The Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou is a Southern adaptation of the classic ballet The Nutcracker, set in Louisiana. This reimagined version, performed annually by the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre, incorporates local flair and traditions into the timeless story. The production brings together Tchaikovsky's iconic score with the vibrant culture and scenery of Louisiana.

Tickets available at: https://theatre.raisingcanesrivercenter.com/events-tickets/

Baton Rouge's Official New Year's Eve Celebration! Live music, fireworks, and other live entertainment to bring in the new year. Free and open to all ages.

8:00 p.m. Music on The Crest Stage by DJ Incredible

9:00 p.m. Live music by Royal Essence

Midnight Countdown to 2026 and the Red Stick drops to fireworks over the Mississippi River

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Join us earlier in the day for Red Stick Rising- A New Year's Eve Tradition for Kids.

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.@ River Center Library & Town Square

• Arts Activities

• Red Stick Rises at Noon / Auld Lang Syne Sing-along

• The Amazing Bacon stilt walker

For more information on either of these events, please visit www.redstickrevelry.com. 

Ice Skating on the River is BACK at the Raising Cane’s River Center! Get ready to to twirl, leap, land an Axel jump or maybe even fall into the holiday season!

The Raising Cane’s River Center will magically transform the arena into a winter wonderland once again just in time to create holiday memories and show off your skills. Ice Skating on the River is an annual tradition in Baton Rouge and one that is sure to be fun for the entire family.

Experience the Thrill of Baton Rouge Zydeco Hockey!

Catch the fast-paced action and electric atmosphere of Baton Rouge Zydeco games, Louisiana’s own professional hockey team competing in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL). Whether you're a die-hard hockey fan or new to the sport, Zydeco games offer an exciting night out for families, friends, and sports lovers alike.

Home games are held at the Raising Cane’s River Center Arena, where fans can enjoy hard-hitting matchups, themed nights, community events, and special promotions throughout the season. With a passionate fan base and a team that plays with heart, every game is a celebration of local pride and competitive spirit.

Baton Rouge’s oldest holiday tradition transforms the winter sky into a wonderland. The Mayor lights North Boulevard with half a million sparkling lights. Experience the magic beneath the 25-foot Christmas tree in North Boulevard Town Square. Enjoy the arts market for Christmas gift shopping, live music, dance performances, and fireworks!

November 22 - December 31

The magic of the season shines brightly at Baton Rouge General. Each year, our front lawn at Bluebonnet transforms into a glowing wonderland for families across the Capital Area to enjoy. With thousands of sparkling lights, festive music, and a few surprises, Holiday Lights is our gift to the Baton Rouge community as a bright way to celebrate the season together and share a little extra joy.

Holiday Lights is free and open to everyone. Come any evening during the season to enjoy the display with family and friends. Take a cheerful walk through our lighted path and discover something new around every corner. Marvel at the three dancing-light mega trees, glide through a 24-foot tunnel of twinkles, and meet the singing trees ready to serenade you. Don’t forget to snap a photo with our lighted candy canes, snowmen, and the giant walk-through ornament, gift box, and Santa hat. It’s a dazzling way to make holiday memories that shine all season long. 

Get ready to be enchanted! Step inside Louisiana Lights, an immersive holiday stroll through LSU Burden Museum & Gardens in the heart of Baton Rouge. Wander along beautifully illuminated pathways, snap unforgettable photos, and soak up the magic of the season with friends and family. Perfect for all ages, this festive experience runs Friday, November 28 – Tuesday, December 30, 2025. Each night’s first session begins at 5:30 p.m., with the final entry at 8:30 p.m. and themed nights planned. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a date night, or a festive evening with friends, Louisiana Lights is a celebration of holiday cheer you won’t want to miss. Secure your tickets today and make this season truly magical!

The Mall of Louisiana is Baton Rouge’s largest shopping destination, offering over 180 stores, including favorites like Apple, Sephora, Macy’s, and Dillard’s. Visitors can enjoy a full day of shopping, dining, and entertainment with a spacious indoor mall, an AMC movie theater, and Blue Zoo Aquarium. The open-air Boulevard section adds even more shops and restaurants in a walkable setting. With a large food court, family play areas, a carousel, and Main Event for bowling and games, it’s a great spot for all ages. Conveniently located off I-10, the Mall of Louisiana offers plenty of parking and a variety of experiences, making it a must-stop for visitors looking to shop, dine, and explore Baton Rouge.

Towne Center at Cedar Lodge is an open-air shopping destination in Baton Rouge offering a mix of popular national retailers, local boutiques, restaurants, and services all in one convenient, walkable setting. Visitors can shop brands like Whole Foods, Ulta Beauty, and Banana Republic, then relax at restaurants such as P.F. Chang’s, Fleming’s, or local favorite Walk-On’s. With beautifully landscaped walkways, fountains, and plenty of parking, it’s easy to spend the day browsing, dining, or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere. Located just minutes from LSU, it’s a great stop for shopping, dining, and exploring the heart of Baton Rouge.

Friday, November 28, 2025 through Tuesday, December 30
5:30pm–8:00pm

Get into the holiday spirit with Zoo Lights at BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo, presented by Our Lady of the Lake Children's Health! Wander through a magical wonderland of twinkling lights. The zoo is open from November 28th to December 30th (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).

Admission gates open from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and grounds close at 9:00 p.m.

Admission:

• Adults/Teens: $5

• Seniors: $4

• Children (2-12): $3

• Children (1 and under): Free

• Zoo Members: $3 per person

We are partnering with the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank again this year! During Zoo Lights, every guest presenting a non-perishable food item will receive a 50% discount from the regular admission price. All food donations will go directly to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. In 2020, just over 7,000 pounds of food were collected during this drive.

Come to the zoo to enjoy a trail of thousands of dazzling lights around the zoo, making it a cherished family holiday tradition in Baton Rouge.

On Fridays and Saturdays before Christmas, Zoo Lights will feature visits from Santa Claus inside Classroom 3 at the new entrance.

The Louisiana Art & Science Museum is bringing the spirit of the season to downtown Baton Rouge with the return of Coca-Cola Christmas: A Month of Magic, launching on Saturday, December 6. Sponsored by the Baton Rouge Coca-Cola Bottling Company, this immersive, family-friendly celebration transforms the museum into a festive destination filled with wonder, tradition, and community cheer.

Guests will enjoy joyful programming every Saturday leading up to Christmas, including larger-than-life Coca-Cola box displays, holiday-themed planetarium shows, Santa visits, hands-on activities, live performances, pop-up science experiments, and more.

Perkins Rowe blends upscale shopping, dining, entertainment, and residential living in a walkable, beautifully designed setting. During the Christmas season, it transforms into a magical holiday village that captures the spirit of the season like no other place in the city.

From late November through December, Perkins Rowe sparkles with dazzling holiday lights, themed decorations, and festive storefronts, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for seasonal memories.

One of the most beloved traditions is “Santa Rocks the Rowe”, a free, family-friendly event featuring:

• Photos with Santa (including themed nights like Pajama Night and Pet Night)

• Live holiday music from local bands and DJs

• Face painting, games, and crafts for kids

• Letters to Santa with Baton Rouge Family Fun

• Pop-up holiday shops and seasonal promotions