Dates Announced for 2025 Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights

Natchitoches, Louisiana (KNGT-FM) - Don't look now, but she's beginning to thaw out. Before you know it, Mariah Carey will be playing all across every radio station and chain store across the country.

It's never too early to get those calendars marked to take your annual trip to Natchitoches for one of the best Christmas light shows in the State of Louisiana. The festival just released the 2025 dates.

READ MORE: Joe Nichols Coming To Lake Charles, Louisiana for Christmas Show

The 99th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights will turn Louisiana’s oldest city into a sparkling winter wonderland for six weeks, starting in late November and running through the end of December.

With more than 300,000 twinkling lights and over 100 festive set pieces reflecting off Cane River Lake, if you've never been to Natchitoches around Christmas time, you're truly missing out!

Each weekend throughout the season, there will be live music on the Riverbank Stage, along with fireworks shows lighting up the sky over Cane River Lake. From classic Christmas songs to gospel nights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• The 2025 season will be cashless. No cash will be accepted at ticket booths or vendor stands.
• Admission to the Downtown Riverbank is $15 after 1 p.m. (ages 6 and under are free).
• Food vendors will be open 7 days a week along the Riverbank.
• No admission fee Sunday through Friday, and vehicles will be allowed on the Riverbank Sunday–Thursday only.
• Full schedule and updates: www.natchitocheschristmas.com

DATES TO KNOW FOR THE 99TH NATCHITOCHES CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Saturday, November 22 - Turn on the Holidays - This event marks the official start of the Christmas season. Visitors can enjoy music, shopping, fireworks, and a dazzling drone show over Cane River Lake. There will also be a Holiday Open House with shops open late in the Historic District.

November 22 - Cookies With Santa - Families can enjoy a fun, sweet experience with Santa Claus himself. Tickets go on sale November 1.

OPENS November 29th - Darkwoods Christmas - Just minutes from downtown, this wooded walk-through experience features over 300,000 LED lights and holiday displays.

Saturday, November 29 - Fleur de Lis Christmas Craft Market - Celebrate the 21st anniversary of this local favorite, with more than 110 craft booths at the Natchitoches Events Center.

December 3-5 - NSU Christmas Gala - More than 300 Northwestern State University students, faculty, and staff come together for this holiday musical performance that kicks off the festival season.

December 6th - Christmas Festival Day - This is Louisiana’s premier holiday event! It’s an all-day celebration with music, entertainment, a huge parade, food vendors, arts and crafts, and the famous fireworks show choreographed to holiday music over Cane River Lake.

December 7-23 - Santa Claus House - Visit Santa in his house on the south end of the Downtown Riverbank. Visits are free, but Saturday visits will require an armband.

December 11-13 & 18-20 - Christmas Tour of Homes - Step back in time on this walking tour of beautifully decorated historic homes in the National Historic Landmark District.

December 13 - Cookies With Santa - Families can enjoy a fun, sweet experience with Santa Claus himself. Tickets go on sale November 1.