Christmas Markets Louisiana 2025 Guide to Top Festive Events and Locations

11) Natchitoches Holiday Festival in Louisiana

Thinking about heading to Louisiana for the holidays? You really shouldn’t miss the Natchitoches Holiday Festival.

This event turns the city into a glowing wonderland. More than 300,000 sparkling lights and over 100 holiday displays line the Cane River banks every night after dusk.

You can catch a big parade, listen to carolers, and watch live performers on stage. The fireworks show is a huge highlight, syncing up with music and lighting up the river.

Music, craft vendors, food stands, and themed activities keep the whole area buzzing. People stroll along the river, snap photos, and just soak in the festive scene.

Downtown lights up, and local shops join in with treats and gifts.

Event Dates	Location Address	Hours	Admission Costs	Area Stays	Website
November 23, 2025 – January 6, 2026	103 rue Beauport, Natchitoches, LA 71457	Varies	Varies by activity	View hotels on Booking.com	Natchitoches Christmas Festival

Want the full scoop or need the latest schedule? Check out the official Natchitoches Christmas Festival website. This festival draws holiday fans from all over the country with its light shows, parades, and hands-on activities.

12) Alexandria Winter Lights Festival

Looking for a holiday event that covers all ages? The Festival of Lights in Alexandria and Pineville fits the bill.

Since 1992, this festival has been part of the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights, which links up several cities in the region.

Starting in mid-November, streets and parks get covered in holiday lights. There are parades, live music, and fireworks throughout the season, so the calendar stays packed.

You’ll spot families, groups of friends, and couples out for a festive night. Admission is free, but some attractions do charge a fee.

If you’re planning to stay overnight, book your hotel early—rooms fill up fast since the festival brings in visitors from all over. Booking.com has a list of hotels in Alexandria and Pineville.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay (Booking.com)	Website
Mid-November to January	Alexandria and Pineville, LA	Various times	Free to visit	Hotels in Alexandria and Pineville available	Holiday Trail of Lights

For the latest details and event updates, check the official Holiday Trail of Lights website.

13) LeMoyne Holiday Marketplace

The LeMoyne Holiday Marketplace is where you’ll find handmade gifts and art from local creators. The market happens every year at the LeMoyne Arts Center in Louisiana.

This year marks six decades of community gathering and shopping here. If you’re a LeMoyne Arts member, you get early access to the Members Mimosa Mixer & Preview at 9am.

It’s a nice chance to browse before the public comes in at 10am. Non-members can shop until 7pm.

Admission is free, and everyone’s welcome. You can sip festive drinks and chat with local artists if you’re in the mood.

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 18, 2025	125 N Gadsden St, Tallahassee, FL	9am – 7pm	Free	Hotels near LeMoyne Arts Center	LeMoyne Arts Center

14) North Louisiana Winter Market

You can swing by the North Louisiana Winter Market for local crafts and seasonal bites. Vendors set up with handmade goods and unique gifts.

Festive lights and simple decorations keep things cozy, making it a nice spot for families or friends. The market takes place in downtown North Louisiana and welcomes everyone.

Entry is free, so you can shop or just hang out and enjoy the vibe.

Event Details

Date	Location	Time	Entry Fee	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 14, 2025	Downtown North Louisiana, LA	4 PM – 10 PM	Free	Hotels near Downtown North Louisiana	North Louisiana Holiday Market

You’ll get a laid-back evening of shopping, food, and Christmas sights. Since the vendors change every year, there’s always something different to find.

15) Lake Charles Lighting Festival

Looking for a holiday event with a little bit of everything? The Lake Charles Lighting Festival has you covered.

You can stroll through downtown and see public spaces and waterfronts sparkling with lights and seasonal decorations. It’s a practical way for families and friends to take in the local scenery during winter.

The festival hosts an art market with regional vendors. Booths show off crafts and handmade items—great for gifts or souvenirs.

Live Christmas music plays all afternoon, with local performers bringing the holiday spirit. The boat parade on the lake is a big draw, with boats decked out in bright lights.

You can watch from different spots along the waterfront. The night finishes with fireworks over the lake, lighting up the sky and wrapping up the festival.

Dates	Address	Times	Price	Stay Nearby	Website
December 4, 2025	900 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles	11 a.m. – 8 p.m.	Free	Courtyard by Marriott Lake Charles	Lake Charles Events Calendar

16) Christmas on the River in Monroe

Christmas on the River in Monroe brings everyone together for a bunch of seasonal activities that really show off local traditions.

You can stroll down Main Street and catch the holiday lights on historic buildings and trees. The whole area feels alive as marching bands, decorated floats, and excited kids fill the streets during the holiday parade.

There’s also a free concert with Christmas music. Live performances set the mood right in the heart of the city.

Music and singing on Main Street bring a real energy to the holiday scene. If you’re looking for a spot to pause and soak it in, this is it.

After wandering through holiday markets and local shops for unique gifts, you can wrap up your evening with fireworks.

The light show above the river is honestly a highlight and sticks in your memory.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Places to Stay	Website
Dec 7-10, 2025	Monroe, LA 71201	Various Events	Free entry	Booking.com	Christmas on the River

To figure out your plans, check the full Christmas on the River schedule.

Monroe’s celebration offers free activities whether you’re with family, friends, or just exploring Louisiana’s holiday events on your own.

17) Downtown Christmas Market in Shreveport

When you visit the Downtown Christmas Market in Shreveport, you’ll notice how European-style traditions blend with Louisiana’s own charm.

The market’s full of stalls with local gifts, handmade holiday goods, and specialty foods. You can try some classic seasonal treats or grab a warm drink while you wander.

Live music fills the air, giving the whole place a lively vibe. It really makes shopping feel special.

Decorations line the paths and tables, setting a cheerful holiday mood. Admission is free, so you don’t have to think twice about dropping by.

If you’re after unique presents, you’re in luck. Vendors here offer items you just won’t find in regular stores.

Adults can grab specialty cocktails at some booths. Every corner of the market invites you to enjoy winter traditions and support local makers.

Here’s what you need for planning:

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 1 – Dec 24, 2025	101 Crockett Street, Shreveport, LA	7:30 AM – 12:30 PM	Free Admission	Hotels in Shreveport	Shreveport Christmas Markets

18) Plaquemine Christmas Market

Check out the Plaquemine Christmas Market for local shopping and a bit of holiday fun.

Vendors set up with handmade crafts, home decorations, and baked goods.

The market’s outdoors, so you get to enjoy a winter stroll while you browse.

Live music plays during the event, adding a lively backdrop as you shop. Families usually come together, and kids can join in activities just for them, like meeting Santa Claus.

If you’re into Louisiana food, stalls offer local dishes that are especially popular during winter.

People show up for more than just shopping. The market becomes a spot where neighbors, friends, and visitors meet up.

You get to meet locals and feel part of a community celebration.

Here’s what you’ll want to know before you go:

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 14, 2025	Main Street, Plaquemine, LA	10 AM – 5 PM	Free	Hotels in Plaquemine	Plaquemine Christmas event details

Holiday activities and a welcoming vibe make this market a great stop in December.

19) Baton Rouge Holiday Arts Market 2025

If you want to browse handmade art and crafts in Baton Rouge, the Holiday Arts Market is worth a look.

On December 14, 2025, local artists line North Boulevard with jewelry, paintings, pottery, quilts, glass, heritage designs, photos, woodwork, sculptures, and mixed media. Everything’s handmade.

Try to arrive early if you want to see everything. The market runs from 8 a.m. to noon.

Admission is free, and it’s easy to walk around the downtown stalls. You’re close to plenty of restaurants and public parking, so it’s pretty convenient.

If you’re planning a trip, maybe book a nearby hotel. Booking.com has options close to North Boulevard.

For details, check the Holiday Arts Market event page.

Date	Time	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 14, 2025	8 a.m. – 12 p.m.	North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA	Free	Booking.com	Holiday Arts Market

20) Acadiana Gluten-Free Fest & Market

You’ll find this gluten-free festival in Lafayette, Louisiana. Each year, vendors come together with gluten-free foods like breads, pastries, and quick snacks.

Local chefs give cooking demonstrations, sharing new recipes you can try at home. They focus on gluten-free meals that everyone can enjoy.

If you have kids, there are activities to keep them busy, so families can attend together.

The market has a laid-back and friendly vibe. People discover new foods, meet others eating gluten-free, and pick up tips from the experts.

Admission is free, and you can drop in any time during the day.

Date	Time	Address	Admission	Nearby Stay	Website
December 7, 2025	10:00 AM – 4:00 PM	123 Market St, Lafayette, Louisiana	Free	Booking.com	Acadiana Gluten-Free Fest & Market

If you’re looking for a gluten-free holiday market in south Louisiana, this event is a solid pick.