Text reading 'Festival of Lights' in white cursive font on a black background.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Saturday, December 5, 2026

Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Festival of Lights, Baton Rouge’s cherished downtown tradition, reimagined as a full-day experience from noon to 7 PM on the first Saturday in December. The event features the Reindeer Run, the Holiday Shop Hop, the Operation Save Santa Parade, live entertainment, and festive activities throughout downtown. The day culminates with the Lighting of the Tree and a dazzling fireworks display as families gather in the heart of Baton Rouge to kick off the holiday season.

Reindeer Run
5K & 1 Mile Fun Run
Saturday, December 5, 2026

Run through the lights during Festival of Lights! The Reindeer Run is back for the first time since 2019, and it’s a festive evening run or walk through downtown Baton Rouge for all ages and abilities.

Costumes and holiday accessories are encouraged!

1 Mile Fun Run: 5:45 PM | 5K: 6:15 PM
Start/Finish: 107 3rd St., Baton Rouge

Registration includes a race bib, jingle bells for your shoes, pre- and post-race snacks from Bally’s, sports drinks and water from Coca-Cola, and a drink ticket. Then stay downtown for food, music, and drinks.

$25 Fun Run | $35 5K | $40 race day.
Teams of 10+ and Arts Council members save 15%.

All proceeds benefit the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge.

Register Now

VOLUNTEER WITH US!

Join the Festival of Lights volunteer team and help make the season shine by assisting artists, supporting vendors, and helping event staff throughout the day.

Sign Up
A woman smiling at a Christmas party, wearing a candy cane themed reindeer antlers headband and a red and green festive outfit, holding a red cup, with a background of Christmas lights and decorations.
Christmas tree decorated with lights and ornaments, with fireworks in the night sky and a crowd of people gathered around.
Children ice skating outdoors at night, with string lights overhead and a busy urban background.
Children and adults playing on a snow-covered area in an urban park during a festival of lights event, with city buildings, trees, and street signs in the background.
Night view of a white castle-like building with arched windows, fireworks lighting up the sky behind it, and red and yellow leaves on a tree on the right side of the image. There are streetlights and a person walking near a fence in the foreground.
Festive holiday decorations featuring a glittery green, red, and gold star ornament decorated with beads and tinsel, and behind it, a large red and white star-shaped lantern with zigzag patterns, surrounded by colorful lights.
A crowd of people gathered outdoors at night for a celebration, with snow falling and festive lights including a shaped light display in the background.
Santa Claus dressed in a red suit with white trim, wearing glasses, waving from a platform on the back of a white utility vehicle during a Christmas parade at night, with children and spectators reaching out towards him.
Five young women dressed as ballet dancers in colorful tutus and costumes standing in a line outdoors near a large decorated Christmas tree, with a person dressed as the Grinch in a Santa hat and red outfit facing them.
Large decorated Christmas tree with lights and ornaments in an outdoor public area at night, surrounded by people and presents, with a modern building and fireworks in the sky.
Two children and two stilt walkers dressed as elves in holiday costumes outside a building with large glass windows. The children are smiling, and the stilt walkers are wearing red, green, and white outfits.
Fireworks light up the night sky above a castle-like building at an outdoor event with a stage and many spectators.
Group of people gathered around a table at an outdoor event during the evening, with some examining items or signing papers, and others smiling and chatting. The scene is lit with various lights and there is a large bridge visible in the background.
A young girl in pink ice skating attire practicing skating with a woman in black on an ice rink.
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Logo of the City of Baton Rouge Parish of East Baton Rouge with a red vertical line, the letters 'BR' in gray, and black text below.