The Christmas Lights Road Trip Through Louisiana That Will Take You To 8 Magical Displays
Are you ready to see Louisiana like you’ve never seen it before? We’ve looked through all of the beautiful attractions going on this holiday season and made a Christmas lights road trip in Louisiana that’s one for the books. So pack up your car and clear your schedule, because you’re going to want a few days (or maybe even a full week) to really get the most out of this epic road trip. From the rolling hills in northwestern Louisiana to the beautiful bayous in the southeast, we’ve got the scoop on all the best places to view the Christmas lights this year. Ready? Let’s go!
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
From start to finish, the road trip would take you just under eight hours.
But of course, you'll want to stop off along the way and take your time viewing each display. Feel free to break up the road trip into different weekends so you can take the time to see everything.
1. Old Christmas Lights Spectacular, 520 Broadway St., Minden
There are lots of great holiday events in Minden, but the Old Christmas Lights Spectacular is your best bet, illuminating downtown throughout the season and featuring more than 100 life-size nutcrackers.
2. Festival of Lights, Front Street and Rue Beauport, Natchitoches.
The Natchitoches Christmas Festival is one of the best known in the entire country, with more than 300,000 lights illuminating downtown. The festivities begin on November 23, 2019 and run all the way through January 6, 2020.
3. Holiday Lights Safari at the Alexandria Zoo, 3016 Masonic Dr., Alexandria
There are a number of awesome activities in Alexandria, but the holiday light safari in Alexandria is perhaps the most popular, providing train rides and wild animal themed light displays.
4. Noel Acadien au Village, Acadian Village, 200 Greenleaf Dr., Lafayette
This unique event gives visitors the chance to explore the light displays, take photos with Santa, and enjoy gourmet food trucks. The annual event kicks off Saturday, December 7, 2019 from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. and runs until January 3, 2020.
6. Hohensee Family Christmas Lights, 12625 Sullivan Rd., Central, LA
On December 13-15, 2019, the annual festival of the bonfires will take place on the levee of the Mississippi River, lighting up pyres to light the way for Papa Noel.
8. Celebration in the Oaks, 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans
This annual light display has slowly become one of the largest in the country, featuring huge displays decorating the beautiful oak trees as well as a collection of community created Christmas trees that are incredibly cute.
Who are you planning to take with you on this Christmas lights road trip in Louisiana? Which stops are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments below! We love to hear your feedback and ideas of more of the best light displays in Louisiana.
Address: 3016 Masonic Dr, Alexandria, LA 71301, USA
Address: 200 Greenleaf Dr, Lafayette, LA 70506, USA
Address: Zachary, LA 70791, USA
Address: 12625 Sullivan Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70818, USA
Address: LA-3193, Lutcher, LA 70071, USA
Address: City Park, New Orleans, LA, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmas Lights Road Trip In Louisiana
October 11, 2019
Jackie Ann
What city has the best Christmas lights in Louisiana?
There are many cities that go all out for Christmas in Louisiana, but one of the most popular is Natchitoches. Their historic downtown area transforms into a magical winter wonderland that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.
What is the one best light display in Louisiana?
The best light display in Louisiana can be found in Louisiana’s oldest town, Natchitoches. The Natchitoches Christmas Festival returns for its 93rd year of celebration on November 23, 2019 and runs until January 6, 2020. Over 300,000 Christmas lights and more than 100 lighted set pieces will illuminate downtown Natchitoches and Cane River Lake every evening at dusk for everyone to see. It may be the biggest light display in Louisiana. There will also be several events and activities throughout the festival, including local food vendors and Santa photo opportunities.
What else can I do around the holidays in Louisiana?
There’s plenty of things to do at Christmas in Louisiana. Although the Bayou State may not be blanketed in snow, you can still keep yourself entertained with holiday markets in cities like Bossier City and New Orleans, or venture out into the outdoors with a swamp tour or set off on a hiking trail in the Kisatchie National Forest.
Kezia Kamenetz is a native to southern Louisiana and lives in the Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans currently. When not writing about all the amazing things to be found in her state, her central passion is dreams and the wisdom they can offer, which you can learn more about by visiting KeziaVida.com
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