Welcome to Natchitoches.net, the Official Online City Guide for Natchitoches, Louisiana's oldest town, established 1714.

That quaint and perky town in the movie Steel Magnolias is real! Experience the charm of the original French colony in Louisiana, established 1714 and well known as the film site of "Steel Magnolias". Discover our Landmark Historic District with shopping, dining, and attractions plus historic fort sites, museums, and year around cultural events and festivals.

Natchitoches is also recognized as the Bed & Breakfast Capital of Louisiana and home to the Cane River Creole National Historical Park at Oakland & Magnolia Plantations. The National Trust named our town one of the 2005 "Dozen Distinctive Destinations" for Historic Preservation.

November 22: Turn On The Holidays!

Festival of Lights Premiere

You're invited to join Miss Merry Christmas and the Belles to "Turn on the Holidays" on Saturday November 22. The official start of the Festival of Lights season begins at noon with day long activities planned for all ages. Merchants in the downtown historic district will host their annual Holiday Open House with great holiday decorating and gift ideas.www.ChristmasFestival.com (800) 259-1714 or (318) 352-8072

Hot DealsHot Travel Deals & Packages

Wish you were here? Natchitoches.net and the Natchitoches CVB help you plan your trip to Louisiana's oldest settlement with excellent discount and get-a-way package offers.

Visit the NEW "Hot Deals & Packages" section for information on some of the great discounts and vacation packages available to you.


December 5 & 6: Natchitoches Christmas Festival

82nd annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival

Join us the first weekend in December for the 82nd annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival.

This two-day event is the highlight of the Festival of Lights and features a barge parade and entertainment on Friday. Saturday begins with a 5K run, day long entertainment, two parades, food vendors, arts & crafts and children's activity area.

Saturday evening culminates with a fireworks extravaganza over Cane River Lake followed by the turning on of over 300,000 of light bulbs and river bank set pieces. This event has become a holiday tradition for many years for families and friends. Admission to the festival area is $8 for adults 13 and older and $5 for children ages 6-12. Children age 5 and under are free. www.ChristmasFestival.com (800) 259-1714 or (318) 352-8072

THROUGH DECEMBER: Downtown Giveaway Promotion

Register monthly at participating downtown businesses for a $300 shopping spree. Participants must spend $20 to be eligible for the drawing. The winner will be drawn at 4:30 PM on last Friday of each month and announced on the "Jammin\' with Johnny" live radio show on 100.7 KZBL FM. For more information call (318) 352-8072.

For more information, call the Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 259-1714

Interested in retiring to Natchitoches? Find out more here!

A Top Retirement Town in the United States

Where to Retire Magazine • Sept/Oct 2008

Ten Bargain Retirement Spots
in the United States

US News & World Report • June 2007

Preserve America Presidential
Award for Heritage Tourism

Pres. George W. Bush • May 2007

Great American Main Street Award

National Trust for Historic Preservation

One of the Top 100 Places to Retire - Where to Retire Magazine • 2001 & 2002

1 of 12 Great Road Trips - National Geographic Traveler • 2002


Natchitoches Convention
and Visitor's Bureau
781 Front Street
Natchitoches, LA 71457


Toll-free: (800)259-1714
Email: Click Here
Local: (318)352-8072
Fax: (318)352-2415
Accommodations
Christmas Festival
Retirement