City Announces Annual “Light Up the Lake” Christmas Celebration

The City of Lake Charles is now accepting entries for the annual Light up the Lake Christmas Celebration parade, set for Saturday, December 7, 2019. The first lighted night parade rolls through historic downtown Lake Charles at 6:30pm, and the lighted boat parade along the Lakefront Promenade at 8:15pm.

According to a media release, "at 6:30 p.m., local groups will join Santa for a festive journey from Pine Street, south on Ryan, concluding at 7th Street".

The details for the lighted boat parade are as follows:

Captains are called upon to round up the crew for the annual lighted boat parade at 8:15 p.m.  An assortment of boats reflecting the spirit of the season will parade past spectators along the Lakefront Promenade. Awards and prizes will be given for the best decorated boats 35 ft. & under and 36 ft. & over. Categories include first through third place, best of show and best crew.

On top of the available food vendors, during the fireworks extravaganza, the seawall will be wired for sound as music will simulcast from KBYS 88.3 FM McNeese Radio.

After the parade, head on over to the Lake Charles Civic Center's front lawn for a lighting ceremony led by Mayor Nic Hunter. Local girl scouts groups and the Barbe High String Orchestra will perform Christmas carols. Then at 7:30pm, Mayor Hunter will flip the switch to light up the tree and entrance to the Civic Center.

For entry forms and additional info, contact the City of Lake Charles at 337.491.9159 or email or cityoflakecharles.com.

Santa's Workshop was previously a concurrent event, but will come weeks later on December 21, from 12 to 3 p.m. in the Civic Center Coliseum. There will be arts & crafts, food, activities, storytelling, music, and more, including confessions sold. Also, movies with the Mayor (featuring Mickey’s Christmas Carol) will follow in Rosa Hart Theater at 3:30pm. The event is free, but seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, said a media release.