Christmas Under the Oaks 2026: Sulphur Holiday Festival, Parade, Carnival and Snow

Sulphur's annual Christmas celebration returns December 3–5 with holiday shopping, carnival rides, live entertainment, and a little Louisiana snowfall.

SULPHUR, La. | November 5, 2026

Snow in Southwest Louisiana isn't something you can usually count on. Unless, of course, you're spending the first weekend of December in downtown Sulphur.

Christmas Under the Oaks returns December 3–5, 2026, bringing three days of holiday festivities to the Henning Cultural Center, Brimstone Museum Complex, and The Grove at Heritage Square.

The annual celebration combines a Christmas market featuring local artisans, carnival rides, food vendors, live entertainment, and family activities. The festivities traditionally include the Sulphur Kiwanis Christmas Parade, a community tree lighting, and a special simulated snowfall.

Organized in partnership with the Brimstone Historical Society, Sulphur Parks and Recreation, and the City of Sulphur, the event has become one of the area's signature holiday traditions.

Here's what visitors should know about the 2026 celebration.

Christmas Under the Oaks 2026: Dates and Location

The Brimstone Historical Society has officially confirmed the three-day event. Visit Lake Charles also lists the festival, but its current event listing shows a shorter date range. Check the organizer's page for final daily hours.

Individual activity times and final admission details should be confirmed with organizers before attending.

Holiday House: Christmas Shopping from Local Artisans

One of the centerpieces of Christmas Under the Oaks is Holiday House, an annual shopping event hosted by the Brimstone Historical Society.

More than 30 artisans, makers, and vendors from across Southwest Louisiana are expected to participate.

Shoppers can browse handmade gifts, seasonal decorations, artwork, jewelry, accessories, and other locally produced items.

The market offers an alternative to traditional holiday shopping, allowing visitors to purchase gifts directly from regional artists and small businesses.

Holiday House is also the Brimstone Historical Society's annual fundraiser. Proceeds help support the organization's historical preservation and cultural enrichment work throughout the year.

The organization is accepting applications from arts and crafts vendors, retailers, and food vendors for the 2026 event.

Holiday House information and vendor applications

Thursday, December 3: Holiday House Preview Gala

The celebration begins Thursday evening with the Holiday House sponsor gala.

The 2026 event will feature live music from Jairus Daigle, with food catered by Roderick Stutes.

Attendees will also receive an early opportunity to browse the Holiday House merchandise before the main shopping days.

The gala supports the Brimstone Historical Society and its mission to preserve local history.

Admission is ticketed, with pricing and reservation information available through the organizer.

Visitors interested in attending can contact the Henning Cultural Center at 337-527-0357.

Friday and Saturday: Carnival Rides, Food and Entertainment

Christmas Under the Oaks extends beyond the Holiday House market.

The surrounding grounds of Heritage Square become a seasonal gathering place featuring carnival attractions, food vendors, and entertainment.

Previous festivals have included amusement rides, games, children's activities, carriage rides, and musical performances by local students and regional entertainers.

Visit Lake Charles identifies carnival rides, live music, and food as part of the festival's returning attractions.

The complete 2026 ride schedule, performer lineup, and individual attraction prices have not yet been published by the primary organizers.

For visitors planning a family outing, Friday evening and Saturday traditionally offer the broadest mix of festival activities.

Sulphur's Christmas Parade

The Sulphur Kiwanis Christmas Parade is another longstanding part of the city's holiday celebrations.

The parade traditionally travels along Cypress Street and brings decorated floats, marching groups, holiday characters, and spectators into downtown Sulphur.

Past editions have included Santa's arrival as part of the festivities.

The City of Sulphur continues to identify the Kiwanis Christmas Parade among its annual holiday events.

However, the final 2026 parade route and starting time should be confirmed through the city or parade organizers.

Families attending primarily for the parade should check the official schedule before making plans.

Christmas Tree Lighting and Snow in The Grove

One of the festival's most recognizable attractions is the annual snowfall at The Grove at Heritage Square.

The snow is artificial, of course, but that hasn't stopped it from becoming a favorite Christmas tradition for families in Southwest Louisiana.

The festival also traditionally features a community Christmas tree lighting ceremony, adding another evening attraction to downtown Sulphur.

Visit Lake Charles continues to promote the snow experience as one of the highlights of Christmas Under the Oaks.

The precise 2026 timing for the snowfall and tree lighting has not yet been confirmed.

For families hoping to see the snow, checking the Saturday evening schedule closer to the festival is recommended.

Where to Park and What to Bring

Christmas Under the Oaks is centered in the historic downtown area around the Henning Cultural Center and The Grove at Heritage Square.

Visitors should expect pedestrian activity around the festival grounds, especially during the parade and evening performances.

Check the city and organizer for parking arrangements and any temporary street closures before attending.

A few practical considerations can make the visit easier.

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking between the market, carnival, and entertainment areas.
• Bring a jacket for outdoor evening activities.
• Budget separately for food, market purchases, ticketed events, and carnival attractions.
• Check parade and entertainment times before arriving, particularly if traveling from outside Sulphur.

Families attending with young children may find daytime shopping and carnival activities easier to manage, while evening visitors can enjoy the Christmas lights and seasonal entertainment.

More Than a Christmas Festival

Christmas Under the Oaks also supports an organization dedicated to preserving the history of Sulphur and the surrounding area.

The Brimstone Historical Society operates the Brimstone Museum and Henning Cultural Center, helping preserve local artifacts, historic buildings, and cultural traditions.

The Henning Cultural Center occupies the restored 1911 home of Reverend John T. Henning and regularly hosts exhibitions and community programs.

Through Holiday House, residents can support that preservation work while enjoying a seasonal tradition.

The festival also provides an opportunity for local vendors, artists, musicians, and food businesses to connect with visitors during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.

It's a celebration of Christmas, but also an opportunity to support the people and organizations that contribute to Sulphur throughout the rest of the year.

Planning Your Visit

Christmas Under the Oaks and Holiday House returns Thursday, December 3, through Saturday, December 5, 2026, at the Henning Cultural Center and surrounding Heritage Square in Sulphur.

Whether you're looking for locally made Christmas gifts, activities for the children, carnival rides, or a little snow without leaving Louisiana, the festival offers several reasons to visit downtown.

The complete performance schedule, admission details, and activity times may be updated as the event approaches.

For official updates:

• Brimstone Museum: Holiday House at Christmas Under the Oaks
• City of Sulphur: Annual Events
• Visit Lake Charles: Christmas Events

Event information: Henning Cultural Center, 337-527-0357.

Related reporting

Light Up the Lake 2026: Free Christmas Celebration, Boat Parade and Fireworks in Lake Charles

Good Things Are Happening in Southwest Louisiana. Here Are Seven Worth Talking About.

337.NEWS publishes event guides using information from organizers and official tourism sources. Dates were verified against the Brimstone Historical Society's 2026 announcement. Individual activities, prices, and performance schedules are subject to change.