Natchitoches

Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
781 Front Street
Natchitoches, LA 71457
(800) 259-1714
(318) 352-8072
christmasfestival.com

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.

Festival of Lights, Nov. 19 – Jan. 6, 2012

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45 Nights of Christmas Lights through the downtown historic district and along Cane River Lake. Lights are on nightly at dusk.

Address:
Downtown Riverbank
781 Front Street
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
5:00 PM until 12:00 AM, Nov 19, 2011 to Jan 6, 2012
Free
http://www.christmasfestival.com

Turn on the Holidays! Nov. 19

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A Louisiana Main to Main Event with children’s activities, entertainment, fireworks and more. There will also be the opening night ceremony where over 300,000 Christmas bulbs and 100+ riverbank set pieces are turned on. Free admission.

Events include:

Holiday Open House – 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM
Fireworks Over Cane River Lake – 6:30 PM
Musical Entertainment – 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM

Address:
Downtown Riverbank
781 Front Street
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
12:00 PM until 9:00 PM, Nov 19, 2011
Free
http://www.christmasfestival.com

Snow Fest, Nov. 25

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Enjoy a family day with Frosty’s Avalanche Slide, live entertainment and more on the downtown riverbank. Admission charged. Festive snow on Front Street and strolling carolers.

Address:
Downtown Riverbank
781 Front Street
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
5:00 PM until 9:00 PM, Nov 25, 2011
$5
http://www.christmasfestival.com

Fleur de Lis Arts & Crafts Show, Nov. 26

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Shop for handmade holiday crafts, jewelry, decorations and gifts.

Address:
Natchitoches Events Center
750 Second Street
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
10:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Nov 26, 2011
Free
http://www.christmasfestival.com

Snow Fest, Nov. 26

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Enjoy a family day with Frosty’s Avalanche Slide, live entertainment and more on the downtown riverbank. Admission charged. Festive snow on Front Street and strolling carolers.

Address:
Downtown Riverbank
781 Front Street
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
10:00 AM until 8:00 PM, Nov 26, 2011
$5
http://www.christmasfestival.com

Blues Christmas Weekend, Nov. 26

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Musical entertainment by Johnny & The Nightcrawlers and Diddley Squat. 5 pm – 9pm

Fireworks at 7pm

Address:
Downtown Riverbank
781 Front Street
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
2:00 PM until 9:00 PM, Nov 26, 2011
Free
http://www.christmasfestival.com

Christmas in the Park, Dec. 1 – 24

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Visitors are invited to drive or walk through the park. Photos with Santa every Saturday in December.

Address:
Rebel State Historic Park
1260 Hwy 1221
Marthaville 71450
Date and Time:
5:00 PM until 9:00 PM, Dec 1, 2011 to Dec 24, 2011
Free

85th Annual Christmas Festival, Dec. 2

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Begin your festival weekend with downtown entertainment featuring the Drew Danzy Band. Restaurants and shops open late. Carriage rides available, etc.

Address:
Downtown Riverbank
781 Front Street
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
5:00 PM until 9:00 PM, Dec 2, 2011
Free
http://www.christmasfestival.com

Natchitoches/ Northwestern Christmas Gala, Dec. 2

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Enjoy music, theater, and more at the annual NSU Christmas Gala produced by Northwestern students.

Two shows at 7PM and 9PM

Address:
A. A. Fredericks Auditorium
150 Central Ave
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
Dec 2, 2011
$10
http://www.christmasfestival.com

85th Annual Christmas Festival, Dec. 3

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Daylong celebration with live musical entertainment, arts, crafts and food vendors, two parades, a magnificent fireworks and laser show choreographed to holiday music over a state of the arts sound system.

Address:
Downtown Riverbank
781 Front Street
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
10:00 AM until 10:00 PM, Dec 3, 2011
$5 to $8
http://www.christmasfestival.com

Photos with Santa, Dec. 5 – 23

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Visit with Santa and take your picture with him on the south end of the downtown riverbank.

Address:
Downtown Riverbank
781 Front Street
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Dec 5, 2011 to Dec 23, 2011
Free
http://www.christmasfestival.com

Lesson & Carols, Dec. 6

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Featuring NSU Chamber Choir at Immaculate Conception Church.

Address:
Immaculate Conception Church
613 Second Street
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
7:30 PM until 9:00 PM, Dec 6, 2011
Free
http://www.christmasfestival.com

Holiday Tour of Homes, Dec. 7

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Hosted by Natchitoches Historic Foundation. Come and tour various historic homes decorated for Christmas.

Tickets available by calling 800-259-1714.

Address:
Landmark Historic District
781 Front Street
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Dec 7, 2011
$15 to $40
http://historicfoundation.org

El Camino Real de los Tejas Photo Exhibit, Dec. 7 – Jan. 31, 2012

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Open Tues – Sat; Exhibition features 30 photographs by Chris Talbot of sites along the National Historic Trail.

Address:
Ft. St. Jean Baptiste SHS
155 rue Jefferson
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
9:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Dec 7, 2011 to Jan 31, 2012
Free

Holiday Tour of Homes, Dec. 9

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Hosted by Natchitoches Historic Foundation. Come and tour various historic homes decorated for Christmas.

Tickets available by calling 800-259-1714.

Address:
Landmark Historic District
781 Front Street
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Dec 9, 2011
$15 to $40
http://historicfoundation.org

Children’s Christmas Party, Dec. 10

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Enjoy an afternoon at the Natchitoches Parish Library, 450 Second Street, with Christmas activities and fun.

Address:
Natchitoches Parish Library
450 Second Street
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
1:00 PM until 3:00 PM, Dec 10, 2011
Free
http://www.christmasfestival.com

Christmas Downriver, Dec. 10

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Cane River National Historic Park presents Creole Christmas with special tours, educational programs and musical events.

Address:
Magnolia Plantation Complex
5549 Hwy 119
Derry 71416
Date and Time:
1:00 PM until 4:00 PM, Dec 10, 2011
Free
http://www.christmasfestival.com

Fete de Hiver, Dec. 10

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Celebrate Christmas 18th century style with historians, re-enactors and period merchants at Fort St. Jean Baptiste SHS.

Address:
Fort St. Jean Baptiste SHS
155 rue Jefferson
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
9:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Dec 10, 2011
Free
http://www.christmasfestival.com

Les Amies Christmas Treasures Arts & Crafts Sale, Dec. 10

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Local arts and crafts vendors featuring holiday gifts and decorations.

Address:
Natchitoches Events Center
750 Second Street
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
10:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Dec 10, 2011
Free
http://www.christmasfestival.com

Holiday Tour of Homes, Dec. 10

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Hosted by Natchitoches Historic Foundation. Come and tour various historic homes decorated for Christmas.

Tickets available by calling 800-259-1714.

Address:
Landmark Historic District
781 Front Street
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
1:00 PM until 4:00 PM, Dec 10, 2011
$15 to $40
http://historicfoundation.org

Cajun Christmas Weekend, Dec. 10

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Cajun Christmas Weekend featuring musical entertainment by Brandon Ledet and Jamabalaya Band. 2pm – 9pm

Fireworks at 7PM

Address:
Downtown Riverbank
781 Front Street
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
2:00 PM until 9:00 PM, Dec 10, 2011
$5
http://www.christmasfestival.com

Lesson & Carols, Dec. 13

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Musical choral groups from Natchitoches and surrounding areas.

Address:
Trinity Episcopal Church
533 Second Street
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
7:30 PM until 9:00 PM, Dec 13, 2011
Free
http://www.christmasfestival.com

Holiday Tour of Homes, Dec. 14

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Hosted by Natchitoches Historic Foundation. Come and tour various historic homes decorated for Christmas.

Tickets available by calling 800-259-1714.

Address:
Landmark Historic District
781 Front Street
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Dec 14, 2011
$15 to $40
http://historicfoundation.org

Holiday Tour of Homes, Dec. 16

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Hosted by Natchitoches Historic Foundation. Come and tour various historic homes decorated for Christmas.

Tickets available by calling 800-259-1714.

Address:
Landmark Historic District
781 Front Street
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Dec 16, 2011
$15 to $40
http://historicfoundation.org

Cane River Creole Christmas, Dec. 17

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The St. Augustine Historical Society hosts special tours and Creole holiday stories.

Address:
Badin-Roque House
Highway 484
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
12:00 PM until 4:00 PM, Dec 17, 2011
Free
http://www.christmasfestival.com

Christmas Downriver, Dec. 17

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Cane River National Historic Park presents Creole Christmas with special tours, educational programs and musical events.

Address:
Oakland Plantation
4386 Hwy 494
Bermuda 71456
Date and Time:
1:00 PM until 2:30 PM, Dec 17, 2011
Free
http://www.christmasfestival.com

Rocking Christmas Weekend, Dec. 17

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Musical entertainment by Drag Strip Phantoms & Johnny Earthquake & The Moondogs.

Entertainment 2PM – 9PM

Fireworks at 7PM

Address:
Downtown Riverbank
781 Front Street
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
2:00 PM until 9:00 PM, Dec 17, 2011
$5
http://www.christmasfestival.com

Holiday Tour of Homes, Dec. 17

Add to your list

Hosted by Natchitoches Historic Foundation. Come and tour various historic homes decorated for Christmas.

Tickets available by calling 800-259-1714.

Address:
Landmark Historic District
781 Front Street
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
1:00 PM until 4:00 PM, Dec 17, 2011
$15 to $40
http://historicfoundation.org

Fireworks Over Cane River Lake, Dec. 24

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Fireworks over the scenic Cane River Lake.

Address:
Downtown Riverbank
781 Front Street
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
7:00 PM until 7:20 PM, Dec 24, 2011
Free
http://www.christmasfestival.com

Fireworks Over Cane River Lake, Dec. 31

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Happy New Year’s!

Address:
Downtown Riverbank
781 Front Street
Natchitoches 71457
Date and Time:
12:00 AM until 12:20 AM, Dec 31, 2011
Free
http://www.christmasfestival.com