City of Lake Charles Announces 2026 Christmas Events & New Years Eve Celebration
Lake Charles, Louisiana - It's only October, and every major chain store is already getting its Christmas decorations out. So, I guess that means it's almost time to start getting into the Christmas spirit. Tuesday, the City of Lake Charles has announced a full lineup of holiday events for Southwest Louisiana.
From Christmas lights and parades to holiday shopping, live music and a New Year's Eve celebration, there will be plenty of ways for families to celebrate the season around Lake Charles.
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Light Up the Lake Kicks Off the Holiday Season
The holiday season officially gets started with Light Up the Lake on Saturday, November 28, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Arcade Amphitheater and lakefront. This free event will have something for the whole family. Visitors can enjoy the Christmas Walking Parade, Santa's Workshop, Holiday Art Walk, food trucks, beverage vendors, and live music.
Performances will include Calcashoo, the Lake Charles Community Band and the Last Minute Big Band. The evening will wrap up with the annual lighting ceremony, Lighted Boat Parade, and fireworks over the lake.
Christmas Lights Coming to Historic City Hall
If you enjoy looking at Christmas lights, you'll have another reason to visit downtown Lake Charles this year. The Christmas Glow Show will run from December 3 through December 27, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the front plaza of Historic City Hall. The event will use projections to turn the historic building into a festive nighttime attraction.
Want to get involved? The city is also asking residents and local businesses to help decorate the community through its Christmas Decorating Contest. Applications are due Friday, December 4, and winners will be announced during the Downtown Holiday Stroll on December 10. The Best Overall winner in both the resident and business categories will receive a $250 cash prize.
More Christmas Events Planned for December
Holiday Music in the Park will take place December 5 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Nellie Lutcher Memorial Park.
On December 10, the Downtown Holiday Stroll will bring people downtown from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will feature holiday shopping, live performances, festive drinks, hot chocolate, snow, and rides on Chuck the Train.
Families can also visit Historic City Hall on December 12 for Christmas Meet Me at the Market and the Ornament Workshop. The event will feature local vendors, live music, and opportunities to make handmade ornaments and Christmas cards.
Lake Charles Will Ring in 2027 Downtown
The holiday season will end with a New Year's Eve celebration in downtown Lake Charles. Groove into 2027 is scheduled for Thursday, December 31, from 8 p.m. until midnight. The celebration will feature live bands, DJ sets, and an immersive projection display on the front of Historic City Hall.
"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.
The city says more information about individual events will be released as the holiday season gets closer.