Louisiana’s River Parishes

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas from Louisiana’s River Parishes! From the glow of the Bonfires on the Levee to the joy of holiday feasts and family traditions, the season is magical here. May your day be filled with love, laughter, and the spirit of Christmas.

12/24/2024

Do you hear what I hear🎶
Do you see what I see🎶
Come see all the amazing Bonfires on the Levee in Bonfire Country! Roux-dolph is making sure Papa Noel finds his way to all of the good girls and boys in the River Parishes.🎁

All along the River from St. John the Baptist Parish to St. James Parish nearly 200 towering bonfires line atop the levee awaiting your arrival to celebrate our magical holiday tradition.

We are providing Free Visitor Parking and Shuttle Transportation to and from the levee from 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm tonight!

Transportation from St James to Roux-dolph is also available from 2:00 pm - 5:00pm.

Seee you sooon!!

Laissez Les Bon Temps Bruler🔥

12/20/2024

Experience the magic of a Cajun Holiday Bonfire Celebration in Louisiana’s River Parishes! This exclusive Gray Line New Orleans event invites you to gather for a private evening of holiday cheer at the historic St. Joseph Plantation, a working sugar cane farm owned by the same family since 1890.

Enjoy a cozy Cajun dinner, sing carols by a towering bonfire, and tour the plantation by candlelight while learning about unique Cajun and Creole holiday traditions. It’s a festive evening filled with warmth, history, and merriment. A cash bar with beer and wine will be available to toast the season.

Advance reservations are required. Book your spot today at www.graylineneworleans.com/holiday-tours/cajun-holiday-bonfire-celebration/ and celebrate the season Cajun-style!

Gray Line Exclusive – Locals and visitors gather together for a private bonfire event and Cajun dinner at a working sugar cane plantation on the Mississippi River.

12/20/2024

December is packed with holiday magic in Louisiana’s River Parishes! Mark your calendars and join us for these unforgettable events:

- Dec 20-26: The Spirit of Christmas Light Festival and the Creole Christmas combo tour at Destrehan Plantation - A Living History Museum — twinkling lights, festive treats, and joyful activities for the whole family.
- Dec 20: Live music at HammerHeads Spirits and Sports—Christmas and Pajama Party ft. Raised on Radio.
- Dec 20-23: Pre-bonfire viewing on the levee—check out nearly 200 towering bonfires and snap a picture with Roux-dolph the Red-Nose Reindeer.
- Dec 20-29 (Fri-Sun): Live music at Frenier Landing Restaurant and Oyster Bar—unwind with local tunes and great food.
- Dec 21: German Coast Farmers Market Christmas Celebration—enjoy fresh local goods, live music by Kevin Gullage, and visits with Santa & the Grinch (9 AM-11 AM).
- Dec 21: Port of South Louisiana Airport Fly-in—enjoy a pancake breakfast, fun flying, and socializing starting early in the day!
- Dec 21-30: Gray Line New Orleans Cajun Holiday Bonfire Celebrations at St. Joseph Plantation—experience the charm of a Cajun Christmas.
- Dec 24: Bonfires on the Levee—watch nearly 200 towering bonfires light the way for Papa Noël in this beloved centuries-old tradition. Blood, Sweat, and Bonfires

Celebrate the holidays with us and make lasting memories in Louisiana’s River Parishes. Visit lariverparishes.com or explorebonfirecountry.com for more event information.

12/20/2024

Roux-dolph has arrived! The 2024 Christmas Eve bonfire is ready to light up the night. Don’t miss this magical tradition as we light it at 7 PM on Christmas Eve!

Celebrate the holiday spirit and experience the unique charm of Louisiana’s River Parishes during Bonfire Season. Learn more about the tradition and plan your visit: lariverparishes.com/bonfirecountry/

📍 Location: maps.app.goo.gl/d2MQbq8JjuUjxJaK6

12/16/2024

Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of The Spirit of Christmas at Destrehan Plantation - A Living History Museum! This brand-new, family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate the season with twinkling lights, festive treats, and joyful activities—all under the canopy of majestic oak trees.

Explore a sparkling 1/4 mile tour featuring over 70 lighted frames, 50 Christmas trees, a dazzling tunnel of lights, and features The Cajun Night Before Christmas by Trosclair. Take pictures with Santa on select dates, enjoy pony rides, caroling, and more—all while supporting the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center, a nonprofit providing therapeutic riding services for children and adults with disabilities.

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

Pair this with the Creole Christmas Tour for the ultimate holiday experience! Walk through the beautifully adorned Destrehan Plantation home and learn about 128 years of Creole Christmas traditions. Make memories that will last a lifetime!

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