About the Festival
Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee is a holiday tradition that could only belong to Louisiana. Each year on Christmas Eve, the Mississippi River’s quiet banks light up with towering bonfires instead of the usual Christmas lights. Some of these fiery structures stretch 20 to 30 feet high and are often built in classic pyramid shapes. According to local tradition, these glowing beacons are meant to light the way for Papa Noël, the Cajun Santa Claus, as he makes his Christmas Eve journey.
Rooted in the customs of the region’s earliest Cajun settlers, this tradition has always been about community. Weeks before Christmas, local families—especially those from St. James and St. John parishes—come together to build the bonfires and line them up on the levees along the Mississippi river.
On Christmas eve, these bonfires are lit, coming alive with warmth and a sense of celebration. During the lighting of these bonfires, the families that built these structures gather around, sharing their beloved tradition with visitors who are curious and eager to experience this unique holiday celebration. Aside from the breathtaking bonfires, the event also features great music and food that the locals happily share with their guests.
Festival Dates
As its name suggests, Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee happens every December 24, making it a one-day event, but one that is filled with a great sense of festivity and community. On this special day, the local community along with visitors from afar spend their time outside along the levees, feeling the warmth of the bonfires, enjoying great food, and sharing laughter and stories that make Christmas eve even more special…