Established in 1714, Natchitoches is known for being the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. With its impressive 33-block historic district and countless bed and breakfasts peppered throughout the town, Natchitoches is a picture-perfect town to spend a few days exploring. While beautiful year-round, during the holidays the town transforms into one of the most impressive Christmas festivals in the country, attracting visitors from all over the United States. If you haven’t ever visited the Natchitoches Christmas Festival, be sure to carve out some time this holiday season to check out this dazzling display.
The Natchitoches Christmas Festival began with a humble string of lights back in 1927.
Chris Byard/Google It all began when Natchitoches resident Max Burgdorf wanted to celebrate the Christmas season, so he purchased several Christmas lights to string up and down historic Front Street. He also purchased some lumber and materials to build a set piece to display on the riverbank. It was a piece of twisted metal formed into a star that stood six feet across and was decorated with Christmas lights. Another local resident then began volunteering his time, creating several more set pieces, and over the next 40 years, created 40 set pieces that were displayed on the riverbank.
Since then, it has grown into a six-week long celebration with over 300,000 lights and over 100 set pieces.
Tobias Poschmann/Google The festival officially runs from November 20, 2021 until January 6, 2022.
Every evening at dusk, hundreds of thousands of lights along the riverbank are switched on for all to see.
Natchitoches Christmas/Facebook There is no admission to enter the riverbank area Sunday through Friday, but on the weekends, you’ll need a $10 wristband to gain access.
Continuing the tradition almost a century later, Front Street still goes all-out for the festival.
Ren Dev/Google Many of the shops have extended hours so you can pick up some holiday gifts for your loved ones.
On the weekends, expect live music and a dazzling fireworks display.
Natchitoches Christmas/Facebook The fireworks go off on Saturdays around 7 p.m.
There are several special events that take place throughout the festival, including a boat parade, a tour of homes, and more.
Jessica Borrero/Google
You might even have a Santa sighting!
Natchitoches Christmas/Facebook
If you see no other holiday light show this year, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival is a great one to see.
Derek Phelps/Google It is, after all, one of the oldest in the country!
For a full schedule of events and ticketing information, visit their website. If you’ve ever visited the Natchitoches Christmas Festival, share your memories with us in the comments!
Chris Byard/Google
It all began when Natchitoches resident Max Burgdorf wanted to celebrate the Christmas season, so he purchased several Christmas lights to string up and down historic Front Street. He also purchased some lumber and materials to build a set piece to display on the riverbank. It was a piece of twisted metal formed into a star that stood six feet across and was decorated with Christmas lights. Another local resident then began volunteering his time, creating several more set pieces, and over the next 40 years, created 40 set pieces that were displayed on the riverbank.
Tobias Poschmann/Google
The festival officially runs from November 20, 2021 until January 6, 2022.
Natchitoches Christmas/Facebook
There is no admission to enter the riverbank area Sunday through Friday, but on the weekends, you’ll need a $10 wristband to gain access.
Ren Dev/Google
Many of the shops have extended hours so you can pick up some holiday gifts for your loved ones.
The fireworks go off on Saturdays around 7 p.m.
Jessica Borrero/Google
Derek Phelps/Google
It is, after all, one of the oldest in the country!
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Address: Natchitoches, LA, USA
