There is no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than taking advantage of the many Christmas celebrations happening all over Southwest Louisiana. There will be plenty of parades, fireworks, concerts, crafts, and Santa appearances to warm even the “Scroogiest” of hearts.
Light Up the Lake
In Lake Charles, the fun kicks off at the Light Up the Lake Christmas Festival. Enjoy activities from carriage rides and gingerbread houses to Santa’s Workshop, the lighting ceremony, parades, concerts and fireworks over the lake.
12 Days of Christmas in Sulphur
It’s the “12 Days of Christmas,” only this time, it’s not just a song! Celebrations include the annual Christmas Under the Oaks and Holiday House as well as holiday theater and concert performances, carnival rides, a holiday market, live music, a balloon parade and the Spectacle of Lights.
Parades
For more Christmas fun, head to DeQuincy for the annual Christmas Parade, as well as the KCS Holiday Express Train. Westlake, Iowa, Moss Bluff will also ring in the holiday season with a parade and festivities. Vinton will host a chili cook-off and parade with entertainment at the park pavilion to follow. There will also be pictures with Santa! Click here for all parade event details.
Fantastic Shopping
Jumpstart your Christmas spirit at the Junior League of Lake Charles’ annual Mistletoe & Moss Holiday Market. Booths will feature items for everyone, including apparel, jewelry and accessories, specialty foods and seasonal and year-round decorative items and home furnishings. Organizers are expecting about 6,000 shoppers.
Soak up the arts with a holiday concert by the Lake Charles Symphony or a stirring ballet by the Lake Charles Civic Ballet and other performances from local theater companies. Christmas favorites like "The Nutcracker", "Twas the Night Before Christmas", "A Christmas Story" will hit the stage. Click here for a full listing of events.
Christmas Light Tours & Rides
Enjoy a carriage ride along Lakeshore Drive under a lighted oak tree canopy to see the majestic houses all lit up for the holiday season. Contact Lake Charles Carriages or Vintage Carriage Company to schedule. Looking for something unique? Try Lake Area Adventures' Pontoon light tours.
Lindsey Janies, www.ljpcommercial.com
Santa Comes to Town
This holiday season, meet the jolly guy himself at several Christmas events throughout Southwest Louisiana. There'll be plenty of photo opportunities at the Prien Lake Mall where kids and pets can sit on Ol' Saint Nick's knee. And what could be better than breakfast with Santa?!
With parades, concerts, fireworks, food and Santa Claus, Southwest Louisiana is the place to be to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
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