99th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival

The 99th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights is one of the oldest community-based holiday celebrations in the country, transforming Louisiana’s oldest settlement into a winter wonderland for over six weeks. This legendary event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, centered around the beautiful Cane River Lake and the Historic Landmark District.

🎄 Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights (2025–2026)

• Dates: Saturday, November 22, 2025, through Tuesday, January 6, 2026
• Location: Historic Downtown Natchitoches, Louisiana (781 Front Street)

🌟 The Lights Display

Over 300,000 dazzling lights and more than 100 intricate set pieces are illuminated every single evening, reflecting beautifully off the Cane River Lake. The lights turn on daily at dusk throughout the entire season.

🎉 Key Event Dates & Schedule

The festival features two major event days and continuous activities every Saturday:

• Sat, Nov 22 "Turn on the Holidays!" Kickoff $15 Admission after 1:00 p.m. (Ages 6 & under FREE) 7:00 p.m.: Official lighting ceremony followed by a spectacular Drone and Fireworks Show over the Cane River Lake. Also features live music and the Holiday Kids Fest (10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.).

• Sat, Dec 699th Annual Festival Day $15 Admission starts at 6:00 a.m. (Ages 6 & under FREE) 1:00 p.m.: Festival of Lights Parade begins (starts on NSU campus).

6:00 p.m.: Major Fireworks Show choreographed to holiday music. Includes the Mistletoe Market (7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.) and all-day entertainment.

• Saturdays (Nov 29, Dec 13, 20, 27)Weekly Fireworks & Entertainment$15 Admission after 1:00 p.m. (Ages 6 & under FREE)Live music performances on the Riverbank Stage and fireworks shows (typically around 7:00 p.m. or later).

💡 Logistics & Insider Tips

• Admission & Tickets:
• Free Admission: Sunday through Friday, there is no admission fee to enjoy the lights and the Riverbank area.
• Paid Admission: A $15 wristband is required for entry to the Downtown Riverbank area on all Saturdays after 1:00 p.m. (starting at 6:00 a.m. on Dec 6th).
• CASHLESS Policy: The 2025 season will be cashless for tickets and vendor purchases.

Driving & Parking:

• Vehicles are only permitted on the Riverbank (Front Street) Sunday through Thursday. The area is closed to traffic on Fridays and Saturdays for pedestrian access.
• Plan to take Exit 138 off I-49 to reach the Historic District.

Ongoing Attractions:

• Food Vendors: Open 7 days a week along the Riverbank. Don't miss the famous Natchitoches Meat Pie!
• Santa Claus House: Visit Santa on the south end of the Downtown Riverbank from December 7th to 23rd (6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.). Visits are free, but a wristband is required on Saturdays.
• Christmas Tour of Homes: A walking tour of beautifully decorated historic homes takes place on select December dates.

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