Southwest Louisiana Christmas: The Ultimate A-to-Z Holiday Guide
With cooler weather, twinkling Christmas lights, steaming hot chocolate, and Santa Claus himself, the holiday season is in full swing in Southwest Louisiana. Experience a vibrant array of festive Cajun celebrations. Here's our comprehensive A-to-Z guide to holiday fun in SWLA.
A is for Amazing Christmas Lights on Shell Beach Drive
Shell Beach Drive is a premier destination for Christmas light tours. Drive to the end for the impressive life-size angel display, a true standout. View the best Christmas light displays in SWLA.
B is for Boudin Carols
Indulge in endless boudin this season. Stock up via the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail for your Christmas menu. Share these unique carols to spread holiday cheer with loved ones.
C is for Cajun Christmas in a Box!
Celebrate with a chance to win boudin shipped overnight in a rugged cooler, complete with Louisiana Christmas swag. Check the homepage in early December for the entry form.
D is for DeQuincy Christmas Activities
Enjoy a parade, craft and food vendors, hot chocolate, live music, and singing at this community event.
E is for Holiday Express
The Kansas City Southern Holiday Express visits Westlake on December 6 and the DeQuincy Railroad Museum on December 7.
F is for Festive Louisiana-Style Décor
Add a Cajun flair with Spanish moss, pepper garlands, or oyster shell ornaments. Discover more ideas.
G is for Gingerbread Houses
From December 6–26, visit the visitor center to enjoy gingerbread displays and vote for your favorite amid the aroma of spices and icing.
H is for Holiday Art Market
Shop local at the Arts Council of Southwest Louisiana's market, December 7-9. Find storybooks, paintings, pop culture art, and photography from regional artists.
I is for Instagram-Worthy Christmas Photos
Capture moments with #VisitLakeCharles and #LouisianasPlayground. Follow @VisitLakeCharles for inspiration!
J is for Joyeux Noël
"Merry Christmas" in French! Learn more Cajun French phrases.
K is for Keeping it Local
Shop markets like Mistletoe and Moss, Holiday Art Market, or Holiday House. Downtown favorites include The Corner Market and Iron Shop Provisions.
L is for Light Up the Lake
Kick off Lake Charles holidays on December 7: 6 PM lighted street parade downtown; 7:30 PM tree lighting at Civic Center; 8:15 PM lighted boat parade; 8:45 PM fireworks over the lake.
M is for Movies with the Mayor
December 21: Santa's Workshop (12-3 PM) at Civic Center Coliseum with games, crafts, food, and more. Free Movies with the Mayor at 3:30 PM in Rosa Hart Theater (first-come, first-served).
N is for Nutcracker
Catch two productions: Lake Area Ballet Theater (Nov. 21-23) and Sarah Quinn Jones Ballet (Dec. 30).
O is for Old Tyme Christmas Brunch
Seniors enjoy companionship and seasonal festivities on December 3.
P is for Pictures with Santa at Prien Lake Mall
Family tradition through Christmas Eve. Pet photos Nov. 24 & Dec. 1. Arrive early! Now through Dec. 24.
Q is for Quality Family Time
Cherish moments with loved ones. Top 7 Christmas activities for families.
R is for Rory
Big Band hits and holiday classics with Rory Partin on November 30.
S is for Spirits on the Brews and Spirits Trail
Warm up with Bayou Rum's holiday cocktails for a chill in mild SWLA weather.
T is for Trees of Hope Decorating Contest
Non-profits decorate trees at Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel. Public votes; $10,000 in prizes awarded.
U is for Under the Oaks Christmas Festival in Sulphur
December 6-7: Kiwanis Balloon Parade, live nativity, bands, food, carnival at Heritage Square. Dec. 6-7.
V is for Vintage Carriage Rides & Christmas Light Tours
Lake Charles Carriages and Vintage Carriage Company tours through Jan. 4. Pontoon boat tours by Lake Area Adventures. Dec. 1–31. Call for reservations.
W is for Winter Wonderland
100% chance of snow, live entertainment, and tree lighting at Christmas Under the Oaks in Sulphur, December 6.
X is for Extra Food on Our Plates
Cajun feasts: gumbo, turducken, rice dressing, boudin. Find recipes for your holiday menu.
Y is for Yuletide Celebration – Louisiana Choral Foundation Concert
Two performances: December 7 and 9.
Z is for Zydeco
Dance to Zydeco for holiday spirit—and extra eats! Learn about Zydeco.
Merry Christmas, y'all!
