Alex Winter Fete opens Thursday with ice skating, fireworks, street performers and more

Melinda Martinez, Alexandria Town Talk
·2 min read

It’s beginning to look a lot like Alex Winter Fete in downtown Alexandria. One Cenla's most popular festivals returns Thursday and continues through Sunday.

The outdoor ice skating rink opens at 5 p.m. Thursday. Skating is free for those who choose to wait in line, but those who want to skip over it can purchase Fast Pass wristbands at eventbrite.com.

Wristbands are $10 per day and $25 for the weekend. A limited number are available per day and are not refundable. Wristbands can be picked at Alex WinterFete’s Concierge Booth on the corner of Murray and 3rd streets.

Skate times are 5-9 p.m. Thursday, 5-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m-11 p.m. Saturday and after the Christmas parade Sunday until 8 p.m.

One of the more popular area festivals, Alex Winter Fete, returns Thursday and continues through Sunday.
One of the more popular area festivals, Alex Winter Fete, returns Thursday and continues through Sunday.

In addition, the festival includes live music, Christmas karoke, craft and food vendors, street performers like fire breathers and stilt walkers, fireworks, Polar Express Train, Santa's Village where Santa and Mrs. Claus will take photos with visitors, Jolly Junction and various children's activities. Check the Alex Winter Fete Facebook Page for details.

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Here's a schedule:

Thursday: 5-9 p.m. Holiday Magic includes the traditional lighting of the Christmas Tree with performances by local dance and school groups and Santa Claus’ arrival at Alexander Fulton Mini-Park.

Friday: 5-11 p.m.

Friday's Music lineup includes:

  • 6-7 p.m., Gerald Gruening.

  • 7:15-8-15 p.m., Mariah Hester.

  • 8:30-9:30 p.m., Chubby Carrier.

  • 9:45-10:45 p.m., Clay Cormier.

Saturday: 10 a.m. to midnight.

  • 8 a.m., Ugly Sweater 5K.

  • 10 a.m., Gumbo Cook-off.

  • 3 p.m., Cookie-eating contest.

  • 6 p.m., Alexandria Museum of Art Luminary Procession.

  • Fireworks start after Luminary Procession reaches the Amphitheatre.

Saturday's music line up includes:

  • 6:15-7:15 p.m., Gyth Rigdon.

  • 7:30-8:30 p.m., Trini Triggs.

  • 9:30-10:15 p.m., Shilo.

  • 10:30-11:30 p.m., Keith Frank & The Soileau Zydeco Band.

Sunday: 2 p.m. Christmas Parade rolls through downtown Alexandria. Starts at 10th and Murray Streets, then turns left on 5th Street, right on Jackson, then right on 3rd Street. Parade ends at 3rd and St. James Streets.

This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Alex Winter Fete opens Thursday with ice skating, fireworks and more