Christmas in Baton Rouge: Events happening in, near the city

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — Christmas is right around the corner, and it is time to get into the holiday spirit.

There are several events across the city including meet-and-greets with Santa, holiday parades, activities for the kids, Christmas tree lightings and writing letters to Santa. Some events begin as early as November and go on until Christmas Eve.

Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa, put on your favorite Christmas playlist and check out these holiday events that will be taking place in the Baton Rouge area. This list will continue to be updated in the coming weeks as more events are announced.

Baton Rouge General Holiday Magical Lights

Baton Rouge General is celebrating its seventh year of hosting the Holiday Magical Lights walk-through that welcomes guests throughout the community.

When: Nov. 18-Dec. 31
Where: 8585 Picardy Ave.

Zoo Lights at the Baton Rouge Zoo

The trail of lights will be a spectacle to see when you walk through the Baton Rouge Zoo this holiday season.

When: Nov. 24-Dec. 30
Where: 3601 Thomas Road

Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s

Visitors will have the chance to take their photos with Santa and enjoy holiday-themed games and giveaways throughout November and December.

When: Nov. 5 through Dec. 24
Where: 175 Bass Pro Blvd. in Denham Springs and 2200 W Cabela’s Parkway in Gonzales

Cool Winter Nights And Hot Jazz

Enjoy a jazz ensemble’s performance of holiday favorites.

When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5-6
Where: 100 Lafayette Street

Festival of Trees

Local businesses will be displaying hand-decorated trees throughout the area at this year’s Festival of Trees.

When: 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Dec. 7
Where: 9511 Creekview Drive

Snow & Glow

This year’s snow and glow event will have glow-in-the-dark performances, food trucks and meet-and-greets with Santa and Mrs. Clause.

When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 and Dec. 14
Where: 8585 Picardy Ave.

Baton Rouge Symphony Holiday Brass Concert

This is a free holiday concert happening in Baton Rouge.

When: 7 p.m. Dec. 8
Where: 8725 Jefferson Highway

A Christmas Carol 2023

Theatre Baton Rouge presents its annual performance of the Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol.

When: Dec. 8-10, Dec. 14-17
Where: 7155 Florida Blvd.

St. Jean Vianney Catholic School Christmas Market

Over 60 booths will be at this year’s Christmas Market To Go with several food trucks. According to a news release from the school, admission is $10 and the market is open to the public.

When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 9
Where: 16266 South Harrell’s Ferry Road

Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade 2023

The Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade features a variety of parade floats, dancing groups and marching bands.

When: 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 9
Where: The parade starts at River Road and North Boulevard

Music Sunday at First United Methodist Church

Enjoy songs of the Christmas season at Music Sunday at First United Methodist Church.

When: 8:30, 9:45, 11 a.m. Dec. 10
Where: 930 North Blvd.

It’s Ebony Scrooge!

UpStage Theatre Company is presenting this play before Christmas. Tickets are being sold for $25.

When: 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 10
Where: 1713 Wooddale Blvd.

Downtown Pilgrimage

Visit the several downtown churches and hear songs of the Christmas season.

When: 5:30, 6, 6:30, 7, 7:30, 8 p.m. Dec. 10
Where: Mt. Zio First Baptist, First United Methodist, First Presbyterian, St. Joseph Cathedral, St. James Episcopal, and First Baptist

The Christmas Spider

This show is an opera inspired by a Ukrainian legend. There will be a pre-show talk about the opera one hour before the show.

When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 and 3 p.m. Dec. 17
Where: 100 Lafayette Street

Christmas Tree Lighting Festival

This Christmas festival will have a 32-foot tree, a snow-filled Winter Wonderland, pop-up shop vendors, choirs, an ornament and craft station and free pictures with Santa.

When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16
Where: Corner of N. Sherwood Forest and Big Bend Avenue