CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN HISTORIC NATCHITOCHES!
The Oldest City in Louisiana Celebrates its 97TH Annual Christmas Festival of Lights!
ON BIG BLEND RADIO: Celebrating the holiday season, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Tuesday “Go to Natchitoches” show was recorded onsite and features Arlene Gould – Executive Director of Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau; Sara Spillman – Merci Beaucoup Restaurant; Ralph Ney – Louisiana Travel Association & GM of Baton Rouge Marriott Hotel; and Len & Judy Garrison – Travel Writers and publishers of SeeingSouthern.com. Listen to the podcast below.
It all began with a star. The Christmas Festival tradition began in 1927 when employees of the City of Natchitoches’ utility department decided to give their customers a Christmas present. They erected an 8-foot star made of white lights and placed it downtown so everyone could see and enjoy the wonders, not only of the season, but also of electricity.
Over the years, new electrical displays were added. And in 1936, local businessmen added fireworks for the community to enjoy. This was the start of something big – the beginning of one of the nation’s oldest and most spectacular community-based Christmas celebrations – the Natchitoches Christmas Festival. This year marks the 97th anniversary for the Christmas Festival, running from November 18, 2023 – January 6, 2024. Over 300,000 lights and 100 plus set pieces are on display every night at dusk, plus, every Saturday you can enjoy festive live music, kids’ activities, fireworks, and much more! You also won’t want to miss the Annual Festival on December 2nd.
Plan your trip today and see why the Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights is the premiere holiday light festival in the state. Don’t miss this celebration 97 years in the making! For more information and complete schedule of events, please visit www.NatchitochesChristmas.com and www.Natchitoches.com.
Enjoy making our Christmas Festival of Lights online jigsaw puzzle while you listen to the interview above. Use the full screen facility to make the puzzle larger and use your mouse or arrow keys to rotate the pieces. Click and drag on a piece to place it where you want it. The Ghost Icon creates a work space for you and the Image Icon places the image where you can easily refer to it.
 |
 |
