Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee
Holiday Tradition, Holiday Celebration, Cultural Tradition / Bonfire Celebration, Louisiana Tradition, Holiday Festivity
Images (4)
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- When
- Dec 24, 2026 · 19:00
- Location
- St. James Parish · Mississippi River levees — primarily St. James Parish (Gramercy, Lutcher, Paulina); ~30–40 miles upriver from New Orleans via River Road (LA Hwy 44 east / 18 west)
- Category
- Holiday Tradition, Holiday Celebration, Cultural Tradition / Bonfire Celebration, Louisiana Tradition, Holiday Festivity
- Description
Centuries-old South Louisiana tradition — nearly 200 bonfires (20–30 ft. high wooden pyramids) lit along both banks of the Mississippi River to guide 'Papa Noël' (Cajun Santa Claus); hailed by international media as one of the most breathtaking holiday traditions in the world
- Admission
- Free
- Tickets
- The Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee in St. James Parish are a free, public event held annually on December 24th at 7:00 PM. No tickets are required to attend. Visitors can view the bonfires along the Mississippi River levees in towns such as Gramercy, Lutcher, and Paulina. For more information, you can visit the Louisiana River Parishes website: ([lariverparishes.com](https://lariverparishes.com/bonfirecountry/?utm_source=openai)).
- Organizer
- St. James Parish Government
- Expected attendance
- 200
- Age requirement
- All ages
- Website
- www.explorebonfirecountry.com
- Notes
Best Viewing: Arrive by 6:00 PM; largest concentration around Gramercy, Lutcher, Paulina