The 2011 holiday season in Alexandria/Pineville is sure to bring both good tidings and great joy. The holiday extravaganza, in the heart of Louisiana, will be complete with sparkling lights, community parades, appearances by Santa Claus, and performing arts. Whether it’s experiencing an old-fashioned Christmas, driving through a live nativity scene, shopping for gifts, or listening to Christmas carols that puts you in the holiday spirit, you can find it all in Alexandria/Pineville during their annual 12 Days of Christmas.
A Very Merry Market
A Very Merry Market is a premier holiday marketplace that provides a unique shopping experience to the people of Central Louisiana. A Very Merry Market is a three-day extravaganza featuring fine gifts, accessories, and decorative items from across the country.
A Merry Christmas in Cenla
Red River Arts & Crafts Guild present wood crafts, needle crafts, purses, candles, ceramics and more.
Shopping Open House
Area boutique shops present their holiday goodies, décor, special gifts, and more!
Santa Claus Arrival
A morning of magical holiday entertainment with the Red River Dance Theatre and Santa.
The Nutcracker Ballet
Cast includes local dancers and guest professionals, a holiday tradition suitable for the entire family.
Santa’s House
Visit Santa’s House in Central Louisiana. Monday through Friday open 5:00-8:00 PM, Saturdays 4:00-7:00 PM.
Holiday Magic Downtown
Experience food, fun, music and the official lighting of the Alexandria holiday lights. Held in the downtown Alexander Fulton Mini Park.
Santa’s House
A Holiday Trail of Lights Event. Visit Santa’s House in Central Louisiana. Monday through Friday open 5:00-8:00 PM, Saturdays 4:00-7:00 PM.
Gingerbread House Tours
Visit a child-sized Gingerbread House decorated for Christmas.
Holiday Light Safari
See the Zoo in a different light with thousands of glistening lights will transform the Zoo into a sparkling winter wonderland. Visit with Santa, warm up by the bonfire, and enjoy holiday treats from the cafe. Musical entertainment will be held on select evenings. Sponsored by the City of Alexandria and FOTAZ. Open evenings Dec. 1-3, 8-10, and 15-23.
Follow The Star
Christmas themed activities and entertainment on the grounds of Louisiana College.
An Old Fashioned Christmas
Enjoy an old fashioned Christmas at Kent House. Meet Papa Noel, participate in fun activities such as creating your own ornaments, and even join in to ring the bells to your favorite Christmas carol.
Rapides Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert
Our annual holiday concert has become a beloved Cenla tradition. With a mix of upbeat classics and well known carols, this is a concert that the whole family will enjoy!
The Live Nativity
Annual drive-through nativity features members of the congregation as cast and includes Christmas music, candlelight and live animals. Spectators relive the story of the first Christmas from the comfort of their own vehicles.
Wildcat Band Christmas
Christmas music performed by the Louisiana College Wildcat Band.
Lessons and Carols
Prompt Succor Adult Choir, St. Cecilia Choir, Joyful Noise Singers, Teen Choir and Youth Band, Young Adult Music Ministry and the Calvary Conservatory Ensemble performs the Advent version of Lessons and Carols that seeks to reclaim the significance of the preparatory season that leads up to the Nativity.
A Pilgrimage to Bethlehem
Step back in time… to a place where a single event changed millions of lives forever.Come for music & drama presented in the beautiful Emmanuel Baptist Sanctuary, and stay for a guided tour of the dramatic recreation of First Century Bethlehem.
Deck the Galleries
Area schools compete in tree decorating contest. PLUS: special art exhibit, reading of new Christmas childrenís storybook, Merry the Christmas Witch, and book signing with local author, Bobbi Hess and illustrator, Anne Reid. Refreshments served.
A Christmas Story
Presented by Family Playhouse, this is a production of one of the most loved Christmas movies. If you join Ralphie and this cast of zany characters, we promise not to “shoot your eye out”!
City of Pineville Christmas Parade
Starts at Claiborn Ave & Military Hwy, continue to Main Street and end at Huey P. Long Hospital.
Cenla Christmas Spectacular
The Cenla Christmas Spectacular is back for its 4th year! This Christmas variety show is in the vein of the Radio city Christmas Spectacular in New York City. Featuring performances from dance troupes, choirs, theatre groups and many more.
City of Alexandria Christmas Parade
Starts on Metro Drive, continues to Jackson Street, ends at Alexandria Senior High School.
Christmas Faces – Christmas Places
Celebrate Christmas through music, worship and arts as many cultures around the world do.
A Festive Christmas
A festive celebration of the season in a variety of fresh and traditional choral music.
Christmas in Kolin Festival
Pictures with Santa, shopping, food, doggy pageant.
A Soulful Christmas
Featuring CWC Choir, Band, Soloists, and dancers celebrating Christmas with a soulful beat.