Christmas Events for the Family in the Arklatex for 2019
There are so many great Christmas events happening in our area over the next couple of weeks. Check out our updated list of some of the best holiday offerings in the area.
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NATCHITOCHES CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
One of my favorite events in our region is the Christmas Festival in Natchitoches. This massive event runs through January 6th. It features more than 300,000+ Christmas lights and 100 plus riverbank set pieces are on every night at dusk.All events take place Downtown Natchitoches and the riverbank of Cane River Lake.
Festival Day: December 7th
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CHRISTMAS IN ROSELAND
This is one of the most beautiful settings in our area for Christmas. The Christmas lights among the rose bushes and the rural woods is just spectacular. Several local choirs will be singing and there will be lots of events for young children to check out. Christmas in Roseland is a family tradition for many Shreveport Bossier residents. It runs Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays only through December 23rd and there are special Encore Nights — Gates are open from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Last car admitted at 9:30 p.m.
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THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE
You will have to jump on this one quickly. The Polar Express Train ride will delight young and old. Ride along with the magical story as it comes to life the minute the train departs the Palestine Depot for the journey to the North Pole. Enveloped by the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the tale as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™.
Repeats every day except Thursday until December 28th 3:00pm - 8:00pm.
Many of the trips are already sold out. - 4
BENTON CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE
I think this is the best family event going right here in Shreveport Bossier. It's Saturday December 7th from noon until 7pm. The Benton Christmas on the Square Festival brings out the entire community. You will find great arts and crafts, food and holiday fellowship. But don't miss the parade which rolls at 3pm. Children love this event and Santa Claus is the featured attraction.
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WONDERLAND OF LIGHTS IN MARSHALL
This is near the top of the list for my boys. They loved going to Marshall a couple of times each year to ice skate during the Wonderland of Lights Festival. The event runs through December 29th and is open Tuesday-Sunday 6-9 and 4-10 on Saturdays. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
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UNCERTAIN CHRISTMAS FLOATING PARADE
This is one of the hidden gems in our region for Christmas. If you've never made the short trip to Uncertain, Texas for the floating Christmas Parade, you should put it on your list. This one of a kind event is Saturday, December 21st at 12:30pm. Folks decorate their boats and parade near the shore of the spectacular Caddo Lake. The boats will line up at Cypress Village and then get rolling along the bank. You can view the parade from Johnson's Ranch or several other public spots along the lake.
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SONGS OF THE SEASON
A spectacular Christmas Musical that will make you think you are watching a show on Broadway. Songs of the Season Whether it's a family tradition or a once-in-a-lifetime visit, your experience of this iconic Christmas production will stay with you forever and warm your spirit.
From the moment the lights dim, you will be transported to a wonderful place filled with adorable children, dancing toys, lively Christmas songs from around the nation, elaborate costumes, breathtaking sets, and even live animals on stage.
All the excitement of a Broadway show, all the fun of Christmas, wrapped up into one incredible production. Along with an outdoor live nativity – it’s entertainment for the entire family! December 11-13 @ 7PM and December 14 & 15 @ 2PM & 7PM
It's being staged at Shreveport Community Church on Buncombe Road. The event will feature food, a petting zoo, pony rides, and a live nativity scene. This is something you will want to bring the children out to enjoy. - 8
MINDEN CHRISTMAS PARADE
The Minden Christmas Parade is on December 14th and rolls at 5pm in downtown Minden. You will find several local bands and lots of floats taking part in this small town, but big time holiday tradition. There's also a fireworks show after the parade.
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SAREPTA CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
The festival kicks off at 9am and continues until 6pm. The event includes music, food, a chili cookoff and fireworks at 5:30pm.
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GREENING OF THE LOUISIANA STATE EXHIBIT MUSEUM
The annual Christmas Tree event will be held at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum December 4-27th. Shreveport’s third-grade students decorate Christmas trees with ornaments constructed from various materials in their classrooms. These trees are on display for all to enjoy at the museum.
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A BETTER BLANCHARD'S SMALL TOWN CHRISTMAS
A Better Blanchard's Small Town Christmas will be held in Blanchard on Saturday, Dec. 14th from 2-6pm. Admission is free. The market will open at 2pm. So many other activities including choirs, children’s crafts, writing letters to Santa and much more. Blanchard Town Hall will transform into a winter wonderland filled with thousands of sparkling lights. We even hear there might be some snow. Local choirs and musicians will perform. There will be crafts for kids provided by Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park and Shreve Memorial Library - Blanchard Branch.
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CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK
The Town of Greenwood hosts the Christmas in the Park event which is a wonderful time for families to come together and celebrate the holidays in a magical way. The event is Friday December 6th from 6-8pm at 9381 Greenwood Road. It will include free photos with Santa. You can also check out tours of the Historic Dunn House, hot chocolate and cookies, Christmas music and much more.
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CHRISTMAS IN HAUGHTON
Come out on December 14th to enjoy the Christmas In Haughton Parade & Festival. This traditional event includes live music, food, great prizes and Santa Claus will also be there. The parade begins at 10am Immediately following the parade, Joe Delaney Memorial Park will be open for the festival which runs until 4pm.
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BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Enjoy breakfast with Santa and make holiday crafts. The event is hosted by Centenary College and will be held on Saturday, December 14 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in Centenary’s Kilpatrick Auditorium.