Cajun Christmas

Come experience an authentic Cajun Christmas beginning in November through the entire month of December. This holiday season, celebrate the magic with parades, fireworks, shopping, carriage rides, choirs, crafts, tasty treats and pictures with the big man himself, Santa!



Pictures With Santa
Nov. 10 - Dec. 24, Prien Lake Mall, Lake Charles.
Capture the magic of the season at the Sears Court. (337) 477-7487.

Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
Nov. 17 - Jan. 1, L'Auberge Casino Resort|
Winter Wonderland ice rink opens Saturday, November 17, 2012, on the event lawn area at L'Auberge. Bring your family and friends and enjoy an experience only L'Auberge can offer! $15 per 3 hour session. 
Full Schedule and Other Information.

Christmas at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum
Nov. 23 - Dec. 31, Imperial Calcasieu Museum, Lake Charles. Showcasing an extensive and whimsical Snow Village in the Gibson-Barham Gallery. (337) 439-3797.

Holiday Music Concerts
Nov. 26 - Dec. 23, Prien Lake Mall, Lake Charles.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the shopping season to enjoy the musical performances of local churches, school bands and choirs. (337) 477-7487.

"A Christmas Story"
Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, 7 - 9, Artists Civic Theatre & Studio, Lake Charles.
Enjoy a "live" production of the Christmas Story. Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. Adults $20, Students $10. (337) 433-2287. http://www.actstheatre.com/

Christmas at the Railroad Museum
Nov. 30 - Dec. 31, DeQuincy Railroad Museum.
Thousands of exterior lights, laser show, multiple indoor trees. Night tours are available by reservation. (337) 786-2823. http://www.dequincyrailroadmuseum.com/

Ida and Em Nutcracker Exhibit
Nov. 30 - Feb. 2, 1911 Historic City Hall, Lake Charles.
Two ballet legends, Ida Winter Clarke and Emily Coleman, acted as the catalyst to bring ballet to Lake Charles. It includes vintage costumes, set designs and sketches, photos and interviews. Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (337) 491-9147.

 "Open Art Splurgery"
Dec. 1 - 22, Gallery by the Lake, Lake Charles.
Members have opened their hearts to allow shoppers to come and splurge on art for Christmas gifts of good culture. As part of the Charleston Cultural District, the art is tax free. Tues-Fri, Noon - 5 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (337) 436-1008. http://www.fineartamerica.com/ 

Christmas Card Workshop
Dec. 1 - 23, 1911 Historic City Hall, Lake Charles.
All ages are welcome to test their creative skills and write letters to Santa, which will be sent directly to the North Pole. The Calcasieu Council on Aging will distribute the handmade Christmas cards to area nursing home residents throughout Calcasieu Parish. Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (337) 491-9147.

J&R Carriages Christmas Light Rides
Dec. 1 - 31, Shell Beach Drive, Lake Charles.
J&R Carriages offers evening Christmas light carriage rides along Shell Beach Drive. Reservations required. (337) 842-0778. http://www.jandrcarriage.com/

Lake Area Christmas Celebration
Dec. 2, 8, 9, Trinity Baptist Church, Lake Charles.
The Christmas musical events are held in the Main Auditorium. Dec. 2, 6 p.m. features "The One and Only Original Christmas Factory." Experience the "Lake Area Christmas Celebration" Dec. 8, 7 p.m., Dec. 9, 9:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Admission is free. (337) 480-1555.
http://www.tbclc.org/

Santa Pet Photos
Dec. 2 & 9, Prien Lake Mall, Lake Charles.
Even Fido and Fluffy believe in Santa, so bring them along to have their picture taken from 6 - 8 p.m. Sears Court. (337) 477-7487.

5^th Annual Trees of Hope, Charity Tree Decorating Contest
Dec. 3 - 21, Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel, Vinton.
Delta Downs invites the public to come and vote on local charities' unique Christmas tree decorations as they compete for a share of $10,000 in cash. Awards ceremony is Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. (800) 589-7441. http://www.deltadowns.com/ 

Central School Holiday Social
Dec. 6, Central School Arts & Humanities Center, Lake Charles. Features live musical performances, art exhibits and refreshments from 6 - 8 p.m. Admission is free. (337) 439-2787
http://www.artsandhumanitiesswla.org/                                                

White Light Night
Dec. 6, The Cottage Shops, Lake Charles.
Beat the last minute Christmas rush by enjoying late night shopping. Enjoy light refreshments and door prizes. Shop from 6 - 9 p.m. (337) 439-7693.

Very Merry Christmas Party for Seniors
Dec. 6, Lake Charles Civic Center.
A festive day for seniors 60+ begins with a continental breakfast for all-a live band, caroling children and a full lunch. There will also be Entergy Bingo for more than $1,500 in prizes. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. (337) 474-2583.

Christmas in Louisiana: Once Upon a Time
Dec. 6 - 8, Lake Charles Civic Center, Rosa Hart Theatre.
This beautiful ballet tells the story of Santa's journeys to Louisiana throughout the state's history. School group performances: Dec. 6 - 7, 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. (337) 802-5779. Public performance: Dec. 8, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. (337) 474-0311.
http://www.lakecharlescivicballet.com/

Vinton Cajun Christmas Celebration
Dec. 7, Vinton Elementary Gym, Vinton.
The parade kicks off the festivities at 5 p.m. followed by family friendly activities, jambalaya dinners, and a visit from Old St. Nicholas. Donate can goods and receive free admission. Hosted by Vinton Elementary PTO at 1610 Hampton St. (337) 217-4520.

Rory Partin & His Big Band Sound
Dec. 7, Lake Charles Little Theatre.
Get ready to enjoy an evening of holiday classics and Big Band hits from a talented group of performers. Tickets are $15 at the door, $10 in advance. (337) 433-7988.
http://www.thelclt.com/

Westlake Christmas Festival
Dec. 8, Downtown Westlake.
Festival begins at noon with a gumbo cook-off, an ornament contest, bake sale, and arts and crafts booths. Parade begins at 4 p.m. followed by a tree lighting ceremony at City Hall. Visit Santa and enjoy hot chocolate. (337) 433-0691.

Iowa Christmas Parade
Dec. 8, Downtown Iowa.
Parade begins at 2 p.m. followed by Christmas in the Park at Lawrence Toups Memorial Park Pavilion at 6 p.m. with gumbo, cookies, choirs and Santa. (337) 582-3535.
http://www.iowala.org/

Moss Bluff Christmas Parade
Dec. 8, Downtown Moss Bluff.
Moss Bluff Christmas Parade begins at 2 p.m. 337-526-2827.

Living Christmas 2012
Dec. 8 & 9, First Baptist Church, Lake Charles.
First Baptist Church presents "Christmas Morning: Answered Prayers," a dramatic retelling of the Christmas story along with classic Christmas favorites. 6 p.m. Admission is free. (337) 433-1443. http://www.fbclc.com/

Christmas Concert "Peace, Hope, Joy"
Dec. 13, Lake Charles Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Dec. 16, Immaculate Conception Church, Sulphur.
Catch the Christmas spirit with harmonious and magical carols performed by the Louisiana Choral Foundation's Masterworks Chorale. Thurs. 7:30 p.m. or Sun. 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults or $5 for students. (337) 491-9348.

Children's Museum Holiday Art Activities
Dec. 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, The Children's Museum, Lake Charles. Enjoy Christmas readings at 11 a.m. and ArtSpace activities noon and 12:30 p.m. (337) 433-9420.
http://www.swlakids.org/

Children's Museum Meet Santa!
Dec. 22, The Children's Museum, Lake Charles.
Meet Santa Claus from 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. and make an ornament in ArtSpace throughout the day. (337) 433-9420. http://www.swlakids.org/

*Events are subject to change.