As of 2010, The Natchitoches Festival of Lights begins Nov. 20 and continues through the New Year. One component of it is the Christmas Festival, which has taken place on the first weekend of December since 1927 and attracts 100,000 visitors annually. Activities include craft shows, musical events and food fairs. During the festival the streets are illuminated and can be experienced during a carriage ride through the City of Lights, another name for the town. One of the most popular events during the festival is the parade, which is celebrated with a fireworks display.
The Cane River Natchitoches Transit company offers tours by pedal boat, streetcar or carriage. The tours go through the 33-block Historical District or to the Creole plantations outside downtown. For fans of the film "Steel Magnolias," a specialized tour is available, which passes by sites featured in the film, some of which are located in the Historical District.
Celebrated in the Historical District on the banks of the Cane River, this music festival features a variety of musical genres and promises "something for everyone." The 2011 festival will occur on the 16th and 17th of April. Tickets bought in bulk are discounted and admission the first day is free. Adult tickets are $10 at the door or $8 if bought in advance. Student tickets are $5 and any guest under 12 years of age gets in for free.
Also held near the Cane River is the Meat Pie Festival. During this Festival participants are invited to enjoy the spicy pastry, which has been a local delicacy since the 1700s. In addition to the meat pies, the festival, which occurs every September, offers music as well as stands with jewelry and arts and crafts for sale.
