2021 Baton Rouge Family Friendly Holiday Events Guide

Disclosure :: this guide is brought to you courtesy of our sponsors Children’s Hospital New Orleans, Dunham School, and Rapid Urgent Care.

The 2021 Baton Rouge Family Friendly Holiday Events Guide

Are you looking for fun things to do with your kids in Baton Rouge? The holiday season in Baton Rouge is joyful for families; there are dozens of holiday events for kids in the area.

‘Tis the season to shop, see lights, build gingerbread houses, and so much more in Baton Rouge! Make sure to add these exciting Baton Rouge holiday events to your family’s calendar this year. Some event details are still unfolding, so check back often for the most up-to-date information for celebrating the holidays in Baton Rouge. If you are willing to drive to New Orleans for more holiday fun, check out the New Orleans Holiday Events Guide! Happy Holidays!

**For more holiday fun, check out the New Orleans Holiday Events Guide!**

Baton Rouge Holiday Guide Featured Sponsors

Children’s Hospital

The Children’s Hospital New Orleans specialty clinic is now relocated to a new, expanded multi-specialty clinic, located in the heart of Baton Rouge’s medical district on the campus of Baton Rouge General Medical Center. The new clinic features 24 exam rooms, 2 treatment rooms and a dedicated room for echocardiograms. The expanded clinic will allow for increased capacity, expanded provider coverage for our pediatric subspecialties, and the addition of mental and behavioral health services. From the CHNOLA BR family to yours we wish you a very happy and healthy holiday season!

Dunham School

Even during the busy season of the holidays we want you to know that Dunham School is now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 school year. Prospective students and their families are invited to schedule an in-person or virtual admissions meeting and campus tour at dunhamschool.org.

Rapid Urgent Care

Rapid Urgent Care is open every day of the year to meet your urgent care needs – even holidays! All locations include X-Ray and Lab services on site. Rapid Urgent Care commonly treats ailments such as the flu and flu-like illnesses. These include colds, sore throats, bronchitis, asthma, and strep throat. They will also treat sprains, minor trauma, and fractures. Their on-site X-Ray facility helps to determine if you have a broken bone or perhaps just a sprained muscle and their lab can provide many tests with immediate results.

Guide to Holiday Events In and Around Baton Rouge

Check out our event categories included below and jump straight to that section by clicking below to see all of the family friendly holiday events in and around Baton Rouge this year!

Holiday Shopping & Art | Holiday Outdoor Fun | Holiday Indoor Fun | Holiday Entertainment

Shopping & Art

Fantastical Poinsettias | Reflections in the Garden

November 8, 12:00-1:00pm

It’s not Christmas in Baton Rouge without Burden’s Annual Poinsettia Show & Sale!
Over 50 poinsettia varieties will be on display and available for sale.
The Botanic Gardens evaluates new poinsettia varieties developed by breeders worldwide which means they are exclusively sold at our annual show and sale.
A limited number of each variety are available so arrive on time so that you don’t miss out on these rare varieties of poinsettias!
Plants: 6.5″ – 3 gallon
Pricing: $12-$75 depending on size

Creole Christmas and Holiday Fair

November 12, 12:00-5:00pm

An annual event featuring seasonal decorations in the historic house, traditional songs in French and Spanish sung by local school children, period demonstrations, folk crafts, and the annual bonfire to welcome Papa Noel.

White Light Night 

November 19, 6:00-10:00pm in Mid City

White Light Night is Mid City’s largest art festival featuring Louisiana’s best artists, makers, and more. It’s free to attend and the best way to kick off your holiday shopping!
Revel under the white lights adorning the streets, meet local artists, enjoy live music, and eat Red Stick Social!
Check out the map for parking and a list of all of the participating shops. and businesses along the route

Holiday Market at the Mill 2021

November 19-21

The City of New Roads brings you the 11th annual Market at the Mill, set for November 19th through 21st. The market is a three-day shopping event held at the refurbished Cotton Mill in downtown New Roads.
Shoppers can expect a variety of vendors, craftsmen and artisans selling hand-crafted items, such as pottery, garden items, jewelry, glassware, wooden furniture and Christmas gifts for everyone. You can also find decorative items, live plants, antiques, and many unique, hand-crafted items. We also have clothing for the whole family.
Admission is $5 per day, which includes a MATM shopping bag for the first 3,500 shoppers. The hours for Holiday Market at the Mill are as follows:
Friday – 11:00am-5:00pm
Saturday – 10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday – 11:00am-4:00pm
NEW THIS YEAR! Shoppers are able to purchase a ‘VIP EARLY BIRD SHOPPING PASS’ for Friday morning from 9:00am-11:00am. This may be purchased during checkout for an additional $5. Only shoppers that have purchased the VIP option will be able to enter at 9:00 on Friday. Limited to 300 shoppers. Shopping bag is guaranteed.
Follow the Market on Facebook and www.marketatthemillnewroads.com for more details and for information and dates about the spring show.
If you are interested in becoming a vendor or have further questions, please contact Betty Fontaine at 225-718-7813 or email [email protected]

Christmas Open House at Denham Springs’ Antique Village

November 27, 9:00am-5:00pm

Ready for a fun filled day of special sales, mascot pictures and Santa Clause? Come and shop in the village and enjoy free refreshments in the shops. Our stores are full of wonderful merchandise and just waiting on you.

Christmas in the Country in St. Francisville

December 3-5

Christmas in the Country is held on the first full weekend in December every year. It features a small-town parade, peep-show of Christmas decorated homes, breakfast with Santa, shopping and much more!

Agape’s 3rd Annual Family Christmas Market

December 4, 4:00-8:00pm

We are excited to host Agape School of Baton Rouge’s Third Annual Family Christmas Market! We would love for you to join us on Saturday, December 4th from 4-8pm for this one night, outdoor event! We pray this is a blessing for Agape families and the community, as we celebrate the Christmas season! Our desire is to provide an exciting and safe night for families where both adults and children can enjoy food, fun, and shopping with local vendors and makers!

Mistletoe & Mimosas at The Foyer

December 4, 10:00am-4:00pm

A shopping celebration event. Sip, shop, socialize!

December MidCity Makers Market

December 17, 6:00pm

What better way to say Happy Holidays than with a gift that’s unique and supports local!

Holiday Outdoor Fun

Santa’s Arrival Tailgate Parade at Bass Pro

November 6

This is a parade where families are welcome to ring in the holiday season and see Santa as he opens his “Santa’s Wonderland.” There will not be any Santa photos this evening. Families are encouraged to bring blankets and folding chairs.

StoryTime in the Garden

November 6, December 7

StoryTime in the Garden is a creative way of mixing storytelling and imagination with hands-on craft activities for children. The program meets one Saturday a month August through May from 9 a.m. – Noon.
Children ages 3-8 can enjoy storybook readings and imagination-themed activities every half hour. All children participating in the program must be accompanied by an adult. The last reading begins at 11:30.

Running of the Elves 5k

November 20, 7:00am

Have a holly jolly time in Central. All Elf Runners are encouraged to dress merry and bright.
Hang out after your run for our famous pancake cook-off!
Registration Fees:
There is no charge to be a vendor and all vendors are required to host an activity or giveaway an item valued at at least $1.
Runners’ registration:
Early Registration $30
Race day registration $35
T-shirts will be provided for registrations by 11/7/21
Package Pickup will be at Central Cross Threads at 13567 Hooper Rd. on Friday, November 19 from 10 am – 5 pm.
Race day packet pickup will begin at 7:00 am at the football stadium 13845 Hooper Rd.
The 1 mile kids fun run will begin at 8:00am with the 5k following immediately after.

Baton Rouge Turkey Trot 2021

November 25, 7:30am

Celebrating its 35th year, the Turkey Trot returns to Downtown Baton Rouge on the morning of Thanksgiving 2021. This race is a local thanksgiving tradition – one that serves the community by keeping them active and fit through racing and by partnering with the March of Dimes as a fund-raiser to help their organization both financially and by spreading the word about the work they do.
Come run, walk or jog the 5K or the 1 mile fun run with your family and friends and #earnyourturkey.

Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans

November 25- January 2
(closed December 24th and 31st)

City Park’s largest fundraiser, Celebration in the Oaks presented by Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust, is the New Orleans holiday family tradition. This incredible light festival has enchanted Park visitors since the 1980s and is vital to the Park’s maintenance, care, and beautification year round. Make memories with your loved ones in City Park this holiday season.

Mt. Sneaux Day at The Backpacker

November 26, 10:00-11:00am

The Backpacker brings you Mt. Sneaux Day on the morning of Friday, November 26th from 10 to 11 am at our store in Baton Rouge on Jefferson Highway. We are hosting our annual event with real snow for kids to play and build snowmen, but also fun and games for the whole family! Enjoy hot chocolate, s’mores roasting, a photo booth, giveaways, in-store specials, an appearance from the Big Guy, and more!

Lighting of Old City Hall in Denham Springs

November 26, 6:00-8:00pm

We invite you to attend the Lighting of Old City Hall, 115 Mattie Street, Denham Springs from 6:00-8:00 pm. Enjoy the Christmas carols, free amusement rides, wagon rides and refreshments. Let’s join together and enjoy the Christmas festivities together.

Zoolights

November 26- December 30 at the Baton Rouge Zoo
Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

A mile-long trail through the Zoo with more than 50 illuminated display sculptures of animals and traditional holiday displays! Cost: Adults/Teens: $5; Seniors: $4; Ages 2-12: $3, Friends of the Zoo Members: $3 per person

Let it Sneaux Movie in the Park at Ben Burge Park

December 3, 6:00-9:00pm

Come RING in the holiday with BREC! Meet Santa, make smores, enjoy hot chocolate and play in the SNEAUX. What else do you need? Come enjoy activities prior to the start of the movie. Activities will begin at 6 p.m. and movie will begin at 7 p.m. The first 100 guest will receive a special gift from the North Pole.

35th Annual Christmas in Central Parade

December 4, 11:00am

The parade starts at 11:00am!

A Very Merry Shop the Square & Tree Lighting

December 4, 4:00-7:00pm

We have had such a blast at Shop the Squares this Spring that we’re bringing it back and making it jolly! Also, don’t miss the lighting of the Christmas tree!
On Dec. 4th starting at 4 pm we will be at 13567 Hooper Rd with a Central one-stop-shop.

  • Great shopping
  • Kids activities
  • Food trucks
  • Music from the Central High Jazz band
  • A reading of the Christmas Story
  • The Christmas Tree Lighting

Zachary Christmas Parade

December 4, 10:00am  

The Zachary Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Zachary Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 4th! Mark your calendar!

Broadmoor’s Annual Christmas Parade

December 4, 12:00pm

Broadmoor Resident’s Association will be hosting the annual Broadmoor Christmas parade. We also collect donations of food and canned goods to help those less fortunate. Of course, Santa Claus will be in attendance and we are sure he will have a treat for those who donate food items.

A Jane Austen Christmas

December 4, 6:00pm  

Jane Austen Christmas 4th , 6:00PM-8:00PM- Travel back to a time when will learn about Christmas in the Felicianas during the early 1800’s. See the plantation come to life during the Holidays as it shows off its seasonal decorations. Costumed guides accompany the visitor in a trip into the past through the candlelit Oakley House. See what’s cooking in the kitchen, or just enjoy the live period music. Included is our yearly Christmas dance and hot Christmas Punch.

7th Annual Chanukah at the State Capitol

December 5, 4:00pm  

Join us for the annual Chanukah event of the year! Menorah Lighting, Gelt Drop! Face Painting, Stilt Walker, Latkes, donuts and more! KONA ICE TRUCK!

Sensory Santa at North Sherwood Forest Community Park

December 10, 6:00-8:00pm  

Drive thru the holidays at BREC’s Selfies with Santa. Each car will receive prepackaged holiday activities, snacks and reindeer food! Santa will also be available to take selfies with you and your family from the safety of your own car.

This event is free and open to all ages and abilities.

2021 Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade

December 11, 5:30-7:30pm

Cortana Kiwanis Club and the Kiwanis Club of Cortana Baton Rouge Foundation, Inc announced that the 2021 Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade, will roll as scheduled through Downtown Baton Rouge on December 11, 2021. The City of Baton Rouge recently issued the permit to resume the annual Christmas holiday tradition, which was canceled last year due to public health concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic. Head downtown early so you can catch the Battle of the Bands at 4 PM, featuring talented marching bands from the Baton Rouge area!

Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra at Train Station Park

December 11, 6:00-8:00pm

We welcome you to enjoy the Baton Rouge Symphony orchestras Christmas music at Train Station Park in Denham Springs December 11, 2021 from 6:00-8:00 pm. This will be a night to remember.

Let it Sneaux Movie in the Park at Lovett Park

December 17, 6:00-9:00pm

Come RING in the holiday with BREC! Meet Santa, make smores, enjoy hot chocolate and play in the SNEAUX. What else do you need? Come enjoy activities prior to the start of the movie. Activities will begin at 6 p.m. and movie will begin at 7 p.m. The first 100 guest will receive a special gift from the North Pole.

Dog Day at the Swamp

December 18, 9:00am-4:00pm

With Dog Days, we drop our “No Pets” policy and opens our doors and trails to pets once per season! All leashed pets are welcome, but vaccinations should be current. In order to help promote physical distancing, additional watering stations will be set up for our four-legged friends.
Cost:
General admission fees apply; pass holders free
For more information, please email [email protected]

City of Walker Christmas Parade

December 18, 11:00am

The City of Walker’s Christmas Parade is coming back! We are planning a full day beginning at 11am with a parade featuring floats, marching bands, antique cars, horses and more horses! After the parade, The City will host Christmas in the Park from 1pm to 5pm with a Farmer’s Market, Christmas music, photos with Santa, Food trucks, and lots of seasonal activities!
Holiday Indoor Fun

Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro

November 6 – December 24

Experience the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Wonderland at your local Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s!

Holiday Wreath Making Class

November 7

Join us for a few hours of crafting and creating as we make wreaths to celebrate the holidays. Participants will receive guided instruction and all art supplies to complete your masterpiece.

Santa CAWWS 

November 7, 10:00am-4:00pm

We are back in the slay! Join us for Santa CAAWS on November 7, 2021! Get professional Santa photos and cards with your kids and/or fur babies. Exclusive discounts for pre-purchasing a package by November 1, 2021!

A Very Merry Museum at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum

December 4, 10:00am-5:00pm

Enjoy holiday fun at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum during the 3rd Annual “A Very Merry Museum” event!
The festive day will feature engaging activities, including hands-on ornament making and a scavenger hunt; holiday-themed Irene W. Pennington Planetarium shows LET IT SNOW and THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM; family-friendly giveaways, including Coca-Cola polar bears; an appearance from the iconic holiday Coca-Cola truck; and a special showing of THE POLAR EXPRESS in the planetarium at 3:00pm.

“Meet the Mean One” Holiday Extravaganza at Giggles

December 5, 11:00am-2:00pm

“Holiday who-be what-ee?”
Our best pal is BACK this season for our holiday extravaganza!
Join us in Who-ville as we celebrate with The Mean One! Stay tuned as tease the fun to come!
Sweets, small business pop ups, specials, surprise guests & so much more! Last year was truly incredible & we can’t wait to make more memories this year with you all!

Photos with Santa at the Crown Bistro

December 5, 11:00am-2:00pm

Visit our Christmas setting, on the patio at our Perkins near Highland location to have your kiddos Christmas picture taken with Santa, by our professional photographer! Santa has a lot of upcoming plans, so in order to keep him and all of us safe, we’ll be following heath guidelines and taking pictures in a styled outdoor setting, socially distancing in the line and frequently sanitizing.
Walk-ins welcome, or beat the time by reserving your time slot online in advance. Select your time slot during the checkout process and we’ll email you a reminder to confirm your photo session.
For $30+ tax, we’ll email your digital images within a week of your photo so you can print or publish.

Hankies2Hope Christmas Mothers Tea

December 5, 2:00pm

Christmas tea is a time for mothers who have lost a child to come together to celebrate their childs life and receive Hope found in Jesus
Join us for tea and refreshements as we hear an encouragement from other mothers who have lost a child, special music and a candleight ceremony remembering our child/children.

Classic Croquembouche – Leisure Class at the Louisiana Culinary Institute

December 9, 5:00-8:00pm

It’s the grand finale of 2021 and what better way to prove you’re the winner than with a croquembouche! This crowd pleasing dessert tower requires a tremendous amount of skill and dexterity, but will make an incredible centerpiece at any holiday party. Join Chef Jeanne Mancuso in making this masterpiece of cream puffs and sugar!

Mini Holiday Workshop – Trim the Tree at the Louisiana Culinary Institute

December 11, 8:30-9:30am

In this Holiday Mini Workshop, kids will create and decorate several holiday edible crafts to take home.
Participants are given an apron and hat upon arrival. Suggested ages are from 3-7 years old. One parent/guardian will be allowed to accompany/help the child.
Due to current COVID-19 related mandates (which may change by session time), participants will be spread out and masks are optional. For the health and safety of our staff and participants, please DO NOT enter the building if you and/or the child are experiencing symptoms or are sick.
Class participants are limited to 20 children, plus adult “helper” (seated at the child’s table). Price is $50 per child participating in the event.
Tickets must be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/…/mini-holiday-workshop-trim… to attend this event.

The Grinch showing at the Manship Theatre

December 12, 2:00pm

We’re ready to make your holiday season absolutely vile!
Get tickets for the whole family to see The Grinch (2018) on our big screen December 12th at 2PM. We’ll have hot cocoa, candy, and popcorn PLUS Kids Club Members will receive a special snack pack!

Holiday Buche de Noel at the Louisiana Culinary Institute

December 16, 5:00-8:00pm

The Buche de Noel, or Yule Log, makes any holiday table instantly festive and it’s an elegant finish to your special meal. Chef Jeanne Mancuso will break down this holiday classic and guide you to make all of its components: fluffy vanilla chiffon cake, walnut rum buttercream, and chocolate buttercream. Assemble and decorate our log with meringue mushrooms. Wow your family and friends with your creation and for seasons to come!

Skating on the River

December 17-January 3

The Raising Cane’s River Center will once again magically transform into a “Winter Wonderland” just in time for you to create your holiday memories. Ice Skating on the River is an annual holiday tradition that will kick off on Friday, December 17, 2021. A fun filled holiday event for all ages, Ice Skating on the River will have 75 minute sessions nearly every day from December 17, 2021 until January 3, 2022.
Holiday Entertainment

Rock N Rowe at Perkins Rowe

November 4, 11, & 18, 6:00-9:00pm

Grab those lawn chairs and dancin’ shoes because Rock N Rowe is back. Join us every Thursday (rain or shine) September 30-November 18 for live music in Town Square. In the event of rain, shows will be moved to the Great Hall.

BRBT presents Land of the Sweets Nutcracker Tea

November 28, 2:00pm

Join your favorite characters from “The Nutcracker – A Tale from the Bayou” at this fun-filled festivity of scones, sandwiches, delicious sweets, drinks for kids and adults, plus lots of fun activities. Guests will be able to have photos taken with their favorite characters of the “Nutcracker” and even learn some of our favorite dances from the performance!
Seats are $60 each or $550 for a table of 10.
All seating is limited and subject to availability.

Brian Shaw’s Cool Winter Nights and Hot Jazz

December 8 & 9, 7:30pm

The 10th Annual Cool Winter Nights and Hot Jazz will feature Brian Shaw, Willis Delony, Fr. Greg Daigle, Sasha Masakowski, Bill Grimes, and a 15 piece jazz ensemble in a program of new arrangements and holiday favorites.

Denham Springs Train Station Christmas Concert

December 9, 7:00-8:00pm

Celebrate the season with this beautiful one hour performance about one young boy’s selfless gift. With beautiful orchestral accompaniment and a host of voices, this is the perfect way to get the whole family in the holiday spirit!
Ticket Range: $5 – $30

Baton Rouge Symphony’s Home for the Holidays

December 12, 7:30-9:30pm

Holiday favorites for the entire family!

This concert will feature seasonal melodies and music from favorites like Polar Express, Home Alone, The Nutcracker, and Sleigh Ride. Ring in the season with the biggest carol sing-along in Baton Rouge, and make this concert an annual traditional for the whole family!

Amahl and the Night Visitors

December 18, 7:00-8:30pm

Celebrate the season with this beautiful one hour performance about one young boy’s selfless gift. With beautiful orchestral accompaniment and a host of voices, this is the perfect way to get the whole family in the holiday spirit!
Ticket Range: $5 – $30

The Nutcracker – A Tale from the Bayou

December 18 & 19, 2:00 and 6:00pm each day

The Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre is thrilled to be returning their Nutcracker – A Tale from the Bayou to the stage this December. This magical production is the company’s first performance after two years of pandemic restrictions, so we can’t wait to share this performance of thrilling dance, lavish costumes, and fun effects with our audiences! After Hurricane Ida delayed renovations to the River Center Theatre, the ballet has been moved to the Raising Cane’s River Center Ballroom where the beautiful, animated projections created for our last two Nutcrackers can be used.  Using a raised stage and staggered seating, every effort will be made to maximize and improve the audience’s viewing experience.

December 18-19, 2021
2:00 and 6:00 p.m. each day

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church presents the 2nd Annual Christmas with Kathy and Dan

December 19, – 3:00pm

An afternoon of a variety of Christmas music provided by Kathy Heine on the piano and Dan Talbot on the organ. Featuring guest appearances by Nina Wachter and Cooper Ackman.
Kathy and Dan will also be doing 4 hands-1 piano duets, along with piano and organ solos.
Jenny
Jenny is originally from Kenner, LA, and considers herself a New Orleans girl at heart. She moved to Pineville in 2004 to attend college where she met her funny and always entertaining husband Brandon. Together they relocated to Baton Rouge almost 10 years ago and married in 2008. They added their joyful daughter Salem to the crew in April 2014, blue-eyed son Declan in July 2015, and baby Liesel in 2019 and now live in Zachary. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication/Journalism from LSU and has previously done some freelance writing. She now works full-time for the State of Louisiana. She and her family enjoy spending time together, making each other laugh and being a part of their church community. She loves wandering around Target, drinking coffee, watching HGTV, having people over and making any kind of craft.

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