Dec5Sat
Central Christmas Parade
Joor Road · Central
- Time
- 9–11 a.m.
- Price
- Not listed
Good to know: A morning parade from the City of Central.
Christmas parades 2026Baton Rouge · Red Stick
Christmas parades and tree lightings in Baton Rouge, 2026.
We found six Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Baton Rouge with 2026 dates: four parades and two tree lightings and lighting nights, three free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.
The quick answersChecked
When’s the Christmas parade?Central Christmas Parade: Dec 5 · 9–11 a.m. Plus 3 more.4 paradesWhen’s the tree lighting?Festival of Lights: Dec 5 · Noon–7 p.m. Plus 1 more.2 lightingsIs it free?3 of 6 are free to watch; the rest list a price.3 freeDaytime or after dark?5 daytime, 1 in the evening. Each card is marked.1 evening
By date
Every parade and tree lighting, soonest first
Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.
5DecSatFestival of Lights
Tree lighting · Noon–7 p.m.5DecSatCentral Christmas Parade
Parade · 9–11 a.m.5DecSatCentral Christmas Tree LightingTree lighting · 5:45–6:30 p.m.5DecSatZachary Christmas ParadeParade · 2 p.m.5DecSatWalker Christmas ParadeParade · 3 p.m.12DecSatDenham Springs Christmas ParadeParade · 2 p.m.
Tree lighting · Noon–7 p.m.5DecSatCentral Christmas ParadeParade · 9–11 a.m.5DecSatCentral Christmas Tree LightingTree lighting · 5:45–6:30 p.m.5DecSatZachary Christmas ParadeParade · 2 p.m.5DecSatWalker Christmas ParadeParade · 3 p.m.12DecSatDenham Springs Christmas ParadeParade · 2 p.m.Nothing matches that filter yet.
Christmas parades
Christmas parades in and around Baton Rouge
Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.
Dec5Sat
Zachary Christmas Parade
Church Street Park to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church · Zachary
- Time
- 2 p.m.
- Price
- Free to watch
Good to know: This year’s theme is Blizzard on Main Street. The route ends at the church on Ridgeway Street.
Dec5Sat
Walker Christmas Parade
Walker · Walker
- Time
- 3 p.m.
- Price
- Free to watch
Good to know: Walker’s Saturday-afternoon parade, an hour after Zachary’s. Check the listing for the route before you pick a spot.
Dec12Sat
Tree lightings
Tree lightings and lighting nights near Baton Rouge
Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.
Dec5Sat
Festival of Lights
North Boulevard Town Square · Downtown Baton Rouge
- Time
- Noon–7 p.m.; the tree lighting and fireworks close the day
- Price
- Free
Good to know: Now a full day downtown, with the Operation Save Santa Parade and live entertainment. The Reindeer Run’s 1-mile fun run starts at 5:45 p.m.
Dec5Sat
Central Christmas Tree Lighting
Corner of Hooper and Sullivan roads · Central
- Time
- 5:45–6:30 p.m.
- Price
- Not listed
Good to know: Jazz band, make-your-own hot cocoa, photos with Santa and fireworks.
Before you go
Three things that make parade night easier
SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.Every year
Parades and tree lightings that come back every year
Each of these comes back every year. Its page keeps the last confirmed dates, and the new ones go up there once they’re posted. Every year in Baton Rouge
Central Christmas ParadeKeep planning
More for little kids in Baton Rouge
November: things to do in Baton RougeEvery dated listing for the month, by weekDecember: things to do in Baton RougeEvery dated listing for the month, by week
Free things to do in Baton RougeFree days, free events and places that never charge
Indoor play in Baton RougeIndoor playgrounds, toddler times, museums and classes, with prices
Thanksgiving weekend in Baton RougeParades, turkey trots and what’s open on Thursday
Christmas trains in Baton RougePolar Express, Santa and lights trains with datesThe Nutcracker in Baton RougeBallet and touring shows, sensory-friendly flaggedChristmas break in Baton RougeWhat’s open on Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1
This week in Baton RougeDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every ThursdayGood questions
Christmas parades in Baton Rouge: the FAQ
Central Christmas Parade: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 9–11 a.m. (Central). Zachary Christmas Parade: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 2 p.m. (Zachary). Walker Christmas Parade: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 3 p.m. (Walker). Denham Springs Christmas Parade: Sat, Dec 12, 2026, 2 p.m. (Denham Springs).
Festival of Lights at North Boulevard Town Square: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, Noon–7 p.m.; the tree lighting and fireworks close the day. Central Christmas Tree Lighting at Corner of Hooper and Sullivan roads: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 5:45–6:30 p.m.
Three of the six we list are free to watch: Festival of Lights, Zachary Christmas Parade and Walker Christmas Parade. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.
Daytime ones are easiest with toddlers: Festival of Lights, Central Christmas Parade and Zachary Christmas Parade. Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.
Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 21, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.
Holiday plans every Thursday.
One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Baton Rouge that weekend, parades included.
