Louisiana’s River Parishes

12/12/2024

Celebrate the season at the inaugural "Christmas on Main Street" festival in Louisiana’s River Parishes! Join us on Saturday, December 14, from 5 - 8 PM at 612 Main Street, LaPlace, for an evening filled with holiday cheer, live music, festive shopping, and family-friendly fun.
Stroll down Main Street and explore unique shopping opportunities, delicious local dining, and a magical Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Create gingerbread house ornaments, train rides, and more at the Christmas Village and enjoy live holiday performances throughout the night.
Don’t miss this festive extravaganza! Bring your loved ones and make lasting holiday memories!

12/09/2024

We do Christmas lights differently here in Louisiana’s River Parishes! Join us on Christmas Eve for *Bonfires on the Levee*, a centuries-old tradition that lights up the night like nowhere else in the world.

Locals and visitors alike gather to witness nearly 200 towering bonfires, each 20 feet high, lining the Mississippi River levees. Built by families and friends in the weeks leading up to Christmas, these bonfires celebrate the region’s rich history and the spirit of the season. Experience the magic of this spectacular display—whether by car, bike, or a stroll along the River Roads (LA Highways 44 and 18) in St. James Parish, where the largest concentration of bonfires can be found in Gramercy, Lutcher, and Paulina. Don’t forget to cross the river for even more breathtaking views!

📅 Date: 12/24, Lighting at 7 PM

Make plans to join us and experience one of the most unique holiday traditions in the world. Come feel the warmth and wonder of Bonfires on the Levee!

12/04/2024

The 35th Annual Festival of the Bonfires is back, and it’s bigger and brighter than ever! Join us for a weekend filled with great food, live entertainment, craft vendors, and Santa’s Very Merry Forest, all set against the festive backdrop of carnival rides and holiday cheer.

Experience a true St. James Parish tradition with the lighting of the bonfires each night! Kick things off on Friday at 7 PM with the levee bonfire—don’t worry, there’s a free shuttle to take you there. On Saturday, gather for an 8 PM bonfire lighting on the festival grounds, followed by a spectacular fireworks show!

📍 Location: Lutcher Recreational Park, 2545 Louisiana Avenue, Lutcher, LA

Bring your family and friends for a memorable weekend of fun, food, and holiday spirit. Don’t miss this prelude to the iconic Christmas Eve Bonfires!

12/02/2024

It’s time for A Candy Cane Celebration at Destrehan Plantation - A Living History Museum! Join us on Saturday, December 7 for a fun-filled day of holiday cheer for the whole family. From making festive crafts to playing reindeer games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Get ready for Elf Bingo, a candy cane hunt, and visits with Santa under the old oak tree.

This year, we’re excited to introduce new activities, including a bounce house and a special appearance by Frosty the Snowman in the Mule Barn! Enjoy storytelling by Mrs. Claus, a coloring contest, and delicious holiday refreshments like hot chocolate, punch, and coffee. Don’t forget to stop by the Sweet Shop for some tasty treats to take home!

📅 Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
🕙 Times: 10 AM - 12 PM & 1 PM - 3 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Adults $25, Children $20 (Kids 2 and under are free)

All proceeds go towards the restoration and preservation of Destrehan Plantation. Come celebrate the season and support a great cause!

Mark your calendars and bring the whole family for a day of festive fun and sweet holiday memories!

11/29/2024

The holiday season is truly magical in Louisiana’s River Parishes! Join us for an incredible lineup of festive events celebrating the warmth, lights, and traditions of our community. From dazzling light displays to beloved local traditions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.
Start the festivities with The Spirit of Christmas & Creole Christmas Tour at Destrehan Plantation - A Living History Museum, a holiday experience filled with seasonal charm. On December 1, start the day with Breakfast with Santa & The Grinch and the The Norco Civic Association Christmas Parade, spreading holiday cheer for all ages.
On December 4, catch the CPKC Holiday Express for a unique holiday train experience! December 7 is packed with excitement! Don’t miss A Candy Cane Celebration at Destrehan Plantation, A Christmas Stroll Down Main Street and Beyond in Gramercy, and Image Does Christmas at St John Theatre, bringing holiday joy to the community.
The celebrations continue at Lafon Arts Center with Voctave: It Feels Like Christmas on December 8, and The Nutcracker and Songs of the Season on December 14-15. Stroll through Christmas on Main Street on December 14 or enjoy How the Grinch Stole Christmas for a family-friendly evening of fun.
From December 13-15, don’t miss the 35th Annual Festival of the Bonfires, featuring a cook-off, car show, pageants, and the unforgettable lighting of the bonfires on Friday and Saturday nights. Wrap up the season with the cherished Bonfires on the Levee on Christmas Eve, lighting the way for Papa Noël (Santa Claus) as he makes his journey through Louisiana’s River Parishes.
Bring your family and friends to experience the joy, lights, and spirit of the holidays in Louisiana's River Parishes! Mark your calendars and join us for a holiday season filled with unforgettable moments and cherished traditions!

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from Louisiana’s River Parishes! Today, we gather with gratitude for the blessings of family, friends, and the rich traditions that make our community so special. As we share meals and memories, we’re thankful for the warmth, resilience, and spirit that define Louisiana's River Parishes.
We wish you all a day filled with love, laughter, and delicious Southern flavors! From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

11/27/2024

Experience the magic of the season at The Spirit of Christmas, a brand-new holiday event at Destrehan Plantation - A Living History Museum! Presented by Destrehan Plantation and Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center, this family-friendly celebration is packed with twinkling lights, festive treats, and joyful activities for all ages. Don’t miss the chance to make new holiday memories with this exciting addition to the season!

Wander through a 1/4 mile tour under 5 acres of majestic oak trees, featuring over 70 lighted frames, 50 Christmas trees, a sparkling lighted tunnel, and a special reading of *The Cajun Night Before Christmas*. Enjoy pictures with Santa on select dates, pony rides, Christmas caroling, and much more—all while supporting a wonderful cause. Proceeds benefit GNOTRC, a nonprofit providing therapeutic riding services for children and adults with disabilities.

📅 Open nightly from November 29 to December 26 (closed on Christmas Day), 5:30-9:30 PM
🎟️ Admission: $5 per person, kids 4 and under are free. Free parking is available.

A *Creole Christmas Tour* is available as a combo package with *The Spirit of Christmas*. This combo package includes a guided tour of the beautifully adorned Destrehan Plantation home. Learn about 128 years of Creole Christmas traditions, customs, and French influences as you walk through the traditional finery decorated rooms befitting the time and style of this historic home as you tour.

Don’t miss this enchanting holiday experience! Bring your family and friends and make memories that will last a lifetime.

11/26/2024

The *Greatest Show on Asphalt* is back! The Norco Civic Association Christmas Parade will roll on Sunday, December 1 at 1 p.m., kicking off the holiday season and bringing festive cheer to Louisiana's River Parishes. Known for its small-town charm and festive atmosphere, this beloved tradition brings the community and visitors together to celebrate the magic of Christmas. This year’s theme, *Norco Noel: Santa Goes to the Olympics,* promises a fun-filled celebration filled with creative floats, lively music, and holiday joy that will delight guests of all ages.

With nearly 70 entries, including floats, marching bands, dancing groups, and special guests, this parade is a must-see! Previous years have featured iconic groups like the 610 Stompers and the U.S. Navy band, and this year’s event will be just as spectacular. After the parade, visitors can take FREE photos with Santa at the Community Christmas tree located at the Veterans Memorial on Apple Street.

Parade participants will embrace the *Olympic* theme in their floats, costumes, and decorations spreading the holiday spirit with classic Christmas flair. So gather family and friends for a festive day of fun, and tradition, and create joyful memories!

Mark the date—don’t miss the holiday kickoff event of the season at the Norco Christmas Parade!

11/22/2024

Ready to hit the trails? The 2024 Armadillo Dash 5K & Half Marathon is happening this Saturday, November 23, at the scenic Bonnet Carré Spillway Trail in Norco, Louisiana—just west of New Orleans!
Choose your challenge: a 5K or a 13.1-mile Half Marathon on a beautifully maintained trail. With well-marked courses, fully stocked aid stations, and chip timing for accurate results, it’s a race you won’t want to miss. Stick around after crossing the finish line for refreshments and a dose of community fun!
📅 Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
⏰ Start Time: 8:00 AM
📍 Location: Bonnet Carré Spillway Boat Launch Pavilion
Lace-up your running shoes, bring your energy, and join us for an unforgettable race day! Online registration closes November 22—sign up today!

11/21/2024

November is a month full of festive fun and holiday magic in Louisiana’s River Parishes! Start the season on November 21 with Bonfire Traditions at St. John the Baptist Parish Library, where you can learn about the history of this cherished local custom. From November 22-24 and again on November 29-30, enjoy live music at Frenier Landing while soaking in the beautiful waterfront views. On November 23, lace up for the Armadillo Dash 5k & Half Marathon or spend the evening listening to live music at Boudreaux’s for a perfect mix of fun and relaxation.
Kicking off on November 29, the newly launched The Spirit of Christmas and the historical Creole Christmas Tour at Destrehan Plantation, with thousands of lights, festive activities, and holiday cheer continuing through December 26. Close out the month on November 30 with two incredible events: Christmas Extravaganza on the River lights up the night with music, joy, and seasonal magic, while the Small Town Christmas brings charm and community cheer.
Celebrate November with us and experience the warmth, music, and traditions that make Louisiana’s River Parishes so special!

11/20/2024

11/11/2024

Today, we honor our veterans and give thanks for the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who have served our country. Here in Louisiana’s River Parishes, we are especially grateful for the veterans who call our community home. Their dedication and service have helped shape the strength and spirit of our region.

This Veterans Day, we encourage everyone to take a moment to express gratitude and reflect on the freedoms we enjoy because of their courage. From all of us at Louisiana's River Parishes, thank you to our veterans for your unwavering service.

11/06/2024

Tomorrow is the annual St. James Parish Veterans Day Celebration!

St. James Parish Government is hosting its annual Veterans Day Celebration in conjunction with the American Legion Post 171 and Post 565 at Lutcher Park on Thursday, November 7, from 4:30p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Prior to the Celebration, there will be a wreath laying at 3:30pm at the St. James Parish Welcome Center.

The annual event will feature performances from local schools and Yvonne's Direction in Dance, free food, a firework show, a 3-Round Volley led by the St. James Parish American Legion Post 171 and 565, and much more.

10/31/2024

Happy Halloween from Louisiana’s River Parishes! It’s time for spooky fun, creative costumes, and sweet treats for all. Whether you’re trick-or-treating, hosting a haunted house, or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, we hope your day is filled with spooktacular memories!

10/29/2024

Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the passing of Mr. Paul Aucoin, our beloved former Chairman of the River Parishes Convention, Tourist, and Visitors Commission.

Paul dedicated his life to serving our community with immense love and devotion. He was a dedicated leader and passionate advocate for Louisiana’s River Parishes, working tirelessly to showcase our region’s unique beauty, history, culture, and community. His contributions, commitment to our mission, and vision for the future of tourism in the River Parishes will always be remembered.

Paul served on our Tourist Commission with that same dedication and passion as he was elected the First Chairman of the River Parishes Convention, Tourist, and Visitors Commission, due to the Commission’s success, he was reelected as Chairman from 2001-2016 and Commissioner throughout his tenure until 2023, leaving an indelible mark on our community and the tourism initiatives we champion.

Paul’s legacy lives on in the work he championed. As we remember Paul, we reflect on the spirit of service and commitment he brought to our Commission and the community we love…the community he loved, Louisiana’s River Parishes.

He will be greatly missed. Our hearts and prayers are with the Aucoin family during this difficult time.

10/24/2024

Get ready for a weekend full of fun and fall festivities at the 52nd Annual Destrehan Plantation - A Living History Museum Fall Festival! Join us on November 9-10, 2024, on the beautiful grounds of Destrehan Plantation and explore over 180 arts and crafts booths featuring talented vendors with handcrafted items—perfect for holiday shopping.

Antique lovers, don’t miss the Mule Barn filled with unique pieces from Louisiana antique dealers. The kids will love pony rides, face painting, fall-themed crafts, and even bungee jumping! Enjoy delicious southern-style food, and don’t forget to try the famous Plantation Punch.

Sit back and relax in the picnic area with live music performances, including Kayla Woodson, Ryan Foret & Foret Tradition, and Bad Habit. Plus, check out the special dance performance and the Ford Model A Club appearance on Sunday.

📅 November 9-10, 2024
📍 Destrehan Plantation, 13034 River Road, Destrehan, LA
Admission: $10 for adults/teens, $5 for children 6-12, free for kids 5 & under. Guided tours available for $15!

Mark your calendars and join us for a weekend of family-friendly fun, crafts, music, and more at the Destrehan Plantation Fall Festival!

10/15/2024

Get ready for a weekend of creativity, music, and fun at the Poche Plantation Arts, Crafts & Music Fall Festival! Held on the beautiful shaded grounds of the historic Poche Plantation in Convent, LA, this family-friendly festival will take place on October 19-20. Explore local arts and crafts, enjoy live music, and soak in the charm of this historic location, nestled in Louisiana’s River Parishes.

Best of all, it's all for a great cause! The Poche Plantation Arts and Crafts Charity donates all proceeds to local St. James Parish charities. Come out and support a wonderful community event while enjoying a weekend of fall festivities!

📅 October 19, 9 am - 6 pm
📅 October 20, 9 am - 4 pm
📍 Poche Plantation, Convent, LA