Christmas Events for Kids in Baton Rouge (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

15 min read

The Baton Rouge area has 15 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Holiday Strings Concert in Prairieville on November 21 to Baton Rouge General Holiday Lights in Baton Rouge, which runs through December 31. 12 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Louisiana, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 15 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Baton Rouge for 2026, in Baton Rouge, Zachary, Denham Springs and Prairieville
  • First: Holiday Strings Concert, Prairieville, November 21. Runs latest: Baton Rouge General Holiday Lights, Baton Rouge, through December 31
  • Free: Holiday Strings Concert, Baton Rouge General Holiday Lights, National Cookie Day Story and Geaux, Starry Night Snowman!, Festival of Lights Baton Rouge, Christmas Friends, Christmas Tree Ornaments Storycraft, Create Your Own Gingerbread Person, Smiley Snowman (Ages 3-7), Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses, Make Magic Reindeer Food and Holiday BINGO Fun at the Zachary Branch Library
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Watercolor illustration: Rally the corgi stands on a red train seat looking out at falling snow, a lit Christmas tree and a white dove. Text: Choo choo! The train starting could be heard. Hello cute white bird!
Rally watching the snow and a lit Christmas tree, from the pages of Rally Takes the Train.

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Louisiana Christmas train rides page.

Baton Rouge Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
15 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Baton Rouge, Zachary, Denham Springs and Prairieville
Season
November 21 to December 31, 2026
Free events
12
Kinds of events
holiday story time, holiday lights, holiday show and tree lighting
Last checked

Plan your December

When each Baton Rouge Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Holiday Strings Concert in Prairieville on November 21; the last runs to December 31. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Baton Rouge? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Baton Rouge

11 confirmed events for kids in Baton Rouge, soonest first.

Baton Rouge: Louisiana Lights

Holiday lightsLSU AgCenter Burden Museum and Gardens · Baton Rouge

Host
LSU AgCenter Burden Museum and Gardens (opens in a new tab)
Where
Burden Museum and Gardens, Windrush Gardens, 4560 Essen Ln, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
When
Friday, November 27, 2026 to Wednesday, December 30, 2026 (nightly; last entry 9 pm; Sundays with Santa)
Cost
$16.95 to $24.95; ages 3 and under free
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Louisiana Lights transforms Windrush Gardens at the Burden Museum and Gardens into a glowing winter wonderland from November 27 through December 30, 2026. Families stroll illuminated pathways and garden rooms, and the experience takes about an hour and a half. The last entry is 9 pm and the lights close at 10 pm. The event is outdoors and runs rain or shine.

On regular nights, Sunday through Thursday, tickets are $16.95 for ages 4 to 12 and $19.95 for ages 13 and up. Peak nights, Fridays, Saturdays and Christmas week, cost $21.95 and $24.95. Children 3 and under are free. Every Sunday is Sundays with Santa, with visits and holiday photos during your walk. A $6 add-on includes hologram glasses and a hot chocolate voucher. Tickets are sold by date and time slot online.

Parent tip: Pick a Sunday for Santa photos and a weeknight for lower prices; dress for the weather since the event runs rain or shine.

See dates and details from LSU AgCenter Burden Museum and Gardens (opens in a new tab)

Baton Rouge: Zoo Lights

Holiday lightsBREC's Baton Rouge Zoo · Baton Rouge

Host
BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo (opens in a new tab)
Where
BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo, 3601 Thomas Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70807
When
Friday, November 27, 2026 to Wednesday, December 30, 2026 (nightly, closed Dec 24 and 25), 5:30 to 9 pm
Cost
$5 adults and teens, $3 children 2 to 12, free 1 and under
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Zoo Lights runs nightly at BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo from November 27 through December 30, closing only on December 24 and 25. Gates open from 5:30 to 8 pm, and the grounds close at 9 pm. Admission is one of the most affordable holiday outings around: $5 for adults and teens, $4 for seniors, $3 for children 2 to 12 and zoo members, and free for little ones 1 and under.

Santa Claus visits on Fridays and Saturdays before Christmas in Classroom 3 at the new zoo entrance. The zoo also runs a food drive, and bringing a non perishable item earns a 50 percent admission discount. Many animals are brought inside at night, so animal viewing is limited, and the zoo train does not run during Zoo Lights.

Parent tip: Bring a canned or boxed food item for half price admission, and plan a Friday or Saturday if you want to see Santa.

See dates and details from BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo (opens in a new tab)

Baton Rouge: Baton Rouge General Holiday Lights

Holiday lightsFreeBaton Rouge General · Baton Rouge

Host
Baton Rouge General (opens in a new tab)
Where
Baton Rouge General, Bluebonnet campus, 8585 Picardy Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
When
Tuesday, December 1, 2026 to Thursday, December 31, 2026 (nightly), 5:30 to 11:59 pm
Cost
Free
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Baton Rouge General turns the front lawn of its Bluebonnet campus into a free holiday light display each December. Visit Baton Rouge lists the 2026 run as December 1 through December 31, nightly from 5:30 pm to midnight. The display sits at the corner of Bluebonnet Boulevard and Picardy Avenue, across from the Mall of Louisiana.

Families follow a lighted walking path featuring three dancing mega trees, a 24-foot tunnel of lights and singing trees set to music. Photo spots include lighted candy canes and snowmen and a giant walk-through ornament, gift box and Santa hat. Admission is free and open to everyone, and free parking is available in the Bluebonnet campus lots near the display. It is a short, stroller-friendly stop that pairs easily with a mall visit or dinner nearby.

Parent tip: Park free in the Bluebonnet campus lots; the walk is short and works well with strollers.

See dates and details from Baton Rouge General (opens in a new tab)

Baton Rouge: National Cookie Day Story and Geaux

Holiday story timeFreeEast Baton Rouge Parish Library · Baton Rouge

Host
East Baton Rouge Parish Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
River Center Branch Library, 250 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
When
Tue December 1, Wed December 2, Thu December 3 and Fri December 4, 2026, 3 to 6 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 5 to 11
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

To mark National Cookie Day on December 4, the River Center Branch Library downtown offers a story and craft program from Tuesday, December 1 through Friday, December 4, 2026, each afternoon from 3 to 6 pm. Children hear Gingerbread Friends by Jan Brett, then take home materials to create their own gingerbread friend using foam cookies, candy, frosting and winter accessories.

The program is for ages 5 to 11 and runs while supplies last, so earlier in the week is the safer bet. The library notes that it cannot accommodate groups, which makes this best for families stopping by after school. It is free, and the wide afternoon window makes it easy to fit around pickup times. The branch is on North Boulevard near Town Square, the center of downtown holiday activity in early December.

Parent tip: Supplies are limited and groups are not accepted, so come early in the week with your own kids.

See dates and details from East Baton Rouge Parish Library (opens in a new tab)

Baton Rouge: Festival of Lights Baton Rouge

Tree lightingFreeDowntown Baton Rouge (listed by Visit Baton Rouge) · Baton Rouge

Host
Downtown Baton Rouge (listed by Visit Baton Rouge) (opens in a new tab)
Where
North Boulevard Town Square, North Blvd at St. Louis St, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, noon to 7 pm
Cost
Free
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Festival of Lights returns to downtown Baton Rouge on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from noon to 7 pm. Visit Baton Rouge calls it the city's oldest holiday tradition. The festival lights up North Boulevard and Town Square and builds toward the official Baton Rouge Christmas tree lighting, followed by a fireworks show over the Mississippi River.

The event is free to attend, and the afternoon start gives families with young children time to enjoy the festival before dark. Expect large crowds downtown in the evening, especially near the tree lighting and the riverfront for fireworks. Specific tree lighting and fireworks times for 2026 were not yet posted when we checked, so look for an updated schedule from Downtown Baton Rouge closer to the date. The River Center Branch Library is nearby on North Boulevard.

Parent tip: Arrive in the afternoon for easier parking and a calmer crowd; check for the 2026 tree lighting and fireworks times closer to the date.

See dates and details from Downtown Baton Rouge (listed by Visit Baton Rouge) (opens in a new tab)

Baton Rouge: A Rural Life Christmas

Santa visitLSU Rural Life Museum · Baton Rouge

Host
LSU Rural Life Museum (opens in a new tab)
Where
LSU Rural Life Museum, 4560 Essen Ln, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
When
Sunday, December 6, 2026, 10 am to 5 pm
Cost
Tickets required
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The LSU Rural Life Museum hosts A Rural Life Christmas on Sunday, December 6, 2026, from 10 am to 5 pm. Families can stroll through historic homes decorated for the season, listen to live music, watch artisans at work, smell open-hearth cooking and fresh bread, and meet costumed reenactors. Storytellers and musicians gather visitors throughout the day.

Children can make Christmas crackers, tin ornaments, lanterns and pinecone sheep, visit with Papa Noel, write a letter to Santa with a quill pen and try 19th-century games. There are wagon rides, a gumbo food tent open from 11 am to 2 pm, handbell music from Bells Jubilate, and the return of the traditional bonfire. Tickets are sold online through the museum's event page. Note that A Rural Life Christmas tickets do not include admission to the Louisiana Lights display at the same property.

Parent tip: Buy tickets online in advance; the gumbo tent is open 11 am to 2 pm, and Louisiana Lights requires a separate ticket.

See dates and details from LSU Rural Life Museum (opens in a new tab)

Baton Rouge: Christmas Friends

Holiday story timeFreeEast Baton Rouge Parish Library · Baton Rouge

Host
East Baton Rouge Parish Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Carver Branch Library, 720 Terrace Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
When
Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 4:30 to 5:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 6 to 11
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Carver Branch Library hosts Christmas Friends on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, from 4:30 to 5:30 pm. Staff will read Have Yourself a Cheesy Little Christmas by Jory John, a funny holiday picture book. After the story, children turn mini clay pots into Christmas friends of their choice: Santa, Rudolph or Frosty.

Kids take their creations home, and the library suggests filling them with treats for display during the season. The program is designed for ages 6 to 11 and runs while supplies last. It is free and no registration is listed. This is a nice after-school option for early elementary kids who enjoy a hands-on project, and the finished pot makes an easy homemade decoration or small gift for a grandparent or teacher.

Parent tip: Supplies are limited, so arrive on time; the finished pot can be filled with candy as a small gift.

See dates and details from East Baton Rouge Parish Library (opens in a new tab)

Baton Rouge: Christmas Tree Ornaments Storycraft

Holiday story timeFreeEast Baton Rouge Parish Library · Baton Rouge

Host
East Baton Rouge Parish Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library, 9200 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70810
When
Thursday, December 10, 2026, 2:30 to 3:30 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Ages 4 to 9
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library holds a holiday storytime and craft on Thursday, December 10, 2026, from 2:30 to 3:30 pm. The group will read the Doreen Cronin picture book Click, Clack, Ho Ho Ho, in which Farmer Brown's barnyard animals have a holiday surprise in store.

Afterward, the children, whom the library calls little elves, make their own Christmas tree ornaments from cupcake liners to take home and hang. The program is for ages 4 to 9 and is free, but registration is required. Call the branch at (225) 763-2260 to save a spot. The early afternoon time works well for preschoolers, homeschool families and younger kids who are home in the afternoon, and the simple craft is easy for small hands to finish in one sitting.

Parent tip: Register by calling (225) 763-2260 before the day of the program.

See dates and details from East Baton Rouge Parish Library (opens in a new tab)

Baton Rouge: Create Your Own Gingerbread Person

Holiday story timeFreeEast Baton Rouge Parish Library · Baton Rouge

Host
East Baton Rouge Parish Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Delmont Gardens Branch Library, 3351 Lorraine St, Baton Rouge, LA 70805
When
Thursday, December 10, 2026, 4:30 to 5:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 5 to 9
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Delmont Gardens Branch Library offers this holiday story and craft on Thursday, December 10, 2026, from 4:30 to 5:30 pm. Children will listen to The Gingerbread Man Loose at Christmas by Laura Murray, part of the popular series about a runaway gingerbread cookie.

After the story, kids use a variety of materials to create their own fun, festive gingerbread people to take home. The program is aimed at ages 5 to 9 and is free, with no registration listed. The after-school time slot suits kindergarten through early elementary students. It is a short, simple program with a festive theme that works well for kids who like hands-on projects, so it pairs well with browsing the children's section for more holiday picture books to check out before winter break.

See dates and details from East Baton Rouge Parish Library (opens in a new tab)

Baton Rouge: Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses

Holiday story timeFreeEast Baton Rouge Parish Library · Baton Rouge

Host
East Baton Rouge Parish Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
River Center Branch Library, 250 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, noon to 3:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 3 to 11
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

December 12 is Gingerbread House Day, and the River Center Branch Library downtown celebrates on Saturday, December 12, 2026, with two short sessions, one at noon and one at 3 pm, each lasting about half an hour. The program starts with a reading of The Library Gingerbread Man by Dotti Enderle.

Then kids assemble and decorate their own graham cracker gingerbread houses to take home and enjoy. The program is for ages 3 to 11 and runs while supplies last. The library notes that it cannot accommodate groups. It is free and no registration is listed. With two sessions on a Saturday, it is easy to fit into a weekend downtown, and the wide age range means siblings can join in together.

Parent tip: Supplies are limited and groups are not accepted; bring a container or bag to carry the house home.

See dates and details from East Baton Rouge Parish Library (opens in a new tab)

Baton Rouge: Make Magic Reindeer Food

Holiday story timeFreeEast Baton Rouge Parish Library · Baton Rouge

Host
East Baton Rouge Parish Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
River Center Branch Library, 250 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
When
Mon December 14, Tue December 15, Wed December 16 and Thu December 17, 2026, 3 to 6 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 4 to 11
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Getting ready for Christmas Eve is the theme at the River Center Branch Library, which offers this drop-in style program Monday, December 14 through Thursday, December 17, 2026, from 3 to 6 pm each afternoon. Children hear Olive, the Other Reindeer by J. Otto Seibold, the story of a dog who thinks she is one of Santa's reindeer.

Afterward, kids mix up a batch of magic reindeer food and decorate a festive bag to carry it home, ready to set out on Christmas Eve. The program is for ages 4 to 11 and runs while supplies last, and the library notes that it cannot accommodate groups. It is free with no registration listed. The four-day, three-hour window makes it one of the easier library holiday activities to fit into a busy week before winter break.

Parent tip: Supplies are limited each day, and the library cannot host groups.

See dates and details from East Baton Rouge Parish Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Zachary

2 confirmed events for kids in Zachary, soonest first.

Zachary: Starry Night Snowman!

Holiday story timeFreeEast Baton Rouge Parish Library · Zachary

Host
East Baton Rouge Parish Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Zachary Branch Library, 1900 Church St, Zachary, LA 70791 (near Baton Rouge)
When
Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 10:30 to 11 am
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 2 to 5
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Zachary Branch Library invites preschoolers to a short winter storytime and craft on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, from 10:30 to 11 am. The group will read Snowmen at Night, written by Caroline Buehner and illustrated by Mark Buehner, a cozy picture book about what snowmen get up to after dark.

Then children craft their own snowman from paper cupcake liners, glue it onto a backdrop, and decorate both the snowman and the starry night background. The program is for ages 2 to 5 and runs while supplies last. It is free, and no registration is listed. Even on a mild Louisiana December morning, the snowy theme feels festive. At half an hour, it is well sized for toddlers and preschoolers, and the morning time fits nicely around nap schedules.

Parent tip: Supplies are limited, so arrive by 10:30 am.

See dates and details from East Baton Rouge Parish Library (opens in a new tab)

Zachary: Holiday BINGO Fun at the Zachary Branch Library

Holiday eventFreeEast Baton Rouge Parish Library · Zachary

Host
East Baton Rouge Parish Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Zachary Branch Library, 1900 Church St, Zachary, LA 70791 (near Baton Rouge)
When
Monday, December 21, 2026, 5 to 6 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All welcome
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Zachary Branch Library hosts a Holiday BINGO night on Monday, December 21, 2026, from 5 to 6 pm, early in winter break. The library encourages everyone to come in their favorite holiday pajamas or a favorite holiday shirt.

Friends and family are welcome, as are people coming on their own, so it works well for mixed ages and for grandparents bringing grandkids. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. The program is free and no registration is listed. Because bingo calls for counting and matching rather than reading, even younger children can play with a little help from an adult. It is a relaxed way to spend an evening during the busy days just before Christmas without a long drive into Baton Rouge.

Parent tip: Holiday pajamas are encouraged; hot chocolate and cookies are served.

See dates and details from East Baton Rouge Parish Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Denham Springs

1 confirmed event for kids in Denham Springs, soonest first.

Denham Springs: Smiley Snowman (Ages 3-7)

Holiday craftsFreeLivingston Parish Library · Denham Springs

Host
Livingston Parish Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Denham Springs-Walker Branch Library, 8101 US Hwy 190, Denham Springs, LA 70726 (near Baton Rouge)
When
Thursday, December 10, 2026, 6 to 7 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Ages 3 to 7
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Livingston Parish Library's Denham Springs-Walker Branch offers Smiley Snowman on Thursday, December 10, 2026, from 6 to 7 pm. Children spend the hour creating and painting a cool, smiling snowman, a simple winter project with a festive look.

The program is for ages 3 to 7, covering preschool and early elementary children. It is free, but registration is required, so sign up through the library's online calendar before the date. The evening time slot is helpful for working parents who cannot make daytime programs. Painting is involved, so dressing kids in clothes that can get a little messy is a good idea. The same craft is also offered at several other Livingston Parish branches in early December if this date does not work.

Parent tip: Register online in advance, and dress kids for paint.

See dates and details from Livingston Parish Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Prairieville

1 confirmed event for kids in Prairieville, soonest first.

Prairieville: Holiday Strings Concert

Holiday showFreeAscension Parish Library · Prairieville

Host
Ascension Parish Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Galvez Branch Library, 40300 LA-42, Prairieville, LA 70769 (near Baton Rouge)
When
Saturday, November 21, 2026, 10 to 11 am
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Ascension Parish Library's Galvez branch kicks off the season with a Holiday Strings Concert on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 10 to 11 am. Five local musicians will perform: Dr. Will Martin on viola; Ian Johnson, Audrey Freeland and Amelia Overton on violin; and Harper Escamilla on cello.

Dr. Martin is a concert violinist who performs with the Baton Rouge Symphony and other ensembles and directs the orchestra at Ascension Christian High School. The four younger players perform with the Louisiana Youth Orchestra, which may inspire kids who are learning an instrument themselves. The concert is free and listed for all ages, and no registration is required. The one-hour morning format is a gentle introduction to live classical music for children before the busier December calendar begins.

Parent tip: A good fit for children who play or are curious about string instruments.

See dates and details from Ascension Parish Library (opens in a new tab)

Looking further afield? Our Louisiana Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for New Orleans. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Baton Rouge Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Baton Rouge in 2026?

We confirmed 15 Christmas events for kids in Baton Rouge for 2026 on each host’s own page: Holiday Strings Concert in Prairieville (November 21), Louisiana Lights in Baton Rouge (November 27), Zoo Lights in Baton Rouge (November 27), Baton Rouge General Holiday Lights in Baton Rouge (December 1), National Cookie Day Story and Geaux in Baton Rouge (December 1), Starry Night Snowman! in Zachary (December 2), Festival of Lights Baton Rouge in Baton Rouge (December 5), A Rural Life Christmas in Baton Rouge (December 6), Christmas Friends in Baton Rouge (December 8), Christmas Tree Ornaments Storycraft in Baton Rouge (December 10), Create Your Own Gingerbread Person in Baton Rouge (December 10), Smiley Snowman (Ages 3-7) in Denham Springs (December 10), Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses in Baton Rouge (December 12), Make Magic Reindeer Food in Baton Rouge (December 14) and Holiday BINGO Fun at the Zachary Branch Library in Zachary (December 21). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?

For families in and around Baton Rouge, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Louisiana Lights (Nightly, Nov 27 to Dec 30; Santa visits on Sundays, $16.95 to $24.95; ages 3 and under free); Zoo Lights (Nightly, Nov 27 to Dec 30 (closed Dec 24 and 25), $5 adults and teens, $3 children 2 to 12, free 1 and under); Baton Rouge General Holiday Lights (Nightly, Dec 1 to 31, 5:30 pm to midnight, free); National Cookie Day Story and Geaux (Tue to Fri, Dec 1 to 4, 3 to 6 pm, free); Festival of Lights Baton Rouge (Sat, Dec 5, noon to 7 pm, free); A Rural Life Christmas (Sun, Dec 6, 10 am to 5 pm, tickets required); Christmas Friends (Tue, Dec 8, 4:30 to 5:30 pm, free); Christmas Tree Ornaments Storycraft (Thu, Dec 10, 2:30 to 3:30 pm, free, registration required); Create Your Own Gingerbread Person (Thu, Dec 10, 4:30 to 5:30 pm, free); Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses (Sat, Dec 12, noon or 3 pm, free); Make Magic Reindeer Food (Mon to Thu, Dec 14 to 17, 3 to 6 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Baton Rouge section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Zachary, Louisiana?

For families in and around Zachary, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Starry Night Snowman! (Wed, Dec 2, 10:30 to 11 am, free); Holiday BINGO Fun at the Zachary Branch Library (Mon, Dec 21, 5 to 6 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Zachary section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Denham Springs, Louisiana?

For families in and around Denham Springs, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Smiley Snowman (Ages 3-7) (Thu, Dec 10, 6 to 7 pm, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Denham Springs section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Prairieville, Louisiana?

For families in and around Prairieville, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday Strings Concert (Sat, Nov 21, 10 to 11 am, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Prairieville section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Baton Rouge?

Yes. 12 of the 15 events here are free: Holiday Strings Concert in Prairieville, Baton Rouge General Holiday Lights in Baton Rouge, National Cookie Day Story and Geaux in Baton Rouge, Starry Night Snowman! in Zachary, Festival of Lights Baton Rouge in Baton Rouge, Christmas Friends in Baton Rouge, Christmas Tree Ornaments Storycraft in Baton Rouge, Create Your Own Gingerbread Person in Baton Rouge, Smiley Snowman (Ages 3-7) in Denham Springs, Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses in Baton Rouge, Make Magic Reindeer Food in Baton Rouge and Holiday BINGO Fun at the Zachary Branch Library in Zachary. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Baton Rouge this December?

Santa appears at Louisiana Lights in Baton Rouge (November 27), Zoo Lights in Baton Rouge (November 27) and A Rural Life Christmas in Baton Rouge (December 6). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Baton Rouge?

Holiday story times on this page: National Cookie Day Story and Geaux in Baton Rouge, Starry Night Snowman! in Zachary, Christmas Friends in Baton Rouge, Christmas Tree Ornaments Storycraft in Baton Rouge, Create Your Own Gingerbread Person in Baton Rouge, Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses in Baton Rouge and Make Magic Reindeer Food in Baton Rouge. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Which Baton Rouge Christmas events are best for toddlers?

These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Starry Night Snowman! in Zachary (Ages 2 to 5).

Are there kids' Christmas events in Baton Rouge on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: Louisiana Lights in Baton Rouge (through December 30), Zoo Lights in Baton Rouge (through December 30) and Baton Rouge General Holiday Lights in Baton Rouge (through December 31).

How much is Holiday Strings Concert in Prairieville?

Free. Holiday Strings Concert is on Saturday, November 21, 2026, 10 to 11 am at Galvez Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Louisiana Lights in Baton Rouge?

$16.95 to $24.95; ages 3 and under free. Louisiana Lights is on Friday, November 27, 2026 to Wednesday, December 30, 2026 (nightly; last entry 9 pm; Sundays with Santa) at Burden Museum and Gardens, Windrush Gardens. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Zoo Lights in Baton Rouge?

$5 adults and teens, $3 children 2 to 12, free 1 and under. Zoo Lights is on Friday, November 27, 2026 to Wednesday, December 30, 2026 (nightly, closed Dec 24 and 25), 5:30 to 9 pm at BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Baton Rouge General Holiday Lights in Baton Rouge?

Free. Baton Rouge General Holiday Lights is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026 to Thursday, December 31, 2026 (nightly), 5:30 to 11:59 pm at Baton Rouge General, Bluebonnet campus. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is National Cookie Day Story and Geaux in Baton Rouge?

Free. National Cookie Day Story and Geaux is on Tue December 1, Wed December 2, Thu December 3 and Fri December 4, 2026, 3 to 6 pm at River Center Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Starry Night Snowman! in Zachary?

Free. Starry Night Snowman! is on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 10:30 to 11 am at Zachary Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Festival of Lights Baton Rouge in Baton Rouge?

Free. Festival of Lights Baton Rouge is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, noon to 7 pm at North Boulevard Town Square. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is A Rural Life Christmas in Baton Rouge?

Tickets required. A Rural Life Christmas is on Sunday, December 6, 2026, 10 am to 5 pm at LSU Rural Life Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Christmas Friends in Baton Rouge?

Free. Christmas Friends is on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 4:30 to 5:30 pm at Carver Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Christmas Tree Ornaments Storycraft in Baton Rouge?

Free, registration required. Christmas Tree Ornaments Storycraft is on Thursday, December 10, 2026, 2:30 to 3:30 pm at Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Create Your Own Gingerbread Person in Baton Rouge?

Free. Create Your Own Gingerbread Person is on Thursday, December 10, 2026, 4:30 to 5:30 pm at Delmont Gardens Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Smiley Snowman (Ages 3-7) in Denham Springs?

Free, registration required. Smiley Snowman (Ages 3-7) is on Thursday, December 10, 2026, 6 to 7 pm at Denham Springs-Walker Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses in Baton Rouge?

Free. Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, noon to 3:30 pm at River Center Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Make Magic Reindeer Food in Baton Rouge?

Free. Make Magic Reindeer Food is on Mon December 14, Tue December 15, Wed December 16 and Thu December 17, 2026, 3 to 6 pm at River Center Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday BINGO Fun at the Zachary Branch Library in Zachary?

Free. Holiday BINGO Fun at the Zachary Branch Library is on Monday, December 21, 2026, 5 to 6 pm at Zachary Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Baton Rouge?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Baton Rouge Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
Previous

Christmas Events for Kids in Allentown (2026)
Next

Christmas Events for Kids in Knoxville (2026)