It’s that special time of year when streets are lined with holiday decorations and everything is illuminated so perfectly, it just instantly puts you in a better mood. There’s one incredible display that’s one of the best holiday light displays in Louisiana, maybe even the country, and you’re not going to want to miss it. The Natchitoches Christmas Festival has been a tradition for countless families for nearly a century, and this year, you can experience this enchanted display for yourself! Let’s check it out.

Every year, downtown Natchitoches turns into a wintry wonderland that’s nothing short of spectacular.

Natchitoches Christmas/Facebook

The Natchitoches Christmas Festival has been going on since 1927, beginning the Saturday before Thanksgiving and running until January 6th.

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The six-week-long celebration is one of the oldest community-based holiday celebrations in the country, and easily one of the most beautiful.

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More than 300,000 lights perfectly illuminate downtown Natchitoches, with more than 100 set pieces peppering the banks of the Cane River.

Natchitoches Christmas/Facebook

There will be food vendors, live music, and maybe even a Santa sighting or two.

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Many of the local shops have extended hours during this time, so you can pop in and out of the local business and grab some last-minute gifts!

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You can also take a historic home tour, where you’ll stroll through historic downtown Natchitoches, learning about all of the different homes in the area.

Natchitoches Christmas/Facebook

And every Saturday night, stick around for a dazzling fireworks display over the water.

Natchitoches Christmas/Facebook

Admission to the riverbank is free during the week, but you’ll need to purchase tickets online if you plan on visiting the festival on Saturdays.

DeCarlos/Google Tickets are only needed if you plan on going to the riverbank on a Saturday, and they will only be sold online, so be sure to head to their website ahead of time to purchase your tickets.

For more information, including ticketing and a full schedule of events, check their website, and be sure to give them a follow on Facebook.

Natchitoches Christmas/Facebook

Ren Dev/Google

Audra Lacour/Google

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Tickets are only needed if you plan on going to the riverbank on a Saturday, and they will only be sold online, so be sure to head to their website ahead of time to purchase your tickets.

Have you ever been to see the Natchitoches Christmas Festival? Share your memories with us in the comments.

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Address: Natchitoches, LA, USA