Tons of Holiday Fun in Baton Rouge
Traditionally, one of the best features of the holiday season is how people put aside any differences they may have to celebrate the season. Families come together as do extended families. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, we’re all a little nicer and a little kinder to those around us. At St. James Place it’s no different. Our community revels in family and the friendships created on and off campus. To that end, we’ve created a little list of events we believe will enhance the enjoyment of this season for all.
Our Annual Tour of Homes
At St. James Place, one of the things we’ll be doing is hosting our Annual Holiday Tour of Homes. On Thursday, December 8 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., our residents and staff will host friends, families, guests and folks who want to learn more about St. James Place for a tour of our most festive homes. The members of our community have decked the halls for the holidays and are inviting everyone to come bask in the joy. Hors d’oeuvres and festive beverages will be served. And entertainment will be provided by the LSU School of Music Quartet and The Nick Abraham Band. So come meet the gang and be part of the celebration. No Scrooges allowed.
Around Baton Rouge
When it comes to celebrating the holidays, Baton Rouge is a city that goes all out. While this is by no means a definitive list, here are just a few of the events happening around the Big Raggedy.
On Sunday, November 27 Magnolia Mound presents a Creole Christmas and Holiday Fair. This annual event features seasonal decorations in this historic house. Traditional songs sung in both French and Spanish will be performed by local school children. There will also be period demonstrations, folk crafts and booths from local vendors. Wrapping up the evening will be the annual bonfire to welcome “Papa Noel.” This popular event is a must for parents, grandparents and, of course, children.
Speaking of children, Sunday, December 4 is a great day to grab the grandkids and head over to D’s Garden Center for Pictures with Santa. This is a wonderful family event with pictures taken by a local photographer, hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies. And best of all, you can end your visit by picking out the perfect Christmas tree for your home. What could be better?
Not to be left out, on Thursday, December 8, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., St. Jean Vianney’s School hosts a Christmas Market. Come get your Christmas shopping done at more than 40 booths featuring items for sale by local boutiques, artists and more. There’s a $10 entrance fee at the door, but we have a feeling it will be well worth it.
On Saturday, December 10 at 5:30 p.m. you’ll want to be downtown for the annual Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade. The parade, which brings an average of 80,000 people to downtown Baton Rouge, begins at River Road at North Boulevard. The colorful procession numbers around 80 entries, including vivid parade floats, dancing groups and marching bands. By the way, if you wish to witness the Battle of Bands, you should come early as it's scheduled for 4:00 pm. With free admission, the event is open to everyone.
Finally, what would the holidays be without this magical centerpiece of the Baton Rouge holiday season, The Nutcracker? Well, on Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18 the Raising Cane’s River Center Theatre presents the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s take on the classic with The Nutcracker, A Tale from the Bayou. Performances are at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on both days. Music will be provided by the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, making this a can’t-miss production.
These events just scratch the surface of holiday festivities happening at both St. James Place and throughout Baton Rouge. For additional information check out the Visit Baton Rouge website. Your only difficulty will be in choosing how many of these fun and family-oriented events you can attend.