Celebrate the Christmas season in Louisiana’s oldest city! The 99th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival is set for November 22, 2025, through January 6, 2026, promising more than six weeks of lights, music, parades, and family fun along the beautiful Cane River Lake.

The season officially kicks off with “Turn on the Holidays” on Saturday, November 22, featuring a drone show and fireworks display to launch one of Louisiana’s most cherished holiday traditions.

Festival Saturdays will take place on November 29, December 6, 13, 20, and 27, each filled with live music, food vendors, and fireworks lighting up the Natchitoches sky.

The highlight of the season—the main Christmas Festival Day on December 6—will feature Coushatta’s own Vickie Johnson as the Grand Marshall of the Festival of Lights Parade, Mistletoe Market, live entertainment, and the iconic fireworks show choreographed to holiday music over Cane River Lake.

Families can also visit Santa Claus at his Riverbank House from December 7–23, 6:00–8:30 p.m. Admission is free, though Saturday visits will require an armband for Riverbank access.

Food vendors will be open on the Riverbank seven days a week, offering festive treats and local favorites. Admission to the Riverbank area is free Sunday through Friday, with vehicular traffic permitted Sunday through Thursday only.

Festival organizers have also announced that the 2025 Christmas season will be completely cashless—no cash will be accepted at ticket booths or by festival vendors.

From the dazzling lights to the joyful music and small-town charm, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival continues to shine as one of Louisiana’s most magical holiday experiences.

For the full schedule and ticket details, visit natchitocheschristmas.com