Illustration of Santa posing with a family on a bench under string lights for a photographer (Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights)
Christmas Lights

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.

Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 6, 2027 Ages 6 and under FREE

Website / Tickets

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Plan Your Visit

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.

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.

Neighborhood

Historic District

Food & Drink

Food vendors are available on the Riverbank seven days a week.

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Downtown Riverbank · 781 Front Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and holiday parade and light-display fans

Vibe

Festive and lively

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

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

Links & Contact

Website / Tickets Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

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.

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