25 Winter Things to Do in Baton Rouge

Close your eyes and picture the Deep South. You might think of bayous, sticky-hot summer days, old wooden churches and wide-open fields. One thing all your imaginings probably have in common is that you’re picturing them in the summer-time. Most of us, whether we’re from the south ourselves or from elsewhere in the country, tend to think of the south exclusively during the hot season.

But don’t let this stereotype fool you into thinking that the south is only worth visiting in the summer. In Baton Rouge alone, the winter season is bursting with fun, excitement and activity. And while winter in cities like Baton Rouge might not look quite like what you’re used to if you’re from farther north, this just means that there’s all the more reason to come and experience it for yourself.

Top 25 Winter Events in Baton Rouge

Winter is full of fun in Baton Rouge, with events and attractions to keep you busy. This list features a variety of attractions, including one-time events, ongoing events that will last for several weeks and even some attractions that are open year round but are especially fun during the winter.

In no particular order, then, is our list of Baton Rouge things to do this winter.

Kiwanis Annual Santa Fun Run

The holidays are all about capturing that spirit of giving and generosity. That’s why the Kiwanis Annual Santa Fun Run is such a rewarding seasonal tradition in Baton Rouge. This 1.25-mile long run is held in downtown Baton Rouge, as all participants do their best impression of a jolly Santa Claus as they run. The proceeds from this race are then donated to needy children worldwide, making this a fun and family-friendly event that’s all for a great cause.

BRBT Presents: The Nutcracker

You’ve seen the Nutcracker before, but you’ve never seen it told quite like this. If you’re visiting Baton Rouge during the holiday season, you won’t want to miss the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s unique twist on the classic Christmas tale — The Nutcracker, A Tale From the Bayou. Enjoy a mix of professional and pre-professional performers as they share this Cajun-inspired take on Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous music. Performances are held on two days, so reserve your tickets now.

Baton Rouge Zoo: Zoolights

A zoo is fun to visit any time of the year. No matter when you visit the Baton Rouge Zoo, you’ll enjoy a vast array of over 900 different animals and birds, all in their natural habitats. From tigers and alligators to pythons and pelicans, there’s something for everyone to see and marvel at. When you visit the zoo during the Christmas season, however, you can enjoy the annual event known as Zoolights. During this event, you and your family and friends can hike down the one-mile trail through the zoo which will be lined with more than 50 illuminated sculptures, all portraying different animals and holiday-themed displays.

Skating on the River, Baton Rouge River Center

Because winters in Baton Rouge are so mild, there isn’t much of an outdoor ice skating season. Rain is more common than snow, and high temperatures make it unlikely for the ice to freeze enough to allow for safe skating. From December 21 to January 2, however, the Baton Rouge River Center throws open its doors and allows visitors of every age and experience level to enjoy their indoor skating rink during this Skating on the River event. Enjoy various skating events, or just skate by yourself for fun.

Festival of Lights

Celebrate the holiday season with Baton Rouge’s annual Festival of Lights. This seasonal extravaganza is a one-night-only event that takes place on November 30 and helps get the whole city in the spirit of Christmas. Enjoy music, arts, the Bethlehem Village, Reindeer Run, Santa at the Old State Capitol and so much more. No matter what ages you have in your party, you’ll be able to find something for everyone here.

Downtown Christmas Parade

One of the most fabulous events you’ll find in Baton Rouge or all of Louisiana this Christmas is the annual Downtown Christmas Parade. This yearly event has taken place every year since 1947, making it a community staple that grows more special with every passing year. Catch the Downtown Christmas Parade in early December as more than 80 different entries go marching past, featuring an eclectic mix of dance troupes, marching bands, celebrities, local businesses and more.

Red Stick Revelry

If you don’t have any plans for New Year’s, join in the fun with Baton Rouge’s Red Stick Revelry. This is the city’s New Year’s celebration, and it’s one you won’t want to skip. Hang out in Baton Rouge, enjoy live music and wait for the clock to strike midnight and the Red Stick to drop.

Mardi Gras in Baton Rouge

In Baton Rouge, we know how to celebrate Mardi Gras as it deserves to be celebrated. Every year, thousands of people turn out into the streets for parades full of colorful costumes, floats, music and much more. And if you get tired from all the excitement, you can easily duck into any of the wonderful restaurants or bars around town for Mardi Gras specialty menu items. If you’re in town in March, this is one celebration to include on your must-see list.

Shooting at Hunter’s Run Gun Club

Hunting is a favorite activity of many Louisiana residents. Unfortunately, winter weather makes this a little more unpleasant to do outside, driving many to seek indoor ranges where they can continue to hone their shooting skills. At Hunter’s Run Gun Club, just across the river from Baton Rouge, this is exactly what you can do. Enjoy a wide array of shooting options at different levels of difficulty for individuals of all skills levels.

LSU’s Tiger Stadium

This one won’t be an option for the entire winter, but it’s iconic enough that it’s worth making a special trip to be in Baton Rouge early in the season. If you can make it to town before the end of football season, don’t miss the opportunity to catch a football game at Louisiana State University’s instantly recognizable Tiger Stadium. Don’t forget to check the season schedule to find out when the team will be in town and playing at home.

Louisiana State University

If you miss visiting the stadium, there’s still plenty to enjoy at Louisiana State University. Bundle up against the cold weather and enjoy a pleasant stroll through this gorgeous tree-covered campus. Here you’ll find well-maintained grounds, elegant old buildings and plenty of indoor attractions, such as the Union Art Gallery.

Capitol Park Museum

Winter is the perfect time to visit those indoor attractions that you put off in the summer because you’d rather be outdoors. So take advantage of the colder weather and step inside the Capitol Park Museum to enjoy a journey back in time. Browse exhibits designed to highlight the formation of Louisiana as one of the most vibrant and culturally diverse states in the country. While some of these exhibits are permanent, others are only temporary, meaning that every time you visit the museum, you’re sure to have a different experience.

Louisiana Old State Capitol

Whether you’re interested in history, politics, architecture or just looking for a free attraction that’s out of the cold, the Louisiana Old State Capitol fits the bill. This striking neogothic building sits on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River and houses a stunning stained glass dome, a spiral staircase and an internal museum covering topics of state history. While it no longer houses the state capitol, this historic building is still well worth visiting and exploring.

Louisiana State Capitol

After visiting the old state capitol building, it only makes sense that the next place on your list to visit should be the current Louisiana State Capitol. Tour this art deco masterpiece either by yourself or with a guide by calling ahead to make a reservation. If you’re visiting on a clear day, be sure to head up to the top of the Capitol Tower and see how much of Louisiana you can view.

LSU Rural Life Museum

The LSU Rural Life Museum is outdoors, so you’ll want to bundle up, but this attraction is well worth it. Browse a complex of 27 historic buildings, all authentically furnished to recreate the experience of life on a pre-industrial plantation. Make your way through buildings like a blacksmith’s shop, grist mill, sugar house, slave cabins and more as you learn about what life was like for many people during the 1800s in Louisiana. During the Christmas season, the Rural Life Museum hosts its annual Rural Life Christmas. This authentic 19th century Christmas celebration features traditional decorations, storytellers, open-hearth cooking and costumed re-enactors to craft a truly unique experience.

Magnolia Mound Plantation

For the history buffs among us, the Magnolia Mound Plantation is not to be missed. This plantation features one of the oldest standing wooden buildings in Louisiana. It was spared from demolition in the 1960s, and today is open for tour by the public. Browse the many different buildings on the plantation and learn about life during the early days of Louisiana.

The Old Governor’s Mansion

Ready to be swept away into the past? Tour the Old Governor’s Mansion in Baton Rouge, and be dazzled by the stunning Georgian-style architecture. Marvel at such beautiful pieces as crystal chandeliers, a marble staircase and an enchanting rose garden. While the roses won’t be blooming in the winter, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy this spectacular tour just as much during the cold months.

Louisiana Art and Science Museum

You never know what you’re going to find at the Louisiana Art and Science Museum. Between the permanent exhibits, the changing exhibits and the planetarium, there’s always something to see and do. Enjoy exhibits on subjects such as Ancient Egypt and the solar system, stargaze in our planetarium and don’t forget to visit the Planet Tower.

Knock Knock Children’s Museum

If you’re traveling with kids, or even if you’re just traveling with adults who are young at heart, then you’ll want to be sure to hit the Knock Knock Children’s Museum for the ultimate adventure. Work your way through 18 different zones that all feature new and creative ways to play, learn and discover. This is one place your kids will be begging you to take them to again and again.

Downtown Baton Rouge

No visit to an unfamiliar city is complete without a visit to the downtown area, and Baton Rouge is no different. Grab your traveling buddies and browse the streets of the downtown area. Depending on the time of day and what you’re in the mood for, you can take advantage of the riverfront area, the historic buildings, great restaurants, shopping or even fun dance clubs.

Mall of Louisiana

Speaking of shopping, every trip should include at least one stop at a local shopping attraction. If you’re coming to Baton Rouge, we’d like to recommend the Mall of Louisiana. Not only is it the largest mall in the state, featuring a wide range of stores for all your shopping needs, but it also houses the second biggest indoor carousel in the world. For all your holiday shopping needs, make this a priority on your trip.

Shaw Center for the Arts Theater

Winter is the perfect time of year for seeking indoor entertainment, and in Baton Rouge, there’s no better place for this than the Shaw Center for the Arts Theater. Located right in the downtown area, this 125,000-square-foot performing arts center isn’t just a theater. It also incorporates a museum, historic architecture and stunning design elements in addition to the theater itself. Check the season schedule to learn what’s new in the theater when you’re in town.

Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra

The Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra is a local treasure that should undoubtedly be experienced as a part of any Baton Rouge tour. This orchestra performs locally in the Baton Rouge River Center Theatre, and they regularly dazzle audiences with a wide range of great American favorites. Attend a performance during the holiday season for some Christmas music to get you in the spirit of the season.

L’Auberge

If you’re traveling with all adults who are looking for an entertaining and exciting way to spend an evening, stop by L’Auberge hotel and casino. This casino offers a world of entertainment and game options. Whether you prefer slot machines or poker, there’s something for every game-lover. And once you’re done playing, retire to a hotel room on one of the twelve floors of rooms, or even relax in the rooftop pool.

Milford’s on Third

When your feet begin to get tired and your stomach begins to rumble, don’t forget to stop by Milford’s on Third, Baton Rouge’s own classic delicatessen. We use local ingredients to craft delicious flavors, all while maintaining an atmosphere that’s positively overflowing with southern charm. Milford’s on Third is the perfect place to grab coffee or our famous matzo ball soup to warm up in the middle of your fun-filled winter day.

Stop by Milford’s on Third

From museums to theaters, casino to historical sites and shopping to sightseeing, a day in Baton Rouge is sure to wear you out from all the fun you’ll be having. Take a break at Milford’s on Third. Browse our menu of deli favorites, such as soups, salads, sandwiches, breakfast foods and more and start planning your visit to Baton Rouge today.