Santa Claus arrives in Cenla, Christmas shopping among week's events

It will look a lot like Christmas this week in Central Louisiana. Here's what you don't want to miss.

Want to add an event? Email mmartinez@gannett.com.

‘Arsenic & Old Lace’

LSU of Alexandria's Empty Space Players will present the dark comedy play "Arsenic & Old Lace."

Where: Richard Gwartney Theatre at Mulder Hall on the LSUA campus, 8100 U.S. 71.

Showtimes: 7:30 nightly through Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets: Free for LSUA students with ID. $5-$10 at ticket-central.org

Jena Christmas Block Party

Jena merchants will throw a party Thursday throughout downtown.

Participating merchants include Ace Family Hardware, Blue Sparrow Bridal Company, Caboose Boutique, Champlin's Furniture, Chloe A Children's Boutique, Cleda's Flower Shop, Cotton Boll Florals, Crossroads Nutrition, Danielle's Designs, Dream Land Venue, Honeycutt Pharmacy, Initially Blessed, Jena Nutrition, Maggie's Fashion Boutique, Miss B's Place, Rae Rae's Gifts, Reid's Jewelry, Rustic Revivals, Save The Date, Skin by Rebecca, The Black Door, The Olive Branch and Unique Designs.

Wear this year's Block Party T-shirt available from participating merchants to take advantage of discounts.

When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday.

Where: Downtown Jena.

Santa Arrival at Alexandria Mall

Santa Claus will arrive at the Alexandria Mall and at Country Inn & Suites in Pineville Saturday, ushering in the Christmas season in Central Louisiana.
Santa Claus will arrive at the Alexandria Mall and at Country Inn & Suites in Pineville Saturday, ushering in the Christmas season in Central Louisiana.

Santa Claus arrives at Alexandria Mall. Sponsored by Healthy Blue. Character greetings, goody bags and one free holiday train ride for the first 200 children are part of the festivities. Santa visits and photo opportunities will be available daily through Dec. 24.

Where: Alexandria Mall, 3437 Masonic Drive.

When: 11 a.m., Saturday.

Admission: Free.

Santa Stop

Santa Claus will fly in by helicopter at Country Inn & Suites in Pineville. The event includes children's activities, drawings for prizes, a coloring contest, free snacks and drinks, and free pictures with Santa Claus.

Where: Country Inn & Suites, 2727 Monroe Highway (La. 165), Pineville.

When: 1-4 p.m., Saturday.

Get Out and Fish

The Get Out and Fish Program and Fall Festival are scheduled for Saturday in Pineville. The family-friendly fishing event will include a fishing tournament for all ages, various fishing activities, and demonstrations and raffles. The pond at Forts Randolph & Buhlow will be stocked with adult-size channel catfish prior to the event.

It's hosted by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the City of Pineville, and the Louisiana History Museum.

Where: Forts Randolph & Buhlow, 135 Riverfront Street, Pineville.

When: Festival runs from 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A beginner catfishing class is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. Participation is limited. Sign up at louisianaoutdoors.com/events.

This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Christmas shopping among week's events, Santa Claus arrives in Cenla,