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.
**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
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
White Light Night
November 19, 6:00-10:00pm in Mid City
Revel under the white lights adorning the streets, meet local artists, enjoy live music, and eat Red Stick Social!
Holiday Market at the Mill 2021
November 19-21
Saturday – 10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday – 11:00am-4:00pm
Christmas Open House at Denham Springs’ Antique Village
November 27, 9:00am-5:00pm
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
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!
Santa’s Arrival Tailgate Parade at Bass Pro
November 6
StoryTime in the Garden
November 6, December 7
Running of the Elves 5k
November 20, 7:00am
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.
Race day registration $35
T-shirts will be provided for registrations by 11/7/21
Baton Rouge Turkey Trot 2021
November 25, 7:30am
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
Lighting of Old City Hall in Denham Springs
November 26, 6:00-8:00pm
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
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
General admission fees apply; pass holders free
City of Walker Christmas Parade
December 18, 11:00am
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
Santa CAWWS
November 7, 10:00am-4:00pm
A Very Merry Museum at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum
December 4, 10:00am-5:00pm
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
Photos with Santa at the Crown Bistro
December 5, 11:00am-2:00pm
Hankies2Hope Christmas Mothers Tea
December 5, 2:00pm
Classic Croquembouche – Leisure Class at the Louisiana Culinary Institute
December 9, 5:00-8:00pm
Mini Holiday Workshop – Trim the Tree at the Louisiana Culinary Institute
December 11, 8:30-9:30am
The Grinch showing at the Manship Theatre
December 12, 2:00pm
Holiday Buche de Noel at the Louisiana Culinary Institute
December 16, 5:00-8:00pm
Skating on the River
December 17-January 3
Rock N Rowe at Perkins Rowe
November 4, 11, & 18, 6:00-9:00pm
BRBT presents Land of the Sweets Nutcracker Tea
November 28, 2:00pm
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
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
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.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church presents the 2nd Annual Christmas with Kathy and Dan
December 19, – 3:00pm
Kathy and Dan will also be doing 4 hands-1 piano duets, along with piano and organ solos.
