Whew! Louisiana’s Christmas season is in full swing and there is so much to do it almost makes my head spin. This weekend is especially powerful, with so many festivals going on in Louisiana’s towns and cities it’s really hard to name them all. But here are the 10 best bets for the holiday season this year.

  1. Celebration in the Oaks Thanksgiving – New Years Day, City Park, New Orleans

facebook.com/CelebrationInTheOaks This annual light display is one of the most gorgeous in the entire state, with plenty of fun light displays and a chance to enjoy the rides at the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.

  1. Al Berard Music Festival, Dec. 3rd, 1510 Coutrableau Hwy, Arnaudville

facebook.com/alberardmusicfestival Al Berard was a beloved musician and mentor for musicians who powerfuly impacted the rich Acadiana culture that he called home. This unique festival celebrates his life and legacy with some of the best Cajun/Creole musicians in the area.

  1. Christmas on the River Festival Weekend, Dec 1-3rd, Monroe/West Monroe

Facebook.com / Comfort Suites Monroe A full weekend of activities makes this weekend one of the best to celebrate the Christmas spirit in Monroe/West Monroe. From fireworks to a pet parade, there is truly something for everyone here.

  1. Festival of the Bonfires, Dec 9th, 10th, 11th Lutcher Park, Lutcher

Facebook.com / Festival of the Bonfires Celebrate the lighting of the bonfires for Papa Noel at this annual festival in Lutcher—including a gumbo cook-off and a pageant!

  1. Alex Winter Fete – 915 Third St., Alexandria – Dec. 1st - 3rd

facebook.com/alexriverfete This 2nd annual in Alexandria festival includes the special ugly sweater 5k that always brings smiles to everyone’s faces.

  1. Sulphur’s Christmas Under the Oaks Festival, Dec 2nd- 3rd, 1211 Ruth St., Sulphur

Facebook.com / City of Sulphur Again this year residents of Sulphur will enjoy great live music, food, and tons of Christmas cheer.

  1. Battle for da Paddle, Dec 3rd, 411 S. Richard St., Delcambre

Flickr.com / jc.winkler This weekend at the Delcambre Shrimp Festival grounds you will have the chance to sample all you can eat gumbo, with judging taking place on the best gumbo at 1pm. The Beau Young Band will be playing tunes.

  1. Wrap It Up Downtown Minden, Dec. 3rd, 520 Broadway, Minden

holidaytrailoflights.com You’ll enjoy the beautiful nutcrackers lining the streets as participants will enjoy the Christmas parade as well as the Holiday Tour of Homes in the evening—a full day of beautiful activities in this sweet town.

  1. Louisiana Renaissance Festival, Dec. 3, 4, 10 & 11, 46468 River Rd., Hammond

Facebook.com / Louisiana Renaissance Festival This annual festival includes more than 100 merchants and human-powered rides that we know you are going to love. The shows alone are hilarious!

  1. 90th Annual Christmas Festival, Dec. 3rd, Cane River Lake, Natchitoches

facebook.com/NatchitochesChristmas Called by some the best Christmas festival in the state, this unique fest includes a festival of lights parade, live music entertainment, and fireworks over Cane River Lake.

How many of these amazing festivals have you celebrated with before? Do you have a favorite from this list? Let us know in the comments below. We love to hear your feedback.

facebook.com/CelebrationInTheOaks

This annual light display is one of the most gorgeous in the entire state, with plenty of fun light displays and a chance to enjoy the rides at the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.

facebook.com/alberardmusicfestival

Al Berard was a beloved musician and mentor for musicians who powerfuly impacted the rich Acadiana culture that he called home. This unique festival celebrates his life and legacy with some of the best Cajun/Creole musicians in the area.

Facebook.com / Comfort Suites Monroe

A full weekend of activities makes this weekend one of the best to celebrate the Christmas spirit in Monroe/West Monroe. From fireworks to a pet parade, there is truly something for everyone here.

Facebook.com / Festival of the Bonfires

Celebrate the lighting of the bonfires for Papa Noel at this annual festival in Lutcher—including a gumbo cook-off and a pageant!

facebook.com/alexriverfete

This 2nd annual in Alexandria festival includes the special ugly sweater 5k that always brings smiles to everyone’s faces.

Facebook.com / City of Sulphur

Again this year residents of Sulphur will enjoy great live music, food, and tons of Christmas cheer.

Flickr.com / jc.winkler

This weekend at the Delcambre Shrimp Festival grounds you will have the chance to sample all you can eat gumbo, with judging taking place on the best gumbo at 1pm. The Beau Young Band will be playing tunes.

holidaytrailoflights.com

You’ll enjoy the beautiful nutcrackers lining the streets as participants will enjoy the Christmas parade as well as the Holiday Tour of Homes in the evening—a full day of beautiful activities in this sweet town.

Facebook.com / Louisiana Renaissance Festival

This annual festival includes more than 100 merchants and human-powered rides that we know you are going to love. The shows alone are hilarious!

facebook.com/NatchitochesChristmas

Called by some the best Christmas festival in the state, this unique fest includes a festival of lights parade, live music entertainment, and fireworks over Cane River Lake.

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