Established in 1714, Natchitoches is known for being the oldest settlement in the territory contained within the Louisiana Purchase. With its impressive 33-block historic district and countless bed and breakfast inns peppered throughout the town, Natchitoches is a picture-perfect town to spend a few days exploring. While beautiful year-round, during the holidays our little Louisiana gem transforms into one of the most impressive Christmas towns in Louisiana, attracting visitors from all over the United States. If you haven’t been to the Natchitoches Christmas Festival, be sure to carve out some time this holiday season to check out this dazzling display.

The Natchitoches Christmas Festival began with a humble string of lights back in 1927.

It all began when Natchitoches resident Max Burgdorf wanted to celebrate the Christmas season, so he purchased several Christmas lights to string up and down historic Front Street. He also purchased some lumber and materials to build a set piece to display on the riverbank.

There will be food vendors and great live music too!

And if you know anything about Louisiana you know it will be rockin'!

Since then, it has grown into a six-week long celebration with over 300,000 lights and over 100 set pieces. This year the festival runs from November 18, 2023 until January 6, 2024.

Every evening at dusk, hundreds of thousands of holiday lights along the riverbank are switched on for all to see. There is no admission to enter the riverbank area Sunday through Friday, but on the weekends, you’ll need a $10 wristband to gain access.

Many of the shops in town have extended hours during the festival.

So that allows you to pick up some wonderful holiday gifts for your loved ones.

On the weekends, expect live music...

...and a dazzling fireworks display.

The festival has been going on since 1927. This year it runs from November 18, 2023 until January 6, 2024.

You might even have a Santa sighting!

If you see no other holiday light show this year...

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... the Natchitoches Christmas Festival is a great one to see. It is, after all, one of the oldest in the country!

If you were to do a search for “Christmas towns near me,” Natichitoches would most certainly pop up at the top of the list!

For a full schedule of events and ticketing information, visit the Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights website as well as the Natchitoches Christmas Facebook page.

Have you ever visited the Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights? If so, do you think it is one of the best Christmas towns in Louisiana? Share your memories with us in the comments!

If you're interested in making a weekend trip to Natchitoches you might want to stay a night or two in this comfy Airbnb cabin.

If you’re still in the mood for more Louisiana adventures, take a look at this video: