Start planning your trip to celebrate the season:
Experience the Magic of Christmas in Natchitoches
Step into a season of wonder as Natchitoches transforms into a breathtaking winter haven during the renowned Christmas Festival of Lights. For six enchanting weeks, the city’s Historic District glows with more than 300,000 twinkling lights and over 100 dazzling set pieces, casting a magical reflection across the calm waters of Cane River Lake.
This beloved tradition is more than a light show — it’s a celebration of community, heritage, and holiday joy. From family outings to romantic getaways, the festival offers unforgettable moments for everyone, all set against the backdrop of Louisiana’s oldest city.
Wander through cobblestone streets lined with lights, enjoy festive music and food, and discover the warm hospitality that makes Natchitoches truly special.
Make memories that last a lifetime. Plan your visit now and be part of one of the South’s most iconic holiday traditions.
Check out our Christmas Festival FAQ’s here:
- Planning your first trip to the Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights? Check out our first timers guide.
- See the full holiday season schedule of events here
- What’s happening around town during your visit
- Tour historic homes during the Annual Christmas Tour of Homes
- Northwestern State University’s 36th Annual Christmas Gala
- Visit the Santa Claus House. Learn the heartwarming story of this treasured riverbank spot
Discover the Perfect Stay
Make your stay feel like home in one of our beautiful bed and breakfasts. Natchitoches is the Bed & Breakfast Capital of Louisiana with over 25 properties offering 125+ rooms that range from rustic to elegant town homes, many within walking distance of the historic district.
Whether you prefer the independence of boutique hotels of our historic district or the loyalty of a chain hotel, Natchitoches has a hotel to meet your expectations.
Make memories on your own time by joining the growing group of RV’ers who travel to Natchitoches. Whether you want to be lakeside or at our newly upgraded Grand Ecore RV park on a Red River bluff, we have the perfect campground setting for you.
For all the holiday season FAQs including pricing, parking and etc. see the Natchitoches Christmas Festival page
Explore the Food & Fun
From starting the day with a fresh ground coffee on Front Street, snacking on a world-famous Natchitoches Meat Pie, to dining at one of our fabulous, locally-owned restaurants; you can enjoy it all! See our complete list of dining options.
Natchitoches, and the surrounding area, is full of culture, history, museums and adventure. Explore everything Natchitoches has to offer!
Special Events
- Cookies With Santa will be held Saturday, November 22nd and Saturday, December 13th. Tickets go on sale November 1st.
- Turn on the Holidays November 22rd is the official start of the Natchitoches Christmas season. This event features musical entertainment, a drone show and fireworks!
- Darkwoods Christmas opens November 29th and features over 300,000 dazzling LED lights that can be seen while strolling through the woods minutes from downtown Natchitoches.
- Fleur de Lis Christmas Craft Market on Saturday, November 29th will feature over 110 booths during their 21st Anniversary Show.
- NSU Christmas Gala More than 300 NSU students, faculty, and staff in the School of Creative and Performing Arts combine their talents to present the Gala as a kickoff to the Natchitoches Christmas Festival. Shows are slated for Wednesday, December 3rd through December 5th.
- Christmas Tour of Homes, a walking tour of uniquely decorated homes in the National Historic Landmark District, will be on December 11th – 13th and 18th – 20th