Christmas in the Twin Cities 2023: Here's your guide to holiday events
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 beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Holiday events have been scheduled up until the end of the year. Downtown West Monroe will be kicking off the holiday season with their annual Holiday Open House where shops in Antique Alley will be offering refreshments and specials for patrons on Sunday, Nov. 5.
Here is a guide to some in-person events happening in Monroe and West Monroe this holiday season.
Holiday Outdoor Movie
Families can bring blankets and chairs to enjoy a free holiday outdoor movie in Alley Park on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 5:30 p.m.
City of West Monroe Christmas Tree Lighting
Join the City of West Monroe in kicking off the Christmas season with live entertainment and the official lighting of the Christmas Tree at West Monroe City Hall, 2305 N. 7th Street, West Monroe on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. Kids are encouraged to bring letters to Santa and a new toy for the West Monroe Fire Department toy drive.
Christmas on the River Festival Day
Don't miss out the annual Christmas on the River Festival Day in downtown West Monroe on Saturday, Dec. 2. The day consists of the following events:
Christmas on the River 5K and Walk at 9:30 a.m.: The annual holiday 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. Early packet pick up is at The Perfect Find, 318 Trenton St., West Monroe, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.
2023 Kiwanis of Greater Ouachita Christmas Parade at 3:30 p.m.: Come enjoy the holiday floats, bands and dancers at the 51st annual Christmas parade through downtown West Monroe and downtown Monroe. This year's theme is "Ugly Christmas Sweaters." The parade will start on Wood Street in West Monroe, take the Endom Bridge over to Monroe, hang a left up Walnut Street by the Children's Museum over to the Louisville Bridge, then back up Trenton Street in West Monroe to Wood Street.
Christmas on the River 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.
Bawcomville Redneck Christmas Parade
The Bawcomville Redneck Christmas Parade starts at 10 a.m. on Dec. 2. 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.
Children's Lighting Bike Parade
Light up your bikes, trikes, wagons and battery-powered cars for a parade under the Christmas lights in downtown West Monroe on Dec. 8. Line-up starts at 5:15 p.m. with the parade starting at 6 p.m. Prizes will be given out for Best Dressed and Most Festive.
Ongoing activities
Antique Alley Extended Hours on Fridays and Saturdays
Several shops in downtown Monroe will offer extended shopping hours on Fridays and Saturdays from Thanksgiving until Christmas.
Candy Cane Land
Come and enjoy the mile-long wooded drive decorated with over a million Christmas lights at 170 Highway 151 North, Calhoun. Cost is $20 for family vehicles and $40 for commercial passenger vans. Trailers, buses and motorhomes over 30 feet are restricted. For more information, visit candycanelane.net.
Downtown wagon rides through the lights
Vanguard Realty is sponsoring wagon tours are available to look at the Christmas lights in downtown West Monroe and downtown Monroe. Pick ups are in Alley Park every 30 minutes. Wagon rides are available from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays until Dec. 30.
Land of Lights
Check out the light displays in downtown Monroe and downtown West Monroe beginning at 5:30 p.m. each night from Nov. 25 to Dec. 31.
Drive-Thru Lights at Kiroli Park
Drive through a wonderland of Christmas lights at Kiroli Park, 820 Kiroli Road starting Friday, Nov. 24. The drive-thru display lights will be open every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and some Thursdays from 6−9 p.m. through Christmas Day. $10 per vehicle or $20 for a commercial vehicle.
Follow Ian Robinson on Twitter @_irobinson and on Facebook at https://bit.ly/3vln0w1.
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This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Here's a list of 2023 holiday events in Monroe and West Monroe
