Ruston & Lincoln Parish will kick off its six-week holiday season on Thursday, November 16 with the Kickoff to Christmas and Holiday Open House event in downtown Ruston. Holiday events and activities will continue weekly through December 22 for residents and visitors to enjoy.
“The holidays are a busy and exciting season for our destination,” said Amanda Carrier, President & CEO of Experience Ruston. “We consistently see a spike in visitor traffic to Ruston & Lincoln Parish during this time of year, especially in our downtown district.”
Downtown Ruston saw more than 18,000 visitors during last year’s six-week holiday season, accounting for an impressive 20% of the district’s annual visitation.
In addition to the offerings in Ruston & Lincoln Parish, visitors are also encouraged to experience the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights, a partnership of ten festive cities celebrating the holidays in North Louisiana. The trail features events and attractions in Alexandria/Pineville, Minden, Monroe-West Monroe, Natchitoches, Ruston, Logansport, and Shreveport-Bossier.
“The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights partnership across North and Central Louisiana in an economic engine for growth in our region, providing locals and visitors alike with an opportunity to celebrate longtime family traditions and create new ones” said Serena Gray, Board Chairman for the Holiday Trail of Lights. “The impact that these experiences leave on our destinations are evident long after the holidays. Increased occupancy and sales tax revenues fuel our communities and improve our quality of life.”
More information about the Holiday Trail of Lights can be found at www.holidaytrailoflights.com.
The upcoming holiday season will feature several family-friendly events across Ruston & Lincoln Parish. See below for a preview of holiday events happening in the area.
Downtown Ruston Holiday EventsNov. 16: Kickoff to Christmas & Holiday Open House, 6pm, Railroad Park
Nov. 16-Dec. 16 (Fridays & Saturdays): Downtown Carriage Rides, 7-10pm, Railroad ParkDec. 7: Downtown Holiday Sip & Stroll, 5-7pm, Downtown Ruston
Dec. 7: Holiday Sing-A-Long, 6:30pm, Railroad Park
Dec. 9: Cookies with Santa, 9-11am, Historic Fire StationContact: Amy Stegall, 318-251-8647, amystegall@rustonla.gov
Lincoln Lights Up the PinesNov. 30-Dec. 2, Dec. 7-95:30-10:00pm, Lincoln Parish ParkContact: Lynne Gnemi, 318-614-1407, lynne.gnemi1@gmail.com
RCT Presents: The Best Christmas Pageant EverNov. 30-Dec. 3Thurs - Sat at 7pm, Sun at 2pm, Dixie Center for the Arts
Contact: Tami Alexander, 318-503-4473, tami@lockwoodrealtor.com
NCLAC’s Holiday Arts TourDec. 2
10am-5pm, Downtown Ruston
Contact: Marcie Nelson, 318-224-7072, nclac5@gmail.com
Dixie Center for the Arts Holiday EventsDec. 8: Home for the Holidays, 7pm, Dixie Center for the Arts
Dec. 9: Travis Ledoyt’s Sun and the Stars Christmas, 7pm, Dixie Center for the Arts
Dec. 22: Holiday Movie Night: A Christmas Carol, 7pm, Dixie Center for the Arts
Contact: Judy Copeland, 318-255-1450, dixiecenter@gmail.com
Ruston Christmas ParadeDec. 1610am, Route TBDContact: Claire Givens, c.givens@khotels.net
Ruston Sports Complex Holiday EventsDec. 16: Ruston Rudolph Run 5K, 8:30am, Ruston Sports ComplexDec. 16: Christmas at the Ruston Sports Complex, 9:30am, Ruston Sports Complex
Select dates in December: Artificial Ice Skating
Contact: Matt Cotton, 318-251-8639, mattcotton@rustonla.gov
To see a full list of holiday events, visit www.rustonlincoln.com/holidays. For questions about these and other holiday happenings in Ruston & Lincoln Parish, contact Tori Davis at 318-255-2031 or tdavis@rustonlincoln.com.