Holiday Traditions in Monroe-West Monroe
Every twinkle light and parade float tells a story. The holidays in Ouachita Parish are filled with special moments—some passed down through generations, others newly made each year. Discover how our locals celebrate Christmas on the River and what makes this season so memorable.
Danielle Barton
My most cherished childhood tradition unfolded every Christmas Eve, when my father would read The Cajun Night Before Christmas to my mother, my brother, and me. We didn’t have much, but the way he told that story—complete with his rich Cajun-Creole accent—made our small living room feel like a world of its own. On Christmas morning, my parents always found a way to place a few gifts beneath the tree, but looking back, the real gift was never wrapped. It was the magic in his voice, and the simple, irreplaceable moments we shared as a family.
Arnetra King
Christmas is one of our favorite times of the year! We love to participate in all of the local festivities, like the parades, shopping, and Christmas tree lightings. One of our family traditions is to grab a hot chocolate or coffee and ride around town and look at all of the pretty Christmas lights/decorations. This is something that we used to do as kids and have carried it over into our own family household. We love spending quality time with loved ones and remembering what this season is truly about
Madi Lewis
Our family loves celebrating the holidays right here in Ouachita Parish. We stroll through the Christmas lights in Downtown Antique Alley, cheer at the Redneck Parade every year, and always make a festive craft with the kids. If there’s a local holiday event happening, you can bet we’re there soaking up every bit of Christmas magic!
Brandi Blazier
One of our favorite family traditions is visiting the Christmas in Calhoun light display—something the kids look forward to every year. Another tradition we never miss is Black Friday shopping at Cara’s Boutique, which always kicks off our holiday season with fun and excitement. We also cherish attending Christmas Eve service at North Monroe, a moment of peace and meaning in the midst of the festivities. And of course, no Christmas is complete without shopping on Antique Alley and taking in all the beautiful lights that make the season feel magical.
dr. leigh hersey
I love starting off the holiday season with the tree lighting festivities on ULM's campus. It marks the closing of the semester and the beginning of the holidays and it brings a certain amount of peace and joy.
Amy Snow
Some of our favorite holiday traditions are visiting Antique Alley to search for unique and special gifts that can only be found in local shops. We also make sure to visit Candy Cane Lane at least once to see the lights. So fun! The best and most special tradition for us is attending candlelight church service on Christmas Eve to celebrate our Savior's birth.
Francy Beth Corley
On Christmas Eve, my mom makes my great grandmother's homemade hot chocolate recipe for all of us. We all sit down and binge watch Christmas movies while we sip too - it's the best!
Brooklyn Humphries
My friends and I always find an evening in December to drive around Monroe and West Monroe to look at all the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations! We will load up, turn on Christmas classics, stop for hot cocoa or coffee from a local shop, and venture out to find the best decorated homes!
Krystle Ivey
My family travels throughout December to see all the lights around Ouachita Parish. In addition, we help serve a local church for the families that aren't able to provide a warm Christmas to their families.
Stacy Gibson
I get with my group, the Louisiana LunaChicks, and we participate in small parades, one being Calhoun Christmas parade this year. We also have an annual Christmas party at a local venue, “The Legacy”, with a different theme each year. This year is Christmas characters from any movie, tv show, or cartoon.
Nicole Leggett
Emory-Cooper and I take a small girl's shopping trip the day after Christmas. We love to find new boutiques, hit all the cool local places for a bite to eat and talk the entire car ride. I look forward to it every year.
