Natchitoches, also referred to as The City of Lights, turns into a Christmas wonderland beginning on the Saturday prior to Thanksgiving each year when over 300,000 lights and 100 lighted set pieces are turned on for the Christmas season. Each Saturday after the initial weekend until New Years, fireworks are featured with entertainment on the Riverbank in downtown Natchitoches. On the first Saturday in December, Natchitoches welcomes visitors from all around the state and nation to the annual Christmas Festival, which is currently in its 93^rd year.

The Festival first began in 1927 when Max Burgdorf, the superintendent of utilities for the city, decided that the community needed an event to celebrate the season. He purchased enough 10-watt bulbs to string along Front Street and to make a set piece to display on the riverbank. The displays grew each year and were permanently placed along the riverbank until 2002. At that time, set pieces were removed at the conclusion of each season. The Natchitoches Utility Department is responsible for maintaining all lights and for the design and construction of all set pieces making them unique to the community.

The first Christmas Festival parade is believed to have taken place in the 1940s. In 1936, fireworks were added to the festival. The Northwestern State University School of Creative and Performing Arts performs the Christmas Gala, which is in its 31^st year, on the Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings before the Festival each year.

The Christmas Festival has grown into a family-friendly event and the tradition has helped shape Natchitoches’ unique history. Many events coincide during the Christmas season and can be accessed by visiting natchitocheschristmas.com/schedule.