Feel the festive spirit in Lake Charles! Our guide will connect you with all the community events. Whether Lake Charles is your permanent address or your seasonal escape, this guide ensures you make the most of the festivities.
One of the most enchanting events is the Light up the Lake Christmas Celebration, where the lakefront transforms into a dazzling wonderland of lights. Experience the charm of a winter carnival during the Christmas Under the Oaks Festival, featuring delightful rides and holiday music. And the Mistletoe & Moss Holiday Market is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a vast array of unique gifts and holiday decor. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Got questions? Like to help? Check out our Lake Charles Holiday discussion here!
The Top Christmas Events in Lake Charles
- Light up the Lake Christmas Celebration
- Mistletoe & Moss Holiday Market
- Lake Charles Lighted Boat Parade
Lake Charles Holiday Light Displays
Light up the Lake Christmas Celebration
What to Expect:
Lakefront illumination and community gathering
Description:
Lake Charles transforms its lakefront into a dazzling spectacle of lights for the Light up the Lake Christmas Celebration. Visitors can stroll along the promenade, taking in the shimmering reflections on the water. The event honors the city's maritime heritage with boat-themed displays. Join locals in the traditional countdown to the grand illumination, a cherished moment that kicks off the holiday season. This celebration brings together residents and visitors alike, fostering a sense of community spirit unique to Lake Charles.
Website:
Light up the Lake Christmas Celebration
Lake Charles Lighted Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Illuminated boat procession on the lake
Description:
The Lake Charles Lighted Boat Parade illuminates the night with a flotilla of decorated vessels. This unique event celebrates the city's strong connection to its waterways, a tradition dating back to its founding as a port town. Boat owners compete to create the most impressive displays, transforming their crafts into floating works of art. Spectators line the shores, captivated by the twinkling reflections dancing across the lake's surface. You can vote for your favorite boat, contributing to the community spirit of this aquatic spectacle.
Website:
Lake Charles Lighted Boat Parade
Lake Charles Holiday Markets and Shopping
Mistletoe & Moss Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Curated selection of local and regional artisans
Description:
The Mistletoe & Moss Holiday Market in Lake Charles showcases the finest handcrafted goods from across the region. This carefully curated event brings together skilled artisans, each with a unique story to tell through their creations. The market pays homage to Louisiana's Spanish moss-draped landscapes, incorporating natural elements into its decor. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional Cajun crafts, gaining insight into the area's artistic heritage. The market buzzes with the energy of shoppers discovering one-of-a-kind treasures.
Website:
Mistletoe & Moss Holiday Market
Nearby Events
Christmas Under the Oaks Festival (Sulphur)
What to Expect:
Historic plantation setting with live oak trees
Description:
Sulphur's Christmas Under the Oaks Festival unfolds beneath the sprawling canopy of centuries-old live oak trees. The event harks back to the area's antebellum past, with the historic Brimstone Museum serving as a backdrop. Artisans demonstrate traditional crafts, offering a glimpse into Louisiana's rich cultural heritage. The aroma of Cajun delicacies wafts through the air as local chefs showcase their culinary skills. You can participate in hands-on workshops to create your own Louisiana-inspired ornaments.
Website:
Christmas Under the Oaks Festival
Christmas Lighting Festival (Natchitoches)
What to Expect:
Historic downtown setting with over 300,000 lights
Description:
Natchitoches, the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, glows with over 300,000 lights during its Christmas Lighting Festival. The event transforms the historic downtown into a luminous tableau, highlighting the city's unique architecture. Rooted in a tradition that began in 1927, this festival has evolved into a six-week celebration of the season. Visitors can embark on a guided tour of the National Historic Landmark District, learning about the city's rich past while enjoying the present-day festivities.
Website:
Westlake Christmas Parade (Westlake)
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with local flair
Description:
Westlake's Christmas Parade embodies the spirit of small-town America with a distinctly Louisiana twist. Local organizations and businesses create floats that showcase the community's creativity and pride. The parade route winds through the heart of Westlake, allowing spectators to experience the town's charm. This event has been a staple of Westlake's holiday season for decades, evolving alongside the community. You might catch sight of unique Cajun-themed floats, blending holiday cheer with local culture.
Website:
Christmas in the Park (Sulphur)
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday village in a park setting
Description:
Sulphur's Christmas in the Park transforms the city's green space into an interactive holiday village. This event brings to life vignettes of holiday scenes, allowing visitors to step into different festive scenarios. The park's layout pays tribute to Sulphur's history as a railroad town, with themed areas connected by winding paths. Children can participate in hands-on activities at Santa's Workshop, creating memories that last long after the holidays. The event captures the essence of community togetherness, a hallmark of Sulphur's close-knit population.