2023 Festival of Lights
December 1st, 2023 4-8pm: Baton Rouge’s oldest holiday tradition is transforming the winter sky into a wonderland. The Mayor will light North Boulevard with half a million sparkling lights. Experience the magic beneath the 35-foot Christmas tree in North Boulevard Town Square. Enjoy free ice skating and play in six tons of real snow at the Snow Village.
TREE LIGHTING & FIREWORKS
Mayor Broome will countdown the lighting of the City's Christmas Tree along with half a million sparkling lights on North Boulevard. Experience the magic beneath the 25-foot Christmas tree on North Boulevard and marvel over the elaborate fireworks show on the Mississippi River!
Get into position! The countdown will begin around 6:20pm!
The preferred area for viewing the fireworks will be in North Boulevard at Town Square facing the Christmas Tree and Mississippi River.
SANTA IS COMING!
Santa will assist Mayor Broome to countdown the lighting of Baton Rouge's Christmas Tree!
SNOW VILLAGE & ICE SKATING
Yes, this is Baton Rouge... but we have real snow and ice skating! Bring the family to play in 10 tons of real snow Town Square is located in North Boulevard across from the Library. We also have our very own Rockefeller Center style skating rink located on the first floor of the River Center Plaza. Just like in NYC , festival goers can stand around the balcony and look down at the children skating on the plaza!
Snow Village begins at 5PM - Ages 5-15 Only
Skating begins at 4PM - Ages 5-10 Only
ARTIST VILLAGE
Produced by the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, this year's Artists Village at the Festival of Lights will be located in the Rhorer Plaza Lawn. Over 10 local artists will be selling handmade crafts to complete your Christmas shopping list. Along with the artists the festival will include a bake sale, hot chocolate for sale, and multiple food vendors.
DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY SPIRIT
Downtown Baton Rouge will be in the holiday spirit with tons of activities going on. Most of the downtown churches and Museums are participating in the evening by having live nativity scenes, giving away hot chocolate, singing Christmas carols, and much more!
