Your Complete Guide to Planning a Magical Christmas Trip to Louisiana

Discover holiday traditions, spectacular light displays, and ghostly Christmas tales in the bayou state

Despite the lack of snow, in December Louisiana turns into a unique winter wonderland of its own. Offering visitors a unique blend of Southern hospitality, spectacular holiday displays, and rich cultural traditions that you won’t find anywhere else, we deck the halls and you’ve never seen Christmas lights glisten like they do on the bayou. 

From the glittering lights of New Orleans to the historic charm of Natchitoches, every corner of the bayous delivers Christmas magic with a distinctly Creole and Cajun flair- you’ll never miss the neige! That’s snow in French. 

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, family vacation, or holiday adventure with friends, Louisiana’s December calendar overflows with events that make Christmas in the South an unforgettable experience.

Louisiana’s Premier Holiday Destinations

New Orleans

Celebration in the Oaks

Celebration in the Oaks is one of the biggest light shows in the country, and for good reason. This spectacular, family-friendly holiday experience transforms New Orleans City Park, which is comparable in size to Central Park, into a glittering wonderland that draws visitors from around the world.

 

What to Expect:

• Over two million lights illuminating the ancient oak trees

• Drive-through and walking experiences available

• The display typically launches on Thanksgiving evening and runs through early January

• Interactive displays, holiday music, and seasonal refreshments

• Perfect photo opportunities under the illuminated canopy

Planning Tips:

• Some, but not all are ticketed events. While they do not sell out, research is encouraged. 

• Consider the walking tour for a more intimate experience

• Combine with other New Orleans holiday attractions for a full day

• Evening temperatures can be cool, so dress in layers

Holiday Home Tours

Each year, some of the oldest and most beautiful homes of New Orleans deck the halls and open their doors to the public for the Holiday Home Tour. Local preservations work with home owners in their respective districts to make their personal spaces open to the public for short periods of time, usually about 3 days. If you’d ever wanted to peek inside one of the beautiful mansions of the Big Easy, now is your chance. 

What to Expect:

• Tours through houses in the French Quarter and Garden district decorated in historic fashion for the holiday season

• Self-Guided and Guided tours available, depending on organization.

• Typically runs three times throughout the month.

• Additional festivities such as live music and markets are often found.

Planning Tips:

• Some, but not all events are ticketed and are at risk of selling out.

• While guided tours are always preferred, if you are experiencing a long day or family burn out, self-guided tours will be quicker and may be preferred.

• The Homes of the French Quarter tours usually are the same day as Caroling in Jackson Square. Combine it with a dinner at Murel’s or Tableau and it will make the perfect night on the Square

The Festival of the Bonfires

The Festival of the Bonfires is a Louisiana Christmas Tradition, all our own. Lighting the banks of the Mississippi on Christmas eve for Santa Clause, large effigies made of wood to represent everything from alligators, tigers, and crawfish to old Saint Nick himself can be found standing along the river starting during the second week of the month. 

What to Expect:

• Dozens of bonfires ranging from small traditional campfires to 20-foot long alligators and 3 story tall flur de lis that are works of art

• Driving along the Mississippi river provides the most efficient experiences

• The bonfires start going up the second week of December and are lit on Christmas Eve.

• A festival will typically be thrown in the days leading up to the lighting consisting of music, rides, and Christmas activities.

Planning Tips:

• You will need a car in order to attend this event, although some parts are walk able

• If poor weather is expected on Christmas eve, the bonfires might be lit a night early.

• The craftsmanship is best viewed during the daylight hours.

Natchitoches: Louisiana’s Christmas Capital

Since 1927, Natchitoches has been home to one of the oldest community-based holiday celebrations in the country. The Natchitoches Christmas Festival runs from November 23rd to January 6th, featuring over 300,000 lights and 100+ set pieces on display every night at dusk.

Festival Highlights:

• A Louisiana historic district covered top down in lights and turned into a winter wonderland for families during the holiday season.

• Each Saturday features musical events, kids christmas activities, firework displays, and more.

• Food vendors offer traditional Louisiana festival food such as gator on a stick, hot gumbo, and famous Natchitoches meat pies

Special Events:

• The official “Turn on the Holidays!” event features musical entertainment and fireworks over Cane River Lake on the first night.

• Cookies With Santa events throughout the month

Insider Tips:

• Plan to spend the full day exploring Louisiana’s oldest city

• Book accommodations well in advance for peak festival dates

• Since most lighting displays are on the river, dress warmly and bring a windbreaker

• Bring a blanket for the amazing firework display over the Cane River

Acadiana Region

In Cajun Country, Santa wears camo, rides in a flat-bottom boat, and drives alligators, not reindeer. As such, throughout the region of Acadiana you can find a number of fun Christmas events that are unlike anywhere else. 

 Acadian Christmas Village/Noel Acadian Au Village

Experience authentic Cajun Christmas traditions at LARC’s Acadian Christmas Village/Noel Acadian Au Village, which brings the Acadian holiday heritage to life. This unique celebration covers the Acadiana cultural reenactment sight in lights from top to bottom while featuring traditional music, traditional cajun holiday traditions, and cultural demonstrations.

Cultural Experiences:

• A historic reenactment site in the middle of a cypress forest lit up by hundreds of lights

• Louisiana Christmas music and tellings of the Cajun Night Before Christmas

• Traditional Louisiana foods such as Gumbo and Jambalaya served alongside hot chocolate. 

What Makes It Special: The Acadian Christmas Village offers visitors a chance to explore the history of Cajun heritage, while allowing modern Cajuns to add their own traditions to the culture. 

 Delcambre Christmas Boat Parade

Every year, in the month of December, the entire town of Delcambre, Louisiana gathers on the banks of Bayou Carlin and judges which of the boats has the most beautiful Christmas lights during the Christmas Boat Parade. From the ones no bigger than a canoe with a christmas tree strapped to the front all the way to shrimp boats with their next made to be the tree themselves. You’ve never seen lights glisten like they do on the bayou. 

Cultural Experiences:

• Typically occurs on the second or third Saturday in December

• Non-ticketed event with small firework show at the end

• Santa’s Workshop event thrown for the children inside the Shrimp Festival Building during the day.

What Makes It Special: Get inside a small authentic Cajun town to see how Christmas traditions are adapted for the climate.

Planning Your Louisiana Christmas Itinerary

The Weekend Explorer (2-3 Days)

In order to maximize your time exploring Louisiana and minimize the head ache, your options are largely determined by a trade off between location and transportation. First, pick an option and then choose two or three options for each day. 

• Option 1- Skip the car, stay in the French Quarter

•  Historic Holiday House Tours 

• Christmas Ghost Tours

• Holiday Lights at the Rosevelt, Monteleon, and The Riz 

• The St. Louis Cathedral Christmas Series 

• French Quarter holiday shopping at one of our Holiday Shops.

• Historic Locations for Revelion Dinners

• Option 2- Rent a car, stay outside the main historic district

• Celebration in the Oaks 

• Festival of the Bonfires 

• Lafreniere Park

• Garden District Tours

• Holiday Events at the Audubon Zoo and Aquarium

• Larger Selection for Revelion Dinners

The Holiday Enthusiast (4-5 Days)

Cover your New Orleans Christmas Basis, while still exploring the state. 

• Days 1-2: Choose 1-2 New Orleans Experiences from the prior list

• Day 3: Travel Highway 90 to Lafayette, exploring the smaller towns and traditions of the region. Attend the Acadian village in the evening

• Day 4: Travel back to New Orleans through Baton Rouge, using the stretch from there to New Orleans to get off the highway and view the Bonfires.

• Day 5: Relax from travel and do any final Christmas Shopping

The Louisiana Christmas Immersion (Week+)

Experience the full spectrum of Louisiana holiday traditions:

• Days 1-2: Choose 1-2 New Orleans Experiences from the prior list

• Day 3: Travel to Natchitoches, using the stretch from New Orleans to Baton Rouge to view the Bonfires.

• Day 4: Explore Natchitoches and view the Festival of Lights

• Day 5: Drive to Lafayette, attend the Acadian Village in the evening.

• Day 6: Drive back to New Orleans, via Highway-90 exploring the small towns.

• Day 7: Relax from travel and do any final Christmas Shopping. 

Essential Holiday Travel Tips for Louisiana

Weather Considerations

Louisiana’s December weather can be unpredictable, ranging from mild and pleasant to surprisingly cold:

• Temperature Range: 40°F-70°F typical, but can drop lower

• Rain Possibility: December can include rainy periods

• Humidity: Lower than summer months but still present

• Wind: River locations can be breezy, especially in the evening

Packing Recommendations:

• Layers for temperature fluctuations

• Waterproof jacket for potential rain

• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip

• Warm accessories for evening outdoor events

Driving in Louisiana During December

Road Conditions:

• Louisiana rarely experiences snow or ice, but roads can be wet from rain and bridges may ice

• Fog is common in early morning hours, especially near water

• Holiday traffic increases around major attractions and events

Travel Safety Tips:

• Check weather conditions before departing

• Allow extra time for holiday traffic and parking

• Keep emergency supplies in your car (blanket, water, snacks, phone charger)

• Download offline maps in case of poor cell coverage in rural areas

• Gas up frequently – rural areas may have limited station hours

Navigation Considerations:

• GPS can be unreliable in some rural Louisiana locations

• Holiday events may cause road closures or detours

• Parking fills up quickly at popular attractions during peak dates

• Consider ride-sharing in New Orleans to avoid parking challenges

Accommodation Strategies

Book Early: Louisiana’s holiday events draw visitors from across the region
Location Matters: Choose accommodations near your primary activities to minimize driving 

Local B&Bs and Boutique Hotels: Consider staying in historic properties for an authentic experience 

Weather Backup Plans: Winter weather can be cold, wet, and hard. Choose lodging with indoor activities nearby in case of rain

Beyond the Major Attractions: Hidden Holiday Gems

Christmas Ghost Tours

New Orleans’ supernatural side doesn’t take a holiday break. Our Fa La La Frights: Christmas Ghost tours offer a unique perspective on how the city’s spirits observe the season, blending holiday folklore with authentic ghost stories. These tours reveal haunted locations decorated for Christmas and explore the intersection of celebration and the supernatural that makes New Orleans unique.

Making the Most of Your Louisiana Christmas

Cultural Immersion Tips

• Learn basic Louisiana history to appreciate the cultural displays

• Try regional holiday foods at local restaurants, not just festival vendors

• Attend church services or community events for authentic local experience

• Engage with locals about family holiday traditions

The Spirit of Louisiana Christmas

Louisiana’s Christmas celebrations reflect the state’s rich cultural tapestry, where French, Spanish, African, and Anglo traditions blend into something uniquely beautiful. From the grandeur of Christmas in the Oaks to the intimate cultural preservation at Acadian Christmas Village, from the historic charm of Natchitoches to the supernatural allure of Christmas Ghost tours, Louisiana offers holiday experiences that create lasting memories.

The magic lies not just in the spectacular displays and events, but in the warmth of Louisiana hospitality, the richness of cultural traditions, and the joy of discovering how different communities celebrate the season. Whether you’re drawn by the lights, the food, the history, or the mystery, Louisiana’s Christmas season offers something special for every visitor.

Planning your Louisiana Christmas trip means preparing for both the expected and the delightful surprises that make this state unique. With proper planning, appropriate clothing, and an open heart for new experiences, your Louisiana Christmas adventure will become a treasured holiday tradition.

My name is Adelai, your guide to the authentic Louisiana experience, and Christmas in Louisiana offers magic you’ll find nowhere else. Ready to discover the spirits of the season? Book your Christmas Ghost tour and other authentic Louisiana experiences at nosecretstours.com.