It's Christmas in Louisiana and all over the state, you'll find unique festivals and celebrations in honor of this joyous holiday.  Below is a list of unique Christmas activities and places in the area, courtesy of Holidaytrailoflights.com.

If you haven't been to the Natchitoches Festival of Lights yet, you've got to put this on your "bucket list."  Be sure to visit the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase and celebrate one of the longest running Christmas celebrations in the south.

The 89th Annual Festival of Lights this year began November 21st and will wrap-up January 6, 2016, complete with parades, live entertainment, craft vendors from all over the state and more.  It's the ultimate Christmas atmosphere featuring thousands of twinkling lights over the downtown district and Cane River Lake.

During the six-week holiday season, experience Natchitoches traditions such as their famous meat pies, carriage tours through the National Historic Landmark District and the must-see Christmas by Candlelight Holiday Tour of Homes.  Plus the famous ­fireworks extravaganza.  Visit www.Natchitoches.com to plan your trip or www.NatchitochesChristmas.com for the complete itinerary of events.

Ever thought about going to the zoo during Christmas?  You may want to consider doing just that, as the Alexandria Zoo is the place to be during the holidays.  If you're looking to create wonderful holiday memories with your family, be sure to checkout the Holiday Light Safari this Christmas in Alexandria, La.

Start a new family tradition with your kids and bring them to see a one-of-a-kind, wild animal themed light display.  There's plenty of family fun lined-up with train rides, educational and craft activities, entertainment on select evenings, even photos with Santa.

Enjoy a unique Christmas in Minden, LA., as they celebrate their German heritage with the Fasching Fifth Season Celebration.  Minden, known as the “Friendliest City in the South,” is a wonderful place to experience Christmas with shopping for antiques at local stores and shops, visiting Santa, to taking a tour through museums and art galleries, to tasting delicious German foods and beer.

See thousands of Christmas lights and hundreds of nutcrackers on display, combined with a splendid ­fireworks show, parades, Christmas concerts, and much more now through Jan. 4.

For more details call, 800-2 MINDEN.

Head north and celebrate Christmas in the sister cities of Shreveport and Bossier, La. There's several activities for the family to enjoy from shopping at the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets, taking in the twinkling lights on a 40-foot Christmas tree, to enjoying fireworks.

Visit area attractions, tour historical homes in the area adorned with Christmas decorations, and so much more!

Get in the spirit of the season at Christmas on the River in Monroe-West Monroe a holiday celebration to remember.  This like all of the above Christmas on the River is a wonderful way to spend the joy of the holiday season with loved ones.  There are going to be two parades, a unique shopping experience, and an amazing ­fireworks display for all to enjoy.

Don't miss a festive ballet performance and take part in a variety of fun activities for the entire family. There will be a dancing light display on Antique Alley and throughout Downtown Monroe & West Monroe.  Then head over to Christmas at the Biedenharn and let the kids enjoy the wonder of Santa’s Christmas Village, located at the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum.

 

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