Natchitoches Christmas Festival 2024-2025 in Louisiana

Natchitoches is the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase Territory. The town carries the name of a Native American tribe. Natchitoches Christmas Festival dates back to 1927, which makes it one the oldest in the whole country. Starting on a Saturday before Thanksgiving, it runs until Epiphany in early January. The festival usually takes place in Downtown Natchitoches, in the Historic District, and on the banks of Cane River Lake. Celebrations feature over 300,000 lights and over 100 set pieces on display every night at dusk. General admission to the festival is $15.

Festival Program

The festive program in Natchitoches includes the Christmas Parade, a beauty contest, and weekend fireworks. Santa Claus House is located on the downtown riverbank. Built in 1965, it is open for children to take photos and tell Santa about their wishes. There is also a spectacular fireworks display on November 30, December 14, and December 28, as well as live music show every Saturday throughout the festival season. On December 12-13, from 5 to 8 pm, the festival features a Christmas Tour of Homes.

Natchitoches Christmas Festival Parade (December 7, 2024)

Natchitoches Christmas Festival Parade dates back to the 1940s. Currently, the colorful procession takes off at the campus of Northwestern State University and winds through the streets of the Historic District. College and high school bands, dance groups, queens, themed floats, and lots of costumed characters make this parade a favorite with local families. Thousands come to watch Mrs. Claus and Santa Claus kicking off the holiday season. Other parade royalty includes the Miss City of Lights, the Christmas Belles, the Christmas Angels, Miss Natchitoches Teen, and Miss Merry Christmas. The parade starts at 1 pm.

Lineup

Live music performances take place on the Riverbank Stage every Saturday. On November 23, 2 Easy performs at 3:30 pm and Kelli Roberts Band at 6 pm. On November 29, Jarrett Bailey performs at 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. On November 30, LaCour Trio performs at 3:30 pm. and Chubby Carrier at 6:10 pm. On December 6, Jenny & Kelli will perform from 6 to 8 pm. On December 7, The Cartoons are at 3 pm, and Nashville South is at 5 pm. On Deceber 13 and December 20, the festival has a Gospel Night. On December 14, Coteau Grove starts at 3:30 pm, and Mike McKenzie's Band continues at 6 pm. On December 21, Louisiana Sidemen performs at 3:30 pm and Uncle Paul & Bayou Blue at 6 pm. On December 28, Cane River Soul performs at 3:30 pm, and Becky & The Shuffle Kings at 6 pm.

Food

Lots of food vendors will welcome guests on the Riverbank all seven days of the week. The shops and restaurants on Front Street can be accessed without an armband, even on Saturdays. Festival food includes funnel cakes, cotton candy, hamburgers, meat pies, alligator meat, and more. Don't miss your chance to try the famous Natchitoches meat pie from food vendors along the riverbank!