7 Christmas Light Displays in Louisiana That Are Pure Holiday Magic

Every holiday season I'm on the search to check out some of the best Christmas lights near me. There's simply no better way to get into the holiday spirit! We certainly can't wait for the temperatures to drop. Whether you're looking for a drive-thru experience or one where you can get out and wander around, we've got some of the best Christmas light displays in Louisiana to make your season merry and bright.

1. Celebration in the Oaks

Celebration in the Oaks is one of the most time-honored traditions in the Crescent City. As one of the best Christmas light shows in New Orleans, Louisiana, you’ll quickly become mesmerized by over a million lights twinkling in every direction. You can take the 2.25-mile driving tour, or hop out and stroll through the canopies of ancient oaks for an immersive experience. The light show takes place from November 29, 2024, until January 3, 2025.

Pro tip: this is one of the most popular Christmas lights shows in Louisiana. If you want to beat the crowds, visit Celebration in the Oaks early in the season. This is a great spot to get family holiday photos!

2. Candy Cane Lane

A labor of love from one family to another, you can’t miss the dazzling display over at Candy Cane Lane in Calhoun, Louisiana. This drive-thru display in Louisiana boasts thousands of lights and animated displays as you drive through the mile-long light show. Make yourself some hot chocolate and get your favorite Christmas playlist ready for an epic experience. Candy Cane Lane is open nightly from November 8, 2024, until January 4, 2025. Hayride nights are a relatively new addition to this Louisiana Christmas display, and they are offered from November 22, 2024, until December 28, 2024.

3. Lafreniere Park

Metairie’s largest park really embraces the holiday season with one of the best Christmas light shows in Louisiana. Over 10 million LED lights illuminate the park, plus several of your favorite characters will be making an appearance, too.

4. Natchitoches Christmas Festival

You can't mention Christmas lights in Louisiana and not bring up the Natchitoches Christmas Festival. Not only is this holiday festival one of the best in Louisiana, but it's also one of the best in the country! The six-week-long celebration has been going strong for almost 100 years, making it one of the oldest holiday festivals in the country. The 98th annual celebration begins on November 23, 2024, and runs until January 6, 2025.

5. Acadian Village

Enchanting doesn’t even begin to describe the incredible holiday light show at the Acadian Village in Lafayette. For the month of December, this 1800s living history museum transforms into Noel Acadien au Village complete with thousands of lights, carnival rides, food, and even a Santa appearance (who is better known as Papa Noel in these parts).

6. American Rose Center

Stop and smell the roses and see the lights at this magical Christmas display in Louisiana. Located in Shreveport, the American Rose Center is the nation's largest rose park and during the holiday season, it transforms into Christmas in Roseland.

Christmas in Roseland kicks off every Friday, Saturday and Sunday beginning November 29, 2024, through December 23, 2024, with special Encore Nights continuing every night from December 13-23, 2024.

7. The Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans

Photos of this magnificent lobby just don't do it justice. Every year, the Roosevelt Hotel turns its lobby into a winter wonderland with endless birch trees, bows, and beautiful lights. While you don't need to book a stay at the Roosevelt Hotel to enjoy it, I'd highly recommend treating yourself so you can see the Crescent City during Christmas.

How many of these Christmas lights displays in Louisiana are you planning on viewing? Share this article with someone you can't wait to get into the holiday spirit with. Even though we won't be seeing the winter wonderland that our friends up north see, be sure to check out the upcoming winter predictions for Louisiana. It's shaping up to be a rather mild season, which means there will be plenty of opportunities for winter activities in Louisiana.

For even more jolly good times, check out some of our favorite Christmas towns in Louisiana.