Celebrate the joy of the Christmas season with a visit to historic Natchitoches.  This year marks the 85^th annual Christmas Festival to be held in conjunction with the annual Festival of Lights celebration.  Thousands of twinkling lights are on daily at dusk, illuminating the downtown district and the Cane River Lake from November 19 through January 6, 2012.  During the 7-week holiday celebration, Natchitoches’ traditions and events have something to entice everyone to get into the holiday spirit.  Activities and events to include:  live entertainment, shops selling festive decorations, unique gifts and clothing, food and craft vendors, carriage tours through the National Landmark Historic District, parades, carolers, snow, fireworks extravaganzas, spectacular laser shows, and a Christmas by Candlelight Holiday Tour of Homes.