This Iconic Holiday Event in Louisiana is the One Thing You Must Do This Season

There are few holiday events in Louisiana that are as iconic as the Natchitoches Christmas Festival. This six-week-long celebration is one of the oldest time-honored traditions in Louisiana, which makes sense when you remember that Natchitoches is the oldest city in Louisiana. The festival has already begun, but don’t worry, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy this iconic holiday event in Louisiana. 

It all started back in 1927 when Max Burgdorf, the Superintendent of Utilities for the City of Natchitoches, had an idea. Burgdorf wanted to spread some holiday cheer, so he decided to string up some Christmas lights along Front Street and make a set piece to display on the riverbank nearby. This inaugural set piece was a piece of scrap metal that was twisted into a “Star of the East” and spanned six feet wide. 

Then, another city employee, Charles Solomon, built the next “Star of the East,” and this one was 21 feet wide. Solomon ended up building 40 set pieces over 40 years which earned him the nickname of Mr. Christmas. 

What started as one man’s idea to spread a little holiday cheer has evolved into one of the most iconic holiday displays in Louisiana—and one of the best holiday displays in the country! 2024 marks the 98th year of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival, and just like a fine wine, it’s only gotten better with age. 

The Natchitoches Christmas Festival takes place from November 23, 2024 - January 6, 2025. Tickets to the Natchitoches Christmas Festival can be purchased on the official website. Admission is only charged on select Saturdays throughout the season: November 23/30, December 7, 14, and 21. 

The schedule for the Natchitoches Christmas Festival is overflowing with holiday events. Saturday, December 7, 2024, is the Festival of Lights Parade with live music and a fireworks finish. Mistletoe Market will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. and it boasts plenty of local crafts to pick up which make great gifts!

There will be food and drink vendors, live music, and of course, an abundance of Christmas light displays to admire. The Cane River Lake truly transforms during this time of year, and seeing all of these displays in person is a magical experience.

The boat parade takes place on December 14 at 5 p.m., and if you think the Cane River Lake looks majestic with the holiday displays, just wait until you see it with several illuminated boats cruising down it! You can even register your boat and take part in the fun.

All of the local shops in downtown Natchitoches have festive window displays that just add to the overall holly jolly atmosphere. 

Of course, no Christmas festival is complete without a visit with Santa! Kids can visit with Santa, create Christmas crafts, enjoy homemade cookies, and write a letter to Santa during their time. Cookies with Santa is a ticketed event, so be sure to snag your tickets in advance!

Visit the Natchitoches Christmas Festival website to purchase tickets and learn more. Be sure to bundle up! Having the best cold-weather gear can make or break an outdoor adventure.