36th Annual Festival of the Bonfires
December 12 - December 14
A Beloved Holiday Tradition Along the River
Experience one of Louisiana’s most unique and iconic holiday celebrations at the Festival of the Bonfires in St. James Parish! Each year, locals and visitors gather along the Mississippi River to enjoy three days of food, music, family activities, and the famed bonfires that light the way for Papa Noël.
December 12-14, 2025
Celebrate the holiday season in Louisiana’s River Parishes at the Festival of the Bonfires in Lutcher. This three-day tradition features the festival’s ceremonial bonfire lighting, a festive preview of the levee bonfires that light the way for Papa Noël.
Enjoy live music and entertainment, delicious Cajun and Creole food, and the popular Gumbo Cookoff. Families can experience carnival rides, children’s activities, and photos with Santa, along with a holiday market offering handmade gifts, seasonal décor, and local specialties.
Evening festivities often include fireworks and special performances leading up to the lighting of the bonfire.
🎉 Celebrate a River Parishes Tradition
The Festival of the Bonfires is a must-experience holiday event for anyone visiting or living in Louisiana’s River Parishes. With its blend of tradition, community spirit, and festive fun, it’s the perfect way to kick off the Christmas season along the Mississippi River.
Plan your visit and be part of this unforgettable celebration — where the bonfires glow, the music flows, and holiday traditions come alive! 🔥
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Discover Exciting Ways to Explore
Make planning your next vacation to Louisiana's River Parishes easy. Use one of our trip itineraries to get started.
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New Orleans PLANTATIONS Country
Explore the 10 historic estates in the River Parishes of Louisiana and discover the stories rooted in their past.
New Orleans SWAMP Country
Create memories learning the folklore of our swamps and viewing gators in their natural habitat.
ANDOUILLE Trail
Andouille was created here, so get out and try the local smokehouses that each have their own version of the "best".
OUTDOOR RECREATION
The region out here is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and find adventure.
Lac Des Allmands
Famous for catfish, Lac Des Allemands is a haven for outdoor sportsmen.
PERIQUE
Enjoyed around the world, Perique can only be grown and processed out here.
CAJUN & CREOLE CUISINE
Cajun and Creole cuisine are as necessary to our culture as the people who make it.
TRANSPORTATION
Tour buses, shuttles and local airports are all transportation options for the River Parishes.
STAY OUT HERE
Louisiana's River Parishes offers a wide range of lodging options from rustic and quaint to upscale and luxurious.