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Celebrate Cajun Christmas: Holiday Markets and Events in Lake Charles, Southwest Louisiana

Celebrate Cajun Christmas: Holiday Markets and Events in Lake Charles, Southwest Louisiana Celebrate Cajun Christmas: Holiday Markets and Events in Lake Charles, Southwest Louisiana
The holiday spirit arrives early in Southwest Louisiana with vibrant Christmas markets featuring fine art, handmade crafts, jewelry, and unique gifts. Mark your calendar for these premier shopping events:

Kiwanis Christmas at Jackson Square West: Fine Art & Authentic Handmade Crafts
November 5–7
Since 1972, the Kiwanis Club of South Lake Charles has hosted Southwest Louisiana's largest art and handicraft fair. Hundreds of skilled artisans showcase one-of-a-kind pieces perfect for holiday decorating. This year's featured artist is Dianne Christopher of Picasseaux Art Studio in New Roads, LA. Kick off with a sneak preview, gumbo, and silent auction on Friday from 6–9 p.m. Weekend hours: Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. For details, call (337) 532-3839 or visit www.visitlakecharles.org/jacksonsquare.

Mistletoe and Moss
November 17–20
The Junior League of Lake Charles presents the 18th Annual Mistletoe & Moss Holiday Market, a beloved tradition in the Lake Charles Civic Center's Exhibition Hall and Coliseum. Over 80 merchants offer festive decorations, entertainment, and Christmas treasures.

Start with the Plantation & Pearls Preview Party Gala on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 7–10 p.m. ($40 admission), featuring top local cuisine, cocktails, auction items, and live music. Thursday's Southern Sassy Brunch (Nov. 18, 10 a.m.–noon, $25) includes mimosas or Bloody Marys and chef demos. Belles and Bordeaux Ladies Night (starting 5:30 p.m.) offers wine tastings, appetizers, and door prizes.

Join Beignets with Santa on Saturday, Nov. 20 (seatings at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m.), with photos, beignets, and storytelling by local author Tommie Townsley.

Marketplace hours: Thursday–Friday 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission $7 (free for kids 8 and under). No stroller fee Thursday. Contact (337) 436-4025 or www.jllc.net.

Sulphur’s Christmas Under the Oaks Holiday House
December 2–4
Snow flurries and festive fun return for the 9th Annual Christmas Under the Oaks at Henning Cultural Center, 923 Ruth Street, Sulphur. Activities center on unique shopping and family events.

Preview Gala: Thursday, Dec. 2, 6:30–9:30 p.m. ($35, advance tickets benefit Brimstone Historical Society).

Holiday House open Dec. 3–4, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., with 25+ shops of Christmas delights. Debuts the seventh Sulphur Ornament Series ($15; past ornaments $13).

Saturday highlights: Breakfast with Santa ($5, includes pancakes and photos), school performances, Bayou Jazz Kings, ProStart tea room, Kiwanis Balloons Parade (3 p.m.), and Spectacle of Lights with fireworks (6 p.m., guaranteed snow).

Info: Henning Cultural Center (337) 527-0357, SWLA CVB (337) 436-9588, or www.holidayhousesulphur.com.

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    By Elizabeth Eustis 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.