Art

December 6: AMoA Illuminated Procession, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria), 6:00pm. Dazzling creations light up the night at Alex WinterFête. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

December 7: River Oaks Front Porch Sale, River Oaks Square Arts Center (1330 2nd Street, Alexandria), 9:00am-3:00pm. Original works of art just in time for the gift giving season! 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.

December 10: Creative Round Table, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 5:30pm-7:30pm. Are you an artist or creative in Central Louisiana? Are you looking for a place to come and talk to other creatives? Join us for 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! No need to register. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

December 14: 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 14: The Muse Cosmos Painting Workshop, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 1:00pm-4:00pm. Teens will be inspired by the abstract cosmos paintings by artist, Joe Ray and learn to create their own out of this world abstract paintings! Open to ages 13 to 19. Pre-registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

January 7: Creativity Launch Pad, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 5:30pm-7:00pm. Launch your creativity in this on-going adult (21+) art education series for any and all skill levels seeking a relaxed creative environment in which to learn, receive instruction, experiment with mediums with other adults. Launch Pad classes offer a rotation of mediums to provide a well-rounded art experience, designed for the beginner, intermediate and advanced students. All supplies are included. Classes meet on the first Tuesday of every month. Cost: $10.00 AMoA Members; $20.00 Non-Members. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

Music

December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28: Live Music at Train Station, Train Station Event Center (5290 England Drive, Alexandria), 7:00pm. Enjoy live music and billiards. Featuring: 6th Hurricane Road; 7th Bluesday Tuesday; 13th Eric Leger; 14th Uncle Paul & Bayou Blue; 20th Southern Country; 21st Super Chargers; 27th Stan Rachal; and 28th Shadow Road. Cost: $10.00. Call: 318-704-5808.

December 7: Lonestar, Paragon Casino Resort Mari Showroom (711 Paragon Place, Marksville), 8:00pm. Get ready for an unforgettable holiday show when multi-platinum, award-winning group, Lonestar hits the Paragon stage! One of country music’s most celebrated bands comes to the Mári Showroom. Cost: $38.00+. paragoncasinoresort.com

December 8: RSO Presents A Jolly Holiday, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd Street, Alexandria), 2:30pm. This Rapides Symphony Orchestra concert will be full of traditional holiday favorites, including Christmas carols, Hanukkah music, and, of course, an audience sing-along. Our guest vocalist for this concert was a big hit when he sang with us on 2023’s “Pops on the River Concert”, so we’ll welcome back Alexandria native and LCU music professor Enrico Cannella to the Symphony stage. Cost: $10.00 – $25.00 Adults. Call: 318-442-9709. rapidessymphony.org

December 12: Harken, St. Francis Xavier Cathedral (626 4th Street, Alexandria), 7:30pm. The Red River Chorale invites you to join them to herald in the Christmas season festivities. This year, we are excited to welcome a guest children’s chorus. Cost: $20.00 Adults; $5.00 Students. redriverchorale.com

December 14-15: Gloria: A Celebration of the Birth of Christ, First Baptist Church Pineville (901 Main Street, Pineville), 6:00pm. Join FBC Pineville as their Choirs and Orchestra present a moving evening of music, drama, and worship, celebrating the birth of Christ. Cost: Free. FBCPineville.net

Theatre

December 14: Spectral Sisters Playwriting Workshop, Rapides Foundation Building 2nd Floor Classroom (1101 4th Street, Alexandria), 1:00pm-5:00pm. Jeff Goelz will offer guidance about how to write a play, including tips about characters, dialogue, dramatic content and more to neophyte and seasoned writers. Please bring writing materials. Cost: Free. spectralsisters.com

December 21: Olaf’s Frozen Christmas Adventure, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd Street, Alexandria), 7:00pm. Get To The Pointe Ballet Academy is excited to present: “Olaf’s Frozen Christmas Adventure!” Join Olaf, Elsa, Anna and the rest of the frozen cast as they discover the spirit of Christmas! This contemporary ballet features original choreography of Sarah Ochs Ranson, and is performed by the immensely talented ballerinas of Get To The Pointe Ballet Academy. Christmas wear encouraged! Cost: $30.00. gettothepointeballetacademy.com

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: Alex WinterFête, Downtown Alexandria. Join in the family-friendly festival in Downtown Alexandria packed with festive fun for all ages! 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. alexwinterfete.com

December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 & 26-28: Holiday Light Safari, Alexandria Zoo (3016 Masonic Drive, Alexandria), 5:30pm-9:00pm. Guests are invited to explore the zoo’s pathways, now aglow with a dazzling array of lights and playful lighted animal figures, creating a captivating atmosphere. The adventure is enhanced by a train ride through festive music and additional light displays, crafting a memorable journey for visitors of all ages. Meet and share wish lists with Santa Claus until December 21st, indulge in holiday cookies and crafts at Atwood’s Merry Creations, and visit the holiday-themed Cajun Cabin, rounding out a night of magical holiday experiences. Cost: $10.00 General Admission (ages 13+); $8.00 Children (ages 2-12).

December 7 & January 4: 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 7 & January 4: 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 8: Christmas in the Country, First Baptist Church Lecompte (2002 Water Street, Lecompte), 4:30pm-7:30pm. Picture a Hallmark Christmas movie outdoor festival with a whole lot of Jesus, and you have Christmas in the Country! Carriage rides, outdoor games, live music, coffee, hot chocolate, hot dogs, funnel cakes, petting zoo, and much more! Bring your family and enjoy a simpler way of celebrating Christmas in the Country! Cost: Free.

December 10, 17 & January 7: 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: Old Fashioned Christmas, Kent Plantation House, 3601 Bayou Rapides Road, Alexandria, 4:00pm-6:00pm. Come and enjoy crafts, music, refreshments, and visit with Papa Noel while helping decorate the Kent House Christmas Tree at the Kent House’s annual Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration! Cost: Free. Call: 318-487-5998. kenthouse.org

December 11: 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 12-15: Pilgrimage to Bethlehem, Emmanuel Baptist Church (430 Jackson Street Alexandria). Emmanuel Baptist Church for a truly immersive experience as they bring the City of Bethlehem to life during the birth of Jesus Christ.  Pilgrimage to Bethlehem is a gift to the public and a cherished tradition that transports you back in time to witness the sights, sounds and stories of that sacred night. Timed reservations are required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7773. emmanuelalexandria.org/pilgrimage

December 13: Pineville Christmas Parade, Main Street Pineville, 7:00pm-9:00pm. Light up the night, holiday style at the 2024 Pineville Christmas Parade. Cost: Free.

December 14: Breakfast with Santa, Brumfield Caffey Ballroom at LSUA (8100 Highway 71 South, Alexandria), 10:00am-12:00pm. Santa is coming to town, and he is making a special stop at LSUA! Please join LSUA Cheerleading for their first annual Breakfast with Santa fundraiser! Cost: $25.00 Children; $15.00 Adults. http://lsua.it/Tk7p

December 14: 10th Annual Holiday Tour of Homes, Alexandria Garden District (2727 Jackson Street, Alexandria), 3:00pm-6:30pm. The 2024 Homes on Tour are: Natalie & Thomas David’s mid-century modern home at 3000 Marye Street; Errika & Daniel Forrest’s mid-century modern home at 2734 Georges Lane; Anna & Graves Theus’ renovation project on Mission revival/American 4-square at 1918 Marye Street; Karri Greer Breece’s turn-of-the-century cottage at 1795 Albert Street; and Nerissa & Thomas Sands’ American 4-square at 1904 Albert Street. Proceeds benefit the Garden District Neighborhood Foundation. Cost: $25.00.

December 14: Bunkie Christmas Parade & Fireworks Display, Town of Bunkie, 4:00pm. The Bunkie Rotary Club Christmas Parade begins on Church Street, North on Main Street in Bunkie/Highway 71, to Chevy Lane (near Vaughn Chevrolet). Register entries at the Bunkie Rotary Facebook Page. No Horses, ATV’s, UTV’s, Side by Sides.  Golf Carts are allowed. City of Bunkie Fireworks Display will follow at dark. Cost: Free.

December 15: AMGA Christmas Parade, Jackson Street in Alexandria, 2:00pm. Join us 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 25: MERRY CHRISTMAS!

December 28: 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.

December 31: Train Station New Years Celebration, Train Station Event Center (5290 England Drive, Alexandria), 8:00pm. Train Station invites you to make your celebration one for the history books at their New Year’s Eve Bash, “A Celebration Rooted in History”. celebration features the high-energy sounds of Brandon Degeyter and the Mire Playboys, a band renowned for their spirited variety and Cajun music. Raise a champagne toast at midnight then enjoy catered breakfast as the party winds down. Cost: $40.00. Call: 318-704-5808.

December 31: Louisiana History Museum Diamond Gala, Hotel Bentley (200 Desoto Street, Alexandria), 8:00pm-1:00am. Ring in the New Year with hors d’oeuvres, music, dancing, and a toast at midnight! Proceeds benefit the Louisiana History Museum. Cost: $150. Call: 318-769-2216.

Sports

December 10, 17 & January 7: 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 no longer required! Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

*All events subject to change.