Holiday Festivities in Ruston
There’s just something magical about Christmas in Ruston. With beautifully decorated downtown shops, streets lined with twinkling lights, and holiday cheer in the air, Ruston elicits all those cozy feelings of being home for the holidays. With so many festivities happening this season, we wanted to bring you a quick look at all the ways to celebrate the holidays with your friends and family in Ruston & Lincoln Parish.
Downtown Holiday Open House & Kickoff to Christmas – November 21
Head to Downtown Ruston as local shops kick off the holiday shopping season. Enjoy refreshments, special promotions, and extended hours from participating businesses. Ruston’s walkable downtown makes Christmas shopping painless and fun – plus you’re sure to find something unique in one of the charming local storefronts.
RCT Presents: White Christmas – December 5-8
Enjoy this Ruston Community Theatre production at the Dixie Center for the Arts. Irving Berlin’s classic holiday movie is now a hit stage musical! With festive dance numbers and well-known songs, this holiday show is certain to put you in the Christmas spirit. The show has music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, book by David Ives and Paul Blake, and will be directed by Steele Moegle.
Lincoln Lights Up the Pines – December 5-7 & 12-14
Pack up the whole family in the car and come experience Ruston’s only drive-thru Christmas light display at the beautiful Lincoln Parish Park. With tons of twinkling lights, holiday scenes, and festive decor, everyone is sure to enjoy the holiday cheer of Lincoln Lights Up the Pines from the comfort (and warmth) of their vehicle!
Photos with Santa – December 7
Gather your family and head to this community holiday event and get your photo taken with Santa. This will become a favorite memory for the whole family, so make sure you don’t miss out on this excitement!
Photos with Santa
Big Creek Trade Days – December 6-8
If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for items like handmade jewelry, accessories, furniture, antiques, outdoor items and more, then Big Creek Trade Days is your place. Big Creek’s December show is bigger and better than ever with hundreds of vendors ready to help you knock out your shopping list.
Holiday Arts Tour – December 7
Enjoy the North Louisiana Art Council’s Holiday Arts Tour event! Walk around to businesses throughout Downtown Ruston and see artwork from local artists. Some of the beautiful pieces will be for sale, which is another perfect way to get some Christmas gifts and support local!
Christmas on the Farm – December 7
The OWL center brings you pony rides, a petting zoo, a bouncy house, crafts, face painting, rock wall, zip line, games, and much MORE! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting from the North Pole. There will be a $20/vehicle entry fee. (CASH ONLY) This covers everything except the ropes courses and food. Pony Rides: 10-minute rides on OWL’s horses. They will have hay rides transporting visitors all across the beautiful property. And the Maze is open all day to explore! Parking is free: shuttles/hay rides will run from the parking area to the conference center.
A Christmas Blues Spectacular – December 14
Join us for this benefit show for the Dixie as D.K. Harrell and Friends bring us a Christmas Blues Spectacular! This show is sure to make your Christmas seem a little les blue and more Merry and Bright.
Tickets: Reserved Seating- $25; Day of show $30
Holiday Arts Tour
Christmas Cookie Crawl – December 15
Sign up for the cookie crawl and you can stop by the stores downtown and get a delicious holiday cookie at each local business while you shop all the deals and specials. By the end of the afternoon you’ll have your own box of assorted Christmas cookies from your favorite stores.
Ruston Rudolph Run 5k – December 19
the Ruston Rudolph 5k Race will begin in the parking lot to the left of the Ruston Sports Complex indoor facility and the course will run around the entire complex with Christmas cheer all along the way! Click here to register.
Ruston Christmas Parade – December 20
A community favorite, the Annual Ruston Christmas Parade will bring the holiday spirit to life. You won’t want to miss festive floats and family fun in Ruston’s magical downtown district.
Christmas at the Complex – December 20-21
Friday, December 20th will be the holiday movie and ice skating at the Ruston Sports Complex (indoor facility). Saturday, December 21st they will have Cookies and Cocoa with Santa from 9am to 11am, as well as ice skating from 12pm to 5pm (skates will be provided). Both of these events are free to the public.
For more information on these and other holiday events in the area, visit www.rustonlincoln.com/holidays. Planning a trip? Download or request our Visitors Guide or check out our itineraries!
