Baton Rouge is especially magical during December when holiday joy meets Southern hospitality. The city shines bright with the Festival of Lights, and seasonal traditions, such as ice skating at the Raising Cane’s River Center or the downtown Christmas parade, make for great quality time spent together. Catch a showing of Baton Rouge Ballet’s The Nutcracker or drive through the elaborate light displays shining across the city. Round out the month at Red Stick Revelry, where you can ring the New Year from the heart of downtown Baton Rouge.

 

CPKC HOLIDAY EXPRESS IN BATON ROUGE

The Holiday Express is hitting the tracks and coming to Baton Rouge! Santa and his elves will be making a stop with this festive six-car train on Friday, Dec. 1, for a chance to meet Santa and explore the adorned train cars.

 

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

On Friday, Dec. 1, Baton Rouge’s oldest holiday tradition is transforming the winter sky into a wonderland! Mayor Broome will light North Boulevard and the 25-foot Christmas tree with half a million sparkling lights, and the event will be complete with a visit from Santa, ice skating, a snow and artist village and live music.

 

TEXAS CLUB EVENTS THIS MONTH

 

HOCKEY IN BATON ROUGE

 

SLEIGH BELLS & COCKTAILS AT 13 SOCIAL

Immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas all season long! 13 Social will be creating a pop-up bar experience with Christmas cocktails, heartwarming décor and joyful holiday vibes. Don’t miss out on this festive wonderland that is sure to make your holiday season merry and bright!

 

ZOOLIGHTS

It’s that time of the year again! Presented by Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, Zoolights at BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo is back and better than ever! All December long (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), visitors can enjoy a trail that winds through the zoo with light displays featuring over 50 sculptures of animals and traditional holiday displays from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. – please note that the grounds close at 9 p.m. sharp.

 

RED STICK FARMERS MARKET

Stock up on fresh and healthy produce with the Red Stick Farmers Market, held multiple times a week. On the first Saturday of the month, shoppers can also find art vendors set up at the Baton Rouge Arts Market, located downtown.

Markets in Baton Rouge this Month:

 

Tuesdays:
3 p.m.-6 p.m.
Main Library at Goodwood
7711 Goodwood Boulevard

 

Thursdays:
8 a.m.– 12 p.m.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center
6400 Perkins Road

 

Saturdays:
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Main Street Market
5th and Main Streets

 

The Market @ The Oasis
Fridays & Saturdays
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
13827 Coursey Boulevard

 

ARTS MARKETS

Arts markets are poppin' up all over Baton Rouge this August! Shop for goods by local makers and artisans, whether you're looking for something for yourself or a gift for a loved one.

Antioch Artisans Market
Saturdays
9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Baton Rouge Arts Market at the Red Stick Farmers Market
Dec. 2
8 a.m.-12 p.m.

 

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS

Everyone’s favorite holiday classic comes to life in a spectacular new touring production of A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage! The whole family can join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy and the whole Peanuts gang on Saturday, Dec. 2, at the River Center Theatre for Performing Arts as they dance, sing and learn the true meaning of Christmas.

 

A VERY MERRY MUSEUM

The Louisiana Art & Science Museum is celebrating the holidays on Saturday, Dec. 2, and you’re invited to join! With hands-on activities, holiday-themed shows in the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium and the opportunity for photos with Santa and his Coca-Cola truck, it’ll be a celebration you won’t want to miss!

 

MANSHIP THEATRE EVENTS THIS MONTH

 

FIRST FREE SUNDAY

Every first Sunday of the month, Baton Rouge museums team up for free admission from 1 – 5 p.m. Swing by the LSU Museum of Art, Louisiana Art & Science Museum, Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, Magnolia Mound or LSU Center for River Studies for a cost-effective way to #ExploreBatonRouge.

 

A RURAL LIFE CHRISTMAS

Ring in the Christmas season with a 19th-century Louisiana celebration on Sunday, Dec. 3, at A Rural Life Christmas! Musical groups, demonstrating artisans, storytellers, and costumed re-enactors will be present to set the holiday mood. The event will conclude with a bonfire and a very special guest.

 

BATON ROUGE CONCERT BAND CHRISTMAS CONCERT

The Baton Rouge Concert Band is putting on their Christmas concert on Sunday, Dec. 3, at St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Enjoy the timeless story of “Twas the Night before Christmas” with accompaniment from the band, as well as other familiar tunes, carols and stories.

 

LOCAL SUPPLY WORKSHOP: BUTTERFLY CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT WITH THE LOST LUNA

Reserve your spot for The Lost Luna’s Christmas Ornament Workshop on Friday, Dec. 8, at Local Supply! At this workshop, you will learn how to create your own ornament using butterflies and other materials which will all be provided. There are only 12 spots available so make sure to sign up soon!

 

CORTANA KIWANIS CHRISTMAS PARADE

Welcome Santa to the Capital City at the Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade, held in downtown Baton Rouge! On Saturday, Dec. 9, the Christmas Parade will roll at 5:30 p.m., and you can watch as the magic of the holiday season comes alive through beautifully lit floats and special appearances by your favorite holiday characters.

 

THE NUTCRACKER: A TALE FROM THE BAYOU

One of Baton Rouge’s most beloved holiday happenings is back – The Nutcracker – A Tale from the Bayou! Be enchanted by the full sets of Nels Anderson and the beautiful dancing of the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre, with more than 100 community dancers and some of the most sought-after professional guest artists. With shows at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., this event will be held at the River Center Performing Arts Theatre on Dec. 16 and 17.

 

ICE SKATING ON THE RIVER

Lace up your skates because it’s that time of the year again! Ice Skating on the River is BACK at the Raising Cane’s River Center on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, and it’s time to twirl, leap, land an axel jump or maybe even slip into the holiday season!

 

CIRQUE MUSICA HOLIDAY WONDERLAND

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland is an unforgettable experience for the entire family to enjoy a world-class circus experience infused with the holiday classics we all love. Treat your family and create memories you will cherish forever on Thursday, Dec. 21, at the River Center Performing Arts Theatre.

 

L’AUBERGE CASINO & HOTEL EVENTS THIS MONTH

 

FOR THE KIDS

Blue Zoo Baton Rouge

Blue Zoo Baton Rouge features several events throughout the week and month, sure to be a fun time for the kiddos! Watch as mermaids and pirates perform, sharks are fed and stingrays play, all at the Blue Zoo.

Toddler Thursday at the LSU Museum of Art

Held on the first Thursday of each month, join the LSU Museum of Art for fun activities for your little artist! Designed for kids five years old and under, toddlers will get to explore their creative side for only $5 for nonmembers and free for members.

Family Friday at Tin Roof Taproom

On the first Friday of the month, families have the chance to enjoy face painting, balloon animals, live music, a bounce house and food pop-ups in the yard at Tin Roof Brewing Co.!

 

L’AUBERGE’S NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH FEATURING WEREWOLF

Ring in 2024 with L’Auberge Baton Rouge! The 80s cover band, Werewolf, will hit the stage at the Event Center on Sunday, Dec. 31 to ring in the New Year, complete with an open bar.

 

RED STICK REVELRY

Ring in 2023 with Baton Rouge’s official New Year's Eve celebration! Complete with a live concert, laser light shows and a beautiful firework display, countdown until the Red Stick drops in downtown Baton Rouge, signifying the beginning of 2024!

 

LIVE MUSIC & COMEDY SHOWS

Friday Live Music with Eric Schmidt at The Brakes Bar
Diamond Rio at L’Auberge Casino & Hotel
Live Music Fridays at Sport Zone Pub & Grill
OMG! Original Music Group at La Divina Italian Café
Live Music Weekend at Crowne Plaza Executive Center
A Charlie Brown Christmas at River Center Performing Arts Theatre
Always… Patsy Cline at Manship Theatre
Saturday Live Music with Victor Vignes at The Brakes Bar
Baton Rouge Concert Band Christmas Concert
Lightwire Theatre presents: A Very Electric Christmas at Manship Theatre
Sunday Live Music with Alex Cook at The Brakes Bar
Cool Winter Nights & Hot Jazz at Manship Theatre
Delete Comedy presents Open Mic Night at The Station
Lynn Anselmo with Gary Ragan at La Divina Italian Café
Dailey and Vincent Christmas Show at Manship Theatre
Family Dinner Improv Comedy Night at Manship Theatre
Steve Levine at La Divina Italian Café
Frank Foster at Texas Club
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland at River Center Performing Arts Theatre
Dorothy LeBlanc at La Divina Italian Café
Reece Sullivan at La Divina Italian Café
L’Auberge’s New Year’s Eve Bash ft. Werewolf