Holiday Events in Lake Charles Announced for 2026

Holiday events in Lake Charles begin this month. See events through the end of the year
Site Staff,
Light Up the Lake holiday event in Lake Charles. Boats decorated in lights on the lake
From Visit Lake Charles

LAKE CHARLES, La. (press release) – The City of Lake Charles announced its lineup of holiday events through the end of the year. Its Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations are designed to bring the community together, support local businesses and help make Lake Charles a true Christmas Town.

“Our goal is to create a holiday season that brings people together, supports our local businesses and gives families opportunities to make lasting memories right here in Lake Charles,” said Payton Lundmark, director of cultural affairs for the City of Lake Charles. “We invite everyone to be part of it! Come to an event, shop local, enjoy the lights, bring your family downtown and help us spread the Christmas spirit throughout Lake Charles.”

Begin in November

The events begin with Light Up the Lake on Saturday, Nov. 28, from 1-8 p.m. at the Arcade Amphitheater and lakefront. This free, family-friendly celebration features the Christmas Walking Parade, Santa’s Workshop, Holiday Art Walk, food trucks, beverage vendors, live music from Calcashoo, the Lake Charles Community Band and the Last Minute Big Band, followed by the annual lighting ceremony, Lighted Boat Parade and fireworks over the lake.

The Heart of the Holidays in December

Holiday magic continues throughout December with the Christmas Glow Show, December 3-27, from 6-11 p.m. at the Historic City Hall front plaza. The projection experience will transform the historic building into a festive nighttime attraction.

The City is also inviting residents and businesses to help decorate Lake Charles for the season through the Christmas Decorating Contest, with applications due Friday, Dec. 4. Winners will be announced during the Downtown Holiday Stroll on Dec. 10. There is a $250 cash prize for the Best Overall in both the resident and business categories. Interested residents and businesses can apply for free online.

Additional celebrations include: 

  • Holiday Music in the Park at Nellie Lutcher Memorial Park on Dec. 5, from 5-7 p.m.
  • The Downtown Holiday Stroll on Dec. 10, from 5-8 p.m., featuring holiday shopping, live performances, festive beverages, hot chocolate, snow and Chuck the Train rides
  • Christmas Meet Me at the Market and the Ornament Workshop at Historic City Hall on Dec. 12, featuring local vendors, live music and opportunities to create handmade ornaments and Christmas cards.
  • Christmas Movie Night with the Mayor, hosted by Partners in Parks at Rosa Hart Theatre in partnership with Children’s Miracle Network. Concessions will be available for purchase. 
  • Chuck the Train will offer holiday rides every Saturday in December leading up to Christmas, from 5-8 p.m. at the Arcade Amphitheater near Millennium Park.

Ending the Season and Beginning the New Year

The season concludes with Groove into 2027 on Thursday, Dec. 31, from 8 p.m. to midnight in Downtown Lake Charles. The New Year’s Eve celebration will feature live bands, DJ sets, a projection display on the façade of Historic City Hall and participating downtown businesses.

More information will be released about each event.

Get in the holiday mood with the Vixen Cocktail recipe from Bodega in Lake Charles.
Categories: Acadiana, Lagniappe, Events, Homepage, Things To Do

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