Shreveport is Just an Hour Away From a Hometown Christmas

Shreveport Is Only an Hour Drive From an Old-Fashioned Christmas.

Everyone knows that if you want to experience an old-fashioned Christmas you travel to Natchitoches, Louisiana.

Although the population in Natchitoches is just shy of 20,000, this town is the hub of wonderful Christmas experiences. Did you know visitors come from all over the world to experience an old-fashioned Christmas in one of Louisiana’s oldest cities?

The 98th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival Kicks off on November 23, 2024.

Yes, you read that correctly, the small town of Natchitoches has been spreading Christmas cheer since 1927. "We are home to one of the oldest community-based holiday celebrations in the country. Starting as a one-day festival, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival has evolved into a six-week long Christmas Season." The Natchitoches Christmas Festival starts the Saturday before Thanksgiving and it ends on January 6th, the Epiphany.

I first experienced the Christmas magic in Natchitoches in 2020. Up until then, I had only experienced Natchitoches through a gas station off 49 South. You've probably driven past the French Market, right? They have delicious boudin balls and meat pies. So of course I have experienced that, but what I had not discovered was the joy of Christmas in Natchitoches.

The Natchitoches Christmas Festival is unlike anything I have ever experienced. There are over 300,000 lights and 100 plus set pieces are on display every night at dusk.

You Can Eat the Best Meat Pies in the Middle of the Street.

You can enjoy over 300,000 Christmas lights through the first weekend of January. If you're worried about the lights not being on during the week, the Christmas spirit is very much alive every single day of the week. However, the firework show only happens on Saturday nights.

You Can Visit the Steel Magnolia House.

You Must Try the Eggnog Goodness.

Yes, the eggnog daiquiris are unlike anything you'll ever have.

You will need to purchase armbands to access the riverbank.  For the schedule of events, ticket information, shopping, and dining options, and everything related to Christmas lights in Natchitoches go to Natchitocheschristmas.com.