'Tis the season! See dates, times for Christmas events in Central Louisiana
Christmas events are getting underway in Central Louisiana. The list will be updated with more events throughout the season so keep checking back.
Children’s Advocacy Network Christmas Toy Drive
Donations accepted until Dec. 5
Donation sites:
1751 Jackson Street, Alexandria
2805C East Oak Street, Jena
457 Second Street, Colfax
631 North Main Street, Marksville
104 S. Jones Street, Winnfield
Give online at https://rapidescac.kindful.com/?campaign=1276573
Nov. 18
Santa Stop
Where: Country Inn & Suites/Pineville Convention Center, 2727 Monroe Highway, Pineville
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Pictures with Santa as well as goodies for the kids. Dec. 1-22
Santa’s Arrival at Alexandria Mall
Where: Alexandria Mall Food Court, Alexandria Mall, 3437 Masonic Dr.
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Santa’s grand arrival will include a character breakfast.
Cost: $5 for Santa Arrival Breakfast tickets. Each ticket will include a Chick-fil-A butter biscuit, jelly, juice, and a children’s train ride ticket to redeem during the morning’s festivities. Proceeds benefit the Salvation Army of Alexandria and their holiday efforts. Tickets not required to view the event.
Holiday music from DJ Bow Bow, crafts and costumed characters prior to Santa Claus’ arrival. Parade from the food court to Santa’s holiday home following breakfast to share wish lists, a visit with Santa Claus and photo opportunities.
Dec. 1
Christmas in Kee Park
Where: Kees Park, 2450 Highway 28 East, Pineville
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Trail of lights. Sant can visit Santa Claus at the Santa House. Live music, food, Santa Claus and lights at Kees Park. Event opens at 6 p.m. Dec. 1 with live music, food vendors, hot cocoa and Santa Claus.
Town of Ball Christmas Festival
Where: Town of Ball Walking Trail, 100 Municipal Lane, Ball
Time: 6 p.m.
Lighting of park and decorating of town Christmas tree. Children can bring ornament to put on tree. Tioga High School Choir Christmas Concert.
Dec. 2
Annual River Oaks Christmas Porch Sale
Where: River Oaks Square Arts Center, 1330 Second Street, Alexandria
Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Artwork from local and regional artists for sale.
Annual Breakfast with Santa in Ball
Where: Town of Ball Walking Trail, 100 Municipal Lane, Ball
Time: 9-11 a.m.
CPKC Holiday Express Train
Where: 901 Melrose Street, Railroad tracks behind Louisiana Christian University
Time: 4 p.m.
Raising money and awareness for food banks across the country including the Food Bank of Central Louisiana.
Aunt Julia’s Garden Christmas Crafts Fair
Where: Aunt Julia’s Garden, 2601 Messina Road, Boyce
Dec. 8
Christmas Parade in Pineville
Where: Route starts on Main Street in Pineville
Time: 7 p.m.
Dec. 9
Ball Christmas Parade
Where: Parade begins at Powell Drive, rolls down Highway 165 and ends at the Dairy Queen
Time: 2 p.m.
Dec. 10
Alexandria Christmas Parade
Where: Route is now back at its old route. Starts at Centre Court, travels to Dorchester Drive, then Jackson Street Extension and Ola Street. Time: 2 p.m.
Dec. 10-11
Drumline Live! Holiday Spectacular
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 1202 3rd St, Alexandria
Cost: $27-$37. Purchase online at louisiana-arts.org
Holiday cheer combining gospel, jazz, soul, Motown and "The Nutcracker Suite" mixed with a hip-hop beat and the driving force of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching band.
Dec. 16
Town of Pollock Christmas Festival
Where: La Croix Park, 3168 Highway 8, Pollock
Time: Starts at 11 a.m. with vendors and hot air balloon rides. Christmas Parade at 2 p.m. Fireworks at 6 p.m. Music and photos with Santa Claus start after parade.
Dec. 14-17
A Calvary Christmas featuring a living Nativity
Where: Calvary Baptist Church, 5011 Jackson St. Alexandria
Time: 7 p.m. Thursday thru Sunday with an additional 2 p.m. show Saturday.
Cost: $10 per ticket. Available at calvarynet.net/acalvarychristmas/, by call (318) 445-1426 or in the church’s music suite.
This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: 'Tis the season! See dates, times for Christmas events in Central Louisiana
