Five Winter Festivals in Louisiana

Louisiana is a great place for a festival. Known for its excellent food and happy-go-lucky atmosphere, the state does have a few festivals happening, even in the dead of winter. Here's a listing of five festivals taking place in Louisiana this winter.

New Year's Eve, New Orleans

For New Year's Eve, consider coming to the French Quarter. In Jackson Square and along the riverfront, revelers are treated to a spectacular fireworks show to ring in the New Year. There is often a stage set up in Jackson Square featuring live music. This event is not suggested for children, as the revelers can be rowdy and the crowds can be so thick it may become frightening, unsafe or inappropriate for young ones. For adults, it's a great way to ring in 2014. 

 Louisiana Children's Museum Countdown to Noon, New Orleans

For kids, the New Year can be celebrated at the Louisiana Children's Museum. There, the countdown will not be at midnight ... it's scheduled for a child-friendly noon. Kids can ring in the New Year with balloons, games, entertainment and hands-on learning. 

 Christmas in the District, New Orleans

At the turn of the New Year, be sure to catch the tail end of one of the city's biggest holiday displays. Christmas in the District features holiday lights that are coordinated to music. The lights can be seen downtown near the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on the neutral ground along Convention Center Boulevard between Poydras and Julia. The display will be available for viewing through Jan. 5. 

Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival, Cameron

The Louisiana Fur & Wildlife Festival is billed as "one of the oldest and coldest festivals in Louisiana." Taking place on Jan. 10 and 11, the festival honors the hunting and wildlife industries. There will be pageants, entertainment, vendors, a gumbo cook-off, and much more. 

Battle of New Orleans Commemoration, Chalmette

On Jan. 10 and 11, re-enactors will dramatize the famous battle of New Orleans, which took place in St. Bernard Parish's Chalmette Battlefield on Jan. 8, 1812. The event will feature musket and cannon fire demonstrations, historical presentations and lantern tours. Period re-enactors will be in full costume to represent the actual clothing and lifestyles of the times. Guides and volunteers will be available for true-to-the-times demonstrations and questions.