Experience Cajun Christmas Magic: Top Holiday Events in Southwest Louisiana
Southwest Louisiana is alive with parades, concerts, fireworks, and culinary delights this Christmas season, making it the premier destination for holiday festivities. With an abundance of cheer, selecting events will be challenging! Attending as many as possible could become my new cherished tradition.
Photo by Lindsey Janies Photography
My mother-in-law and I kick off the season at the Junior League of Lake Charles’ annual Mistletoe and Moss Holiday Market (Nov. 20-22). These ladies host an exceptional shopping event. This year, we plan to visit Sulphur’s Holiday House (Dec. 5-6) for more gift-hunting joy. Nothing sparks Christmas spirit like perfect finds for loved ones—perhaps even catching the magical “snow” at Christmas Under the Oaks (Dec. 5-6).
Photo by MonsoursPhotography.net
Once gifts are wrapped under the tree, parade season begins! As downtown Lake Charles residents, my family has attended the Light up the Lake Christmas Celebration (Dec. 6) for years, even entering our sailboat in the lighted boat parade. This unique spectacle is a must-see. With eight parades total, I may explore DeQuincy’s “Deck the Halls” (Dec. 5) or Vinton’s “Cajun Christmas” (Dec. 12) to witness their Santa arrivals.
Santa holds special memories—like listing toys (and ponies!) from his lap. I’ll head to Westlake for Breakfast with Santa (Dec. 13), hoping for that Kate Spade bag from Stiletto—or at least hot pancakes.
The season brims with delights, including captivating performances like The Nutcracker (Dec. 11-14) and The Little Drummer Boy (Dec. 13). Visit the Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive to see Gingerbread House contest (Dec. 6-30) entries and vote for your favorite.
Plan your festivities at www.visitlakecharles.org/cajunchristmas for a full Southwest Louisiana holiday calendar.
