park
New Orleans City Park annually hosts a magical holiday festival with lights, a snow machine, amusement rides, entertainment, dinosaurs and more. The Children’s Preview Party features a smorgasboard of all the food kids can't get enough of–chili, cookies, candy, hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, cakes, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, icees, chips, soda and much more, plus all the amusement rides and entertainment from dancers, musicians, puppets, and other treats. Attendance is limited.
Info: (504) 482-4888, or visit http://celebrationintheoaks.com
What: Holiday in the Oaks
When: Nov. 26–Jan. 6
Where: E. D. White Historic Site, Thibodaux
Centuries old oak trees will be gloriously lit with lights too numerous to count. Plus, there will be Cajun Santa appearances and holiday caroling.
Info: (985) 447-0915, or visit www.lafourche-tourism.org
What: Celebration In The Oaks
When: Nov. 28–Dec. 30
Where: New Orleans City Park
New Orleans City Park annually hosts a magical holiday festival with lights, a snow machine, amusement rides, entertainment, dinosaurs and more. The lighting display is open weekends only starting Nov. 28 and open nightly starting Dec. 5. It is closed Dec. 24 and 25. Hours are 6–11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 6–10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Admission is $5 per person and children under 3 are admitted for free.
Info: (504) 483-9415, or visit http://celebrationintheoaks.com
What: Tickfaw Christmas Parade
When: Nov. 29
Where: Tickfaw
This annual Christmas parade also features a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony and caroling at the Tickfaw pavilion. Festivities will take place from 7–10 p.m.
Info: (800) 542-7520
What: Rockets Over the Red
When: Nov. 29
Where: River View Park, Shreveport
A day of fun featuring great food, local musicians and games for the children culminates in the region's most spectacular fireworks display that is beautifully choreographed to holiday music. The fireworks are launched from the Red River and the Texas Street Bridge around 8:15 p.m.
Info: Visit www.downtownshreveport.com
What: Arts Market of New Orleans
When: Nov. 29
Where: Palmer Park, New Orleans
Presented by the Arts Council of New Orleans, the Arts Market is a monthly arts market held the last Saturday of every month. Located at Palmer Park in the lovely Carrollton Section of Uptown New Orleans, the Arts Market is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and has no admission charge. The market features handmade, affordable art from local and regional artists including painting, photography, ceramics, glass, jewelry, wood and more. The Arts Market also features live entertainment, food and beverage booths, and a children’s activities area.
Info: (504) 523-1465, or visit www.artscouncilofneworleans.org
What: Louisiana Indian Heritage Association (LIHA) 42nd Annual Fall Powwow
When: Nov. 29–30
Where: Gonzales
A Native American Powwow is a celebration of Native traditions featuring drum music, singing, dancing, crafts, story-telling, flute music and Native American food specialties. Guests will gain insight into Native American traditions. Hours are 5–11 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on Saturday. The event will take place at the Lamar Dixon Arena in Gonzales.
Info: (504) 837-6085, or visit http://liha-news.com
December
What: New Iberia Christmas Parade
When: Dec. 1
Where: New Iberia
Enjoy this Christmas Parade with Santa Claus, marching bands, dance groups and more. It’s always held on the Monday after Thanksgiving.
Info: (337) 365-1428, or visit www.cityofnewiberia.com
What: 19th Century Christmas Decoration
When: Dec. 1–31
Where: Rosedown Plantation, St. Francisville
Rosedown Plantation will be dressed in historic, early-to mid-19th century-style Christmas décor, consisting of natural greenery garlands, fruit and nut displays, cypress and cedar wreaths, and potted poinsettia blooms.
Info: (888) 376-1867, or visit http://stfrancisville.us
What: December on the Red
When: Dec. 1–31
Where: Shreveport
Shreveport-Bossier's holiday season celebration features awesome lights, neon, fireworks, home tours, parades and more. See musicians, festivals, the symphony and ballet, the riverfront and casinos.
Info: (888) 458-4748, or visit www.decemberonthered.com
What: Downtown Christmas Lighting
When: Dec. 5
Where: Downtown Ponchatoula
The holiday festivities begin at 6 p.m. at City Hall with the lighting of the community Christmas tree. Then the Ponchatoula High School Band will perform and downtown businesses will be open offering refreshments. The choirs from several churches and schools will be performing throughout town. Santa Claus will arrive at Collinswood School Museum. Festivities will end around 9 p.m.
Info: (985) 386-2536, or visit www.ponchatoulachamber.com
What: North Boulevard Festival of Lights
When: Dec. 5
Where: Baton Rouge
Tradition, arts and music will celebrate the holiday season on North Boulevard. This holiday celebration will feature local art vendors, a star canopy hanging from the oak trees, Bethlehem Village (a real life village set in Biblical times where children can craft ornaments and decorations), Live Nativity Scene, open house at the Old Governor’s Mansion, Playmakers production of the “Magical Toy Shop” at the Old State Capitol, Jingle Bell Jog and more. The concert performance area will be located in the intersection of North Boulevard and Third Street.
Info: (225) 389-5520, or visit www.visitbatonrouge.com
What: A Colonial Christmas
When: Dec. 5–6
Where: St. Francisville
Come experience the sights and sounds of an early 19th century Christmas at Oakley House, which will be festively decorated with natural greenery for the occasion. During the day the kitchen will come alive with costumed living historians busily preparing period holiday dishes. Please note that Friday is a school program and geared towards children. On Saturday night, candlelit tours of Oakley House will be held from 6–8 p.m.
Info: (888) 677-2838, or visit http://stfrancisville.us
What: 7th annual Christmas Under the Oaks
When: Dec. 5–6
Where: Sulphur
The 7th annual Christmas Under the Oaks celebration at the Brimstone Museum and Henning Cultural Center will feature carnival rides, live music, Kiwanis’ annual “Balloons on Parade,” the Holiday House Christmas Market and finally, the Spectacle of Lights.
Info: (337) 436-9588, or visit www.visitlakecharles.org
What: Christmas under the Stars
When: Dec. 5–7
Where: Slidell
Visit Olde Towne Slidell's Griffith Park for this magical holiday celebration featuring live entertainment, storytelling, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a Parade of Trees, plus holiday decorations. Festivities will take place from 6–9 p.m. nightly.
Info: (985) 646-4375, or visit www.slidell.la.us
What: Plaquemines Parish Fair & Orange Festival
When: Dec. 5–7
Where: Belle Chasse
Taste a “slice” of Louisiana at the Plaquemines Parish Orange Festival. Experience wonderful food, entertainment, contests, crafts, novelties and hospitality. Just a few miles from New Orleans, Belle Chasse is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the event this year. The festival is held in Medal of Honor Park. Hours are 6–10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children 3–12.
Info: (504) 656-7599, or visit http://orangefestival.com
What: Art Gumbo Market
When: Dec. 6
Where: Sorrento
This is an open air market joining the farmer’s and the artists from 8 a.m.–noon. Held at the Ascension Fresh Market, it features fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods, and more with original Art and Gifts. There are painting artists, wood carvers, potters, jewelry, fabric art, soaps and candles, gourd art, folk art, photography, wood builders and more. Plus, there will be musical entertainment and a children’s activity booth.
Info: (225) 644-8496, or visit www.artgumbo.org
What: Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival
When: Dec. 6
Where: Oil City
Always the first Saturday in December at Earl Williamson Park in Oil City, the festival will feature fireworks, food, entertainment, clowns, craft vendors and Santa Claus. Booths open at 3 p.m. and the fireworks will begin at 6 p.m. The event concludes at 9 p.m.
Info: (318) 222-9391, or visit www.shreveportbossierfunguide.com
What: A Bayou Christmas
When: Dec. 6
Where: Larose
This Cajun Christmas Celebration will feature music, a decorated park, lighted boat parade, hot chocolate and much more. It’s always held on the first Saturday in December.
Info: (985) 693-7355, or visit www.bayoucivicclub.org
What: Delcambre Holiday Gumbo Cook-off & Boat Parade
When: Dec. 6
Where: Delcambre
Enjoy a Gumbo Cook-off and Christmas Boat Parade on the Bayou. Boats of all sizes are welcomed to participate. Anyone who has a boat and is willing to decorate it in the Christmas spirit is asked to join in the fun. The Gumbo Cook-off begins at noon and the boats will leave Lake Peigneur and head to the Delcambre boat docks for the parade at 6:30 p.m. A fireworks display will begin at 8 p.m.
Info: (888) 942-3742, or visit www.delcambreboatparade.com
What: Hammond Christmas Parade
When: Dec. 6
Where: Hammond
Hammond is celebrating its 50th annual Christmas Parade. The parade will roll at 5 p.m., and this year’s theme will be “The Golden Gift of Giving.”
Info: (985) 345-4457, or visit www.hammondchamber.org
What: Oak Alley Plantation Annual Christmas Bonfire Party
When: Dec. 6
Where: Oak Alley Plantation, Vacherie
The festivities begin at 7 pm and continue until midnight in the antebellum mansion and on the surrounding terrace and grounds. From the balcony, a brass quintet welcomes arriving guests and leads the traditional parade up the quarter mile alley to the levee for the lighting of the bonfire, caroling and fireworks right on the banks of the Mississippi River. Then head back to the mansion for more dancing with live music and round out the evening with coffee, hot chocolate and beignets. There will be delicious Cajun/Creole buffets and open bars, a lively dance band, door prizes and plenty of good cheer. Tickets are $125 per person, and space is limited.
Info: (225) 265-2151 or (800) 44ALLEY, or visit www.oakalleyplantation.com
What: Light Up the Lake
When: Dec. 6
Where: Lake Charles
Enjoy holiday parades, caroling, a performance by the Community Band, a lighted boat parade, gingerbread house contest and a glittering fireworks display over shimmering Lake Charles.
Info: (337) 436-9588, or visit www.visitlakecharles.org
What: DeQuincy Christmas Parade
When: Dec. 6
Where: DeQuincy
The DeQuincy annual Christmas Parade will start at 11 a.m. followed by the Parade of Homes and Taste of the Holidays at 5 p.m., with fireworks that evening at 8 p.m.
Info: (337) 436-9588, or visit www.visitlakecharles.org
What: Baton Rouge Arts Market
When: Dec. 6
Where: Main at Fifth Street, Baton Rouge
The Arts Market is an open-air market and cultural event featuring more than 50 artists from Louisiana with pottery, jewelry, woodwork, photography and more. Festivities take place from 8 a.m.–noon.
Info: (225) 344-8558, or visit www.artsbr.org
What: Southwest Louisiana Christmas Lighting Festival
When: Dec. 6–31
Where: Lake Charles area
Celebrate the holidays with Christmas parades, lights and more in all the communities in and around Lake Charles. There will be numerous concerts, ballets, parades and festivities. Visit online to find a complete schedule of events.
Info: (337) 436-9588, or visit www.visitlakecharles.org
What: A Rural Life Christmas
When: Dec. 7
Where: Baton Rouge
Musical groups, demonstrating artisans, storytellers and costumed re-enactors will interpret a traditional Louisiana Christmas. The event will end with a bonfire.
Info: (225) 765-2437, or visit www.RuralLife.lsu.edu
What: Christmas under the Stars
When: Dec. 11–14
Where: Slidell
Visit Olde Towne Slidell's Griffith Park for this magical holiday celebration featuring live entertainment, storytelling, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a Parade of Trees, plus holiday decorations. Festivities will take place from 6–9 p.m. nightly.
Info: (985) 646-4375, or visit www.slidell.la.us
What: Vinton Christmas Parade
When: Dec. 12
Where: Vinton
The town of Vinton has exciting festivities planned with their parade at 5 p.m. followed by hot chocolate, goodies and a visit from Old St. Nicholas.
Info: (337) 436-9588, or visit www.visitlakecharles.org
What: Art Gumbo Market
When: Dec. 13
Where: Sorrento
This is an open air market joining the farmer’s and the artists from 8 a.m.–noon. Held at the Ascension Fresh Market, it features fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods, and more with original Art and Gifts. There are painting artists, wood carvers, potters, jewelry, fabric art, soaps and candles, gourd art, folk art, photography, wood builders and more. Plus, there will be musical entertainment and a children’s activity booth.
Info: (225) 644-8496, or visit www.artgumbo.org
What: Baton Rouge Arts Market
When: Dec. 13
Where: Main at Fifth Street, Baton Rouge
The Arts Market is an open-air market and cultural event featuring more than 50 artists from Louisiana with pottery, jewelry, woodwork, photography and more. Festivities take place from 8 a.m.–noon.
Info: (225) 344-8558, or visit www.artsbr.org
What: Christmas Parade
When: Dec. 13
Where: Downtown Ponchatoula
Kicking off at 2 p.m. at the Lions Club, the parade will travel through downtown Ponchatoula. There will be fun for the whole family, and a special visitor from the North Pole will be there. Festivities will end around 4:30 p.m. The theme this year is The Lights of Christmas.
Info: (985) 386-2536, or visit www.ponchatoulachamber.com
What: The Ascension Christmas Parade
When: Dec. 14
Where: Gonzales
The Ascension Christmas Parade brings more than 100 floats, school marching bands, beauty queens, horse groups and Santa with his elves to Gonzales. The theme of the parade is “Twelve Days of Christmas” and the parade kicks off at 2 p.m.
Info: (225) 647-7487, or visit www.ascensionchamber.com
What: Art Gumbo Market
When: Dec. 20
Where: Sorrento
This is an open air market joining the farmer’s and the artists from 8 a.m.–noon. Held at the Ascension Fresh Market, it features fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods, and more with original Art and Gifts. There are painting artists, wood carvers, potters, jewelry, fabric art, soaps and candles, gourd art, folk art, photography, wood builders and more. Plus, there will be musical entertainment and a children’s activity booth.
Info: (225) 644-8496, or visit www.artgumbo.org
What: Baton Rouge Arts Market
When: Dec. 20
Where: Main at Fifth Street, Baton Rouge
The Arts Market is an open-air market and cultural event featuring more than 50 artists from Louisiana with pottery, jewelry, woodwork, photography and more. Festivities take place from 8 a.m.–noon.
Info: (225) 344-8558, or visit www.artsbr.org
What: Christmas at Rosedown
When: Dec. 20–21
Where: Rosedown, St. Francisville
Rosedown will host its annual Christmas celebration. Site staff and volunteers will demonstrate 19th century arts and crafts throughout the plantation complex. The public will see the Main House dressed in period decorations and hear stories of Christmas traditions at Rosedown that were passed down through the Turnbull and Bowman families. Demonstrations will include period music and dancing, candlemaking, spinning, quilting, shaving horse and hayrides. The historic down-hearth cooking demonstration will also be presented. Festivities will take place from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Info: (888) 376-1867, or visit www.crt.state.la.us/parks
What: Arts Market of New Orleans
When: Dec. 20–21
Where: Palmer Park, New Orleans
Presented by the Arts Council of New Orleans, the Arts Market is a monthly arts market held the last Saturday of every month. Located at Palmer Park in the lovely Carrollton Section of Uptown New Orleans, the Arts Market is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and has no admission charge. The market features handmade, affordable art from local and regional artists including painting, photography, ceramics, glass, jewelry, wood and more. The Arts Market also features live entertainment, food and beverage booths, and a children’s activities area.
Info: (504) 523-1465, or visit www.artscouncilofneworleans.org
What: Noon Year’s Eve at Audubon Zoo
When: Dec. 31
Where: Audubon Zoo, New Orleans
This fun-filled event is a family celebration to ring in the New Year on “Noon Year’s Eve.” Festivities will take place from noon through 4 p.m. Visit the animals on the last day of the year.
Info: (504) 581-4629, or visit www.auduboninstitute.org
What: New Year’s Eve
When: Dec. 31
Where: Jackson Square, New Orleans
New Orleans counts down to the New Year in Jackson Square during one of the nation’s largest street parties. A lighted ball drops from atop Jackson Brewery to usher in the New Year.
Info: Visit www.neworleanscvb.com
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