Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights
Visitors can stroll along the Downtown Riverbank to view holiday lights, enjoy live musical entertainment on the Riverbank Stage, and watch fireworks and drone shows over Cane River Lake. Food vendors operate daily along the riverfront, offering holiday treats throughout the season. The celebration also features a grand street parade with marching bands, themed floats, and festival royalty.
What to Expect
Holiday celebration in Louisiana's oldest city featuring lights, music, and fireworks.
Event Details
Ages
Ages 6 and under FREE
Neighborhood
Historic District
Organizer
Natchitoches Christmas Festival
Food & Drink
Food vendors are available on the Riverbank seven days a week.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday parade and light-display fans
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $20 admission to Downtown Riverbank after 1pm on November 21 and November 28, and after 1pm on December 12 and 19; $20 admission to Front Street and Downtown Riverbank all day on December 5. Ages 6 and under are free on the listed $20-admission dates. The page also lists free admission to Front Street and/or Downtown Riverbank on November 27, December 4, 11, 25 and 31, and January 3, and says there is no admission to enter the Riverbank area Sunday through Friday. The 2026 season is cashless; no cash is accepted at ticket booths or festival vendors. – Get tickets
- Hours: No general festival opening hours are stated. The schedule gives individual activity times, including: Nov. 21, Turn on Holidays 4:30–9PM, official welcome 6:30PM, drone show and fireworks 7PM; Nov. 28, Wakeboarding Santa & Elf 3PM; Dec. 5, Festival of Lights Parade 1PM and fireworks 6PM; Dec. 12, Lighted Boat Parade 5PM and drone show and fireworks 7PM; Dec. 19, fireworks 7PM; Dec. 31, fireworks 8PM.
Tips & Advice
- Bring a card or phone wallet, because the 2026 season is cashless and no cash is taken at ticket booths or by festival vendors.
- Buy your armband online ahead of time if you're coming on one of the select Saturdays when Riverbank admission is charged.
- Children 6 and under get in free on armband Saturdays, so you only need armbands for older kids and adults.
- Pick a Sunday through Friday visit if you'd rather skip the armband, since there's no admission to the Riverbank on those days.
- Buy Cookies with Santa tickets early, because they're sold separately through the festival website.
Special Events & Promotions
- Turn on Holidays opening night on November 21 starts the 100th season with music, a drone show and fireworks over Cane River Lake
- Wakeboarding Santa & Elf on Cane River Lake along the riverfront on November 28
- Festival of Lights Parade and a fireworks celebration on December 5
- Lighted Boat Parade along the downtown riverfront, followed by a drone show and fireworks, on December 12
- Fireworks over Cane River Lake on December 19 and New Year's Eve
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay with cash?
No. The 2026 season is cashless, so ticket booths and festival vendors won't take cash.
Is there food on the riverbank?
Yes. Food vendors are on the Riverbank seven days a week all season.
What is there for kids?
The Cane River Kids Christmas Village runs on several Saturdays for ages 2 to 12, and Holiday Kids Fest runs on the Downtown Riverbank on select days. Cookies with Santa needs its own ticket.
What's in the Festival of Lights Parade?
It leaves from Northwestern State University and goes through the Historic District. It features NSU and regional high school bands, dance groups, themed floats, costumed characters, Natchitoches royalty, Mrs. Claus and Santa.
Where is Santa's house?
The Santa Claus House is on the south end of the Downtown Riverbank, open December 8 through 23. Visits are free, but on Saturdays you'll need an armband for Riverbank access.
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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.