Top 10 Holiday Things to do in Monroe-West Monroe’s Christmas on the River
Media Release
Sheila Snow
318-387-5691
ssnow@monroe-westmonroe.org
November 3, 2016
Top 10 Holiday Things to do in Monroe-West Monroe’s Christmas on the River
1. Bawcomville Redneck Parade
This is a parade like no other with buses jacked up on huge tires, tractors, and more. Prize throws at this parade include hot dogs, ramen noodles, turnips, and even a roll of toilet paper. This fun parade also supports local children, as the entry fee is a stuffed animal or toy that is given to local families for Christmas. First Saturday of December at 10 a.m.
2. Walking in a Winter Wonderland of Lights
One of the newest attractions during Christmas on the River, this lighted area is nothing short of magical with walk through tunnels and interactive light displays all centered around a huge tree of lights. Saturday before Thanksgiving-New Year’s Day from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. nightly
3. Wagon Ride along the Light tTrail through Monroe-West Monroe
Climb aboard and enjoy the lights and sounds of Christmas on River from an open air wagon that will take you through out the downtowns of both Monroe and West Monroe to experience all the beautiful light displays. Select weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
4. Santa’s Christmas Village
A favorite of the young and old in Monroe-West Monroe, Santa’s Christmas Village offers ice skating, make and take ornaments, cookie decorating, riding a hand crank train, snow on the hour, story time with Mrs. Claus, and visits with the man himself, Santa Claus. Opens the weekend Thanksgiving and closes the weekend before Christmas.
5. Holidays at the Biedenharn
Enjoy the beautiful Christmas decorations throughout the Biedenharn Home and Elsong Gardens thanks to the Monroe Garden Study League. Be sure to come by during regular museum hours to take your family Christmas snapshots. During Holidays at the Biedenharn, the museum opens for special musical performances. Decorations are up the week after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. Holiday performances on select weekend.
6. Shopping on Antique Alley
Shop over 30 classic antique shops and trendy boutiques with clothing, furniture, home decor, spices, bikes, and more. With so many options, this is the place to find that perfect gift. All season long.
7. Watching the Fireworks over the Ouachita River from the RiverMarket
The Christmas Fireworks in Downtown Monroe-West Monroe over the beautiful Ouachita River are a spectacular show! Watch from the Downtown RiverMarket, a perfect spot! First Saturday in December at 7 p.m.
8. Live Performances
The holiday season in Monroe-West Monroe comes alive with area performances. Each year, two special holiday ballet performances from Twin City Ballet and Louisiana Delta Ballet are highlights of the season. Scrooge, a performance by Family Church, is a Broadway style performance featuring musical performances and dancing. Journey to Bethlehem, is a live walk through performance of the first Christmas performed by Cedar Crest Baptist Church. All season long. See calendar of events for exact dates.
9. Downtown Rivermarket
Shopping, parades, games, lunch with Santa…the list of holiday activities at the Downtown Rivermarket goes on and on. Located along the beautiful Ouachita River in Downtown Monroe, the Rivermarket hosts musical performances and a host of activities to get you in the holiday spirit. They also have a variety of merchants and vendors offering clothing, home decor, and unique handmade gifts. Saturdays during the holiday season.
10. West Monroe Kiwanis Club Christmas Parade
Each year this parade features bands from the local community and decorated floats from churches, businesses, and local organizations. The parade route begins in West Monroe, travels along Antique Alley, crosses the Ouachita River and heads down to the Downtown RiverMarket in Monroe. First Saturday in December at 3 p.m.
