Top Ways to Play this December in Lake Charles

Christmas Under the Oaks and Holiday House | December 5-7

Christmas Under the Oaks and Holiday House is a three-day holiday festival in the heart of Sulphur on the grounds of the Henning Cultural Center. The Holiday House features over 30 shops from regional vendors specializing in Christmas gifts, including artwork, jewelry, decor, and more. Enjoy first pick by securing a ticket to the exclusive preview party on Thursday, December 7.

Shop from 10 AM to 8 PM on Friday and Saturday, where you'll enjoy jovial carriage rides exploring Downtown Sulphur and The Grove, delicious food, and a carnival. The Saturday forecast calls for a 100% chance of snow!

Dickens in DeQuincy | December 6

Step back in time and experience a holiday inspired by the works of Charles Dickens. The City of DeQuincy transforms into a Christmas village at the annual Dickens in DeQuincy Christmas Festival. Sing along with local choirs and musicians, shop at the farmers market, and explore the model trains and decorated 1947 Pullman Coach Car at the DeQuincy Railroad Museum. Line the streets for the parade, followed by the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony and fireworks display.

Westlake Christmas Celebration | December 6

Spend the day kicking off the holiday season at the Westlake Christmas Celebration. Spend the morning enjoying breakfast and photos with Santa before heading to Westlake City Hall, where you can shop from vendors, enjoy live music, and play in the snow! The Westlake Christmas Parade rolls at 1 PM down Sampson Street. Following the parade, head back to City Hall for more holiday entertainment.

Christmas Tour of Homes | December 7

Stroll down the streets of the Historic Margaret Place Subdivision for an evening of Christmas ambiance and philanthropy. A delightful holiday celebration, the Christmas Tour of Homes will benefit the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu, set to open in 2026. This self-paced tour allows guests to walk or drive from home to home throughout the subdivision, enjoying elegant light displays and musical performances.

Pro Tip: For those planning to stroll, parking is available at Drew or Millennium Park, both within walking distance to Shell Beach Drive and Margaret Place Subdivision.

Holiday Train Rides | Recurring through December 20

Chuck the Train will be traveling through Millennium Park, providing Holiday Train Rides for children each Saturday leading up to Christmas Day. Play under the stars and twinkling lights during extended holiday hours lasting all season long.

Christmas Carriage Events | Recurring through December 23

Experience the magic of the season on a private carriage or sleigh ride along the Lakefront Promenade. From romantic two-person carriages to family-size wagons seating up to twelve passengers, this one-hour trek is a whimsical way to enjoy the holiday light displays.

Pro Tip: Reserve your ride in advance; this popular attraction may sell out quickly! Carriage rides operate rain or shine so pack the proper outerwear for an enjoyable experience.

Downtown Lake Charles Christmas Glow Show | Recurring through December 26

Marvel at a rotation of 3D projected scenes of holiday imagery at Historic City Hall throughout the week. From Friday through Sunday, experience an immersive holiday show on loop. The Downtown Lake Charles Christmas Glow Show is made possible through a partnership with the Digital Arts program at SOWELA Technical Community College and features art from students currently enrolled in the program.

Miniature Snow Village Collection | Recurring through January 3

From tiny coffee shops to quaint town squares, the Miniature Snow Village Collection features 700 pieces of Christmas nostalgia. The McNeese Foundation, in collaboration with Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center, displays the incredible village annually for all to delight in the miniature magic.

Selfie Wonderland | Recurring through January 3

Capture the spirit of the season with several Christmas-themed photo stations during Selfie Wonderland, a collection of festive backdrops designed by local artists and creatives, in Historic City Hall.

From local musicians to award-winning performers, Southwest Louisiana is a great place to attend a concert! Our live music venues offer an all-star entertainment lineup each month.

Concert entertainment pauses in December, but the new year is off to a strong start at Golden Nugget. In January, catch comedian Jay Leno, Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan - The Grits and Glamour Tour, and Sammy Kershaw on the Golden Nugget stage.

Spend the evening singing along with David Phelps at Southlake Theater. Embrace the magic of the season during Music in the Park: Christmas Edition, a free outdoor jazz concert at Nellie Lutcher Memorial Park.

Delight in the cheerful sounds of Christmas at two presentations of the Louisiana Choral Foundation Christmas Concert. The Lake Charles Symphony Orchestra will delight audiences during Christmas Actually, a collaborative event featuring performances of movie-themed Christmas songs from the golden era of film. Enjoy a holiday adventure ballet recounting the timeless tale of The Nutcracker during a presentation of World Ballet Company: Nutcracker at the Rosa Hart Theatre.