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Welcome to our 2025 Holiday Guide, proudly sponsored by Jac’s Craft Smokehouse! This hometown favorite, located in the heart of beautiful Downtown West Monroe, continues to pour love into Northeast Louisiana by serving incredible food and supporting local makers and families.
Jac’s isn’t just the area’s only craft smokehouse—they’re also champions of all things local, now offering homegrown products like their very own JAC’s Bayou Gold Mustard Sauce and Sammy’s Local Honey! Whether you’re planning a family feast, grabbing a cozy meal after holiday festivities, or looking for locally made gifts, Jac’s makes it easy to celebrate the season with flavor and heart.
While you’re exploring Downtown’s holiday magic—wagon rides, twinkling lights, and festive shops—don’t miss the Land of Lights on the corner of Pine and Cotton Street. Make it a night: stroll the lights, enjoy a delicious meal at Jac’s, and head home full of joy (and maybe a bottle of that Bayou Gold Sauce).
This guide begins with can’t-miss ongoing holiday happenings, followed by a full lineup of local events arranged in chronological order. Then we branch out into fun Louisiana-wide adventures and wrap up with seasonal games, trivia, and fun for the whole family!
Here’s to a season of memories, meals, and community—made even brighter thanks to Jac’s Craft Smokehouse.
The 2025 Holiday Guide will be updated as we receive information about events, in some cases daily. If you know of an event that you would like listed, please submit it now.
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Month-Long/Ongoing Holiday Activities
Candy Cane Hunt - Finish the Phrase (Details Coming Soon!)
Macaroni KID Monroe - West Monroe
Downtown West Monroe
Date: 12/04/25 - 12/22/25
CC's Coffee House Monroe
2350 Tower Dr., Monroe, LA
Date: 11/24-12/23, 2025
Time: Mon. - Fri. 5:30 am - 5:30 pm, Sat. - Sun., 6:30 am - 5:30 pm
Did you know your kiddos can drop off their letters to Santa right here in Monroe — no chimney or sleigh required? CC’s Coffeehouse has a special North Pole Mailbox where children can send their Christmas wishes directly to Santa himself! 📬🎁
And the holiday magic doesn’t stop there… every child who brings a letter will receive a FREE kids cup of hot chocolate OR mini cookies! ☕🍪
Geaux Bright Christmas Lights
7204 Egret Landing, Monroe, LA
Date: Now - 12/26/25
Times: Sunday - Thursday, 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm and Friday - Saturday, 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
A local family is hosting this incredible light show at their home in Egret Landing. Adults and kids alike will be amazed by the interactive light show that dances to music. You must tune in to 97.1 FM to get the full effect. If traffic is slow, they can play up to 5 different songs; on nights with higher traffic, they typically play 1-2 different songs.
Annual Freedom Trees
Chennault Aviation and Military Museum
701 Kansas Lane, Monroe, LA
Date: 11/11/25 - 12/31/25
Time: 5:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Take the whole family to the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum for an experience that’s both educational and inspiring. Walk through the exhibits to learn about history and honor the sacrifices made by veterans. Kids aged thirteen and up can even enjoy the new flight simulator! Don’t miss the annual Freedom Trees, each beautifully decorated in a Christmas theme representing different military branches. You can bring a photo of a loved one in the service to hang on the appropriate tree, joining other heartfelt tributes. It’s a meaningful visit that brings history and gratitude to life.
November 11th is a special Veteran's Day Celebration: Come join us for our annual Veteran's Day Celebration. Super 1 Foods will provide food, The US Air Force Ensemble Band will provide entertainment (scheduled and confirmed at this time - may change due to government shutdown), Our Speaker will be Lt. General Mike Wooley. West Monroe ROTC will be on site to assist with special honors, the Flag Retirement Ceremony, and more. Come out, enjoy a bite, enjoy the music, and celebrate our Veterans!
Candy Cane Lane
170 Hwy. 151 North, Calhoun, LA
Date: 11/07/25 - 01/03/26
Hayrides: 11/21/24 - 12/28/25 (Hayride tickets must be purchased in advance; the ride is about 20-25 minutes).
Time: 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm (Rain or Shine)
Cost: $25.00 for Family Vehicle, $50.00 for Commercial Vehicle (15 Passenger Van), Vehicles longer than 30 ft. must have prior approval. Hayride is $12.50 per person, and tickets must be purchased in advance.
This is a drive-thru event featuring over 1 million lights! You will move slowly through the one-mile stretch, enjoying several themed displays before ultimately arriving at an interactive tunnel of lights. Candy Cane Lane has become an annual family tradition in Northeast Louisiana.
You can purchase your ticket when you arrive with cash or a credit card, or you can purchase online at BOOK NOW.
The Magic of Christmas at the Biedenharn
2006 Riverside Drive, Monroe, LA
Dates: 12/04/25 - 12/31/25 (Christmas Open House 12/04/25 - 12/06/25, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm (FREE ADMISSION)
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Cost: Adults $10.00, Military/Seniors $8.00, Students $5.00, Garden/Bible Museum Only $5.00
Are you ready to experience the magic of the holidays in a truly enchanting place? Look no further than the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens! This hidden gem is a wonderland of holiday cheer that will soon become a beloved tradition for you and your loved ones.
As you enter the museum, you'll be transported to a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, glittering ornaments, and stunning decorations that will dazzle your senses. Stroll through the gardens and marvel at the stunning displays of holiday greenery and festive decor.
Scroll for Details on More Biedenharn Events: Pet Portraits, The Holiday Coca-Cola Truck, Elsong Aglow: A Christmas Garden Evening Stroll, and more.
Cocoa in the Courtyard at The Hotel Monroe
120 Walnut St., Monroe, LA
Dates: 12/4-12/23, 2025
Time: 5 pm - 7 pm
Cost: Requires Purchase
The Holiday's Aglow at The Hotel Monroe this December! To kick us off, they will be spreading the Christmas cheer with having Cocoa in the Courtyard December 4th-23rd from 5-7 pm each night. Come check out our magical decor, grab some hot cocoa, and warm up by one of our fire towers!
Land of Lights - Downtown West Monroe
Cotton Street, West Monroe, LA
Date: 11/20/25 - 1/01/26
Time: Starts at 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Cost: FREE
This is a walk-through activity that the kids will love! It's not too long or short, but you will find it just right for small children. The walking surface is grass, but strollers or wheelchairs should be able to roll on the surface. We highly recommend trying JAC's Craft Smokehouse before or after you enjoy the lights; you will be right around the corner from them! Many of the Downtown Shops have extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays from Thanksgiving until Christmas.
Christmas at the Complex (Ice Skating)
Ruston Sports Complex, 2001 Champion Way, Ruston, LA
Start Date: 12/01/25 - 12/30/25 (Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm)
Cost: FREE (skates are available for use)
Ruston Parks and Recreation is bringing holiday magic to life with Christmas at the Complex! This year’s highlight is a free ice skating experience that’s perfect for the whole family. No need to worry about gear—everything you need will be provided on-site. Just show up, lace up, and enjoy this festive, completely free activity that’s sure to create unforgettable holiday memories.
Curry Farms, Inc.
548 Robinson Dr., Rayville, LA
Date: 11/27/25 - 12/15/25
Time: Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sunday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Thanksgiving Day 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Admission Cost: $15.00 per person (if you buy a Christmas Tree, admission is FREE)
From the first warm hello to the last heartfelt “ya’ll come back!”, you know you’re part of our family on the farm. Come visit our Christmas tree farm and enjoy our 38 family activities. There is a lot for the whole family to enjoy!
Indian Village Harvest Farms (Facebook Page)
1976 Guyton Swamp Rd., Calhoun, LA
Date: Thursday, 11/27/25-12/21/25
Time: 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Beautiful Christmas trees, Santa Claus, and much more. (More Information Coming Soon)!
Precious Memories Christmas Tree Farm
455 Glen Acres Road, Calhoun, LA
Date: 11/22/25 - 12/23/25 (Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be there on 11/22/25, 12 pm - 3 pm)
Time: Monday - Friday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Saturday - Sunday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (Open at 12:00 pm on Thanksgiving Day and 8:00 am on Black Friday)
Cost: Various Tree Prices
Precious Memories Christmas Tree Farm supplies everything you will need! They offer a FREE ride around the farm on a sleigh pulled by an antique tractor. All you have to do is enjoy the time with your family and pick out your tree. We cut the tree down and haul it to the front, where we will shake, net, and load your tree. They also have a gift shop and photo ops.
Christmas at Kiroli
Kiroli Park
820 Kiroli Road, West Monroe, LA
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Date: 11/28/25 - 12/25/25 (Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
Cost: $10.00 for a Passenger Vehicle, $20.00 for a Christmas Season Family Pass, $30.00 for a Commercial Vehicle (Up to 10 Passengers), $50.00 for a Small Bus (Up to 20 Passengers), $100.00 for a Large Bus (Up to 50 Passengers)
A Season Pass can be purchased for $30.00 and includes unlimited visits to Christmas at Kiroli. PURCHASE YOUR PASS or TICKETS NOW
This drive-thru event is always impressive, and we hear they have added some new attractions! You don't want to miss this family fun!
*Santa's Christmas Village
Children's Museum of Northeast Louisiana
323 Walnut Street, Monroe, LA
Date: 12/02/25 - 12/23/25
Days: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Cost: $15.00 (Pre-Purchased Tickets Not Required)
Visitors 2 and up require a ticket.
Santa's Christmas Village returns to the Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum. Each year, The Children's Museum is a winter wonderland complete with twinkling lights, decorated trees, festive holiday music, and of course ... Santa! Visitors can have holiday fun while they decorate a cookie, make and take an ornament, slide down Mount Sneaux, play in our "snow", and visit with Santa. Middle and high school art classes have created a Mini Christmas Village for our little visitors to enjoy while their siblings are sliding on Mount Sneaux.
Upcoming Special Events, Cost: $20, 2 and Up
12/06/25: Breakfast with Santa (TICKETS)
12/07/25: Gingerbread Workshop (TICKETS)
12/14/25: The Grinch Cocoa & Cookies (TICKETS)
Holiday Wagon Rides
Alley Park
250 Trenton Street, West Monroe, LA
Date: 12/05/25 - 12/20/25 (Every Friday and Saturday Night)
Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Cost: $10.00 Adult, $5.00 for Children 12 and Under
The wagon will take you through scenic Downtown West Monroe, decorated for the holidays. Pick-up every 30 minutes in Alley Park.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Strauss Youth Academy of Arts
1300 Lamy Lane, Monroe, LA
Dates and Times:
Friday, December 5 at 7:00 pm (Shepherds Cast)
Sunday, December 7 at 3:00 pm (Angels Cast)
Saturday, December 13 at 2:00 pm (Shepherds Cast)
Sunday, December 14 at 3:00 pm (Angels Cast)
Cost: Adults $18.00, Students and Kids: $12.00 (3 and up are required to have a ticket.)
The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world–so when they crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics.
There’s not supposed to be biting or cigar-smoking in Bethlehem, and while these kids have never even heard the Christmas story, they definitely have rewrites! Soon, everyone is calling for reluctant director Grace Bradley to cancel the whole thing.
It’s up to the Bradleys and the Reverend to help their community see the Christmas story and the Herdman kids through new eyes in this buoyant musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic.
Lincoln Lights Up the Pines 2025
Lincoln Parish Park
211 Parish Park Road, Ruston, LA
Date: 12/04/25 - 12/06/25 (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday)
Date: 12/11/25 - 12/13/25 (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday)
Time: 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Cost: Admission is $10 per car and $20 per bus. 100% of the proceeds will go to benefit Lincoln Parish Park.
Enjoy this magical time of year with a 3-mile long drive-thru display of Christmas Lights at Lincoln Parish Park! You'll find spots along the way that have been decorated by local businesses, as well as the most unique portion of the trail that features vintage campers and RV spots decked out in all their holiday spirit. This display will be open on December 4th-6th and 11th-13th.
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Holiday Events and Activities
Christmas Cookie Decorating Class
Tower Place, 1500 N. 19th St. 1st Floor Magnolia Room, Monroe, LA
Date: Saturday, 12/13/25
Time: Saturday 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: $50.00 per person
In this class, you will join Amy Hobbs of The Little Sweet Shoppe, and learn the tips for royal icing cookie decorating! This is a beginner class that will teach:
Outline, Flood, Using Royal Icing Transfers, Consistencies, Sprinkles. Each guest will leave with adorable cookies and their own cookie scribe. We will giggle, decorate cookies, and learn something new. Every single class is so much fun! We are so excited about our new classroom space, in the Tower Place building. We will be in the Magnolia Room on the 1st Floor. Extra boxes are available for $20/each if you would like to practice on an extra set at home.
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Noel Night, An Evening of Holiday Elegance
Biedenharn Museum & Gardens, 2006 Riverside Dr., Monroe, LA
Date: Monday, 12/08/25
Time: 5 pm - 8 pm
Cost: $100 per person
Celebrate the season in style with an exclusive evening of holiday elegance. Guests will enjoy private access to the festively adorned Biedenharn campus all aglow! This gathering features cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and live music. Come enjoy an intimate evening at the Biedenharn.
Hotel Monroe
120 Walnut St., Monroe, LA
Date: Tuesday, 12/09/25
Time: 5 pm - 7 pm
Cost: No Admission, Meal Purchase
Step into a holiday dream as The Hotel Monroe comes alive with the joyful voices of the Delta Youth Chorale. These talented young performers will fill the grand lobby with the sounds of Christmas, singing from garland-draped banisters on the mezzanine that overlooks the dazzling holiday décor below.
Make it a night to remember — enjoy dinner or festive cocktails at Heirloom before or after the performance and soak in the spirit of the season!
Elsong Aglow: A Christmas Garden Stroll
Biedenharn Museum & Garden, 2006 Riverside Dr., Monroe, LA
Date: Tuesday - Saturday, 12/09-12/13, 2025
Time: 5 pm - 8 pm
Cost: $5.00 per person
Enjoy an evening amongst the sparkling lights in Elsong Garden while sipping Hot Cocoa. What better way is there to bring in the spirit of the season than to take in amazing Christmas lights?
(Note: This event is ONLY for the garden the Biedenharn House will be closed during this event).
TICKETS: 12/09/25 12/10/25 12/11/25 12/12/25 12/13/25
Holiday Brass - Monroe Symphony Orchestra (Lagniappe Chamber Series)
Grace Episcopal Church, 405 Glenmar Ave., Monroe, LA
Date: Tuesday, 12/09/25
Time: :7 pm - 9 pm
Cost: General Admission $50.00
Celebrate the season with fanfare. Our brass players bring festive favorites—from joyful chorales to noble fanfares—in an evening of warmth and sparkle. A perfect holiday outing for family and friends.
A Christmas Story presented by Josh Madden Productions
111 Cotton St., West Monroe, LA
Date: Thursday - Sunday, 12/10-12/13, 2025
Time: 7 pm - 9 pm
Cost: $35 per person
Based on the motion picture, "A Christmas Story," Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Ill.
Wreaths Across America Ceremony - Hasley Cemetery
1500 Arkansas Road, West Monroe, LA
Date: Friday, 12/12/25
Time: 10:00 am
Cost: FREE to Attend
The City of West Monroe will host a wreath-laying ceremony at Hasley Cemetery as part of Wreaths Across America on Friday, December 13, at 10 a.m. at Hasley Cemetery. The ceremony will take place at the gazebo located on the grounds of Hasley Cemetery at 1500 Arkansas Road in West Monroe. Hasley Cemetery is an official Wreaths Across America location. The public is encouraged to sponsor a live wreath to place on the headstone of fallen service members laid to rest at the cemetery. More than 800 veterans are buried at the cemetery. Wreaths can be purchased for $17 each. The deadline to purchase a wreath is Tuesday, November 26.
Children's Lighted Bike Parade (Battery Operated Cars Welcome)
Downtown West Monroe - Alley Park
Date: Friday, 12/12/25
Time: 6:30 pm
Cost: $5.00 per child (Includes Santa Photo Op)
Christmas Blues Spectacular featuring D.K. Harrell and Friends
Dixie Center for the Arts
212 N. Vienna St., Ruston, LA
Date: Friday, 12/12/25
Time: 7:00 pm -9:00 pm
Cost: Ranging from $27 - $40
Join us for this benefit show for the Dixie as D.K. Harrell and Friends bring us a Christmas Blues Spectacular! This show is sure to make your Christmas seem a little less blue and more Merry and Bright. The stage will be filled with many North Louisiana Notables that you don't want to miss! D.K. Harrell is an emerging Blues artist from Ruston, Louisiana.
As a Blues artist, D. K. Harrell is dedicated to the preservation of the Traditional Blues created and performed by B.B. King, Little Milton, and other great Blues artists. D.K. is an artist who wants to bring his perspective on the Blues to the world with the message that younger generations have the blues too.
*Pet Photos with Santa at Biedenharn Museum and Gardens
2000 Riverside Dr., Monroe, LA (Riverside Gate)
Date: Saturday, 12/13/25
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: $15.00 per pet
(Rain or Shine) Brush that fur, trim those claws, and break out the outfits, Santa Paws is coming to town! All pets must be leashed or in carriers.
Christmas Market on the Alley
Downtown West Monroe - Antique Alley
100-400 Blocks of Trenton Street, West Monroe, LA
Date: Saturday, 12/13/25
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (Shopping)
Cost: FREE
Shops are open for extended hours so that you can get some of the coolest artisan items, enjoy live music, and get a bite at JAC's Craft Smokehouse or food trucks that will be on sight.
Jungle Bells presented by Guerriero & Guerriero and LA Purchase Zoological Society
Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo
1405 Bernstein Park Road, Monroe, LA
Date: Saturday, 12/13/25
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Admission Cost: FREE (Admission Sponsored by Guerriero & Guerriero)
Train Ride: $3.00 per person
Boat Ride: $5.00 per person
Pictures with Santa, Toys while supplies last, pony rides, arts and crafts, and more!
Calhoun Christmas Parade - Red, White, and Blue
Old Research Station Heading West on US Hwy. 80
Date: Saturday, 12/13/25
Time: 11 am
Cost: FREE
Santa in the Park at Kiroli (Facebook Page)
820 Kiroli Rd., West Monroe, LA
Date: Sunday, 12/14/25
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Cost: $1.00 per person park admission
Come out for food trucks, vendors, live music, photos with Santa and other characters, and more!
*Christmas Cookie Crawl
200 Mississippi Ave., Ruston, La
Date: Sunday, 12/14/25
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Cost: $15.00 per person (Tickets go on sale TBA)
Join us in Downtown Ruston for a delicious holiday tradition – the FIRST Downtown Ruston Cookie Crawl! From 1 to 4 PM, stroll through the beautifully decorated streets, collect up to 10 different cookies from local businesses, and enjoy festive fun for the whole family. (The variety of 20 different cookies is made with love from Uptown Downtown)
This ticketed event will be a great way to make memories in Downtown Ruston and give you an opportunity to get that last bit of shopping done!
With holiday music, The Gingerbread Man and Rudolph (Think about the fun photos), decorations, and a bustling community spirit, the Cookie Crawl is a sweet way to celebrate the season with friends and family. Tickets are limited, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this special holiday tradition!
You'll get your box and instructions at check-in at the Historic Fire Station. We'll be there beginning at 1 pm and will check in until 3 pm. Don't miss your window!
Pajama Jam at Bayou Bowl (Facebook Page)
100 Horseshoe Lake Rd., Monroe, LA
Date: Sunday, 12/14/25
Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Cost: $15.00 per person
Join us for a cozy afternoon of Christmas fun! Slip into your favorite festive pajamas and step into a world of holiday cheer. Enjoy photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, Christmas crafts, a hot cocoa bar, Christmas games & festive activities, and unlimited bowling. All ages are welcome!
*Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Night presented by Biedenharn Museum & Gardens
2000 Riverside Dr., Monroe, LA
Date: Wednesday, 12/17/25
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cost: FREE
The Grand Finale of Christmas at the Biedenharn - share the spirit of Christmas with friends and family with the lights of the iconic Christmas Coke Truck. Enjoy beautiful décor, magical lights, refreshments, food trucks, a model Christmas train, Photos with Santa and the Coke Polar Bear, and more!
2025 Northeast Louisiana Christmas Celebration
First West-West Monroe Campus, 311 Mill St., West Monroe, LA
Date: Friday - Sunday, 12/19-12/21, 2025
Time: Doors Open at 5 pm
Cost: $10.00 per person
You don’t want to miss this powerful and joy-filled weekend as First West-West Monroe celebrates the birth of Jesus. It will be an exciting, fun, and worshipful experience for everyone. Tickets are $10 each with a portion of ticket sales going to benefit MedCamps of Louisiana.
Ruston Rudolph Run 5K
Ruston Sports Complex, 2103 Champions Way, Ruston, LA
Date: Thursday, 12/18/25
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Cost: $25.00 per runner, $30.00 after 11/16/25
Get ready for another fun holiday event with this race at the Ruston Sports Complex. The Ruston Rudolph 5k Race will begin in the parking lot to the left of the indoor facility, and the course will run around the entire complex, going around different sports complexes/fields with Christmas cheer all along the way! People of all ages can register for the 5K. Registration for the race is $25 and includes a T-shirt. After the race, enjoy ice skating, a Christmas concert, and more. Click HERE to register for the race.
FREE Holiday Concert featuring Russ-Town Band
Dixie Center for the Arts
212 N. Vienna St., Ruston, LA
Date: Thursday, 12/18/25
Time: 7:00 pm -9:00 pm
Cost: FREE
A Big Band Holiday Celebration Benefiting the Dixie Center. Celebrate the season in style with Christmas with the Russ-Town Band—a lively evening of big band holiday favorites performed by an all-volunteer group of talented local musicians. From jazzy renditions of Christmas classics to toe-tapping swing numbers, this concert delivers the festive sounds and joyful energy of a timeless holiday celebration. Admission is free, and all are welcome! Monetary donations will be gratefully received during the event to benefit the Dixie Center for the Arts, helping to support and sustain local arts in our community. Bring your friends, your family, and your holiday cheer—this is one Christmas tradition you won’t want to miss!
Hotel Monroe
120 Walnut St., Monroe, LA
Date: Friday, 12/19/25
Time: 5 pm - 7 pm
Cost: No Admission, Meal Purchase
Step into a holiday dream as The Hotel Monroe comes alive with the joyful voices of the Delta Youth Chorale. These talented young performers will fill the grand lobby with the sounds of Christmas, singing from garland-draped banisters on the mezzanine that overlooks the dazzling holiday décor below.
Make it a night to remember — enjoy dinner or festive cocktails at Heirloom before or after the performance and soak in the spirit of the season!
The Polar Express presented by Louisiana Delta Ballet
Jack Howard Theatre 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway., Monroe, LA
Date: Friday, 12/19/25
Time: 7 pm - 9:00 pm
Cost: $35.00 - $50.00 per person
Join the Conductor, Chris, and all the children on The Polar Express, as they journey to the North Pole and discover that they really do “Believe”. This original theater production of Chris Van Allsburg’s famous children’s book offers state-of-the-art sets and scenery, beautiful costumes, and excellent production value. With all of the classic elements (and some surprises!), this is a must see for all ages!
Christmas at the Complex
Ruston Sports Complex, 2001 Champions Way, Ruston, LA
Date: Friday and Saturday, 12/20/24 and 12/21/24
Time: Friday (TBA)
Get ready for another fun holiday event with Christmas at the Complex. The Ruston Sports Complex will host these events: Friday, December 20th will be the holiday movie and ice skating at the Ruston Sports Complex (indoor facility). Saturday, December 21st they will have Cookies and Cocoa with Santa from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, as well as ice skating from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm (skates will be provided). Both of these events are free to the public.
Holiday Outdoor Movie
Downtown West Monroe - Alley Park
250 Trenton Street, West Monroe, LA
Date: 12/20/24
Time: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Watch a favorite Christmas movie under the lights on Antique Alley! Free for everyone! Bring a chair and blanket.
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Louisiana Fun!
*99th Annual Natchitoches Festival of Lights
781 Front Street, Natchitoches, LA
Dates: Saturdays - 11/22/25 - 01/06/26
Time: Dusk
Cost: Cost Varies (See Full Schedule)
Named after a Native American tribe, Natchitoches (pronounced Nack-a-tish ) is the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase Territory. Since 1927, we are home to one of the oldest community-based holiday celebrations in the country. Starting as a one-day festival, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival has evolved into a six-week long Christmas Season. The Christmas Season begins on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and concludes on January the 6th, the Epiphany. Over 300,000 lights and 100 plus set pieces are on display every night at dusk.
Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights
See this awesome interactive map to show you the trail of holiday lights! There are so many beautiful places to visit in Louisiana and this could make for an awesome and unforgettable family trip during Winter break!
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At Home Holiday Fun!
The website officially opens on December 1, 2025! NORADTracks Santa is an annual Christmas -themed program in which North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) simulates the tracking of Santa Claus, who is said to leave the North Pole to travel around the world on his mission to deliver presents to children every year on Christmas Eve.
There are also fun holiday games your kids will enjoy, check them out!
Santa Runner
Santa Claus Jump
Santa Hop!
Gift Craft (4 Games)
Letter Postmarked from the North Pole!
These are the steps to make the magic happen:
- Have the child write a letter to Santa and place it in an envelope addressed to: Santa Claus, North Pole.
- Write a personalized response to the child's letter and sign it "From Santa."
- Insert both letters into an envelope and address it to the child.
- Add the return address: SANTA, NORTH POLE, to the envelope.
- Ensure a First-Class Mail stamp is affixed to the envelope.
- Place the complete envelope into a larger envelope, with appropriate postage, and address it to:
NORTH POLE POSTMARK
POSTMASTER
4141 POSTMARK DR
ANCHORAGE AK 99530-9998
The United States Post Office recommends that you send your letters by December 10. Santa’s helpers in Anchorage, AK, will take care of the rest!
Macaroni KID Monroe-West Monroe publishes time-saving guides to help you connect to the community. We publish individual events in our Event Calendar and for special seasonal events, we publish guides making it easier to plan your family fun! From the spook-tacular fun at Fall Festivals and Halloween to the festive joy of Christmas, the adventurous spirit of Summer Camps, and even a Kid's Party Guide, we've got it all covered.
No more endless searching—our guides make it a breeze to discover and plan all the exciting happenings in our community. So grab a cup of cocoa, sit back, and let Macaroni KID Monroe-West Monroe connect you to the best family fun around. Happy holidays and happy planning! (SEE GUIDES)
