10 Of The Best Christmas Towns Near Monroe, La

Monroe, Louisiana, is an excellent starting point for exploring some of the most charming and festive towns in the region during the holiday season. Here’s a closer look at 10 of the best towns near Monroe that come alive with unique Christmas traditions, stunning lights, and family-friendly activities. These are perfect for making the most of your holiday season! Book your stay at Comfort Suites, Monroe, LA, and plan the trip ahead with this guide’s help!

 

Best Christmas Towns To Explore Near Monroe

Below are some top towns you can visit to celebrate a holly-jolly Christmas.

1. Natchitoches

Natchitoches is a true holiday gem, primarily known for its Festival of Lights, which has been running for over 90 years. Every year, the town transforms into a winter wonderland with over 300,000 lights decorating the historic district and Cane River Lake. Visitors can enjoy carriage rides, fireworks, live music, and the Christmas Parade. 

Natchitoches’ downtown historic district offers a picturesque setting with local shops, restaurants, and holiday-themed events. The festival lasts from mid-November through the New Year, making it a destination for extended holiday fun.

2. Ruston

Ruston is another beautiful Christmas destination in Louisiana. The town hosts the Lincoln Lights up the Pines festival, a spectacular event featuring thousands of twinkling lights displayed throughout Lincoln Parish Park. The park's scenic nature trails and lakes are also lit up, creating a magical experience. 

Ruston also has a festive downtown, where you can enjoy carriage rides, holiday shopping, and local food vendors. The Christmas parade and Santa’s Village are particularly popular with families, offering a traditional, small-town Christmas experience. You can make a one-day trip to this city and return for a relaxing stay at one of the top hotels in Monroe, LA. 

3. Shreveport-Bossier City

These neighboring cities offer a variety of large-scale holiday events. In Shreveport, one of the most popular is Christmas in Roseland at the American Rose Center, which features millions of twinkling lights, an outdoor ice skating rink, and live entertainment. 

In Bossier City, the Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival lights up the skies over Caddo Lake, creating a stunning spectacle. Holiday shopping in the downtown areas is lively, with special markets and unique holiday offerings at places like the Meadows Museum of Art’s Annual Holiday Makers Market. There’s something for everyone, from grand light displays to cozy, festive activities.

4. Minden

Minden is known for its Holiday Trail of Lights, a group of towns in northern Louisiana that come together to celebrate the season. Minden’s historic downtown features life-sized nutcracker displays, Disney characters, and thousands of twinkling lights. 

Visitors can take a hayride tour to see the best light displays and enjoy holiday performances in the town square. Minden also boasts Christmas parades and local events, where residents and visitors celebrate in true small-town style.

5. Alexandria-Pineville

Located just a short drive from Monroe, Alexandria and its neighboring Pineville are home to several fun and festive events. The Alex Winter Fête is one of the main attractions, featuring an ice-skating rink, arts and crafts markets, and performances by local choirs and musicians. 

Both towns also host community parades, holiday-themed exhibitions, and beautiful Christmas light displays. Alexandria is also known for its riverfront decorations and festive Santa sightings, offering a wide range of activities for the entire family.

6. West Monroe

West Monroe shines during the holiday season with events like Christmas on the River, a community celebration that includes fireworks, a Christmas parade, and numerous family-friendly activities. The city also features Candy Cane Lane, an elaborate light display at Kiroli Park, which includes festive décor and a train ride for kids. 

Downtown West Monroe is filled with holiday shopping opportunities, and visitors can enjoy strolling through streets lined with holiday lights, making it the perfect destination for an evening out. Make sure to make a booking at one of the best hotels in Monroe, LA to be comforted during the holidays. 

7. Logansport

Logansport, located along the Sabine River, transforms into a Christmas light haven yearly. The town’s residents go all out, lighting homes, parks, and public spaces from late November through the New Year. 

The community hosts parades and other small-town festivities that offer a cozy, intimate holiday experience. For those seeking a quieter Christmas getaway, Logansport’s beautiful riverside setting and festive charm are perfect for a peaceful holiday retreat.

8. St. Francisville

A hidden gem, St. Francisville offers a uniquely historical twist on the Christmas season. The town is known for its candlelit tours of historical homes, where visitors can experience antebellum charm and holiday spirit. 

Downtown St. Francisville features beautifully decorated buildings, and local shops are great for picking up distinctive Christmas gifts. The town also hosts its holiday market and Christmas parade, where visitors enjoy festive decorations and its unique, quaint atmosphere.

9. Ville Platte

Ville Platte is a cozy town celebrating the holidays with a distinctive Cajun flair. The town hosts various local events, from holiday parades to community Christmas parties. Known for its Cajun culture, visitors can enjoy traditional holiday foods like gumbo and crawfish alongside more common festive offerings. Ville Platte is also an excellent spot for scenic drives, and its Zydeco Cajun Prairie Scenic Byway offers a beautiful route for enjoying the season’s sights.

10. Farmerville

Located north of Monroe, Farmerville is a charming town known for its small-town Christmas charm. The community celebrates the season with a parade, tree-lighting ceremony, and monthly festive events. Visitors can enjoy the fairground's Christmas lights and shop at the local markets for handcrafted gifts. Farmerville’s tranquil setting and community spirit make it a great destination for a laid-back holiday celebration.

 

Summing Up

Whether you’re drawn to large-scale holiday light shows, historical tours, or intimate small-town parades, these towns near Monroe offer something for everyone. With their unique holiday traditions, these destinations provide the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories with your loved ones. 

For a wonderful stay in Monroe, the center of all these Christmas towns, you can consider Comfort Suites, Monroe. We are one of the top hotels in Monroe, offering luxurious services to guests. From top-notch rooms to memorable experiences, we have it all. Book your stay at one of the top hotels in Monroe, LA, today!

 

FAQs

 

1. What are the best Christmas towns to visit near Monroe, LA?

Top towns include Natchitoches, Ruston, West Monroe, and Shreveport for festive lights and events.

 

2. Why stay at Comfort Suites, Monroe, LA, during the holidays?

Comfort Suites offers luxurious amenities and a convenient location near the best Christmas towns.

 

3. How far is Comfort Suites, Monroe, LA, from nearby holiday destinations?

Many festive towns, like Natchitoches and West Monroe, are just a short drive from Comfort Suites.