The One Thing to Do in Louisiana Before the End of the Year

They don't call the holiday season the "most wonderful time of the year" for no reason. There's a tangible shift in the air during those last few months, when everything feels a bit lighter, and worries seem far away. It's a season for spending time with loved ones, enjoying life's simple pleasures, and, of course, squeezing in as many festivities as you can. If you're looking for something different to do this year, the American Rose Center in Shreveport has one of the best holiday activities in Louisiana. Christmas in Roseland is a month-long celebration that transforms the gardens into a winter wonderland, complete with thousands of lights, themed displays, a train ride, photos with Santa, and much more.

Christmas in Roseland is among the most underrated holiday activities in Louisiana. Part of the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights, which features the best Christmas light displays in several cities across northern Louisiana, this 40-year tradition is still going strong. Families from all over the Bayou State travel to Shreveport each year to experience the Christmas magic. The festival takes place Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, beginning the day after Thanksgiving and running until the weekend before Christmas (with select additional dates).

Visitors walk along a lighted pathway that leads through dozens of festive displays, including Christmas trees, Santa with his reindeer, and oversized ornaments. Between the twinkling lights and festive tunes filling the air with holiday cheer, Christmas in Roseland would impress even the Grinch.

One of the most popular displays is a collection of oversized Christmas cards made by elementary and middle-school children from the Shreveport-Bossier area. The cards are meant to be a gesture of goodwill to the community, featuring heartfelt messages illuminated by glowing Christmas lights. This is what the holiday season is all about.

Ride the Roseland Express train, roast marshmallows for homemade s'mores, get the kids' pictures taken with Santa, and grab some food and hot chocolate from on-site vendors. There's also a bar serving adult beverages.

No two weekends at Christmas in Roseland are the same. There are different themes and activities throughout the month, ranging from Mardi Gras night to a Christmas ornament-making workshop. Fireworks happen every Saturday (plus an encore show on the last day of the festival), and there's a holiday market on one weekend where you can pick up handmade, last-minute gifts for everyone on your list.

Visit the American Rose Society website for more information about Christmas in Roseland, including this year's dates and hours.

Have you ever attended this magical event? What are your favorite holiday activities in Louisiana? We love hearing about your cherished traditions.

If you're feeling inspired, try planning your Louisiana trips with Only In Your State’s itinerary planner. From holiday festivities to summer road trips and everything in between, it's never been easier to curate your own adventure.