Christmas Festival Of Lights, Natchitoches, LA
The small town of Natchitoches, Louisiana, was originally a French colony. In 1927, the town’s utilities superintendent, Max Burgdorf, created the first Christmas Festival to help the community celebrate the season. He bought 10-watt Christmas bulbs and made a pretty display on the riverbank. It has since turned into something much bigger. Now, the community spends more than $100,000 on fireworks alone. There’s also a parade and live music to entertain residents and visitors. Since 1956, there has been the crowning of Miss Merry Christmas. According to the organizers, “The many unique traditions set Natchitoches Christmas Festival apart from any other celebrations.”
