December

Fridays
“Mommy and Me” Art Classes
Classes are held every Friday morning for moms and their toddlers. The classes are a good introduction to arts and crafts for the very young child.
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Cost: $5 per child
Doodlez Art Studio and Gifts, 1126 Oliver Rd.
Monroe
Info: (318) 410-8556 or www.doodlezpage.com

November 23-January 18
Masur Museum Exhibition: John Scott Retrospective
John Scott is one of Louisiana’s most celebrated artists of the past 50 years. Scott was influenced by jazz and the variety of cultures present in his native city, New Orleans. He worked with a  variety of media, but is widely known for his metal sculptures.
Time: Tuesday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Friday-Sunday 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Masur Museum
Monroe
Info: (318) 329-2237 or www.masurmuseum.org

December 1-31
Christmas at the Biedenharn
Come enjoy “The Songs of Christmas” inside the Biedenharn home. This year, the Monroe Garden Study League is decorating each room of the house to depict their favorite Christmas song. Families may take holiday snapshots at a special location in the Fountain Room.
Time: Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sunday 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Biedenharn Museum & Gardens
Monroe
Info: (318) 387-5281 or www.bmuseum.org

December 2
Big Brothers, Big Sisters Orientation Workshop
Start changing the world with one kid at a time. Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Northeast Louisiana is looking for adults to spend one hour a week with a child playing a game, watching a movie, doing an art project, and just talking. Find out more at this public information/orientation workshop. Additional workshop dates: December 3, & 16. (Times vary.)
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
1103 Hudson Lane, 2nd floor
Monroe
Info: (318)323-9034 or www.wellspringalliance.org

December 2
ULM Chamber Arts Brass Band
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $10
Biedenharn Museum & Gardens
Monroe
Info: (318) 387-5281 or www.bmuseum.org

December 2-31
Featured Artist, Cindy Blanchard
During the month of December, the Ouachita River Art Gallery will feature the work of photographer Cindy Blanchard of Monroe, La.
Time: Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Ouachita River Art Gallery, 308 Trenton Street
West Monroe
Info: (318) 322-2380

December 4
Downtown Gallery Crawl
The crawl includes 6 art galleries within 2 blocks of the Historic Downtown Riverfront District. There are multiple stages of live music, food, and refreshments.
Time: 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend
Downtown
Monroe
Info: (318) 791-5115

December 4-6
Biedenharn Christmas Open House
Come celebrate the first Christmas in the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum. Santa Claus will visit and be available for pictures. Enjoy live holiday performances, festive décor, and lighting displays in the Biedenharn home and ELSong Gardens.
Time: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Biedenharn Museum & Gardens
Monroe
Info: (318) 387-5281 or www.bmuseum.org

December 4-5, 7
Strauss Main Stage Performance: You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
America’s favorite cartoon strip, Peanuts, comes to life in this all new version of a musical theatre classic by Charles Schultz. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Sally, and Schroeder for a day of just plain fun! This updated show has new songs & characters that will delight kids & adults alike. Additional showing: December 11-12, 14
Time: Thursday & Friday 7:30 p.m.; Sunday 2:00 p.m.
Cost: $25
Strauss Theatre – Main Stage
Monroe
Info: (318) 323-6681

December 4-7
Christmas on the Ouachita
Downtown Monroe & West Monroe offers multiple holiday festivities this weekend. The Downtown Art Crawl, Masur Museum Exhibition, Santa’s Christmas Village, Biedenharn Open House, and Christmas on the Alley are only a few of the holiday events going on. See the online schedule for a complete listing of events.
Time: Varies
Cost: Varies
Downtown Monroe/Antique Alley
Monroe-West Monroe
Info: (318) 387-5691 or (800) 843-1872 or www.monroe-westmonroe.org

December 4-7
NRSI Team Penning Finals
Ike Hamilton Expo Center
West Monroe
Info: (318) 325-9160

December 5
First Friday Texas Hold’em Tournament
The no limit Texas Hold’em Tournament is a fundraiser for Krewe of Janus charities. Payout is 80% of entry fee. Must be 21 to play.
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Cost: $100 plus $10 Registration fee
Krewe of Janus float den, 901 Louisville Avenue
Monroe
Info: (318) 338-3172

December 5
John Scott Retrospective: Opening Reception
A special reception to honor the work of one of Louisiana’s most
celebrated artists is free and open to the public.
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Masur Museum of Art
Monroe
Info: (318) 329-2237 or www.masurmuseum.org

December 5
“Twelve Days of Christmas” Fundraiser
Kick off the opening of Santa’s Christmas Village at this one of a kind fundraiser. Specialty drinks, eats, live music, and more! There will also be a live auction of unique packages.
Time: Patron’s Party 7:00 p.m.; Event 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $50; Sponsorships Available
Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum
Monroe
Info: (318) 361-9611

December 5-7
Christmas on the Alley Festival
Come see beautiful Antique Alley as it is adorned with lights and filled with the holiday spirit. Friday will feature a block party with entertainment, food, and boutique shopping. Visit on Saturday for shopping, all-day entertainment, and the ceremonial lighting of the lights. Also stop by Christmas on the Alley to watch the Cottonland Christmas Parade and Jaycees Christmas Fireworks.
Time: 10:00 a.m. until
Cost: Free to attend
Antique Alley, Trenton Street
West Monroe
Info: (318) 387-5691 or (800) 843-1872 or www.monroe-westmonroe.org

December 6
2nd Annual Bawcomville Redneck Christmas Parade
Come see a parade of tractors, 4wheelers, floats, cars, trucks, walkers, horses, goats, and more. Entry fee to be a part of the parade is $10 or a new toy to benefit the children of Bawcomville.
Time: Line up 10:30 a.m.
Cost: Free to watch
Bawcomville suburb of West Monroe
West Monroe
Info: (318) 388-5858 or (318) 651-8311

December 6
Masur Museum: Drop-By Children’s Activity
Visit the John Scott Retrospective exhibition as kids participate in a drop-by art activity. Tours with the curator will be available until 4:00 p.m.
Time: 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Masur Museum
Info: (318) 329-2237 or www.masurmuseum.org

December 6
Cooley House Open House
Visit the newly renovated Cooley House with guided tours every hour.
Time: 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. (Last tour begins at 4:00 p.m.)
Cost: Free
Cooley House, 1011 South Grand Street
Monroe
Info: (318) 329-2237

December 6
Strauss Young Troupe Performance: Madeline’s Christmas
Just before Christmas, Miss Clavel and the girls are suddenly struck with the flu. Madeline becomes the hero, as she is the only one who did not get sick. Watch as a Rug Merchant provides twelve very special rugs that bring a change to the fate of the holiday season! Additional showing December 13.
Time: 2:00 & 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Adults $10; Students $6
Strauss Theatre – Young Troupe Stage
Monroe
Info: (318) 323-0474

December 6
Cottonland Christmas Parade
The annual community-wide Christmas parade brings holiday fun for all ages!
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Free to watch
Monroe-West Monroe
Info: (318) 381-4203

December 6
Monroe Symphony Orchestra Performance: The Many Moods of Christmas
The sounds of the season will fill the room as the Monroe Symphony Orchestra and the Monroe Symphony Chorus join together to present an afternoon of well-known holiday classics.
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Adults $15; Students $5
West Monroe Convention Center
West Monroe
Info: (318) 812-6761

December 6
Christmas Lighting Ceremony
Watch as the City of Monroe lights the Civic Center lights.
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Monroe Civic Center
Monroe
Info: (318) 329-2227

December 6
Twin City Ballet Gala Performance: Scrooge – A Christmas Carol
The Twin City Ballet Company will usher in the holiday season with Scrooge – A Christmas Carol. The delightful story is an adaptation of the Charles Dickens’ classic and will entertain all ages with new choreography, sets, and costumes. The evening will also showcase Twin City Ballet dancers in holiday-inspired pieces to get you into the spirit!
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $25; Students/Seniors $15
Monroe Civic Center – Jack Howard Theater
Info: (318) 388-3011 or www.twincityballet.com

December 6
DRABO Christmas Festival – “Christmas in Dubach”
The town is decorated with hundreds of lights, including a Trail of Lights from Dubach to Hico on Scenic Hwy 151.
Time: Varies
Cost: Free to attend
Downtown
Dubach
Info: (318) 777-1964

December 6
Farmerville Christmas Parade
The annual town Christmas Parade is fun for the whole family, including throwing of candy and trinkets.
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Main Street
Farmerville
Info: (318) 368-0044

December 6-7
27th Annual Presentation of Journey to Bethlehem
Experience the sights and sounds of the world of the first Christmas through a 20 minute walk-thru Christmas Drama. The journey features over 100 characters in costume, live animals, 1st century shops, and a live nativity.
Time: 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Pecanland Mall
Monroe
Info: (318) 396-4953 or www.ccbchurch.org

December 6-21
Santa’s Christmas Village
Visit with Santa, read with Mrs. Claus, decorate a cookie, write letters to Santa, and play in the “snow!” Santa’s Village offers tons of family fun! Bring your camera!
Time: Tuesdays-Fridays 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sundays 1:00 – 5:00p.m.
Cost: $5
Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum
Monroe
Info: (318) 361-9611

December 7 & 14
Sunday at the Grand
Enjoy holiday sights and sounds in the beautiful Biedenharn home on Sunday afternoons. Performances will take place in the music room where Emy-Lou Biedenharn’s 1930s Steinway & Sons grand piano is displayed.
Time: 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Biedenharn Museum & Gardens
Monroe
Info: (318) 387-5281 or www.bmuseum.org

December 11
Art with a View
The annual Christmas party for Premier Plaza will feature 8 floors of food and displayed art.
Time: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend
Premier Plaza
Monroe
Info: (318) 329-1921 or prmom@comcast.net

December 13
Drop-In Children’s Activity: Natural Holiday Bird Wreaths
Children will make Christmas wreaths from natural materials including birdseed sprays, vines, nuts, feathers, and cones. Come make a special Christmas gift for your outdoor feathered and furry friends.
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $5
Biedenharn Museum & Gardens
Monroe
Info: (318) 387-5281 or www.bmuseum.org

December 13
Christmas on the Alley: “Old-Fashioned Christmas”
Step back into time as store owners dress in classic outfits and carolers fill the streets. Take a buggy ride through the lights and experience the magical Christmas season. There will be all-day entertainment and shops offer extended shopping hours.
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend
Antique Alley, Trenton Street
West Monroe
Info: (318) 387-5691 or (800) 843-1872 or www.monroe-westmonroe.org

December 13
Strauss Young Troupe Performance: Madeline’s Christmas
Just before Christmas, Miss Clavel and the girls are suddenly struck with the flu. Madeline becomes the hero, as she is the only one who did not get sick. Watch as a Rug Merchant provides twelve very special rugs that bring a change to the fate of the holiday season!
Time: 2:00 & 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Adults $10; Students $6
Strauss Theatre – Young Troupe Stage
Monroe
Info: (318) 323-0474

December 13
Big Brothers, Big Sisters Orientation Workshop
Start changing the world with one kid at a time. Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Northeast Louisiana is looking for adults to spend one hour a week with a child playing a game, watching a movie, doing an art project, and just talking. Find out more at this public information/orientation workshop. Additional workshop date: December 16. (Times vary.)
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
1103 Hudson Lane, 2nd floor
Monroe
Info: (318)323-9034 or www.wellspringalliance.org

December 14
Sunday at the Grand
Enjoy holiday sights and sounds in the beautiful Biedenharn home on Sunday afternoons. Performances will take place in the music room where Emy-Lou Biedenharn’s 1930s Steinway & Sons grand piano is displayed.
Time: 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Biedenharn Museum & Gardens
Monroe
Info: (318) 387-5281 or www.bmuseum.org

December 16
Big Brothers, Big Sisters Orientation Workshop
Start changing the world with one kid at a time. Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Northeast Louisiana is looking for adults to spend one hour a week with a child playing a game, watching a movie, doing an art project, and just talking. Find out more at this public information/orientation workshop.
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
1103 Hudson Lane, 2nd floor
Monroe
Info: (318)323-9034 or www.wellspringalliance.org

December 18
“Tails and Trails” – Wildlife of Louisiana
Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge introduces ages 3 to 5 to the refuge and its inhabitants. Children and accompanying adults will enjoy a story, craft activity, snack, and nature walk. Registration is mandatory and limited to only 20 children.
Time: 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Cost: Free
Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Monroe
Info: (318) 378- 1114

December 21
Christmas on the Alley: “Last Blast for Shopping”
Shop, shop, shop as the holiday quickly approaches! Discover all-day entertainment and sales galore as you find those last minute gifts and treasures. Check out all of the lighting displays as you take a buggy ride through the streets.
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend
Antique Alley, Trenton Street
West Monroe
Info: (318) 387-5691 or (800) 843-1872 or www.monroe-westmonroe.org

December 26-31
Sugar Bowl Classic Quarter Horse Show
Ike Hamilton Expo Center
West Monroe
Info: (318) 325-9160