Natchitoches Christmas Festival Announces Lineup and Major Change for 2025

The oldest community-based holiday celebration in the country, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights, is returning for its 99th season, running from November 22, 2025, through January 6, 2026.

Key Festival Dates & Updates

The official Christmas season kicks off on Saturday, November 22, with the "Turn on the Holidays!" event featuring musical entertainment, a Holiday Kids Fest, and a drone and fireworks show over the Cane River Lake at 7:00 PM. The lights—more than 300,000—will then be illuminated daily at dusk through January 6.

The main event, the 99th Annual Christmas Festival Day, takes place on Saturday, December 6, and features the traditional Festival of Lights Parade at 1:00 PM and a spectacular fireworks show at 6:00 PM. Throughout the season, you can also enjoy a lighted boat parade, holiday markets, and the Christmas Tour of Homes.

New Cashless Policy

A major change for this holiday season is that the entire Natchitoches Christmas Festival will be cashless. Visitors must use a debit or credit card for admission, concessions, and other attractions. This change is being implemented to streamline operations and enhance security. Remember to pack your plastic and inform your family and friends of this important update before you go!

Live Entertainment Schedule (Riverbank Stage)

In addition to the famous lights and fireworks, the festival features live music on the Downtown Riverbank Stage on select Saturdays.