North Louisiana Colleges Host Events that the Whole Family Can Enjoy

When final exams are done, and the holiday season rolls around, the students of north Louisiana colleges put down their books and catch up on quality time with their families. To help the students and their families get into the Christmas spirit, three of the universities along the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights host family friendly events that people of all ages can enjoy. Nevertheless, these aren’t closed events! You can join in on the fun at these family-friendly events that are hosted by Louisiana State University in Alexandria, Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, and Centenary College in Shreveport.

1.)    Louisiana State University in Alexandria

If traveling the Trail from south to north on I-49, your first destination will be Louisiana State University in Alexandria. The university will be hosting Christmas on the Quad at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 28.

At this event, Santa begins the countdown to turn on the lights of the school’s water tower and Christmas tree, before a fireworks show. There will be caroling, cookies and hot chocolate. This event is free and open to the public.

LSUA is located at 8100 Hwy 71 South in Alexandria. For more information about this event, click here.

2.)    Northwestern State University in Natchitoches

Your next stop is Northwestern State University. The school is hosting its 29th Annual Christmas Gala. The show includes the famous Nutcracker dance, the NSU Jazz Orchestra, the Percussion Ensemble, and several other featured vocalists and musicians.

Each year, almost 13,000 people see the production. Inspired by New York City’s Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, the production show cases the students and faculty of NSU’s music, theatre, dance, art, and media programs.

The NSU Christmas Gala will be performed 7 p.m., Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 and again at 9 p.m., Dec. 1. All performances will take place at NSU in A. A. Fredericks Auditorium. NSU is located at 175 Sam Sibley Dr. in Natchitoches. For more information about this event, click here.

3.)    Centenary College in Shreveport

Centenary College of Shreveport will be hosting three holiday events. At 5:30 p.m., Dec. 1, the school will be hosting its annual Christmas Candlelight Service. The Centenary College Choir, Centenary Camerata Choral Ensemble, I-49 Brass Ensemble, and organist Dr. Hollice Watson will make special appearances during this event.

On Saturday, Dec. 16, Centenary will have Breakfast with Santa from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. That same afternoon, Centenary will host the Shreveport-Bossier Holiday Classic Collegiate Basketball Show Case at the Gold Dome. This event includes a family-friendly tailgate party that will begin at noon, appearances by Santa, and several other activities for children and families to enjoy.

For more information about these events, click here.