The fun kicks off Thursday night!

After a day of traveling, you’re probably hungry! Dine in Downtown Monroe or West Monroe and treat yourself to delicious eats. Try Trapp’s in West Monroe for their famous seafood nachos (so good) or Planter's in Monroe for delectable pizzas and oysters.

Start a new family tradition at the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens Christmas Open House. Santa, festive decorations, bright lights, trees, shopping, Coca-Cola galore, and history can be found at this local favorite event. Or head the Downtown Gallery Crawl for art, music, and fun.

Call it a night early to rest for a fun filled Friday or check out our calendar of events for fun happening around the Twin Cities.

Start your morning with coffee or a sweet treat from one of our local coffee shops. Fuel up for what’s about to be a day of holiday cheer!

Head to one of our many attractions for a fun afternoon. Take a walk on the wild side at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo or step into history at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum.

It’s time to eat! With over 100 locally owned restaurants in Monroe-West Monroe, you’re sure to find something to please everyone in your group. Try Catfish Charlie’s for thin & crispy catfish that will have you coming back for more or Flying Heart Brewing & Pub for pizza, pretzels, wings, and more!

Visit Santa’s Christmas Village at the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum! Snow shows, cookie decorating, a light show, rides down Mount Sneaux, and photo ops are on the agenda. Santa Claus will be there to hear what’s on everyone’s Christmas list, so come prepared!

Christmas lights take over the Twin Cities and are not to be missed! The City of Monroe is hosting their Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:00!

Candy Cane Lane will open at 6:00 PM with over one million Christmas lights to drive through. This mile-wooded drive, decorated with beautiful lights, is not to be missed!

Make the night bright at Christmas at Kiroli! Drive through a wonderland of lights and instantly feel holiday cheer.

Want to park your car? No worries! Head to Downtown West Monroe and hop on a Wagon Ride through the lights. See all the magical lights in Monroe-West Monroe in an open-air wagon.

That’s not all! There are more lights around Monroe-West Monroe waiting to be discovered.

Time to fuel up food and caffeine! It’s a BIG day. Try Delta Biscuit Company for some of the best biscuits around or Lea’s of LeCompte for a classic feel-good breakfast.

It’s time to celebrate Christmas redneck style at the Bawcomville Redneck Christmas Parade! Enjoy floats with fun-loving redneck themes and throws that range from beads and toilet paper to ramen noodles and other surprises. The fun kicks off at 10:00 AM.

Head to Downtown West Monroe for a day of holiday fun. Food trucks, festivities, and shopping galore can be found starting in Downtown.

Why go to just one parade when you can go to three?! The Kiwanis Christmas Parade rolls through Downtown Monroe AND West Monroe starting at 3:30 PM. Catch throws and stick around for Santa’s grand entrance. The Sterlington Christmas Parade will roll through Sterlington at 6:30 PM.

The Christmas on the River Fireworks will decorate the sky starting at 6:00 PM. These are best viewed in either Downtown Monroe or West Monroe.

It’s been a busy day, but there’s more fun to be had. The Twin City Ballet Company will present a performance of Scrooge at the Monroe Civic Center at 7:00 PM.

You’re now ready for Christmas on the River Festival Weekend! Still looking for ways to celebrate the holidays? Click here.