December 2025 Calendar-at-a-Glance

Art

Ongoing-February 14: Saratoga Collection: Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria). Donated to the museum by Marcel L. Wisznia and curated by Terrence Sanders-Smith, the Saratoga Collection features works created by artists living and working in the city in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The works in the collection are reflective of contemporary trends in art of the time and show some insight into the significance of this historic disaster on the art and culture of the city of New Orleans. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

December 6: River Oaks Christmas Porch Sale, River Oaks Square Arts Center (1330 Second Street, Alexandria), 9:00am-3:00pm. Original works of art just in time for the gift giving season! River Oaks’ Annual Porch Sale steadily grows to feature new artists from across the region. River Oaks is also home to a sales gallery which features exclusive works by the Louisiana Crafts Guild. This seasonal sale continues to be a major shopping event for artists, members and patrons. Over twenty artists are featured with sales stations as well as additional works from artists across the South! Cost: Free. Call: 318-473-2670. riveroaksartscenter.com

December 9: AMoA Creative Roundtable, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria), 5:30pm-7:00pm. Are you an artist or creative in Central Louisiana? Are you looking for a place to come and talk to other creatives? Join the Creative Round Table! Being an artist can be isolating, but we can lift each other up! Do you want to learn about grants and artist calls? Talk about process? Maybe you want to learn how other artists market their art or ship their art? Well, come on! Let’s talk about it! Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

December 13: Second Saturday at the Museum, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria). Enjoy the Alexandria Museum of Art without admission charge on the second Saturday of the month. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

December 16: Urban Sketching Art Gathering, First United Methodist Church (2727 Jackson Street, Alexandria), 3:00pm. A communal art meetup where participants—beginners through experienced—sketch buildings and scenery in ink and/or watercolor. December’s session takes place on the FUMC Alexandria campus. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-5696.

Music

December 7: A Worldwide Yuletide, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd Street, Alexandria), 2:30pm. The LSUA Empty Space players will be our travel guide to various locales and traditions. Familiar Christmas music from Britain, Ukraine, France, Germany, and Russia will be heard among pieces from other winter holidays, including Hannukah and Chinese New Years. The NSU Steel Drum Band will bring a Caribbean flair to the show. Our American traditions will be celebrated by Natchitoches-based vocalist D’Nissa Hester, who will join the orchestra, culminating with an audience sing-along, and hopefully a special visitor from the North Pole! Cost: $25.00 Adult; $15.00 (Seniors 65+); $10.00 Students; $50.00 Family (2 adults + 4 children). Call: 318-442-9709. rapidessymphony.org

December 11: Pastors Playing Jazzy Christmas, Lagniappe Theatre Company (7521 Coliseum Boulevard, Alexandria), 6:30pm. Three dynamic Pastors, three dynamic musicians, all in one place for one unforgettable night. Limited seating available, get your tickets now. Cost: $47.75.

December 12: A-Town Jazz, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 Third Street, Alexandria), 6:00pm-10:00pm. This year, you’re in for an unforgettable evening featuring live jazz by New Orleans’ own Tiffany Pollack, in the beautifully decorated lobby of the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center. Enjoy the evening with a specially curated menu of heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, as well as an opportunity to share the holiday spirit with fellow art lovers. Tables and Single Tickets are available. Cost: $50.00. Call: 318-484-4474. louisiana-arts.org

December 12: Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, St. James Episcopal Church (1620 Murray Street, Alexandria), 7:00pm. East Texas Baroque string players, playing period instruments, will be conducted by Weston Jennings from the harpsichord as they present “The Four Seasons” by Antonio Vivaldi. Marta Szlubowska and Rapides Symphony Orchestra concert master Lin He will be the guest violin soloists. A festive holiday reception in the parish hall immediately follows the concert. Sponsored by the McCormick-Smith Fund, Inc. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-9845. stjamesla.org

December 14: Christmas Cantata, First United Methodist Church (2727 Jackson Street, Alexandria), 10:00am. Performed by the Chancel Choir with special musical guests. A fellowship brunch follows in the Fellowship Hall. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-5696.

December 14: Charity Gale in Concert, Pentecostals of Alexandria (2817 Rapides Avenue, Alexandria), 7:00pm. Celebrate the joy of the season at Emmanuel, a Christmas night of worship with internationally acclaimed artist Charity Gayle. This Christmas, Charity and her team bring a brand-new worship experience, featuring unreleased Christmas worship songs, her new single “Emmanuel” featuring her husband Ryan Kennedy, and beloved classic Christmas favorites that capture the wonder of the season. Come be part of a powerful evening of worship, celebration, and Christmas joy! Cost: $35.00. poa.church

December 18: Red River Chorale Presents “Declaration”, St. Francis Xavier Cathedral (626 Fourth Street, Alexandria), 7:30pm. Join Red River Chorale for their annual holiday performance as we herald in the Christmas season. The program includes guest musicians and selections that spark joy and wonderment. Cost: $20.00 adults; $5.00 students. redriverchorale.com

Theatre

December 8, 15, 22, 29 & January 5: Military Monday at the Movies, Grand Theatre Alexandria (2039 North Mall Drive, Alexandria). All military personnel and first responders can enjoy the ultimate movie experience at Santikos Entertainment for just $5.00. Along with $5.00 movie tickets, they’ll also have access to a $5.00 large drink and a $5.00 large popcorn, making their cinema experience even more enjoyable and unforgettable. Valid ID required. Cost: $5.00.

December 19: Christmas Cinema Night in Cenla, Forts Randolph & Buhlow State Historic Site (135 Riverfront Street, Pineville), 5:00pm. Bring your blankets, hoodies, and Christmas spirit! Bundle up for the most magical night of the year. Get ready for a night of holiday magic under the stars hosted by The Purple Skye Festival, featuring the movie “Elf” on a massive 35-foot professional movie screen! Before the movie begins, enjoy hot chocolate, Christmas music, local vendors, family photo ops, cozy lighting, and holiday fun! Cost: $6.00 (ages 6+).

Events

Ongoing-December: New Hope Al-Anon Group, Horseshoe Drive Methodist Church (1600 Horseshoe Drive, Alexandria), 7:00pm.  The New Hope Al-Anon Group meets each Tuesday and Thursday evening. Al-Anon is a mutual support group for anyone having experienced a problem with someone else’s drinking or addiction. You are free to ask questions or to talk about your situation or just listen. Every meeting is different. Each meeting has the autonomy to be run as its members choose, within guidelines designed to promote Al-Anon unity. Cost: Free.

December 5-7: AlexWinterFete, Downtown Alexandria. Glide across the outdoor skating rink, marvel at the dazzling fireworks over the Red River, and explore Jolly Junction, a magical children’s area filled with activities. Enjoy the thrill of live performances, including stilt walkers, fire breathers, and live music. Don’t forget to browse the downtown shopping vendors and savor the delicious food that Fêtes are famous for. The celebration kicks off with the traditional lighting of the tree during Holiday Magic and Santa’s arrival at Santa’s Village. Cost: Free. alexwinterfete.com

December 6: Experimental Aircraft Association 1st Saturday Breakfast, Buhlow Lake Airport (200 Lake Buhlow Road, Pineville), 7:30am-10:00am. Come enjoy a hearty breakfast of eggs, sausage, pancakes, grits, potatoes, milk, orange juice, and more! Anyone interested in aviation and general cordial chatter with lakeside ambience is welcome and invited to come to enjoy breakfast with us! Cost: $10.00 Donation.

December 6: FOTAZ Breakfast with Santa, Alexandria Zoo (3016 Masonic Drive, Alexandria), 8:00am-10:00am. Celebrate the holiday season at this exclusive, FOTAZ Members-Only festive morning with a light continental breakfast, free train ride, special keeper chats, visit with Santa, and fun, holiday-themed activities! RSVP at the Zoo website. Not a FOTAZ member yet? There’s still time! Join at the Zoo or online! Must be a current FOTAZ member at the time of the event to attend. Only those individuals included in your membership may attend. Membership cards and photo IDs will be checked at the entrance gate. Cost: Free FOTAZ Members (w/ ID). thealexandriazoo.com

December 6: Central Louisiana Dutch Oven Cookers First Saturday Gathering, Indian Creek Recreation Area (100 Camp Ground Road, Woodworth), 9:00am-12:30pm. A delicious day with Dutch oven cooking enthusiasts. There is no charge for food, however, donations are accepted. Regular park admission applies. Call: 318-625-1762.

December 9, 16, 23, 30 & January 6: Alexandria Farmer’s Market, First United Methodist Church (2727 Jackson Street, Alexandria), 3:00pm-6:00pm. The Alexandria Farmers Market is a weekly gathering that connects the community of Alexandria with the farmers, ranchers, and agricultural artisans of Central Louisiana. This connection strives to improve the physical, social, and economic well-being of the region by providing access to fresh, healthy, local food for residents, fostering community relationships, and serving as a business incubator for growers and producers. Cost: Free. Call: 318-441-3407.

December 10: Child Safety Seat Check, Rapides Regional Medical Center Main Entrance (211 4th Street, Alexandria), 2:00pm-5:00pm. A trained child passenger safety educator will take a look at your car seats, make sure they are not under recall, make sure the seat is installed properly and show you how to install the car seat. The car seat check process takes between 15-25 minutes, depending on how many car seats are in the vehicle. The seat checks normally are held the second Wednesday of each month. Cost: Free.

December 12, 13, 19, 20, 22, 23, 26, 27: Holiday Light Safari, Alexandria Zoo (3016 Masonic Drive, Alexandria), 5:30pm-9:00pm. Stroll through a dazzling world of lights, where sparkling animal figures come to life and trees shimmer in every color of the season! Hop aboard the Holiday Train Ride for a journey through even more twinkling displays. And don’t forget to stop by for a visit with Santa (through December 23rd) share your wish list and capture that perfect holiday memory. Take a sweet break at Atwood’s Merry Creations for cookies and crafts, then grab a warm treat from the Palm Café and discover the perfect stocking stuffer at the Zootique Gift Shop. Cost: $12.00 Ages 13+; $10.00 Ages 2-12; Free Under 2. thealexandriazoo.com

December 12: City of Pineville Christmas Parade, Pineville Main Street, 7:00pm. Light up the night with the City of Pineville’s Christmas Parade. Roads will close starting at 6:30pm. Cost: Free.

December 13: AMoA Stitching Circle, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria), 11:00am-3:00pm. Anyone can come and knit in the galleries. Open to all ages. Just getting started? AMoA has limited materials to get you started. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

December 13: Town of Ball Christmas Parade, Highway 165 (Ball), 2:00pm. Join the town of Ball for their annual Christmas parade along Highway 165. Cost: Free.

December 13: Garden District Neighborhood Foundation Holiday Tour of Homes, Alexandria Garden District, 3:00pm-6:00pm. Since 2014, the purpose of the Tour of Homes is to drink in the charm and craftsmanship of the beautiful historic homes that reflect Alexandria’s growth in the first half of the 1900s. Five homes will be highlighted on this year’s tour which ticketholders can visit at their leisure. Cost: $25.00.

December 13: Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration, Kent Plantation House (3601 Bayou Rapides Road, Alexandria), 4:00pm-6:00pm. Bring the family and enjoy Christmas crafts, music and refreshments.  Visit with Papa Noel while helping decorate the Kent House Christmas tree! Cost: Free. Call: 318-487-5998. kenthouse.org

December 13: Bunkie Rotary Christmas Parade & City of Bunkie Fireworks, Main Street Bunkie, 4:00pm. The parade will roll from Griffin’s Antiques and end at Chevy Lane. Fireworks will begin at dark, following the parade. Cost: Free.

December 14: AMGA Christmas Parade, Jackson Street Extension (Alexandria), 2:00pm. Join AMGA on Jackson Street in Alexandria to kick off the holiday season with the festive Alexandria Christmas Parade. This parade features cheerful holiday floats, enchanting performances, and a special appearance by Santa Claus himself as the Grand Marshal. Don’t miss out on the holiday magic at the Alexandria Christmas Parade! Cost: Free. alexmardigras.net

December 18: Alexandria Chanukah Celebration, Alexandria City Hall (915 Third Street, Alexandria), 5:00pm. Join us for a Menorah lighting ceremony and Chanukah Celebration outside of City Hall! Music, latkes, Menorah lighting, gifts and more. Cost: Free.

December 18: Cenla Author’s Club Meeting, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Place, Alexandria), 6:00pm-8:00pm. The Cenla Authors’ Club is open to authors and writers of all levels and genres, and anyone interested in learning more about the book-writing process, even if you haven’t written your first word (yet!). This month’s speaker will be Author Robert Winans, son of legendary Louisiana Photographer Fonville Winans, will speak on his father’s life and his own career. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483.

December 21: Central Louisiana Orchid Society Meeting, St. James Episcopal Church EYC Building (1546 Albert Street, Alexandria), 2:30pm. Learn everything you need to know about orchids and how to grow them. Get hands on help with your plants! There is a monthly plant raffle, blooming orchid entry for Show and Tell plus refreshments. In addition, there are opportunities to attend American Orchid Society shows/sales throughout the year.

December 22-23 & 29-30: Winter Safari, Alexandria Zoo (3016 Masonic Drive, Alexandria), 8:30am. When school is out, the adventure kicks off at Alexandria Zoo’s Winter Safari! Packed with exciting creatures and creative art projects, it’s the perfect winter break adventure for young animal explorers. Camps include exploration time in the zoo, creative art projects, train ride, up-close animal encounters, snack time and more. Grades 1 through 3 meet December 22nd and 23rd; Grades 4 through 6 meet December 29th and 30th. Cost: $65.00 FOTAZ Members; $75.00 Non-members. Call: 318-441-6810. thealexandriazoo.com

December 25: MERRY CHRISTMAS!

December 27: Live Gator Feeding Show, Paragon Casino Resort Hotel Atrium (711 Paragon Place, Marksville), 4:00pm. Join the crowd in the hotel lobby on the last Saturday of each month for a live alligator feeding show. Bring the children for photos with a baby gator after the show. You will also hear traditional songs and stories of south Louisiana’s flora and fauna performed by Tunica-Biloxi tribal members Donna Pierite and family. Cost: Free.

January 3: Experimental Aircraft Association 1st Saturday Breakfast, Buhlow Lake Airport (200 Lake Buhlow Road, Pineville), 7:30am-10:00am. Come enjoy a hearty breakfast of eggs, sausage, pancakes, grits, potatoes, milk, orange juice, and more! Anyone interested in aviation and general cordial chatter with lakeside ambience is welcome and invited to come to enjoy breakfast with us! Cost: $10.00 Donation.

January 3: Central Louisiana Dutch Oven Cookers First Saturday Gathering, Indian Creek Recreation Area (100 Camp Ground Road, Woodworth), 9:00am-12:30pm. A delicious day with Dutch oven cooking enthusiasts. There is no charge for food, however, donations are accepted. Regular park admission applies. Call: 318-625-1762.

Sports

December 9, 16, 23, 30 & January 6: Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 5:45pm. Chill out every Tuesday with yoga classes taught by Learn with Laci. Registration is not required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

*All events subject to change.