Holiday Events in Ruston

There’s just something magical about Christmas in Ruston. With beautifully decorated downtown shops, streets lined with twinkling lights, and holiday cheer in the air, Ruston elicits all those cozy feelings of being home for the holidays.

With so many festivities happening this season, we wanted to bring you a quick look at all the ways to celebrate the holidays with your friends and family in Ruston & Lincoln Parish.

Holidays in CedarTown - November 12-14
Come enjoy this shopping experience full of vendors and the perfect place to grab all your Christmas gifts and goodies. This exclusive event includes complimentary appetizers and drinks from local favorites like Crumbs Catering, Iron Cactus, Uptown Downtown, Ponchatoulas, Beau Vines, Newk’s Eatery, Lula Perl. Get your tickets here.

Downtown Holiday Open House & Kickoff to Christmas – November 19
Head to Downtown Ruston as local shops kick off the holiday shopping season. Enjoy refreshments, special promotions, and extended hours from participating businesses. Ruston’s walkable downtown makes Christmas shopping painless and fun – plus you’re sure to find something unique in one of the charming local storefronts.

November Art Ramble - November 19
While you're downtown for Kickoff to Christmas, stroll through downtown Ruston for our quarterly Art Ramble. Local artists will be displaying and selling artwork and curated creations, which is another perfect way to get some Christmas gifts and support local!

RCT Presents: It's a Wonderful Life – December 10-13
Based on the Frank Capra film, which has become a holiday tradition for many, this stage adaptation by James W. Rodgers faithfully adheres to the source material. George Bailey, an average, hard-working family man and upstanding citizen, has repeatedly denied himself for the needs of others. When a banking error leaves him in deep debt, he contemplates taking his own life as his only escape. His redemption comes by way of his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody, who shows him a glimpse of what the world would be like if he had never been born. This show will be directed by Steele Moegle and produced in partnership with Andy Halbrook at Edward Jones Investments. Buy your tickets here.

Lincoln Lights Up the Pines – December 3-5, 10-12
Pack up the whole family in the car and come experience Ruston's only drive-thru Christmas light display at the beautiful Lincoln Parish Park. With tons of twinkling lights, holiday scenes, and festive decor, everyone is sure to enjoy the holiday cheer of Lincoln Lights Up the Pines from the comfort (and warmth) of their vehicle!

Lincoln Lights Up the Pines

Pictures with Santa - December 5
Gather your family and head to the Historic Fire Station for this community holiday event and get your photo taken with Santa. This will become a favorite memory for the whole family, so make sure you don't miss out on this excitement!

Big Creek Trade Days – November 6-8
If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for items like handmade jewelry, accessories, furniture, antiques, outdoor items and more, then Big Creek Trade Days is your place. This is Big Creek’s closing show, so be sure to browse all the items and sales!

Christmas on the Farm - December 5
The OWL center brings you pony rides, a petting zoo, a bouncy house, crafts, pictures with Santa, rock wall, zip line, games, and much MORE! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting from the North Pole. There will be a $20/vehicle entry fee. (CASH ONLY) This covers everything except the ropes courses and food. Pony Rides: 10-minute rides on OWL’s horses. They will have hay rides transporting visitors all across the beautiful property. And the Maze is open all day to explore! Parking is free: shuttles/hay rides will run from the parking area to the conference center

Christmas in the Village - TBD
Enjoy this fun Christmas event with your friends and family! There will be a parade, bounce houses, cookies with Santa, a movie in the park, and more! The parade route will go though Downtown Choudrant, so be sure to find your spot and enjoy the holiday festivities.

Christmas on the Farm

Ruston Christmas Parade – December 3
A community favorite, the Annual Ruston Christmas Parade will bring the holiday spirit to life. You won't want to miss festive floats and family fun in Ruston's magical downtown district.

Late Night Shopping- December 11

Christmas Cookie Crawl - December 13
Sign up for the cookie crawl and you can stop by the stores downtown and get a delicious holiday cookie at each local business while you shop all the deals and specials. By the end of the afternoon you'll have your own box of assorted Christmas cookies from your favorite stores.

Homes for Hope - TBD
This Holiday Tour of Homes is sponsored by Pine Hills Children’s Advocacy Center and will be open from 2–5 p.m. Step into the holiday spirit, tour beautifully decorated homes, and celebrate the season while supporting a great cause. Purchase your ticket here.

Free Christmas Concert: Russ-Town - December 17
Come experience Christmas with the Russ-Town band at the Dixie Center for the Arts this holiday season. This will be a lively evening of big band holiday favorites performed by an all-volunteer group of talented local musicians. From jazzy renditions of Christmas classics to toe-tapping swing numbers, this concert delivers the festive sounds and joyful energy of a timeless holiday celebration.

Ruston Rudolph Run 5k - December 18
The Ruston Rudolph 5k Race will begin at the entrance of the Ruston Sports Complex indoor facility at 6:30pm and the course will run around the entire complex with Christmas cheer all along the way! Click here to register.

Christmas at the Complex - December 19
Friday, December 20th spend a festive day with your family and friends at the Ruston Sports Complex. Enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and take your picture with Santa, watch a Christmas movie, and go ice skating. Its the best way to spend time celebrating the holidays with this special activity.

Recurring Events

Artificial Ice Skating - Dec 1, 3, 7, 8, 10, 14, 15, 17
Mon, Tues, & Thurs: 4PM-7PM
Head to the Ruston Sports Complex for a month full of ice skating fun. Open on selected dates from 4pm-7pm. The perfect after school activity during the holiday season!

Ruston Farmers Market - Every Saturday 9AM-1PM
Find all your holiday gifts and festive flavors from the Ruston Farmers Market. Enjoy live music and plenty of items to shop through like fresh vegetables, hand baked bread, local meats, hand crafted woodwork, curated arts, and so much more.

For more information on these and other holiday events in the area, visit www.rustonlincoln.com/holidays. Planning a trip? Download or request our Visitors Guide or check out our itineraries!

Related Blogs

Tori Davis

Author

Tori Davis

Tori is a Shreveport native who planted roots in the piney hills of Lincoln Parish in 2017. She has a passion for destination development and marketing and aims to spend every bit of her free time making memories with her husband and two daughters. As Director of Marketing and Communications, Tori supports the President/CEO of Experience Ruston in implementing new marketing plans and content strategies to help promote Ruston/Lincoln Parish as a premier tourist destination.

Related Partners