Christmas Festival Cajun Style
Visitors can experience traditional bonfire lightings on the levee and on the festival grounds alongside an annual fireworks show. The event features live musical performances, carnival rides, crafts, and Santa’s Very Merry Forest. Guests can also enjoy festival food, a cook-off, pageants, and a car show.
What to Expect
St. James Parish tradition featuring levee bonfires, fireworks, and live music.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Festival of the Bonfires
Food & Drink
Festival food is available, including gumbo served Friday; the cook-off features gumbo, potato salad, and bread pudding.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and fans of festive community events
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Friday: 7PM bonfire lighting; Saturday: 8PM bonfire lighting.
Tips & Advice
- On Friday evening, take the free bus shuttle out to the levee for the bonfire lighting, then head back to the grounds for Mixed Nuts to close the night.
- Stay on the festival grounds Saturday night, when the bonfire is lit there and the annual fireworks show follows right after.
- Come hungry on Friday, when gumbo is served during the gumbo, potato salad and bread pudding cook-off, and the winners are announced that evening.
- Families with young children should come Saturday or Sunday, when Santa is at the festival, and Sunday also has Children's Entertainment.
- Car fans should come early on Sunday for the car show, which runs at the start of the day alongside the art winner and scholarship announcements.
Special Events & Promotions
- Friday night: a bonfire is lit on the levee, with a free bus shuttle
- Saturday night: a bonfire is lit on the festival grounds, followed by the annual fireworks show
- Friday: Gumbo, Potato Salad and Bread Pudding Cook-Off, with gumbo serving and judging results that evening
- Saturday: Children's Pageant, then the Teen/Miss Pageant with announcements of queens and visiting queens
- Sunday: car show, plus the art contest winner and scholarship announcements
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do at the festival?
All weekend there's food, live entertainment, crafts, Santa's Very Merry Forest and carnival rides. Bonfires are lit on Friday and Saturday nights. Saturday night also has the annual fireworks show.
How do I get to the Friday bonfire on the levee?
A free bus shuttle runs out to the levee for the Friday night bonfire lighting.
Is there a cook-off?
Yes. Friday has the Gumbo, Potato Salad and Bread Pudding Cook-Off, and gumbo is served that afternoon. The judging results are announced Friday evening.
Can kids meet Santa?
Yes. Santa is at the festival on Saturday and again on Sunday. Sunday also has Children's Entertainment.
Who is playing this year?
Friday has Raised on Radio, Bits N Pieces Reunion Special and Mixed Nuts. Saturday brings Lauren Lee Band and Kings of Neon. Sunday has Mike Broussard and Night Train, then Ryan Foret and Foret Tradition Band.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.