Shreveport-Bossier, LA (PRWEB) September 03, 2013
Looking for some family fun during the holidays? The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights, made up of eight partner Louisiana cities, is the place to come. From parades and fireworks to candlelight tours of homes and millions of twinkling lights, there are family friendly experiences from November to December 2013.
The cities of Shreveport-Bossier, Minden, Natchitoches, Monroe-West Monroe, and Alexandria/Pineville offer great, inexpensive holiday ideas. The 2013 Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights offers a growing roster of events that includes popular festivals, holiday markets, live music events, arts and more in each of the five regions. Many of the attractions, festivals and events do not have admission prices.
Alexandria-Pineville’s holiday season begins, Nov. 28, with the city’s annual “12 Nights of Christmas” celebration. Christmas parades featuring bands and entertainment will be held in Pineville on Dec. 6 and Alexandria on Dec. 8. Returning this year is A Pilgrimage to Bethlehem. This biennial event transports the audience back in time to the birth of Jesus Christ with a dramatic recreation of first century Bethlehem. Other local favorites include: tours of the Frogmore Cotton Plantation and Gins, art workshops and exhibits at River Oaks Square Arts Center or a visit to Silver Dollar Pawn and Jewelry, home to the hit History Channel’s Cajun Pawn Stars.
Minden will celebrate its German heritage, Nov. 16, at the annual Fasching Fifth Season Festival. This unique festival offers up German food, a beer exhibition, historic tours and fireworks. On Tuesday, Dec. 7, enjoy the Christmas Tour of Homes and Christmas parade along the brick-paved streets of downtown Minden. Other local favorites include: scenic tours of the “Boom or Bust Byway” along Louisiana Highway 2, tours and special events at the Dorcheat Museum, sporting events at the Minden Recreation Complex or canoeing on Lake Bistineau.
Monroe-West Monroe’s opening night of “Dancing Lights” and downtown light displays in Antique Alley and downtown Monroe returns with a lighting ceremony, Nov. 30. A busy schedule of holiday offerings will take place each weekend through Dec. 14, culminating with the Duck Commander Christmas event. Other tour stops could include: tours and special events at the Biedenharn Museum and Galleries, shopping along the Downtown River Market, or enjoy creative Southern cuisine at Cotton from Chef Cory Bahr, recent winner of the television show Chopped.
Natchitoches’ Festival of Lights will mark 87 years of celebrating the Christmas season beginning at the Nov.23 “Turn on the Holidays” Tri-Centennial Kick-Off and Fireworks event, an entire day of free entertainment, food, shopping and more. Snow Fest weekend, featuring children’s activities and vendors as well as the “Frosty’s Avalanche Slide” ride, will be held Nov. 30 accompanying the Fleur de Lis Arts and Crafts Show. Natchitoches’ 87th Annual Christmas Festival kicks off Dec. 7 with festivities every Saturday through Jan. 4. Other local favorites include: carriage rides and shopping along the Cane River, guided tours of Melrose Plantation or tours of Fort Jean Baptiste.
Shreveport-Bossier’s holiday celebrations kick-off with the lighting of a 40-foot Christmas tree at the Outlets at Louisiana Boardwalk on Thursday, Nov. 16. Christmas in Roseland, featuring more than one million lights adorning the Gardens of the American Rose Center, will run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 30-Dec. 22. Tour Guide Jan Pettiet will host Christmas lights and shopping tours of downtown Shreveport on the TNT Express Trolley on Dec. 19. New this year, a Cajun Christmas Festival will be held at Cash Point “The Party Place” and feature a gumbo cook off, beer tasting, Cajun band, photos with Santa Claus, a craft vendor fair and more. Other tour stops could include: a group craft project at Shelby Lane’s Closet or a special performance at the Strand Theatre.
To create an emailable itinerary of Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights events, see photos from past events and more, visit http://www.holidaytrailoflights.com. To stay update on all the happenings "Like" us on Facebook by searching “Holiday Trail of Lights.”