Baton Rouge Moms

Top 5 Baton Rouge King Cakes

January 10, 2017 by Baton Rouge Moms

The holidays may have ended for some, but Louisiana continues to celebrate with Mardi Gras! King Cake truly is the demise of many New Year’s resolutions, but how can we resist this buttery danish pastry, sweetened with dusted sugar, icing and a plethora of flavored fillings? Not us! Here are the top 5 King Cakes in Baton Rouge according to YOU, Baton Rouge moms! Enjoy this trail of delicious King Cakes, try them all to decide the best for yourself.

Top 5 Baton Rouge King Cakes:

Thee Heavenly Donut – Home of the BOUDIN kingcake and Pecan praline, Banana Foster, Turtle, LA Cajun Mud, Strawberry and famous Fried King Cakes! Welcome to THEE HEAVENLY Donut’s mission is to offer the Best, Freshest (made daily), Handmade Donuts, Kolaches, King Cakes, Cupcakes and Specialty Cakes– all year round. Owners Kara and Shane Castille have a passion for Great Customer Service and treating their customers like family. Their products are like no other in the greater Baton Rouge area and truly believe in the quality and deliciousness of these products.
Randazzo’s King Cake – Your source for the original Randazzo family mardi gras king cake. You can get your Baton Rouge Randazzo’s at Carnival Mart off Florida BLVD and at Capital City Crawfish! Every cake is “hand-braided” and baked fresh daily. Their traditional King Cake is cinnamon flavored, colored with Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold, iced with our just made icing and festively decorated with candy non-pariels. Each cake contains a baby. king Cakes are complemented by Cream Cheese, Strawberry Cream Cheese and Pecan Praline. They pump the filling into the braids of the cake before it is baked.

Carnival Mart
8696 Florline Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70815
225-248-9720
Ambrosia – There are many options when it comes to The Ambrosia King Cake! The Traditional King Cake (shown here for an “In-Store Pickup”) has cinnamon and sugar inside of our family secret King Cake dough. Purchase a “Mardi Gras King Cake Kit” and take your King Cake home for the kids to decorate and have a Mardi Gras Party!
Ralph’s Market -A locally owned business, Ralph’s Market wants the best for our families and yours. That’s why we always offer a large selection of fresh, high quality products that includes many grown right here in Louisiana! We‘d love to serve you at any of our three convenient and friendly locations in Gonzales, at Pelican Point, and on Jones’ Creek in Baton Rouge.
Gambino’s – In New Orleans and around the world, Gambino’s Bakery is a household tradition that offers over sixty five years of experience with delicious baked goods.

Honorable Mention:

Rouses – Rouses oval-shaped king cakes are made with our exclusive gourmet cinnamon dough, iced, and sprinkled with decorative sugars in the carnival colors of purple (for justice), green (for faith), and gold (for power). Your choice of traditional or one of our tasty fillings.

Calandro’s King Cake– With over 50 flavors, you’re sure to find the perfect King Cake at Calandro’s, learn more in the video below!

Oak Point Fresh Market – You can stop by both Watson and Central to grab a specialty King Cake!! Baked fresh daily.

LeBlanc’s – Said to have bigger cakes with more filling, you can get your fresh Kings Cakes at all LeBlanc’s stores or have them shipped!

Another Piece of Cake

Alexander’s Highland Market

Be sure to check out our complete Mardi Gras Guide with parade schedule, full list of King Cake locations, Mardi Gras tips for the family and more!

Mardi Gras 2017 – Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Parade Schedule

January 4, 2017 by Baton Rouge Moms

Contrary to popular belief, Mardi Gras can be family-friendly. The festival seems like it was made for children, with floats derived from the depths of the most ingenious imaginations, costumes and masks that express an unending creativity, bold colors and joyous music abounds through parades. And, most importantly, the beads, doubloons and other treats thrown to the crowds from the floats are a child’s delight. It’s that time of year and we have your full Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Parade Schedule below!

Mardi Gras 2017 is Tuesday, February 28th

Madri Gras Fun Fact: Rex selected the official Mardi Gras colors in 1872 to honor the visiting Russian Grand Duke Alexis Alexandrovich Romanoff, whose house colors were purple, green and gold.

2017 Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Parade Schedule:

Please check the individual parade organizations’ websites for updated details.

Krewe of Orion

Saturday, February 11 at 6:30 PM – The Krewe of Orion’s 18th annual Mardi Gras parade will roll through downtown Baton Rouge on Saturday, February 11 at 6:30 PM! This family-oriented parade begins and ends at the corner of Government Street and St. Philip Street. Parade goers will be treated to a lineup of exciting, colorful traditional lighted and tractor-pulled floats. Rollin’ with the theme of “It’s Good to be the King”! Masked and costumed riders will throw plenty of Orion parade theme medallions, footballs, cups, plush animals, swords, doubloons, lighted throws, and beads. Marching bands, as well as riding and marching units will be among the great sights and sounds at this wonderful parade.

Krewe of Artemis

Friday, February 17 at 7:00 PM – Join the excited revelers as they line the parade route while joining in the festivities and experiencing Baton Rouge Mardi Gras….Artemis style!! Revelers will be treated with themed throws, including the Krewe of Artemis’ signature High Heeled Shoe, along with footballs, tambourines, stuffed animals, float beads and lighted throws. Parade begins and ends at the corner of Government Street and St. Philip Street.

Krewe of Mystique de la CAPITALE

Saturday, February 18 at 2 PM – The Krewe of Mystique de la Capitale welcomes you to the 2017 Mardi Gras Parade as they celebrate 39 years of parading in Louisiana’s capital city. We are the city’s oldest parading Mardi Gras Krewe and we’ve shared 39 wonderful years of carnival fun in Baton Rouge. We will be joined this year by two other krewes from here in Baton Rouge, the Krewe of Romany and the Krewe of Iduna! We will have plenty of floats, marching bands, dancing groups and, of course, Throws!! We will roll at 2pm beginning near the Canes Rivercenter and proceed down River Road before our trip through downtown! We will post a map of our route when it becomes available closer to Parade day (should be the same as last year unless any construction downtown requires us to change slightly). We are family friendly and look forward to seeing you there!

CAAWS MYSTIC KREWE OF MUTTS

Sunday, February 19 at 2pm – The CAAWS Mystic Krewe of Mutts is a family-oriented, fun-filled, parade and promises all a very special day. Mardi Gras colored costumes and pet-sized floats will roll along North Boulevard on February 19, 2017. Costume contests will be judged at 12 noon on the Town Square Stage and the Parade rolls at 2 pm with a new parade route. This annual event is CAAWS’ largest fundraiser to promote Spay/Neuter programs in the Baton Rouge area.

FOR SAFETY PURPOSES, NO RETRACTABLE LEASHES ARE ALLOWED, NOR ANY LEASHES LONGER THAN 6′. Your dog should have a proof of current rabies vaccination tag. No puppies under 12 weeks, aggressive dogs, or dogs in heat are allowed.

Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Parade Schedule

Krewe of Southdowns

February 24, 2017, at 7PM – This parade is Baton Rouge’s family-friendly evening parade that rolls through the Southdowns Neighborhood from Glasgow Middle School. The theme for the Southdowns 2017 parade will be “Magical Mystery Tour”. The 30th Krewe of Southdowns Parade, Magical Mystery Tour, rolls at 7PM, rain or shine! This years royalty is King Jesse Gladney and Queen Adelaide Gladney! Children and pets are welcome. Attendees are asked not to park on the parade route itself. Off-route parking will be available.

Krewe of Good Friends of the Oaks

The west side’s only nighttime parade. Lighted throws, street parties, family fun!

Sunday, February 26 at 1 PM – The 33rd Krewe of Good Friends of the Oaks Mardi Gras parade will begin and end at the corner of the LA-1 Service Rd and Oaks Ave. The parade route is as follows: east on Oaks Ave to Jefferson Ave, north on Jefferson Ave to Court St, west on Court St to Sixth St, north on Sixth St to Louisiana Ave, east on Louisiana Ave to Jefferson Ave, south on Jefferson Ave to Oaks Ave, west on Oaks Ave to LA-1 Service Rd.

Krewe of Comogo Mardi Gras Parade

February 26, 2017 – The west side’s only nighttime parade. Lighted throws, street parties, family fun! 57735 Main Street Plaquemine, LA 70764 Highway 1 South Plaquemine LA

ADDIS MARDI GRAS PARADE

Sunday, February 19, 2017

(Parade details not yet disclosed)

Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Parade Schedule

Krewe Denham Springs

Saturday, February 18 at 3 PM – Come show your support for Livingston Parish following the Great Flood of 2016. They are back in business! Flood waters cannot stop the spirit of Mardi Gras in Louisiana. The Mardi Gras Parade this year on Feb. 18, 2017 will be in honor of the Cajun Navy. During the recent flood their contribution to saving lives did not go unnoticed. We as the Krewe of Denham Springs would like to say Thank You. Help us by showing your support and joining the fun. God Bless the Cajun Navy.

Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Festival 2017

Saturday, February 25 at 10 AM – 7 PM – Free Family Friendly Annual Mardi Gras Festival held in North Blvd Town Square, Downtown Baton Rouge. Enjoy a whole day of live music, art and great foodThe event will showcase live bands and Krewes, with a Vendor Village, art exhibits, food and more.

Family Gras 2015 in Metairie

FEBRUARY 17-19, 2017

Concerts, Mardi Gras parades! Fabulous Flambeau Food Court & Beverage Zones, Kid-friendly activities, an Art Market and more.

Family Gras is the perfect getaway for family. A FREE event, Family Gras traditionally takes place on the neutral ground (median) of Veterans Memorial Boulevard across from Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie, Louisiana. An ideal location to see the pageantry of Mardi Gras and enjoy the outdoor concerts by national & local artists on the Mardi Gras Plaza stage. Shop the Art Market filled with a variety of items from Louisiana photography, framed artwork, regional decor, folkart, hair accessories, to hand-crafted jewelry. The kids court is filled with activities for kids 12 and younger. Face painting, unique hand-wax art, and interactive games.

With past performances by Frankie Valli and the Four Season, Tony Orlando, the Pointer Sisters, Blood Sweat & Tears, Zack Brown Band, The Monkees, Leann Rimes, Tito Jackson, Becky G., Jesse McCartney, The Imagination Movers and so many more you know Family Gras offers such a variety of talent each year the entire family can enjoy!

NOLA Mardi Gras

If you are new to Baton Rouge and or Louisiana, the only place you should avoid with kids is the French Quarter. It’s best to see the parades when they begin on St. Charles Avenue near Napoleon, since parades can go on well into the night by the end of the parade route. The Garden District are of St. Charles is also family area where you will see many families enjoying the day and planting themselves to see the parades.

The Sunday before Mardi Gras is particularly family oriented, with Thoth parading down Magazine Street and Bacchus rolling later in the afternoon.

The Krewe of Barkus is a delightful dog parade that rolls the Sunday prior to Thoth. It begins in Congo Square and parades through the French Quarter and is remarkable fun for children of any age.

On Fat Tuesday, visitors are encouraged to join the local tradition of masking. Zulu, an African American parade, leads the long day of parades on Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras itself. Children scramble for the much desired coconuts handed down by float riders.

Mardi Gras Northshore

Mardi Gras 2017 New Orleans Parade Schedule
Mardi Gras 2017 Northshore Parade Schedule
2017 Acadiana Mardi Gras Schedule

Baton Rouge Moms is your Mardi Gras Headquarters! View our comprehensive Family Friendly Mardi Gras Guide HERE!!

Your guide to King Cakes in Baton Rouge and Beyond – 2017

December 29, 2016 by Baton Rouge Moms

We have yet to ring in 2017 but King Cake season is just days away! It’s time to celebrate new beginnings and count down to more fun! We’re sure you’ve noticed that King Cakes are popping up at your favorite local markets and bakeries are taking orders so we thought it best to kick off our 2017 guide to King Cakes in Baton Rouge.

On the Christian calendar, the 12th day after Christmas is celebrated as the date that the gift-bearing Magi visited the baby Jesus. This day, January 6, is known by several names, including “Epiphany”, “Twelfth Night”, or “Kings Day”. The King Cake is a traditional reenactment of Epiphany, the day the Magi arrived in Bethlehem and presented gifts to baby Jesus the twelfth night after his birth. “Epiphany cakes” are found throughout Europe–in England, it is known as a Twelfth Night cake, Roscón de reyes or rosca de reyes (kings’ ring) is a Spanish and Latin American King Cake pastry and in France, the King Cake is known as the Gteau De Rois. All very similar and all delicious!

There are numerous places to get King Cakes in Baton Rouge and a plethora of flavors to choose from… Traditional, Cream-cheese, Chocolate, Praline, Strawberry, Apple, Raspberry to Bacon, Boudin and Maple! Below we’ve listed 25 places to get your King Cake fix in Baton Rouge and beyond. Check back at the end of the week to see the top 5 from the list via our Facebook poll!

Your guide to King Cakes in Baton Rouge and Beyond:

Alexander’s – 18111 Highland Market Drive – Phone: 615-7800
Ambrosia Bakery – 8546 Siegen Lane – Phone: 763-6489
Another Piece of Cake – 14112 Greenwell Springs Rd. Central, LA Phone: 810-3377
Baums – Florida Blvd Location 8046 Florida Blvd. Phone: 927-0760 – Perkins Road Location 10550 Perkins Rd. Phone: 767-4838
Brew Ha Ha – 711 Jefferson Hwy Suite 2-A – Phone: 923-1923
Cake Jewels – King Cake Balls – Phone: 337-0253
Calandro’s – Government Street: 383-7815 • Perkins Road: 767-6659
Cupcake Allie – 753 Perkins Road, Suite #6 Phone: 302-7096
Daily Donut – Gonzales– 12503 Airline Hwy
Dawn’s Sweet Tooth – 13623 Hooper Rd Ste A Central, Louisiana (225) 261-0090
Gambino’s– 8646 Goodwood Blvd – Phone: 928-7000
Gourmet Girls– 3025 Perkins Rd – Phone: 252-0999
LeBlanc’s (Now Rouses}– 8 locations in Louisiana
Les Amis Bake Shoppe – 11826 Coursey Blvd – Phone: 293-8115
Mr. Ronnies– 216 Lee Dr, Ste D Phone: 223-6116
My Sugar Belle– 5151 Plank Rd, Ste 42 Phone: 355-8080
Nanette Mayhall Phone: 343-4530.
Navarre’s Famous King Cakes – 31545 Highway 22 Springfield, Louisiana (225) 294-3438
NY Bagel– 8342 Perkins Rd – Phone: 218-6070
Oak Point Fresh Market – Watson and Central locations
Ralphs– 15013 Hwy 44 Gonzales – 622-4044 – 6431 Hwy 44 (Pelican Point) Gonzales – 473-1004
Randazzos– You can get your Baton Rouge Randazzo’s at Carnival Mart off Florida BLVD and at Capital City Crawfish!
Rouses – Many locations (225) 448-0050
Strands Cafe– 226 LAUREL ST.- Phone: 344-5346
Thee Heavenly Donut– 17732 Highland Rd – 753.7711 5830 – S. Sherwood Forest Blvd. – 368.0090 – 15507 Hwy 44 Gonzales – 622.7797
Tiger Deaux-Nuts– 5162 Government St Phone: 421-1091

These are not the only places to find King Cake in the Baton Rouge area but this is a great start! If we have missed one of your favorites, please let us know. Check our Facebook page for King Cake giveaways and be sure to check back for our Mardi Gras Parade Guide, tomorrow!

AMAZON: 12 FREE CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS KINDLE EBOOKS!!

December 19, 2016 by Baton Rouge Moms

Amazon currently has a number of FREE children’s Christmas ebooks and others priced at .99 that are normally $3.99 and $4.99. These prices will not last long, get them while they’re FREE and cheap! No affiliate links, we’re just sharing the goodness. Enjoy!

Christmas Stories: Fun Christmas Stories for Kids and Christmas Jokes (Bedtime Stories for Kids) – FREE

>>> http://amzn.to/2h4g9UQ

Books for Kids: Christmas Stories for Kids (Bedtime Stories for Ages 4-8) – FREE

>>> http://amzn.to/2hkGyeV

What should I give my Triceratops for Christmas? – FREE

>>> http://amzn.to/2h4kO9y

Harry The Christmas Mouse – FREE

>>> http://amzn.to/2i3eoJm

Jingle All the Way – FREE

>>> http://amzn.to/2hTkg4n

Sol The Slug’s Night Before Christmas – FREE

>>> http://amzn.to/2hBTsbr

The Mouse in the Sock – FREE

>>> http://amzn.to/2h5xApR

12 Snow Days of Winter – FREE

>>> http://amzn.to/2h5FjnL

The Rabbits Celebrate Advent and Christmas – FREE

>>> http://amzn.to/2hTz4Qz

The Invisible Gift: A Christmas Tale – FREE

>>> http://amzn.to/2hkQhC0

A Very Merry Christmas Activity Book – FREE

>>> http://amzn.to/2i92h9N

A Christmas Princess – FREE

>>> http://amzn.to/2hNuu71

The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving – .99

>>> http://amzn.to/2hktpTb

LEGO City: Save This Christmas! – .99

>>> http://amzn.to/2i940f0

Clifford’s Christmas -.99

>>> http://amzn.to/2h4bF0l

The Christmas Owl – .99

>>> http://amzn.to/2i3eLDG

Itsy Bitsy Christmas: You’re Never Too Little for His Love – .99

>>> http://amzn.to/2h5FuzD

The Deep and Snowy Wood – .99

>>> http://amzn.to/2i3biFc

“BRUCE THE MOOSE & BO” – .99

>>> http://amzn.to/2hNCzs9

Baton Rouge Christmas Lights Guide – 2016

December 7, 2016 by Baton Rouge Moms

Christmas Lights List for Baton Rouge and Beyond – 2016 is presented by Associates in Pediatric Dentistry, offering a number of locations in and around Baton Rouge, the best one is definitely St. Catharines Dentist, totally worth a visit.

One of our favorite family traditions is taking an evening car ride in search of the best Christmas light displays. From the houses with thousands of synchronized dancing lights to the simple and elegant, we appreciate the time it takes to share the beauty of their Christmas lights with the community.

Many of you have asked us where to go to see the best Christmas lights in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas and we are working to create a list for you. Sadly, some of our favorites have been affected by the flood and will not be able to put up their displays this year. If you know of a light display not on this list, we want to know! I’m sure they would love to share their Christmas cheer with more of the community.

Please submit light displays via email or Facebook.

Check back as we continue to update our list with more Christmas light locations!

Baton Rouge Christmas Lights Guide – 2016

Caroling in the Park

Mark your calendars for BREC’s annual Caroling in City Park featuring a park lighting ceremony, candlelight caroling and a host of other family activities for all ages to enjoy.

City-Brooks Community Park
December 9
5:30-8:30 p.m.
For more information, call 225-272-9200 ext. 362

ZooLights 2016

November 27 – December 30

A mile-long trail through the Zoo
More than 50 illuminated display sculptures of animals and traditional holiday displays
A festive family activity, adding to the quality of life for residents throughout the region. Now an Anual Tradition, this is the second consecutive year the Zoo shines bright with the aid of a Colorado Christmas Lights Installation team.
The beginning of a new tradition

This year at ZooLights:

LIGHTED DISPLAYS WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

ILLUMINATED SCULPTURES: Visitors will find illuminated sculptures representing animals and traditional symbols of the holidays.

GIANT SPECTACULARS: Larger-than-life displays capture the imagination of children of all ages. These displays may include: Flamingos, Giraffes, Lions, Tigers, Gorillas, Rhinos, Elephants, Alligators, Giant Santa, Giant Snowmen, Holiday Trains, Santa in Sleigh pulled by Giant Reindeer and Toy Soldiers. Displays can be up to 30 ft. tall!

ANIMATED SPECTACULARS: Animated displays add additional entertainment value to our event. The use of high-wattage, computer-controlled displays will provide exciting animation to displays.

VISITOR AMENITIES: Safari Photo Booth Seasonal Specials from the Flamingo Cafe Safari Post Gift Shop

Hohensee Family Christmas Lights

12625 Sullivan Rd
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
{across from Central Intermediate}

They have a guestbook out so feel free to sign it and get a candy cane! The radio station is 105.9fm. If you would like to make a donation this year’s charity, donations will go to the Tanglewood Elementary School Library. The library lost most of its books during the flood and this will be a great way to help replenish those books while giving a gift that will last for many years and impact the future of the community.

Hohensee Family 2015 Veterans Day Lights

Posted by Hohensee Family Christmas Lights on Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Raposo Family Lights

13124 Mill Grove Drive, Gonzales
Come see the Raposo Family Christmas Light Extraordinaire! The light show is now running nightly through Jan.2 – weather permitting. Hours are 5:30 to 9pm Sunday – Thursday and 5:30 to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. As always the show is free but they are accepting donations are being accepted for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in box at edge of yard.

Rizan Family Christmas Lights

2014 Rizan Christmas Light ShowOut with the Old in with the New….. Get ready for 2015!!!!!!!!! You will be amazed!!!!!!!!

Posted by Rizan Family Christmas Lights on Thursday, October 29, 2015

16215 Stubbs Ln
Pride, Louisiana
Lights will run 5:00 to midnight every night until New Years

The Willows Winter Wonderland

The Willows subdivision
1457 Weeping Willow Drive in
Denham Springs

***A note from Willow Winter Wonderland:
“It’s with great sadness that we announce that our full display will not be open this year. As everyone is aware our community was devastated by the flooding this past summer. Although our home was spared our storage unit that houses our Christmas display was not as fortunate. We lost a majority of our display. Therefore we will not be opening our gates for the walk through. But we will still be decorating the front yard. Thanks to everyone who has come these past years.”

Johnson Family Lights

5323 Knight Dr.

Zachary. 70791

Station 106.9 for coordinating music!

Magic Christmas (Alexandria, La.)

Be sure to watch for Magic Christmas on The Great Christmas Light Fight on December 19th!!

5201 Argonne Blvd
Alexandria, Louisiana

Reflections of the Season – West Baton Rouge

Get into the Holiday Spirit at the Reflections of the Season Christmas Light Display.

PLEASE NOTE PRICE CHANGE HAS BEEN MADE FOR ADMISSION INTO THIS EVENT!!

$5.00 per Car & Passenger Vans or Buses $1 per person

This walk or drive through display is open to the public from December 8th – 11th & 15th – 23rd.

Drive through the grounds of the West Baton Rouge Conference Center and view the spectacular lights. Take advantage of the FREE shuttle service as there is no parking available on the grounds of the WBR Conference Center during this event; Parking will be at Louis Mouch Multipurpose arena located at 152 Turner Road.

You must obtain a wrist band at the entrance gate to participate in all the activities.

Come inside the conference center to visit “Trevor” the talking reindeer. Walk through the holiday decorated rooms. Enjoy carnival rides for the children or buy those last minute gifts from our crafters. Take your holiday pictures with Santa and his elves, this is year I am really exited because I got my family the best watches from rusticlub, i know they will love it.

Dec. 10th & 17th will be ice fishing for $5.00 per person. On Dec. 17th is snow night for $5.00 per person.
Kids Craft Night will also be Dec. 17th.

Cuddle up in a blanket next to your friends and loved ones and take a ride through the lights in a mule or horse drawn wagon for $2.00 per person.

Bring your family and friends and make West Baton Rouge and “Reflections of the Season” part of your Christmas tradition.

Messenger’s Christmas Land

Messengers Christmas Land
9481 Prince Charles,
Denham Springs,
Open December 8th -26th every night starting at 6:00pm – 8:30pm weather permitting.

Jingle & Mingle Shopping Event – Giveaway

November 28, 2016 by Baton Rouge Moms

‘Tis the season for shopping local! We have so many wonderful homegrown merchants in the Baton Rouge area and you’ll get a chance to shop with a few this weekend at Jingle & Mingle, a one of a kind “evening stroll” shopping event just in time for the gift giving season. There will be a variety of well known vendors showcasing their specialty merchandise just for you. Plus balloon and photo fun for the whole family! This will be the perfect place to shop for all of those hard-to-find items for the upcoming holidays.

Jingle & Mingle will take place this weekend, December 2nd & 3rd.
Sip, Stroll, and Shop!
$20 – All you can drink wine and all you can eat Hor d’oeuvres
$7 Bowl of Gumbo
$7 Bowl of Crawfish Etoufee

Free Parking.
Stroller Friendly.

Red Nose Run

Jingle & Mingle is also hosting a Red Nose Run on Saturday, Dec. 3rd.
Race Location: The Legacy at Bonne Esperance 1655 Sherwood Forest Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70815
Staggered Start – 5K at 8:00 a.m., Kids Fun Run at 9:00 a.m.
Awards: Overall male/female winners, and the top male/female in the following age divisions:
Fun Run – 6 & under, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12;
5K -14 & under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.
Award ceremony for 5K and Fun Run will be at the completion of the Fun Run.
Race Day Packet Pickup and Registration will begin at 7:00 a.m. This is a rain or shine event.
Use discount code “Rednose” to receive $15 off your registration!!
https://legacyrednoserun.eventbrite.com

jingle-mingle

We are excited to partner with The Legacy to host a giveaway for TWO All You Can Eat and Drink bracelets to this year’s 2nd Annual Jingle & Mingle Shopping Event! {$40 Value}

Giveaway

Enter for a chance to win on our Facebook and Instagram pages!

Winner will be chosen and announced Tuesday at 9pm!!

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor.

Mistletoe in the Morning ViP Shopping Experience

November 10, 2016 by Baton Rouge Moms

Mistletoe in the Morning ViP Shopping Experience will be taking place Saturday Nov. 12th

Mistletoe Market is offering shoppers an exclusive shopping experience at the second “Mistletoe in the Morning VIP Shopping Experience!”

Purchase a VIP Shopping Pass and receive discounts, FREE premiere parking, sweets & treats, surprises and fun in a relaxed, comfortable shopping atmosphere.

What is included?

VIP Shopping from 8am to 10am
Premiere Parking {FREE & close}
Princess Greeting
Royal Shopping with complimentary orange juice in champagne glasses and sweets and treats at the Baton Rouge Moms table in Booth 150
Exclusive discounts! (Receive 20% off select popular retailers from 8am to 10am)
Photo fun on our Mistletoe Red Carpet hosted by Baton Rouge Moms in Booth 150
Get your shopping done early, before the crowds in a fun, comfortable atmosphere!

ViP sales are only valid for ViP shoppers during ViP shopping hours.

20% OFF your entire purchase at these select retailers.

KB Designs

Premier Jewelry

Katie’s Jewelry & Gifts

Young Living Essentials

2016 Baton Rouge Holiday & Christmas Events Guide – Sponsored by Associates in Pediatric Dentistry

October 31, 2016 by Baton Rouge Moms

Our 2016 Baton Rouge Holiday & Christmas Events Guide is our largest guide to date with over 50 events. This list will be updated daily as we learn of new events being hosted in our area. We’re sharing events within a 60 mile radius of Baton Rouge. Whether you’re looking for a Christmas parade, holiday-themed performance, Santa visit, or lights display, there’s the cornucopia of holiday-themed programs and events throughout the season. If you still need your Christmas tree at Xmastree Express you can get it. If you have an event or activity to add, please email us – info@BatonRougeMoms.com

Thanks to Associates in Pediatric Dentistry for sponsoring the Holiday Events Guide.

Whether you’re looking for a Christmas parade, holiday-themed performance, Santa visit, or lights display, there’s the cornucopia of Baton Rouge holiday events this year. If you have something to add, please leave it in the comments below.

2016 Baton Rouge Holiday & Christmas Events Guide

Mistletoe Market of Baton Rouge

Catch up on holiday shopping while taking the kids to the Kids Zone at Mistletoe Market!! With over 120 merchants, you can shop local in a fun and friendly environment, strollers welcome, I was able to get OROGOLD products which are one of the healthiest products for your skin! Photo ops with Santa, Petite Princess Company Princesses, activities for kids, face painting fun and more!

Princesses Meet & Greet from Petite Princess Company

Saturday, November 12th
8:00am-10:00am (VIP) The Snow Sisters
10:00am-12:00pm The Cinder Princess
12:30pm-2:30pm The Tower Princess
2:30pm-3:30pm The Tinker Fairy
3:30pm-5:00pm The Little Mermaid

Sunday, November 13th

10:00am-12:00pm Beauty

12:00pm-2:00pm The Sleeping Princess

2:00pm-4:00pm [Surprise Princess]

4:00pm-5:00pm The Scottish Princess

Giggles

On Saturday, November 12, Giggles will join hundreds of locally owned toy stores across the country to celebrate the seventh national Neighborhood Toy Store Day, an annual celebration in which independent toy shops kick off the holiday season with special events to introduce consumers to the benefits of shopping local.

Giggles will offer free, fun, child-friendly activities including:

•Santa Photos: 11 am – 5 pm
•Face Painting: 11 am – 12 pm
•Magician: 1 pm – 3 pm
•Balloon Twisting with Balloonatics of Baton Rouge: 3 pm – 5 pm
*****************************************************************************
•Raffles and Giveaways!
•Popcorn Bar
•Holiday Wish Lists (Have your child fill out a wish list and we will file it away for shopping!)
•Product Demonstrations

LSU Holiday Spectacular

Tuesday, November 29, with festivities beginning at 5 p.m. in the LSU Student Union.

They are still planning for 2016, but last year’s events included:

Holiday Performances
5 p.m. | LSU Student Union Theater
Featuring performances from LSU students, faculty & community organizations.

LSU Christmas Tree Lighting
6 p.m. | Free Speech Circle

Benjamin Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols” Concert
featuring LSU Women’s Chorale with the St. James Treble Choir
7:30 p.m. | St. Alban’s Chapel, Highland Road at Dalrymple Drive

Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade

DECEMBER 12th – Find Parade Map HERE.

The 65th Annual Cortana Kiwanis Downtown Christmas Parade will roll through Downtown Baton Rouge Saturday, December 1oth at 5:30 p.m. Every year, more than 70,000 people watch the parade live and thousands more enjoy it on television through the holiday season. The Parade is a celebration and a great way to connect with the community. The parade is open to everyone. Typically the parade includes about 80 entries. These entries are a mix of marching bands, celebrities, dance troups, non-profit organizations, and local businesses in seasonal themes.

ZooLights 2016

November 25 – December 30
Beginning November 25th, visitors will enjoy the lights and displays of all your favorite Zoo animals and holiday traditions. Walk through the Zoo and be amazed by larger-than-life light displays. Bring the whole family and get in the holiday spirit of the season. Hot cocoa and other treats will be available to purchase.

ZooLights will take place November 27 – December 30 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). For more information, call 225.775.3877.

Special Activities:

11/25 Coke Santa
11/26 Making Ornaments
12/2 & 12/3 Safari Santa
12/9 & 12/10 Making Ornaments
12/16 & 12/17 Safari Santa

LIGHTED DISPLAYS WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
ILLUMINATED SCULPTURES: Visitors will find illuminated sculptures representing animals and traditional symbols of the holidays.
GIANT SPECTACULARS: Larger-than-life displays capture the imagination of children of all ages. These displays may include: Flamingos, Giraffes, Lions, Tigers, Gorillas, Rhinos, Elephants, Alligators, Giant Santa, Giant Snowmen, Holiday Trains, Santa in Sleigh pulled by Giant Reindeer and Toy Soldiers. Displays can be up to 30 ft. tall!
ANIMATED SPECTACULARS: Animated displays add additional entertainment value to our event. The use of high-wattage, computer-controlled displays will provide exciting animation to displays.
VISITOR AMENITIES: Safari Photo Booth Seasonal Specials from the Flamingo Cafe Safari Post Gift Shop

A Rural Life Christmas

TBA

Ring in the Christmas season with a 19th century Louisiana celebration. Musical groups, demonstrating artisans, storytellers, and costumed re-enactors will be present to set the holiday mood. The event will conclude with a bonfire and a visit from Papa Noel.

Regular fee for adults and seniors; children under 10 are free.

Holiday Skating on the River

TBA
It might not get snow in Baton Rouge, but you can still have fun on the ice at the Baton Rouge River Center with its holiday tradition, “Ice Skating on the River.”

A fun filled holiday event for all ages, Ice Skating on the River will have 75 minute sessions nearly every day until January.

Festival of Lights at Far-Out First Friday

Friday, December 2, 2016 at 5:00pm – 9:00pm

Two popular events intertwine for a special holiday Far-Out First Friday combined with the annual Festival of Light’s activities – all rolled into one exciting night! Join an evening under downtown’s historic oaks to commemorate Baton Rouge’s oldest holiday tradition. Transforming the winter sky into a wonderland, the Mayor will light North Boulevard with half a million sparkling lights. Experience the magic beneath the 35-foot Christmas tree in Town Square. Bethlehem Village with a real life village set in Biblical times where children can craft ornaments and decorations, plus a magical train ride on the Mansion Express at the Old Governor’s Mansion. Visit Santa’s Gift Shoppe and listen to holiday music during an evening of visual, culinary, and performing arts.

LASM Holiday Events

Friday, December 2, 2016 at 5:00pm – 9:00pm

Join us on Friday, December 2, as two popular events intertwine for a special holiday Far-Out First Friday combined with our annual Festival of Light’s activities – all rolled into one exciting night!

In addition to hands-on craft stations where you can create your own holiday ornaments or keepsakes, experience special holiday shows projected fulldome in our planetarium. Enter a winter wonderland of dancing nutcrackers, sledding penguins, and your favorite holiday songs in Let it Snow at 5, 7, and 8 PM. At 9:00 PM, go on a live-mixed journey through the music of the season coupled with digitally-rendered visuals in Holiday Synesthesia.

Enjoy complimentary coffee and treats; be among the first to experience our new Contemporary Old Masters, Drawings by Gerry Wubben, and Selections from the Collection exhibitions; get your holiday shopping done early with unique finds in The Museum Store; and more!

Admission is free with the donation of one new toy per person that benefits Toys for Tots; otherwise, regular admission prices apply. Toys may be purchased in The Museum Store.

Show admission is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and there is no late seating. Doors open 4:30 PM. All ages may attend Let it Snow; Holiday Synesthesia is for ages 3 and up.

The Nutcracker : A Tale from the Bayou

December 17th and 18th 2016 2PM and 6PM

The Nutcracker – A Tale from the Bayou, created by Molly Buchmann and Sharon Mathews in 1992, has become one of the most highly-anticipated events of the holiday season. Accompanied by the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, the production incorporates local landmarks while maintaining the grandeur and integrity of the classic ballet. This lavish production continues to thrill children and adults alike, and snow is always guaranteed!

The Happy Elf

Harry Connick, Jr.'s The Happy Elf December 9-18, 2016

A new musical comedy by Grammy Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated composer and lyricist, Harry Connick, Jr.; The Happy Elf tells the tale of Eubie the Elf, a lovable fellow who wants to spread Christmas joy throughout the town of Bluesville. Hoping to introduce a new generation of children to the joys of jazz, Connick has crafted a musical landscape against which Eubie’s story unfolds.

Adults: $21.00
Children (Ages 2-11): $15.75
Seats are reserved. and can be purchased at PlaymakersBR.org. (225) 578-6996.

The Living Nativity

TBA

The 6th Annual Drive Through Live Nativity takes place on the parking lot of FBBC. Load up your family and journey back to the first Christmas as represented through 12 different scenes.

Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra

This years holiday BRSO events will include:

A Very Jazzy Christmas at Hemingbough December 2 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The BRSO has enjoyed a popular following in St. Francisville for many years, and Hemingbough provides the perfect setting. Jump-start your festive season with a hip holiday celebration you won’t want to miss! Willis Delony and friends perform favorite seasonal arrangements in the Key of J –“J” for Jazz, that is!
Home for the Holidays December 2 @ 7:30 pm – December 4 @ 3:00 pm The Holiday Season would not be complete without the Family Pops annual Home for the Holidays concert! Join Maestro Muffitt as he leads this spectacular cast of hundreds featuring our very own Baton Rouge Symphony Chorus, and numerous guest performers and musical groups from across our city. Join us in a musical celebration of community and the spirit of the season.
Holiday Brass in Central December 6 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Greenwell Springs Baptist Church 19421 Greenwell Springs Rd. The BRSO is excited to reach out to the communities of Central, Zachary and Denham for our performance of Holiday Brass, Percussion and Harp. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season as Associate Conductor David Torns and the BRSO visit Greenwell Springs Baptist Church to perform all of your cherished holiday favorites.
Lamar Holiday Brass December 9 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm This concert is an experience truly unique to the community of Baton Rouge. St. Joseph Cathedral is a breath-taking setting for this cherished family tradition of the Lamar Holiday Brass concert. The sounds of The BRSO Brass and Percussion are joined by organist Robbie Giroir, and a special appearance by the Baton Rouge Magnet High School Festival Singers. In addition, the BRSO welcomes Stephanie Gustafson on the harp as a featured soloist. Don’t wait to purchase your tickets as this concert sells out quickly!

Manship Theatre Holiday Events

Fancy Nancy’s Splendiferous Christmas – What could be fancier than Christmas? Presents with elegant wrapping paper, festive decorations, Christmas cookies with sprinkles – and who could forget the tree? After all, there is no such thing as too much tinsel. Ooh la la! This year, Nancy is especially excited. She bought a brand-new sparkly tree topper with her own money and can’t wait to decorate the Christmas tree. But when things don’t turn out the way Nancy planned, will Christmas still be splendiferous? Multiple dates in December.

A Very Electric Christmas – Brighten your holidays with Lightwire Theater’s A Very Electric Christmas. Audiences of all ages will treasure this magical and captivating tale of family, friendship and hope set to timeless holiday hits including Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey and Tchaikovsky. In this wonderful story, Santa’s helpers are putting the final touches on presents as a young bird named Max and his family head south for the winter.

BREC Holiday Events

Gingerbread House Decorating: Plank Road Park – Friday, Nov 11, 2016 6:30 pm
Gingerbread House Decorating: Highland Road Community Park Friday, Nov 18, 2016 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Have an evening of family fun that can be shared over and over again throughout the holiday. Create a gingerbread masterpiece with lots of graham crackers, icing and candy trims. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Reindeer Ride Downtown Celebration: Skip Bertman Drive Trailhead – Friday, Dec 02, 2016 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – 8 & older
Welcome the holiday season with a unique nighttime family bike ride up the levy from Skip Bertman Drive to downtown Baton Rouge to be a part of Baton Rouge’s Downtown Christmas Lighting Celebration. Participants will leave the levy trail head and join in a colorful bike parade through the downtown area, participate in the many fun evening activities and return together.

Caroling in the Park: City-Brooks Community Park – Friday, Dec 09, 2016 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Mark your calendars for BREC’s annual Caroling in City Park featuring a park lighting ceremony, candlelight caroling and a host of other family activities for all ages to enjoy.

Creole Christmas: Magnolia Mound Plantation – Sunday, Dec 11, 2016 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Creole Christmas is an annual event featuring seasonal decorations in the historic house, traditional songs in French and Spanish sung by local school children, period demonstrations, folk crafts and the annual bonfire to welcome Papa Noel.

Kansas City Southern Holiday Express Train

KCS Holiday Express will be making stops throughout Louisiana. Meet Santa and receive a holiday treat bag! For more information, download the Kansas City Southern Holiday Express Train app from the iTunes store.

At each scheduled stop, The KCS Charitable Fund makes a contribution of gift cards to the local Salvation Army to provide warm clothing and other necessities for children in need. Over the past 11 years, thanks to the generous contributions of KCS’ employees, vendors and friends, the Holiday Express has donated over $1 million in gift cards to this cause.

Nov 9th 4 p.m. Monroe LA – Third & Desiard Street
Dec 5th 4 p.m. Zwolle LA 1400 North Main Street
Dec 6th 4 p.m. Leesville LA KCS Yard, 901 South Third Street
Dec 7th 4 p.m. DeQuincy LA Railroad Museum, 400 Lake Charles Avenue
Dec 4th 4 p.m. Pearl ( Jackson) MSKCS Yard, 201 Industrial Park Road

Reflections of the Season – West Baton Rouge

Get into the Holiday Spirit at the Reflections of the Season Christmas Light Display.

PLEASE NOTE PRICE CHANGE HAS BEEN MADE FOR ADMISSION INTO THIS EVENT!!

$5.00 per Car & Passenger Vans or Buses $1 per person

This walk or drive through display is open to the public from December 8th – 11th & 15th – 23rd.

You must obtain a wrist band at the entrance gate to participate in all the activities.

Come inside the conference center to visit “Trevor” the talking reindeer. Walk through the holiday decorated rooms. Enjoy carnival rides for the children or buy those last minute gifts from our crafters, they have gifts perfect for clients that keep them on coming back. Take your holiday pictures with Santa and his elves.

Dec. 10th & 17th will be ice fishing for $5.00 per person. On Dec. 17th is snow night for $5.00 per person.
Kids Craft Night will also be Dec. 17th.

Cuddle up in a blanket next to your friends and loved ones and take a ride through the lights in a mule or horse drawn wagon for $2.00 per person.

Bring your family and friends and make West Baton Rouge and “Reflections of the Season” part of your Christmas tradition.

Strands Christmas Tea TBA

Holiday Events Beyond Baton Rouge

Nottaway’s Christmas Tree Lighting Festival – White Castle

Friday December 11th from 5 pm to 9:30pm: Holidays at Nottaway Plantation are absolutely breathtaking! Live music includes The Navy Band New Orleans Ceremonial Band, Church choirs will be performing throughout the grounds and food and Beverage stations will be open. Enjoy the Hand Bell Choir, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Fireworks on the Levee and Santa’s arrival. Bring your camera and take photos of your kids with Santa on the front balcony of the Mansion!

BONFIRES ON THE LEVEE / TREE LIGHTING

Christmas Marketplace Nights

NEW! On the 3 different December nights when the American Queen docks here at Nottoway, we will hold our Christmas Marketplace! Come enjoy a night of shopping and fantastic sights!

Marketplace Dates: Tues., Dec. 6 | Fri. Dec. 16 | Tues. Dec. 20
Time: 5 – 9 pm
Vendors selling arts, crafts & holiday merchandise
Bonfires on the Levee
Fireworks
Open to the public at no charge

Oak Alley Plantation’s 41st Annual Christmas Bonfire Party

Saturday, December 3, 2016 – 7:00pm

Oak Alley Plantation – 7PM to Midnight!

Celebrate the Christmas Season in one of the southland’s most beautiful settings. The mansion will be dressed in fresh fruit, greenery and seasonal floral arrangements, reminiscent of Creole Christmases past. Delicious Cajun/Creole buffet, open bar, lively dance band, and plenty of good cheer combine to heighten the holiday spirit throughout the famous alley of oaks and the lovely antebellum mansion.

Celebration In The Oaks- New Orleans

The 2016-2017 season:
November 25, 2016 through January 1, 2017.
Closed November 28, 29, 30 and December 1st.
Closed Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Celebration in the Oaks in City Park is one of the most spectacular holiday lights festivals in the country. This beloved annual celebration is fun for all ages and has become an enduring holiday tradition for families, who come to Celebration in the Oaks to ride the train or carousel every year. Visitors are treated to a wide range of attractions, from light displays to the walkways lined with dozens of Christmas trees decorated by local school groups. Perennial favorites include the two-mile train ride through glittering light exhibits, the animated Cajun night before Christmas display, and of course, New Orleans’ iconic snowman Mr. Bingle.

Family Preview Party – New Orleans

November 20, 2016 – Kids get the royal holiday treatment at their own Celebration in the Oaks Preview Party and – bonus! – mom and dad can enjoy this family experience without lifting a finger. Your little ones will feel like the kings and queens of the ball at this fun-filled party.

And special this year at the Celebration in the Oaks Family Party – we’ll have the characters from FROZEN! That’s right, Princess Anna, Queen Elsa, Kristoff and the lovable Olaf. They’ll be walking around and will be ready to take photos with the kids (and those who are kids at heart, too). Don’t forget your camera.

Krewe of Jingle Parade & More! – New Orleans – TBA

New Orleans’ official holiday parade, the “Krewe of Jingle,” will once again delight locals and visitors alike with authentic parade floats, marching bands, stilt walkers, Christmas characters and many more magical surprises!

Canal Street Lighting Ceremony

Tuesday, November 22 | 5:00 – 7:00pm Astor Crowne Plaza 739 Canal Street. St.

A Civil War Christmas- – St. Francisville

December 3rd 6-8pm

Visitors will see a recreation of the sights and sounds of St. Francisville in 1864 during the American Civil War. Throughout the day walk through the soldiers camps and see Living History demonstrations of soldier life. You will hear black powder weapon demonstrations of both rifle and cannons. Each day will feature a small reenactment of the October 1864 Battle Oakley Plantation which happened across the grounds of the park. On Saturday night the plantation comes to life during the Holidays as it shows off its seasonal decorations. Costumed guides accompany the visitor in a trip into the past through the candlelit Oakley House. See the glow of the blacksmith at work, take a taste of what’s cooking in the kitchen, or just enjoy the live period music. Included is our yearly Christmas dance and hot Christmas Punch. The program is free to all paying the park admission fee. For more information please contact Audubon State Historic Site in St. Francisville, La. at 1-225-635-3739.

Christmas in the Country St. Francisville

December 2, 3 and 4
– Nothing says Christmas to an excited child more than a parade, especially a safe small-town one like St. Francisville’s popular Christmas in the Country parade the first Saturday each December, complete with marching bands and decorated floats, Santa resplendent in his sleigh. Millions of tiny white lights trace soaring Victorian trimwork and grace gallery posts to transform the entire town into a veritable winter wonderland for Christmas in the Country, as special activities throughout the extensive National Register-listed downtown Historic District provide fun for the whole family at this celebration of the season, a joyful alternative to mall madness. View the full schedule of events here.

Christmas in the Village – Zachary

Zachary's Christmas in the Village

30th Annual Zachary Christmas Parade

Main Street, Zachary – December 3rd 10:00am Celebrate the sights and sounds of Christmas in Zachary. Enjoy this annual parade in the heart of town.

Denham Springs Christmas Parade

December 10th at 2:00pm Denham Springs Christmas Parade – Parade begins at Denham Springs High School and travels down Range Ave. through the Antique District turning right onto Florida Blvd. and ending at Veterans Blvd.

Christmas in Central Square

Christmas in Central Square Central Square December 3, 2016 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM Price: FREE (225) 261-5988

This year, Central is celebrating Christmas bigger and better than ever! Join us on December 3rd for a family Christmas celebration you won’t forget! Festivities include: fireworks, train rides, live nativity, horse and carriage rides, live music, inflatables, gaga pit, carousel and s’mores. Even Santa Clause will be there! We can’t wait to see you at Christmas in Central Square!

Noel Acadien au Village – Lafayette

December 1-23, 2016 5:30-9:00pm Nightly (weather permitting) HALF A MILLION LIGHTS ~ ANIMATED DISPLAYS ~ CARNIVAL RIDES ~ PHOTOS WITH SANTA LIVE NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT ~ LOCAL CUISINE ~ ARTS & CRAFTS

LARC’s Acadian Village hosts its 23 night Christmas festival fundraiser annually in December to benefit LARC, a local 501c(3) non-profit organization benefiting persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Noel Acadien au Village features half-a-million lights, including the fully lit Chapel, themed Acadian home porches, lighted holiday displays, live entertainment, carnival rides, local cuisine, photos with Santa, holiday shopping in the Christmas Store & The Village Art Gallery, and much more! Displays include themed acadian homes, lighted grounds, Santa’s Sleigh, floating oil rigs, The Gingerbread House, and The Christmas Carolers.

25th Festival of the Bonfires – St. James Parish

December 9, 10, 11, 2016 Lutcher Recreational Park Lutcher Avenue- La HWY 3193 Lutcher, LA 70071 CHRISTMAS ON THE RIVER…CAJUN STYLE! Enjoy great food, live entertainment, crafts, Santa’s Very Merry Forest and carnival rides throughout the weekend. Each night will be highlighted with a single bonfire lighting! Come out and experience a prelude to the famous Christmas Eve Bonfires: A tradition unique to St. James Parish and all the world!!

Christmas Past Festival: Old Mandeville

December 10th, 9 am-3 pm

The Christmas Past street festival is packed with over 40 vendors lining Girod Street. The festival will extend from near the Mandeville Trailhead complex and continue down to the lakefront. Keeping with an international season theme, each block will highlight a different region: Germany, England, France, Louisiana, and America. For maps and the program of events, please visit their Christmas Past Festival Facebook Page.

Christmas Under the Stars – Slidell

The City of Slidell celebrates the holiday season with Christmas Under the Stars, an annual celebration of twinkling lights, festive decorations, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Parade of Trees, the life-size Christmas Cottages, Slidell’s Nativity, Christmas songs, and much more. The four day celebration begins on Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3, and resumes on Friday, Dec. 9, and Saturday, Dec. 10, at Griffith Park in Olde Towne Slidell. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is free.

8th Annual “Christmas at TerraBella”

Sunday, December 4, 2016 3pm-6pm TerraBella Village, Covington LA 70433

Join our community as we celebrate the spirit of the season and experience the magic of Christmas. Enjoy live holiday music from local talent, hot chocolate, Christmas crafts, write letters to Santa, and ride the TerraBella Express. Special appearance from Santa Clause to greet and consult with children about their wish lists. Complementary and festive holiday event all children are sure to love. For more information email: laura@terrabellavillage.com or call 985-871-7171

Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights

This would be another option for a day trip and lots of driving along with lots of memories made.

The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights has existed for nearly 30 years to enhance the holiday experiences for locals, visitors and group tours. The trail spans I-20 and I-49 in north Louisiana and incorporates Shreveport-Bossier, Minden, Monroe-West Monroe, Natchitoches, and Alexandria/Pineville.

Festivities generally start in mid-November and run through the New Year. Some of the popular and recurring events include shopping/dining/entertainment at the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets in Shreveport-Bossier, Fasching Festival in Minden, shopping and dining in Antique Alley in Monroe-West Monroe, Festival of Lights in Natchitoches and the Christmas parades in Alexandria/Pineville.

The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights can be experienced in one day or a week with each day totally unique and special. The cities are all within driving distance of one another, making the tour a convenient hour-long trip from any one city to its neighboring city. Visitors are encouraged to see the brilliant lights, dine at the local restaurants, dance at the festivals, shop, and play in all of the eight festive cities.

See a full list of featured events—> https://www.holidaytrailoflights.com/

Facebook Holiday Events Guide

This is a comprehensive round-up of Family Friendly Holiday events & activities in Baton Rouge & beyond to make it easy for Baton Rouge families to find things to do this Christmas season, we hope you enjoy it! Be sure to click “GOING” on the Event Page to receive updates on Baton Rouge area holiday events and activities! We will update the list daily and welcome the community to list events as well!

FIND US ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM for more community info, activities and events!

Thanks to Associates in Pediatric Dentistry for sponsoring the Holiday Events Guide.

BATON ROUGE HALLOWEEN – TRICK-OR-TREATING HOURS

October 25, 2016 by Baton Rouge Moms

Grab your ghosts and goblins and join us for some Baton Rouge Halloween family fun, we have all of the details for Trick or Treat times, the Halloween parade, festival and more!

BATON ROUGE HALLOWEEN TRICK-OR-TREATING HOURS

East Baton Rouge Parish — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 31
West Baton Rouge Parish — 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31
Ascension Parish — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 31
East Feliciana Parish — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 31
Livingston Parish — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 31
Pointe Coupee Parish — 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 31
West Feliciana Parish — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31

Baton Rouge Halloween Festivities

October 29th – Grab your ghosts and goblins and join us for a day of Baton Rouge Halloween family fun with 10/31 Consortium’s Halloween Parade, Fun Run & Halloween Festival!
http://bit.ly/BRHalloweenParade

Baton Rouhge Halloween Trick or Treat

October 30th – Join Baton Rouge Moms at Mall of Louisiana for Boo on the Boulevard, Sunday October 30th, from 2pm-4pm. Baton Rouge Moms will be doing take home crafts with the kids and filling bags with tricks or treats! Come enjoy games and Trick or Treating on the Boulevard. *****Bring a canned good for the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank and receive a free carousel ride!*****

Baton Rouge Halloween: Parade, Festival, Race, Costume Drive

October 16, 2016 by Baton Rouge Moms

10/31 Consortium is a Baton Rouge based non-profit organization established in July 2010. The organization is a club for Halloween enthusiasts which hosts several Halloween-themed events throughout the year. These events all lead up to the organization’s largest events, the Fifolet Halloween Festival, Baton Rouge Halloween Parade, Pumpkin Pi 3.14 Mile Race and Tough Pumpkin Challenge and the parade’s corresponding masquerade ball, the Ghostly Gala. The organization remains dedicated to children and the preservation of this Autumn tradition by raising money for Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, collecting food for the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, collecting costumes for children in the Baton Rouge Big Buddy Program and by working with area neighborhoods to promote safe Trick or Treat practices. Baton Rouge Moms is honored to partner with 10/31 Consortium as their media sponsor and we have an amazing giveaway to share with you, see below!

Baton Rouge Halloween Parade

Baton Rouge Halloween Halloween Festival – Filofet

Halloween Town on the Levee Green, fun for the whole family, presented by Cricket Wireless. Halloween Town is the “finish festival” to the Pumpkin Pi 3.14 Mile Race. Kids can “trick or treat” in Halloween Town, participate in fun activities with BREC on the Geaux, paint pumpkins with Red Stick Pop Up Play, take pictures with the Petite Princess Company and enjoy a take home craft with Baton Rouge Moms! Halloween Town is from 8:30am – Noon on the Levee Green (by the USS Kidd) on parade day. Live music starts at noon and then the parade rolls by at 2 pm, a full day of family fun!

Baton Rouge Halloween Parade

The first unit in the Baton Rouge Halloween Parade is the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank truck. Volunteers will take non-perishable food donations straight from the crowd. Please give generously to those in need.

The parade begins at 2 p.m. on the corner of Government and St. Phillip and goes around the curve to head north on River Road. It then rolls east on Convention, north on 7th, west on Main, south on 5th, west on Laurel, and ends at River Road.

This event is for our entire community, therefore we have 2 party zones where the route crosses 3rd Street, a no alcohol zone on Convention between 5th and 7th, and a no scare zone on 7th between Convention and Laurel. We are glamming it up this Halloween with our “Candy Wishes and Halloween Dreams” theme (a play on the tagline from Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous) submitted by Roxanne Leachman! Bring the kids because we’re going to make it rain candy in Downtown Baton Rouge!

Congratulations to this year’s Grand Marshal, Jay Grymes from WAFB! He certainly deserves this honor after all of his hard work keeping us safe and informed during the historic flooding in August. Thank you, Jay!

Walk in the Parade!!

Small groups, individuals, families, etc. can walk in the parade for only $15/person, you do not have to be a part of a Krewe to walk in the parade! Register HERE as an Individual Walker and use discount code BRMOMS to get $5 off of the Individual Walker fee. —–> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2016-br-halloween-parade-tickets-27528188553

Baton Rouge Halloween Pumpkin Pi, Tough Pumpkin Challenge, Lil’ Pumpkins 1 Mile Fun Run

Pumpkin Pi 3.14 Mile Race and Tough Pumpkin Challenge on the Levee Green, presented by Fleet Feet Sports Baton Rouge and Table Fresh.

Get $10 OFF your Race Registration with the discount code BRMOMS. This is good for all 3 race categories: Pumpkin Pi, Tough Pumpkin Challenge, Lil’ Pumpkins 1 Mile Fun Run…. $10 off!!

Baton Rouge Halloween Costume Drive

10/31 Consortium is proud to partner with the Big Buddy Program, WEEN DREAM and Violet Lotus Studio to bring joy to the kids of our community this Halloween by providing FREE child sized Halloween Costumes! Thanks to community support from schools like St. Aloysius and St. Jude, and our new friends at WEEN DREAM in New Orleans, we are excited to announce that we have over 300 costumes to give out to area children for FREE this Halloween! While the idea was generally to help those directly affected by the flood, we are opening up this program to all families in need.

To receive a costume, simply go to Violet Lotus Studio on Saturday, 10/22 between 9am – 2pm. Volunteers will be ready to help you find the perfect costumes for your children!
Because supplies are limited, costumes will be given out on a first come, first served basis. We do anticipate a line so your patience is appreciated.

GIVEAWAY: 4 Spots on 10/31 Consortium’s Baton Rouge Halloween RIP (Really Important People) Float!

Halloween Costume, Halloween Race, Halloween Festival

This is the 10/31 Consortium RIP (Really Important People) Float. Float decorating will take place at On the Border the week prior to the parade. All are encouraged to help out because it’s a fun way to get to know your fellow riders. The float will be decorated with tombstones. We will share the date and time on decorating with the winner!

The only costume requirement is that you do need to wear a costume. It can be anything you are comfortable in as there is no specific theme for this particular float.

The minimum age to ride is 6.

a Rafflecopter giveaway