The city of Natchitoches, also known as the City of Lights, has been spreading holiday cheer since 1927 for both residents and visitors of the city. The city celebrated its 98th year of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival, which included over 300,000 lights, fireworks, a drone show and activities for all ages to enjoy.

Natchitoches holds this event over a six-week period, which begins in late November and ends in the early days of the new year. During this time, the city comes alive at night with activities like arts and crafts, musical entertainment, meeting Santa and a massive fireworks display every Saturday on the Cane River. The fireworks fill the sky with both amazing colors and music that spectators come together to experience.

​The Cane River boardwalk is not the only area that takes part in the festivities, and the celebration includes Northwestern State University’s annual Christmas Gala, the Light the Way 5K, a Christmas parade, house tours and boat parades.

The Christmas Gala at NSU highlights performing arts students’ hard work and dedication to their craft and is held in the A.A. Fredericks Fine Arts Center on campus. The Christmas parade is another highly anticipated event that groups from all over Natchitoches can participate in and enjoy during the holiday season.

The seasonal festivities in the city of Natchitoches never disappoint, as seen by the interactions it gets from both locals and those who come from afar to see what the City of Lights has to offer.