Christmas in the Twin Cities 2022: Here's your guide to holiday events

Ian Robinson, Monroe News-Star
·5 min read

This article will be updated. If you have an event you'd like to add, please email reporter Ian Robinson at irobinson@gannett.com.

It's Christmas time in the Twin Cities! Holiday events are already starting and will continue through the end of the year. Here is a guide to some in-person events happening in Monroe and West Monroe this year.

City of Monroe Annual Christmas Tree Lightning

Join the City of Monroe for the annual Christmas Lightning Ceremony on Dec. 2 at the Monroe Civic Center, 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway. Activities include refreshments such as hot chocolate and cookies, and a movie to follow.

Holly Jolly Breakfast

Enjoy a tasty holiday breakfast with characters from the Twin City Ballet's "Santa's Spy" 9 a.m. at the Monroe Civic Center, 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway. Activities include making reindeer food to put out for Santa's reindeer, create crafts, and more. Professional pictures with Santa Clause will be taken also.

Ticket prices are $15. The ticket price includes a matinee performance of "Santa's Spy" following breakfast. For more information, visit twincityballet.org.

Twin City Christmas Gala

Don't miss out on the Twin City Ballet's Christmas Gala's performance on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. The annual Festival of Trees and Patron Party kicks off the evening, and the gala features a performance of "Santa's Spy" as well as a new piece by local choreographer Leila Alsup. For ticket information, visit twincityballet.org.

Christmas on the River

Don't miss the Christmas on the River Festival Day in downtown West Monroe and Monroe on Saturday, Dec. 4. The day consists of the following events:

  • Christmas on the River 5K at 8:30 a.m.: The annual 5K is a loop course runs downtown and alongside the Ouachita River. Participants are encouraged to dress in their most festive Christmas colors or costumes. The event will not be timed as organizers have called it a fun race, and everyone is set to receive a medal. Visit runsignup.com to register.

  • Downtown Festival at 11 a.m.: Citizens can shop in downtown West Monroe, listen to live music and enjoy food trucks all day in Alley Park, Natchitoches Street.

  • Kiwanis Parade at 3:30 p.m.: The 50th Annual Kiwanis Christmas Parade will take place in Downtown West Monroe and Monroe.

  • Fireworks at 6 p.m.: Don't miss the Christmas on the River fireworks show! The fireworks, shot from the Endom Bridge, are best viewed from either downtown Monroe or West Monroe.

  • Wagon rides through the lights from 7 to 9 p.m.: Pick-up on Trenton Street in Alley Park every 30 minutes.

Bawcomville Redneck Christmas Parade

The Bawcomville Redneck Christmas Parade starts at 10 a.m. on Dec. 3. Don't miss out on floats with fun-loving redneck themes and throws that range from beads to toys to other surprises! The route starts on Smith Street from Riser Elementary School to Jonesboro Road.

Gingerbread House Workshop

Looking for fun Christmas activities for the kids? The annual workshop on Dec. 4 at 1 p.m. at the Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum, 323 Walnut Street St., Monroe, includes a gingerbread house, all decorating supplies, and admission to Santa's Christmas Village. Admission is $40.

Children's Lighted Parade

Light up your bikes, trikes, wagons and battery-powered cars for a parade under the Christmas lights in downtown West Monroe on Dec. 9. Line-up starts at 5:15 p.m. with the parade starting at 6 p.m.

Pet Photos with Santa

Your pets have an opportunity to take pictures with Santa Claus at the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens, 2006 Riverside Dr., Monroe, on Dec. 10 at 9 a.m. Dogs must be on a leash and other pets should be in a carrier. Admission is $15.

Ongoing activities

Christmas at Kiroli

Celebrate Christmas at Kiroli Park, 820 Kiroli Road, West Monroe, this holiday season with a drive-through Christmas light display and other holiday activities every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. starting Nov. 25 until Christmas Day.

Admission is $10 per vehicle and $20 for commercial vehicles. Shuttle vans, buses, RVs, trailers and any vehicle that exceeds 7 ft. 10 in. are restricted. Season passes will be available to purchase online which allows unlimited trips through the park at night during the holiday season.

Holiday wagon rides

Tour Christmas lights in Downtown West Monroe and Monroe. Alley Park Wagon Pick-up every 30 minutes. 5 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 25 through Dec. 23. $10 for adults and $5 for ages 12 and under. Proceeds benefit downtown riverfront projects.

Land of Lights & Downtown Displays

Visit Cotton Street for a free walkthrough wonderland of lights on the grassy lot. Shops and streets will be decked out for an event stroll or drive!

'Tis the Season to Sparkle

Take a peaceful walk under the sparkling Christmas light walkthrough at the RiverMarket, 316 South Grand Street, Monroe, this holiday season. The lights will run until Dec. 31.

Christmas Open House at The Biedenharn

Enjoy the beautiful Christmas decorations throughout the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens, 2006 Riverside Drive, Monroe, courtesy of the Monroe Garden Study League from 5 to 8 p.m Dec. 1 to Dec. 3. Admissions is free.

Santa's Christmas Village

Don't miss out on Santa's Christmas Village at the Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum, located at 323 Walnut Street, Monroe starting Dec. 1 through Dec. 23. Activities includes cookie decorating, visits with Santa, Make and Take holiday ornaments, snow shows, festive light display, rides down Mount Sneaux, photo ops and the new giant snow globe.

Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts Presents A Christmas Carol

Join the Strauss Youth Academy this holiday season for their performances of Charles Dicken's story, "A Christmas Carol." Peformances are: 7 p.m. on Dec. 9 and Dec. 10, 3 p.m. on Dec. 11, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Dec. 17, and 3 p.m. on Dec. 18. For ticket information, visit syaaonline.com.

Candy Cane Lane

Don't miss out on the mile-long wooded drive decorated with over million Christmas lights in Calhoun, located at 170 Hwy 151 North. Candy Cane Land also includes an interactive musical lights display. It runs until Dec. 31 from 6 to 10 p.m. $20 for family vehicles and $40 for commercial vehicles.

Follow Ian Robinson on Twitter @_irobinsonand on Facebook at https://bit.ly/3vln0w1.

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This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Here's a list of holiday events in Monroe, West Monroe