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Visiting America's Favorite Christmas Town: Natchitoches, Louisiana
Visiting Natchitoches, Louisiana at Christmas is a magical experience that perfectly captures the charm, history, and warmth of the holiday season. This small town, which is one of the oldest settlements in Louisiana, becomes a holiday wonderland every year with its annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival, a tradition dating back to 1927! The festival, which usually spans six weeks, brings together locals and visitors from across the country, offering a blend of holiday lights, music, food and good old Southern hospitality. I know European Christmas Markets are all the rage right now, but I'm telling you, there's no reason you need to fly across the Atlantic when you can get the same kind of charm this holiday season!
1. The Magic of Holiday Lights
The festival's standout feature is its display of over 300,000 twinkling lights and 100 plus set pieces that illuminate the Cane River Lake and downtown area. This display has been a staple in the community since 1927 when a simple string of lights was strung up on Front Street! As the sun sets, these lights create the most enchanting display that is both nostalgic and breathtaking. Walking along the riverbank with the lights reflecting off the water is a highlight in itself, and you'll have lots of opportunities to slow down and soak in all those holiday feelings!
The lights switch on nightly, so even if you are visiting during a weekday, you'll get a chance to see them. However, the best time to visit is on a weekend so that you can get a more immersive experience with all the extra events like fireworks, boat parades and food vendors.
2. Fireworks and Weekend Festivities
A holiday trip to Natchitoches isn't complete without experiencing the fireworks display. Every Saturday night during the festival season, the town is known for their vibrant and professional fireworks display. The grand display always occurs on the first weekend of December and again closer to Christmas. These fireworks light up the night sky and are synchronized with holiday music that echoes throughout the area, creating the most magical experience.
On the weekends, the town also hosts parades, concerts, and appearances by Santa, adding in even more festive cheer. The Festival of Lights Parade is a local favorite, featuring floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus himself!
There are also lighted boat parades along the river, holiday kids fest activities and cookies with Santa. Another one of the highlights is the Christmas Parade of Homes, where local homeowners open their homes as part of the Natchitoches Historic Foundation for a guided Christmas tour. You'll see uniquely decorated properties all around Natchitoches with docent-led commentaries on the history of each property as well as unique holiday decorations.
The community involvement in these events really showcases the pride and warmth of the people of Natchitoches, welcoming everyone to join in the fun. It really is the most delightful experience where you will continue to see the same familiar faces over and over again and you'll leave feeling like a friend!
3. Exploring Historic Natchitoches
During the day, there's plenty to see beyond the lights and festivities. Natchitoches has a rich history, and its historic district is part of a National Historic Landmark, full of preserved French Creole townhouses, picturesque brick-paved streets and historical sites. And if the town seems to look familiar, it's probably because you've seen it before in a movie. Steel Magnolias was filmed in this sweet little Southern town. It's easy to do a self-guided walking tour of the Steel Magnolias filming locations, and if you want, you can even stay in the Steel Magnolias home, now turned bed and breakfast.
You can wander though Front Street and explore all the shops, boutiques, and antique stores. You'll find plenty of unique holiday gifts and locally crafted souvenirs to remember your trip.
You can also visit Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, where you can learn more about the town's colonial past and how it served as a French outpost in the early 18th century.
I'd also suggest visiting Melrose on the Cane where you can visit a historic set of buildings including the African House and weaving building as well as a collection of artwork by world famous African Folk Art painter Clementine Hunter.
4. Cajun and Creole Holiday Flavors
No trip to Louisiana is complete without indulging in the local cuisine, and Natchitoches has plenty to offer. During the Christmas Festival, food vendors set up booths along the riverbank serving up classic Louisiana dishes with a holiday twist. Gumbo, jambalaya, boudin, and Natchitoches meat pies are some of the must-try options that bring the flavors of the region to life. Don't sleep on the food, they sell out fast!
The town's famous meat pies are a culinary staple, and many vendors serve these alongside other holiday treats like hot cocoa, beignets, and pralines.
You aren't going to want to miss the Zydeco breakfast at Cane River Commissary. Saturday's from 9-12 you'll find delicious local food and a fun Zydeco band playing live music. Get there early to get a table and stay all morning for the fun!
5. Holiday Shopping and Local Artisans
If you're looking for holiday gifts, Natchitoches has a unique shopping experience. Many of the shops along Front Street and throughout the historic district offer handcrafted items, from local artwork and pottery to one-of-a-kind holiday decorations. You'll also find charming boutiques with unique clothing, jewelry, and home decor items all reflecting the spirit of Louisiana.
During the Christmas Festival, a Christmas market often pops up, where local artisans and crafters display their work. This is the perfect place to find something unique while supporting small businesses and local creators. Many items are distinctly Louisiana-themed, making them the perfect keepsake!
6. Staying in Natchitoches
When planning your trip, it's important to book accommodations early! Natchitoches can get quite busy during the Christmas Festival season! The town has several charming bed and breakfasts that offer a cozy, local experience, as well as a few boutique hotels near the historic district. Staying close to the downtown area allows for easy access to the festival events and the holiday lights, so you can fully immerse yourself in the festivities without worrying about the traffic!
I'd highly recommend the Jefferson House. It's directly located on Cane River Lake providing the perfect place to watch the fireworks. The homeowners are delightful and create nightly signature cocktails and delicious homemade breakfasts.
We stayed in the Perrault House. It was a beautiful historic home about a mile from downtown. The downside is that you really do need to drive to the festivities, but the home has plenty of space for everyone!
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit to Natchitoches, LA
1. Arrive Early on Festival Days: The streets of Natchitoches can become quite crowded, especially on Saturdays and during major events. Arriving early will allow you plenty of time to find parking, explore the shops and restaurants, and get a good spot for the parade of fireworks.
2. Plan for Traffic and Parking: The festival is quite popular and parking can be limited. Look for official parking areas or use shuttle services when available. Some hotels in the area provide shuttle options, so check with them in advance. Or better yet, stay close to the downtown area so you can walk to all of the festivities!
3. Dress for the Weather: Louisiana weather can be unpredictable, and the temperatures can fluctuate a lot throughout the day, especially in November and December. Dress in layers, especially since there are so many outdoor activities happening!
4. Check Event Schedules: Each weekend features different events, so check the festival schedule in advance to see which concerts, parades, or special activities are happening during your visit.
5. Capture the Moment: There are plenty of photo ops so make sure you have your phone fully charged so you can capture the lights, decorations, and all the festive decorations!
6. Plan Ahead: This is an annual Christmas Festival that has become a tradition for many families. Plan ahead for the best accommodations and to make the most of your time.
Pack your bags and bring that holiday spirit! You aren't going to want to miss visiting America's favorite Christmas town for the most magical holiday experience!
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