Christmas Light Tours

One Christmas Eve several years ago a client requested that I dress as an elf and drive he and his wife (dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus) to the airport. With a bag full of candy canes they were headed across the country to visit the grandchildren. They dressed in Yuletide character intending to spread cheer along the way.

Holiday traditions and family events that bring together generations fill our memories and fuel stories to be shared year after year. Getting together during the season to enjoy Christmas displays is one great way to make these memories.

Last winter I chauffeured four generations of one family in Riverside Limo’s 24 Passenger Mini-bus to see Christmas Lights in Denham Springs and Baton Rouge. The family met at the grandparents home in Baton Rouge. Along the way they enjoyed snacks. Coats and baby needs were stored in overhead bins. Strollers were kept in the rear luggage closet for easy access. Seasonal music played on the stereo system. In our area the winter weather can change from cold to wet and muggy. Having the room to keep coats available but out of the way is a big plus.

Between stops the family belted out carols and traditional tunes. When we arrived at the display the group unloaded and I found a close spot to wait until they were ready for pick up allowing the group to enjoy the decorations – without the transportation hassles. On the way home at the end of the evening we drove through their neighborhood to see the winners of the best display contest.

Natchitoches

Many towns throughout Louisiana light up for the holidays with parades and events scheduled for the weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas. In Natchitoches a seven week celebration features lights, fireworks and entertainment from November 23, 2013 through January 6, 2014. Next year marks the city’s tri-centenial. It is the oldest town in the state. Already one of the most picturesque locations to be found anywhere, the town’s “Festival of Lights” presents the Cane River Lake and historic district in a magnificent way.

During this seven week extravaganza there are:

• Christmas Lights
• Fireworks
• Arts & Crafts
• Shopping
• Carriage Rides
• 5 K Runs
• Northwestern Christmas Gala
• Christmas Festival
• Music
• Holiday Tour of Homes
• Caroling
• Historians, Re enactors and Period Merchants
• Holiday story telling
• Theatrical Presentations
• Photos with Santa

Whether for a day, a weekend, or a staycation traveling with your group to Natchitoches for the Festival of lights in one of Riverside Limousines chauffeured limos, buses or our Sprinter van will greatly enhance your fun.

Baton Rouge and 225 Area

There are holiday displays to see close to home too. The best known local display is the Messenger’s in Denham Springs. At their home in Plantation Estates they have offered their homemade handiwork to the public since moving it from Red Oaks several years ago. Built one piece at a time, passed from father to son it has grown for 47 years. Easy to find, their Winter Wonderland attracts lots of visitors each year.

Also in Denham Springs, one of the most unique displays in the area features – inflatables…. a lot of inflatables. Located on Weeping Willow in The Willows off Cockerham Road this is a fun site to visit. In addition to the giant figurines there are displays to see and a very festive atmosphere.

Of course every year there are new displays. Some neighborhoods hold decoration contests and have their own parades. So do your research, schedule your family gathering, prepare your snacks, plan your family tour and give Riverside a call.

Remember, “we drive … you have fun!”