A Magical Christmas in Monroe-West Monroe
The most wonderful time of the year is here—and there’s no better place to spend it than in your favorite place in North Louisiana!
Christmas time’s a coming, and there is no place better to celebrate the holidays than Monroe-West Monroe and Christmas on the River!
From parades to shopping galore, there’s wagon rides and more. We have movies in the park, an art crawl after dark, a drive thru festival of light, and fireworks to make the season merry and bright!
Christmas Lights Galore and More
The holiday season officially begins on Veteran’s Day at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum with the lighting of the Freedom Trees. Each year, the museum lights five Christmas trees honoring the service of the men and women of the five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. These beautiful, festive trees can be viewed beginning November 11 through New Year’s Eve.
The downtown Christmas lights make their debut on Friday, November 19, and will shine brightly every night beginning at 5:30 through New Year’s Eve. As you stroll down Trenton and Desiard Streets enjoying the lights, be sure to visit the downtown shops and purchase gifts for everyone on your Christmas list.
The Christmas lights fun doesn’t end there! Don’t miss driving through the favorited Candy Cane Lane, a mile-long wooded drive decorated with more than one million lights and animated displays that dance along to music. This festive attraction is open nightly from November 12 to January 1.
St. Nick will be in town to take pics at the Krewe of Janus Craft Fair, and he will be making a stop at the 17th Annual Santa Stop for more photos on Saturday, November 20.
‘Tis the Season for Shopping, Parades and Wagon Rides
There are more lights on display when Kiroli Park lights up for Christmas at Kiroli! Drive amongst the Christmas wonderland starting on Friday, November 26, through Saturday, December 25. Kiroli Park will also host a Cajun Christmas Night, S’mores with Santa, and the annual Lighting of the Lodge.
Shop Small with local businesses and explore the 30-plus antique shops and trendy boutiques along Antique Alley on Saturday, November 27.
Grab a delicious lunch at one of the many restaurants downtown, and head over to Art Alley for fun pics and more shopping!
Visit Bless Your Art Studio, and have your child’s hand print ornament made. These are perfect keepsakes and unique gifts for parents and grandparents to hang on your Christmas tree year after year!
When evening falls, bundle up for a half-hour open wagon ride through the festive lights in Monroe and West Monroe. Rides are $5 per person and begin at 5 PM at Alley Park. Open wagon rides will still be taking place December 10-11, as well as on December 18-20.
End the full, festive day with a night under the Christmas lights watching one of your favorite holiday movies. It’s free for everyone!
Christmas on the River Festival Weekend
The most wonderful event of the year is here...
Christmas on the River Festival Weekend will be Saturday, December 4, and Sunday, December 51
Start your day at the West Monroe Farmer's Market, and browse through local artisan products and homemade goods at the Christmas Makers and Produce Market.
Come to the city to see marching bands, floats, and more pass by in not one, but two parades.
Have you ever caught Ramen noodles or toilet paper at a parade? No? Well, now here's your chance at the 2021 Bawcomville Redneck Parade!
The 50th Annual Kiwanis Christmas Parade will roll through the Twin Cities, featuring the theme of "Christmas in Paradise."
Grab a spot at one of the outdoor dining tables at one of our local restaurants along the Ouachita River, and get ready for the annual Christmas Fireworks that start at 6 PM.
A December to Remember
Whether you were unable to join the festivities on Festival Weekend or you’re simply craving more holiday fun, there are still a number of Christmas events and attractions to enjoy in December.
On December 2, come and celebrate and experience the work of talented local artists while enjoying the warmth and charm of locally-owned shops, businesses and eateries in Historic Downtown Monroe and West Monroe at the Art Crawl & Downtown After Dark from 5-8 PM.
A Monroe tradition for over three decades, Christmas Open House at the Biedenharn is a free event that showcases the decorating talents of the Monroe Garden Study League, the talent of many area musicians, and the many facets of the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens. Enjoy the bright lights, festive refreshments, and of course photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Santa's Christmas Village at the Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum will be open from December 3 through December 23.
The main holiday festivities wrap up with a visit from the Coca Cola truck. The truck will be parked on the 2000 block of Riverside Drive right in front of the Coke Museum. There will be entertainment, and all museum buildings will be open.
Ready to celebrate the magic of the holiday season at Christmas on the River in Monroe and West Monroe? Visit our website today to start planning your holiday retreat!
