If you’re looking for something really unique and special to do this holiday season, we think you are going to love this. Hundreds of people in Louisiana from around the state spend each year on the levees, lighting up beautiful bonfires to help light the way for Papa Noel. Let’s explore this unique tradition.

Each year at Christmastime a unique tradition plays out in Louisiana.
Facebook.com / Festival of the Bonfires
Communities on the Mississippi River along the corridor between New Orleans and Baton Rouge and farther west celebrate by creating these elaborate holiday displays on the Levee.
Everyone in the community pitches in to create these bonfire pyres, which can be built from logs or other materials.
Flickr.com / Robert Terrell
It's truly a community affair and is something everyone looks forward to.
Some say the tradition began as participants hoped the fires would light the way for Papa Noel.
Flickr.com / Zach
Sometimes builders become quite creative with these bonfire shapes, going beyond the traditional pyramids. Over the years, families have created paddlewheel steamships, miniature plantations, and more.
A lot of these bonfires take place on Christmas Eve, with private gatherings taking place on top of the levees.
Flickr.com / praline3001
If you want to explore them by car, taking LA Hwy 44 or 13 will give you a great view. Now all the parties are open to the public, but roaming around to take a look is usually fine.

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The communities where the most fires take place include Gramercy, Lutcher, and Paulina.
Flickr.com / Andre Solo
You'll be certain to receive some kind words and holiday greetings as you explore here.
There's something to be said for the incredible beauty of these fires against the sky.
Flickr.com / Kate Gardiner
Especially with the majestic backdrop of the Mississippi River.
Another way to celebrate this tradition is by attending the annual Festival of the Bonfires in Lutcher Recreational Park.
facebook.com/ibervillebonfires
This festival is incredibly unique. All the details can be found in the flyer below.
This upcoming festival is one of the most unique in all of Louisiana!
facebook.com/ibervillebonfires
Seeing the bonfires lit up against the backdrop of Nottoway plantation is truly something special.
facebook.com/ibervillebonfires
Have you ever attended one of these bonfires?

So if you haven’t enjoyed one of these unique bonfires before, we think you are in for a real treat. Let us know what it has been like for you at one of these events—or if you are a participant, we’d love to hear your stories. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

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