Holiday Festivities in Ruston!

Click here for 2017 holiday events!

Written By Amanda Quimby, CVB Marketing Director

Christmas in Ruston is like nothing else. It elicits all those warm feelings of being home for the holidays. And this is the year for collaboration as many community partners have been hard at work planning a very busy and exciting calendar of events for the holiday season. We hope to residents and visitors alike come out and take part in all the festivities!

NOV. 12-14 - HOLIDAYS IN CEDARTOWN

Holiday fun will be kicking off with North Louisiana’s premier holiday shopping market – With over 45 vendors and live music, it’s the perfect opportunity to get started on your Christmas list or pick out a few holiday decorations for your home. 

NOV. 19-21 - DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE

This year local business have gathered together for Shop for Good on the 19^th, partnering with local non-profits and donating proceeds to those organizations. The Downtown Christmas Open House will also be your chance to see downtown’s Christmas decorations, take advantage of extended store hours and get in on some great sales to start the season.

NOV. 28 - SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

Don't forget to "shop small" for Small Business Saturday. Local merchants are offering specials and sales in celebration. Use #ShopRuston to show your support!

DEC. 1-31 - BANK OF RUSTON'S HOLIDAY ART EXHIBIT

Bank of Ruston's 12th Annual Holiday Art Exhibit is the perfect opportunity to buy for the person who has everything. Purchase artwork by local artists Joey Slaughter, Jerry Berg, Nicole Duet, and Sherry Owens. The exhibit kicks off Tuesday, Dec 1st with a reception open to the public and will continue on weekdays in December from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Portion of sales benefit NCLAC.

DEC. 3-6 - “A CHRISTMAS STORY” BY RUSTON COMMUNITY THEATRE

This is an all-time holiday favorite about Ralphie and the Red Ryder 200 Shot BB gun will be taken to the Dixie Center for the Arts stage! Show starts at 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for students.

DEC. 3-14 - ICE SKATING
New to Christmas in Ruston this year is an artificial ice rink! The rink will be located in the Sexton parking lot and will use real ice skates. Sessions are 45 minutes and $10 per person. This is just another great activity for the whole family. Come out and enjoy Downtown Ruston. Click here for hours of operation.

DEC. 4-5 - HOLIDAY ARTS TOUR

Get downtown and take this unique opportunity to celebrate the arts in our area. Shops will host visual artists and their works, as well as demonstrations and children’s activities; plus, live musical performances! Click here for a schedule of events.

DEC. 4-5 - LINCOLN LIGHTS UP THE PINESHighly anticipated this year is Ruston’s first drive-through Christmas lights display through Lincoln Parish Park. Admission is $5 per car; Friday & Saturday 5-8 p.m. You don’t want to miss this inaugural trail of lights running through one of the state’s most beautiful parks. Bring $15 cash if you would like to purchase a shirt.

DEC. 10 - RUSTON CHRISTMAS PARADEThe Ruston Christmas Parade by Rotary is something we all look forward to enjoying! The theme this year is "Songs of Christmas." Parade begins at 6 p.m. and will start at the Thomas Assembly Center and run through downtown.

DEC. 11 - WINTER FEST
Come out to Railroad Park in Downtown Ruston to hear our local school choirs sing for the community. Concert starts at 6 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

DEC. 5, 12 &19 - SANTA IN THE PARK

Bring the kids out to visit and take photos with Santa in Railroad Park from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

DEC. 7-18 - 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

What's better than being rewarded for your Christmas shopping?! Stop by the Ruston Lincoln Chamber of Commerce or any participating retailers to pick up your shopping passport and get busy! Fill up the passport to winner awesome prizes!

DEC. 18 - RUSS-TOWN BAND CHRISTMAS CONCERT
What better what to brighten your holiday spirit than hearing you favorite Christmas tunes on the Dixie's stage? And as always, admission is a nonperishable food item or a toys for Toys for Tots!

DEC. 18 & 22 - CHRISTMAS IN THE TAC
For both men's and women's basketball game on Friday, Dec. 18 and Tuesday, Dec. 22, fans can have their photo taken with Santa and participate in the ugly Christmas sweater contest to receive a signed basketball from Coach Konkol and Coach Summitt. Click here for ticket information. 

DEC. 19 - DIXIE DANCERS CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
It's always a joy to see the Dixie Dancers take the stage for their annual Christmas program! Event is free to the public, with donations for the Dixie Center for the Arts accepted. Show starts at 6 p.m. 

The Christmas spirit that is present in Ruston is undeniably infectious. The CVB encourages you to invite your friends and family to join in on the Christmas shopping, ice skating and all of our holiday celebrations. For more information on these and other events in the area, visit www.experienceruston.com or give us a call at (800) 392-9032. 

Amanda Quimby is a native of Franklin Parish, a University of Louisiana at Monroe alumna and now a proud Ruston resident. As the marketing director for the CVB, she has an love for travel and tourism, and the coolest job ever. Amanda’s favorite things: coffee, wine and swing jazz. When she’s not working, ...just kidding. She’s always working. Follow her on Instagam and Twitter.