And.

Hello, everyone, and welcome to Louisiana, the Stagger in holiday special.

I'm Karen LeBlanc, and I'm Dorothea Wilson, and we are coming to you from Baton Rouge, the Burton Museum and Gardens, Louisiana lights.

It's the inaugural event.

You're getting a first look as it got a lot of holiday events to tell you about.

Yeah.

That's right.

Get ready for a statewide tour.

Of all the things that you can take part in to get you in the holiday spirit.

We are going to head out along the holiday trail of Lights in North Louisiana.

That's right.

First up, Lumiere Immersive Lights in DeSoto parish.

And then we're going to go to Shreveport.

I am taking you on a tour of the American Rose center, all aglow with holiday lights.

Oh, speaking of aglow, now we're going to go to lecture, to the festival of bonfires.

Talk about beautiful Karen hour.

Holiday coverage would not be complete without a visit to the Natchitoches Christmas Lights Festival, a must see.

That's right.

And speaking of muchly, we've got to go to New Orleans for us to experience all of the holiday magic.

Lots of rich tradition out there.

We are going to start right here in Baton Rouge for Louisiana Light.

I'm taking you on a tour of these gorgeous gardens all aglow.

More than 300,000 lights twinkle on trees, flowers, plants and pathways at the Burton Museum and Gardens in Baton Rouge, all aglow for the inaugural Louisiana Lights experience.

The idea came from.

I've attended a lot of different light shows around the country, and I always love Christmas.

I love lights, and so when I moved out here about 13 years ago from campus, one of the things I was challenged with was how to implement and support the Botanic Gardens and the gardens that here, Windrush Gardens specifically.

And the light show is just one of those things that was perfect for us to implement.

And something that this region has never experienced before.

This is going to be unlike any other light show.

You're not going to see this in any residential neighborhoods.

This is a very unique and especially to the gardens.

So each garden room is a different activation that highlights that garden.

So part prismatic parterre, radiant Rangel, oscillating orchard.

They're all different for the garden and highlight that part of the garden.

Very melodic sounding names.

Yes.

Yes.

We had a wonderful landscape architect who's actually a native of Tiverton.

So he designs like shows all over the country.

And we hired him and Patrick Larkin to come and design the show for us.

You know, I ask a lot of people, have you been to Atlanta Botanic Gardens?

Like, so have you been to Fort Worth?

And they're like, no, we haven't been.

And so this is going to be something that I believe most people in Baton Rouge has never, have never experienced anywhere.

And so this is going to be something that is going to be a unique experience in Baton Rouge that they could get if they travel four hours away.

But it's right here in their hometown.

I took a behind the scenes tour of this immersive light show in the weeks leading up to its debut, as workers were prepping the gardens, improving pathways and installing electricity.

It's really rehabilitating this 100 year old garden that's unique to the region.

That's also a big part of what we were trying to accomplish out here.

Oak trees wrapped in color, changing lights welcome visitors as illuminated paths lead through Windrush Gardens on an hour long walk.

Steele Burton designed the 25 acre garden in the early 1900s, modeled after European landscapes and the grounds of historic southern homes.

We wanted this to honor the gardens we wanted it to be not your typical sort of holiday light experience, so it's much more garden focused here.

This might be the most Christmasy aspect of it that we have.

This colorfully lit Christmas tree serves as a guiding beacon along the garden's interconnected paths.

Through ten immersive experiences, visitors cross a scintillating stream through the quaint Myrtle Alley light tunnel and stroll around the Enchanted Forest and the oscillating orchard with glowing doves above.

This is the first one it's going to be Baton Rouge and Beyond's newest holiday tradition.

People are going to want to come back year after year and see it grow and develop.

But right now, you know, we've got so many people who appreciate the bird Museum and Gardens property, 440 acres left in perpetuity, right in the middle of Baton Rouge.

I like to say we are in the middle of Baton Rouge, but we're 100 miles away from anywhere.

When you get back here.

The multimillion dollar light show took more than a year to plan and aims to be an annual South Louisiana holiday tradition.

This also is not just a wonderful, unique holiday event that people will cherish for years to come, but it's also a big way that we're raising funds to help maintain this garden.

Five acres of formal gardens takes a lot to maintain, as well as 440 acres in the middle of Baton Rouge.

So between the Rural Life Museum, the Titanic Gardens, this is a way for the community to come to this light show, to help support this wonderful gift that the Burdick family gave us.

And would you believe, Dorothea, over 300,000 lights in these gardens?

I can definitely believe it, because Karen, it is beautiful.

Is next up.

Now I'm going to take you a little farther north to DeSoto parish, where we're going to experience Lumiere immersion of light.

And they're showing Karen that they have the largest Christmas tree in Louisiana.

You're going to have to stay tuned so we can see about that.

This Christmas tree is a pretty good contender.

That's right.

What started as a lousy hot chocolate experience has blossomed into a winter wonderland.

Sounds silly, but really, we stood in line for a long time and it was just a bad product, bad experience all together.

And we joked around about having a side hustle and, and just opening up, you know, our own hot chocolate, venue like most people in North Louisiana, Perry Thompson and his family had to travel out of state to experience Christmas themed parks about two Christmas seasons ago, he and his family traveled to a park, and after several hours of being in line, all they were given was overpriced, watered down hot chocolate and an underwhelming light display.

It was at that moment when Thompson decided that the people of North Louisiana deserved better.

But about eight months later, I called my now partner and said, hey, do what about what if we go on and open our own Christmas park, but in our backyard?

And so that's how it began.

Almost nine months later, Lumiere Christmas Experience was born, the first holiday themed park of its kind in North Louisiana.

30 to 32 acres.

It's, well, 32 acres, a half mile long walking trail.

And there are seven different themes that transition about every 350, 400ft.

And take you on a journey.

We try to create some magic in there and some wonder, and some wow factor with some larger than life displays that most people haven't seen of this kind.

And the slide, a 250ft artificial snow slide located in the center of the park at just the right amount of thrill to the experience, Perry's wife, Kenneth Thompson, was responsible for most of the decorations and theme ideas for the park.

She wanted to take people on a Christmas journey they'd never forget.

We love Christmas.

And so we have gone to so many different places to see what they have, and we just kind of brainstormed and, put together what we wanted to see.

And we actually wanted to have ten different things this year because we decided to make each theme a little bigger.

Can of walked me through all 32 acres of the park to share the magic of Christmas and to showcase their version of a winter wonderland.

So the first thing you come on to the trail is a really large, I think it's a 24ft willow tree.

And so it's a big statement piece.

As soon as you walk right onto the trail.

It is one of my favorites in this thing.

I could see why it's beautiful.

At the end of the Enchanted Forest, we walked into a candy cane land filled with candy pieces and sweet, blessed with customized treats for all to enjoy.

We have the Queen of sweet right here for you to purchase cookies.

She does homemade Little Debbie treats.

They are to die for.

They have oatmeal, tree pies, Christmas tree cakes which I highly recommend.

Next up, Santas workshop.

Now we're entering into our third theme, which is Santa's Workshop.

It's real fun for the kids, right?

What we're walking through right now is a big teddy bear, which is really fine.

We have Santas thrown right here, which is another really cool photo opportunity from Santas workshop on to a magic tunnel that can tell if you're naughty or nice.

So you better watch out.

Then on to the Ice Princess is quarters right here in our frozen, theme.

We have the Italian ice shot.

Okay, so they are out here Thursday through Sunday serving up Italian ice for our our guests and customers.

Nice.

Because you can slushies.

What would you recommend?

Well, depends on do you want.

There's water ice and there's dairy ice.

What do you like?

Like there's vanilla.

There is.

I'll do the vanilla bean snow vanilla is my favorite.

Thank you.

Try that.

I think you'll like it if you like the little.

This is good.

I got to try it.

Okay, so now we are leaving our frozen things, and we are going to enter into a kid favorite thing, which is arts safari and zoo area.

Your first big piece that you walk up on is the elephant.

And the kids just love it.

Chase.

What's your favorite animal on the trail?

Of the tiger.

Why is it LSU Tigers?

Woo!

Go Tigers!

Yes!

And last but certainly not least, the Lumiere immersion of lights.

True meaning of Christmas.

This is the end of our half mile trail.

We ended with baby Jesus, a reflection of what the season is all about.

That's what we want you to remember when you leave here.

The night ended with a Christmas tree light show where there are 72ft Christmas tree was on display.

The tree, which is said to be the largest in the state, was sent with the most popular Christmas songs and was the perfect way to end the night.

Along the way, I asked some guests to share with me their thoughts on their experience.

It's just wonderful.

Yeah, not quick and over.

You get to really enjoy it.

With that, the Thompsons pulled it off and gave North Louisiana the theme park they needed.

To.

Good evening everyone.

I'm Linda majic with Louisiana Public Broadcasting.

I'm the executive producer, and I get to work every day with my amazing co-host Karen LeBlanc and Dorothea Wilson.

This is a great show.

We are here at the Burden Museum and Gardens, Louisiana.

Light special guys, this is like a total winter wonderland.

Can you believe this?

300,000 lights and their inaugural event.

And they plan on this being a South Louisiana tradition, which I totally think it's going to be.

Absolutely.

Take a look at this tree.

Can you imagine the work it took to do this?

It will look good in front of this tree, by the way.

And then if you are dressed for the moment, totally, I call it the holiday spirit, looking like a happy elf with my red, turtleneck sweater.

Probably the only time I'll ever wear it, but I'm pretty happy.

Elf, if I may say so myself.

And you're looking gorgeous and red and loving what you do.

Yeah, I got my fuzzy.

Yes, I've got my fuzzy sweater on, so it's exciting.

The temperatures finally dropped.

It seemed like that was never going to happen.

It feels like we should have a mug of hot chocolate.

I'm afraid right now.

Yes, yes, yes.

But seriously, you know, it is such an honor and a privilege to work for LPB.

And for us.

Yeah.

You know, Louisiana, the state we're in, it's a legacy newsmagazine program.

It's been around for 40.

I know, I know, and these are the types of stories that our viewers want to hear about and that we just love sharing with them.

I mean, most states, I'm sorry, but most states don't have the rich history, the rich culture and the celebrations that we have here.

We're good at this, you know, and we literally travel around the state north, south, east, west, bringing you these stories every week.

Yep.

As Louisiana storytellers for almost 50 years, your partnership and your help gets us along.

That's right.

Big anniversary coming up.

Yes, yes.

So we want to invite our viewers tonight.

If you are enjoying this program, help us keep doing this.

Call or text give to 888769 5000 or just scan the QR code on your screen.

And let's take a look at these amazing holiday gifts that people will get for themselves.

You can gift it to somebody else, or you might just want to keep that treat for you.

That's right.

How they spirit get in the giving spirit, right?

Right.

So it's all about become a friend of LPB to support the programs you love.

And we will thank you with these membership gifts chosen especially for you during this holiday.

Special for $20 a month, receive the Louisiana Holiday Combo, including authentic Louisiana Pralines in a gift box, a 3 pound box of fresh shelled pecan halves from Bajoran Pecan Company, and an LP mug for $12 a month.

Choose authentic Louisiana Pralines and enjoy this great Southern recipe full of Louisiana pecans.

For $10 a month, receive a 3 pound box of fresh shelled Bajoran pecan halves.

Whether you are ready to bake or looking for the perfect healthy snack, these Louisiana pecans are sure to be the best you've ever tasted.

Or for just $6 a month, choose the LPB mug.

Now, I don't know about you guys, but I thought some of this sketch looked pretty tasty, right?

So speaking of holiday food, I think this is a chance for us to get to know each other a little bit better.

Okay, so I have some very personal questions, so.

Oh, okay.

Okay.

Sweet potato casserole.

Marshmallows or pecan topping.

Well definitely marshmallows.

Marshmallows and we do.

Are you okay.

Do you do two separate casseroles.

How do you do this.

So we do.

So in the casserole we cut up the pecans or pecans depending on where you're from okay okay okay I say pecan.

So we we break it up and then we put it inside of the sweet potato.

And then on the top we sprinkle.

Then once it's done we sprinkle the marshmallows and corn at the top with a little bit of brown sugar.

Love it!

I discovered a new recipe.

Thank you for that.

I know some people really are against the marshmallows violating them.

So let's talk about this.

Pecans versus pecans.

Oh okay.

Pecan.

Pecan okay.

This is what we've got here.

What is this.

Is this in North Carolina I went because I see pecans.

It's I believe the corn is a little I know it's not a smoothie you might like.

That is a says you are not one of us.

Oh I forgot so I don't really do that Linda.

But I like to eat them.

So I feel like I'm.

I feel like I am one of you.

So.

So let's take this seriously.

I did a story at Barry's on pecans, and we're out in his country fields, orchards, whatever you want to call it.

And we literally had this okay.

Question.

Okay.

Just for verification.

But this has to be a regional thing.

Absolutely.

It's a southern girl.

Thank you.

Southern two I don't know I'm just I'm totally southern.

Yeah.

No.

And I eat and I can eat my way to sweet potato casserole.

So anyway, but speaking of one of us.

So Gary Allen is a former senior producer who is honored to support LPB programing and is challenging viewers to donate now in tribute to some of LP's beloved former staff members Beth Courtney, Ken Johnson, Charlie Lynam and Robin Ekins.

Gary again is going to match dollar for dollar.

The first $1,500 donated during this program only, so you need to act now.

This will effectively double the impact of your contribution to LPB.

And that's the thing about LPB, right?

Speaking of being one of us, when you know LP, you love LP because you understand the value of the storytelling that we bring to the state, and it really is a family.

It feels like a family to work with.

All of you and our viewers feel like family because we really connect with them and they connect with us.

Absolutely.

So please call or text give to eight, eight, 8769 5000 or scan the QR code on your screen.

I mean, please consider this the end of the year.

This is the giving time.

This right?

And you can make your gift count twice.

That's right I love it's amazing when they take place.

It takes place now.

Yes, yes right now.

It's got to happen now.

Now before we go back to our program, I have one more question.

Okay okay okay.

Cranberries.

Oh, cranberry sauce.

Canned or fresh?

Okay.

Neither.

I was going to say I don't even know why I'm not.

My mother and I have PTSD from can bury my mother every Thanksgiving and Christmas would plop that yellowish stuff onto a very fancy glass serving tray, as if that made it more appetizing.

And I just did it.

It was awful.

And oh my gosh, I don't know.

I feel like I am not whatever this is, this is my North Carolina thing.

No.

Well, I don't know.

I know I make I have to say I make a mean homemade cranberry sauce and I feel like I need to make it just so we can invite you guys over.

Eat it now is so good.

All right, you guys, you can bring some to the station and we'll take you up on your offer.

Okay, well, let's take a look at those pecan thank you gifts again.

One more time.

Become a friend of LPB to support the programs you love.

And we will thank you with these membership gifts chosen especially for you during this holiday.

Special for $20 a month, receive the Louisiana Holiday Combo, including authentic Louisiana Pralines in a gift box, a 3 pound box of fresh shelled pecan halves from Bajoran Pecan Company, and an LPB mug for $12 a month.

Choose authentic Louisiana Pralines and enjoy this great Southern recipe full of Louisiana pecans.

For $10 a month, receive a 3 pound box of fresh shelled Bajoran pecan halves.

Whether you are ready to bake or looking for the perfect healthy snack, these Louisiana pecans are sure to be the best you've ever tasted.

Or for just $6 a month, choose the LPB mug.

I'm just saying I need to invite you guys over.

Maybe I can change your minds when you try my all links.

We accept your challenge, okay?

We meaning carrot.

All right, speaking of challenges, just a reminder.

We have our member challenge again.

Gary Allen, former LPB senior producer, is so honored to support LP programing and is challenging viewers to donate now in tribute to some of LP's beloved former staff members Beth Courtney, Ken Johnson, Charlie Wenham and Robin Ekins.

Gary again is going to match dollar for dollar.

The first $1,500 donated during this program only, so you need to act now.

This will effectively double the impact of your contribution to LPB.

And of course, we have some wonderful thank you gifts.

I think they're called pecans.

I we won't get another argument about that.

And we're going to take a look at those in a second.

And then we are going to look at some amazing bonfires right on the levee.

But I'm a friend of LPB to support the programs you love.

And we will thank you with these membership gifts chosen especially for you during this holiday special for $20 a month, receive the Louisiana Holiday Combo, including authentic Louisiana Pralines in a gift box, a 3 pound box of fresh shelled pecan halves from Ron Bacon Company, and an LP mug for $12 a month.

Choose authentic Louisiana Pralines and enjoy this great southern recipe full of Louisiana pecans.

For $10 a month, receive a 3 pound box of fresh shelled Bajoran pecan halves.

Whether you are ready to bake or looking for the perfect healthy snack, these Louisiana pecans are sure to be the best you've ever tasted.

Or for just $6 a month, choose the LPB mug.

We also have two special credit card offers for the first caller of $500 or more on a credit card, receive a Papa Noel okra pod sculpture by Louisiana artist Kathy Tate Davis, who transforms dried okra pods and other natural materials into colorful characters.

Symbolic of Louisiana.

This is an original artwork that is sure to delight for the first caller of $750 or more on a credit card, receive the festive pop A Noel Holiday collection that includes a punch bowl, a large platter for dessert plates and for mugs.

All ceramic pieces are hand made and hand painted.

This collection is perfect for holiday entertaining.

Along the Mississippi River levee in Gary Ville, wood structures start taking shape around Thanksgiving as bonfire builders get to work stacking and hammering wooden shapes to ignite on Christmas Eve night.

It's a tradition in Saint James Parish that dates back to the early 1700s, tied to Cajun folklore.

Started by early settlers of the river parishes.

The belief is that the levee bonfires light the way for Papa Noel to deliver presents.

I wanted to take you behind the scenes to show you the kind of work that goes into building these bonfires that light up the levee.

So we are visiting the site of blood, sweat and bonfires.

It's a group of bonfire builders who have been together since 1998 as kids, building here on the levee.

And each year they build these extravagant bonfires and they're different.

Let's take a walk.

And I want to take a look at this.

All right.

What is it that you're building this year?

All right, so this year, we decided to do an alligator guard fish because it kind of fits within the ring on year after year with Louisiana.

So I bayou swamp bring, small creatures.

From.

Starting a few days after Thanksgiving, the group gathers each weekend to build the wooden structures leading up to Christmas Eve.

It's also a time to socialize and connect with the community.

There are many people who stop by to chat and watch the bonfire building, so this is our very first bonfire we ever built as a group of kids on the levee.

And this is done in like 98.

I'm up here.

We've been here.

Over the years, this group of friends has built bonfires in the likeness of all sorts of Louisiana creatures.

A large mouth bass, a crawfish, a crab, a pelican, snapper, a turtle, and occasionally deviating from Louisiana themes to produce the space shuttle, a guitar and a breast cancer memorial, just to name a few.

In its long history.

Bonfire builders say their latest creation puts the Gar in Carrie ville, with their gar gator.

Spanning 40ft long and seven feet tall.

So it's kind of one of those things like a Louisiana style Christmas.

We put our own twist on things and this is just something so unique.

It's all region and we've been doing it so long.

It's got history to it.

And and we just enjoy doing it so much.

It's just been so much fun for us over the years.

We look forward to it every year.

The build up to the main event includes the beloved festival of the Bonfires in Letcher.

You know, we always it's been a family tradition in Saint James Parish to build bonfires on the levee, to light the way for Papa and Noel, for people can see our small town Saint James Parish.

And that's why we decided to do a festival, the bonfires, to kind of give a little glimpse of it.

If you can't come Christmas Eve.

So we light some bonfires, at the festival, and then, we get ready for Christmas Eve, where we open our doors to, the tourists.

They come into our homes, eat gumbo, just chat around and then light a bonfire on the levee for Papa Noel.

Folks, gather around the festival bonfire with a modern day twist on this Cajun tradition.

A fireworks show of cascading lights that dance above the flickering bonfire flames.

The night is a glow from the ground up to the sky.

It's always the second full weekend of December.

And we just have live music, you know, arts and crafts.

We have a gumbo cookoff on Friday night that always has over 100 gunboats.

We have day.

We had actually, teen and miss festival, the bonfires pageant.

We have teens that come throughout, entire state of Louisiana to come and support the girls.

Today, these bonfires line the levee for miles, attracting thousands of visitors.

Many Louisiana families that make Christmas Eve bonfire outings part of their holiday tradition.

At 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve, fire chiefs send the signal to light the fires.

So all the kids are going to thank you because Santa Claus or AK Allen Noel.

That's right.

Well see his way along the lighted levee thanks to the bonfires.

Yep.

We just wanted a minute as we give tribute to his light on the way down.

So all the kids and Gabrielle get it for present this year.

Merry Christmas bells.

I just love these events, Karen.

And these are the types of events that make Louisiana special.

Such rich culture and history there.

What was your favorite part?

Well, yeah, I really respect the memories of blood, sweat and Bonfire.

A lot of work goes into planning these structures and the creative designs.

My favorite part was just watching the craftsmanship at work, sawing and nailing together these little bitty pieces.

And they do this in a fun, communal way.

They're out there on the levee and they're grilling and they're just having a good time of them.

Well, you know, speaking of a good time, I went down to New Orleans and experienced all the holiday magic that they had to share, from tea time to all of the food, the drinks, the rich culture.

It was fabulous.

Take a look from holiday lights that illuminate the night sky, carriage rides touring through the city, Rivian dinners and spirits, exclusive holiday boutiques and hotel halls decked with holly.

The magic of Christmas is in full swing in the city of New Orleans, and it's regarded as one of the top destinations to visit during the holiday season.

We just love people.

We love to entertain everyone's.

Welcome to New Orleans.

We are truly a city that's built to host.

Mark Rome, a native New Orleanian and chief marketing executive officer at New Orleans and Company, beams with joy as he reflects on the many things that make holidays and New Orleans special.

New Orleans has so many things that you can do during the holidays and I say New Orleans, but really the region.

Yeah, if you think about the lights, people decorating their own homes or you come into a beautiful hotel lobby like the Roosevelt and the hotel lobbies come alive in New Orleans, whether it's the Roosevelt, the Westin, the Windsor Court, the Ritz Carlton, it's a grand way to just enjoy the lights of the of the season.

While touring the city, we visited three hotels that capture the spirit of the Crescent City and the essence of Christmas.

The Hotel Monte Leon flaunted their dazzling lights throughout their halls and lobby area, while the Ritz Carlton held their customized canopy dangling from the ceiling.

Their in-house baked gingerbread street car paying tribute to local New Orleans legends and their wide array of Christmas decor in every corner of the hotel.

Both were ready for the season and spared no expense in their preparation for a jolly old Christmas.

But the last stop, the Roosevelt Hotel, with over 140,000 Christmas lights, 46 Christmas trees and customized meals and drinks for the season.

Like some of their staff say, nobody does Christmas like the Roosevelt.

We took our time to make sure to soak it all in.

Dorothea, we are in the lobby of the Roosevelt Hotel.

I will call this the Grand Lobby because it just comes alive during the holidays, and there are so many families that walk through on any given day, at any given hour.

And it's just the experience of being part of the magic of New Orleans for the holidays, while walking down the halls of the Roosevelt.

It's similar to walking down Santa Claus Lane.

It's filled with so much wonder sparkling lights that would bring joy to any Scrooge.

Then the shopping area, the place where the magic is made look at the magnificent items.

I mean the candles, the ornaments, the clothing.

And.

And here we have an ornament that represents the lobby of the Roosevelt.

You can actually have it in your home on your tree.

Like many hotels in the area, the Roosevelt participates in the Evian, a holiday tradition that originated in the 1800s.

Chef Daniel Mills exactly a chef at the Roosevelt, has been participating in this tradition for the past ten years.

He prepares three course meals every year to commemorate the season.

It's an amazing tradition.

You know, the Arabian starting in 18th century, just people coming back from midnight mass and that's, you know, Arabian means awakening.

So they would get together with their entire family and they would have this meal starting after midnight mass.

You know, dinner at 2 a.m. might sound a little strange these days, but they ate all the way through the night.

And then that was really the awakening and the start of their Christmas this year.

He whipped up a few dishes he's especially proud of.

That gives both a taste of the season and New Orleans.

So we have a pan seared venison, that's going with some herbs, basil and some foraged mushrooms.

We've made a cranberry demi glass that goes, you know, ties it all together with kind of the Christmas flavors.

And then this dish is duck again, Louisiana kind of game food.

We have some sweet potato puree, which we've kind of holiday spiced.

So some familiar flavors there.

Yeah.

And it's served with a savory bread pudding that has foie gras, blackcurrants, walnuts.

And that's going to tie in together with our Sazerac rye demi glass.

Seeing that's how we're the Roosevelt.

You know, Sazerac is tied to us, and the flavor really goes well with everything else on the plate.

This is one of our starters, too.

It's a local blue crab.

I Groton, we mix it up with some Mornay, with some fresh kale and, guanciale, which is, cured, pork jowls.

Bon appetit.

And what's a holiday meal without a customized holiday drink?

We visited the bar area of the Roosevelt and witnessed that Christmas cookie.

We're going to start off with Stoli Vanilla.

Oh, we're going to do two ounces.

Bring some nice sweetness to it.

Going to kick it up with sweetness as well with a little brown sugar.

Ooh.

Okay.

Hit a little vanilla extract okay.

A couple dashes of that and then some cream.

Just heavy cream.

Oh.

Then we will finish that off with some nice colorful Christmas flakes.

Oh how cute.

This is our Christmas cookie I love it.

Oh, let's see if it tastes like a curse.

Yeah.

Give it a try.

Oh, this is so good.

The last area of the Roosevelt to spread some cheer is the Teddy Bear Tea Room.

This event has been bringing families together for over 19 years.

The tea is named after President Theodore Teddy Roosevelt.

And guests are gifted a signature teddy bear in his honor.

I filled in for Santa Claus by making an entrance on their street car, but traditionally he joins families for tea, cookies, champagne and a wealth of laughs and cheer.

Now the Roosevelt is definitely on the good list, and they make Louisiana proud.

I mean, the Roosevelt does holidays better than any place I've ever seen, especially in the city of New Orleans.

And we just really, I think, capture the spirit of the city, then take it to another level.

What a creative way to celebrate the holidays.

And by the way, a great photo op.

That's right.

It was a great trip.

And if you ever want to plan a trip to New Orleans for the holidays, visit New orleans.com.

They'll have all the resources you need.

All right, well, next I am taking you up to North Louisiana.

We're going to Shreveport, to the American Rose center for their winter wonderland.

Now it's part of the holiday trail of lights we've been covering.

Yeah, and just like these gardens are all aglow, so too are the Rose gardens.

Take a look.

The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights originated in 1992, and it runs along I-20 and I-49 in north Louisiana through several cities, including Shreveport, which is where we are headed to hit the highlights.

Shreveport is one of eight North Louisiana cities along the Holiday of Light Trail, and the main attraction is here at the Rose center Christmas in Roseland.

It's a half a mile of lights, lots and lots of lights.

Estimates are more than a million.

Let's go check it out.

Hi, Claire.

Yes, Karen.

Hi, Karen.

Thank you so much for having me here at the Rose center.

It's all aglow.

Yes it is.

It's wonderful to have you.

Thank you for coming.

So tell me about this.

This is now in its 40th year.

Yes, it is is our 40 year anniversary.

Wow.

So what goes on here?

This is, it's Christmas and Rose land.

It is our largest fundraiser for the American Rose society.

And so what we do is every year we light up our gardens with Christmas lights.

And we invite the community to come out and enjoy them.

There are a lot of lights here.

What kind of work goes into this?

It's a lot of work.

We began putting up Christmas lights, the 1st of October, and we go right up until when our Christmas light, event begins right before Thanksgiving.

Any idea how many lights have you ever counted?

I've never counted them, but we have, probably somewhere in the neighborhood of a million Christmas lights out there.

The American Rose center spans 118 acres.

It's planted with a vast variety of roses as a largest rose garden in the nation, and home to the national headquarters of the American Rose society.

A lot of families just come back year after year, and they say that it's that tradition.

They enjoy bringing back their children and now their grandchildren.

It's about a half a mile walk out there.

And so it's it's a lot of fun.

There's a lot to see.

Next it's off to Sy Port Discovery Center for the science of the holiday season.

Snow four opened back up in 2019, so it opened November 24th and it will be here until the 28th of January.

So it's our most anticipated seasonal exhibit.

It's our winter wonderland basically, and it's about all the science behind both winter and snowflake making.

We have a snow globe that they can be in that has the landscape of Shreveport.

We have the inflatable igloo, some Lego building challenges, as well as a motion picture with our gnomes over here.

We also have our ice fishing pond and our xylophone tree.

So this year, the holidays are not just about Santa's the holidays, it's about science.

It's 100%.

And so we say goodbye to the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights with festive scenes from other participating cities.

All.

Welcome back everyone.

I'm the executive producer at Louisiana Public Broadcasting, and I'm here with Karen LeFlore and Dorothy Wilson.

We are having such a good time.

I hope that you are in some holiday cheer.

We are definitely having some highlight.

And we are about each other.

Yeah, sure.

I shared some secrets of our favorite holiday recipes and our not so favorite.

And I think that's right.

And yes, probably didn't need to go public with everything, but but but now we're out there.

That's okay.

But thank you for being with us tonight.

You guys like, this is amazing.

Watching the traveling that you've done around the state, what a special time and kind of what a privilege to see how people are celebrating.

North.

South, east west, rapid, north Louisiana.

Beautiful.

I was east and west from the levees to that.

They were all everywhere back here in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Lights gorgeous burning museum and gardens for their inaugural events.

No, this is amazing what they have done here.

And I really would encourage our viewers, if you are anywhere in the Baton Rouge area, come out here to the Vernon Museum and Gardens, Louisiana Light Special, bring your kids.

Yeah, we are special person.

You know, 339,000 light and, you know, the gardens themselves.

They're 100 years old.

And so this Christmas light display is not your standard Santa Claus snowman.

It's actually themed to kind of amplify and highlight the historical deep, deep roots here in the garden.

So definitely special a one of a kind experience.

It's amazing.

And our offices are right down the road from here.

And I had no idea that that this, this land was there's like 400 acres here, 100 acres here, this size acres of formal gardens, just kind of tucked away in the middle of the city in the homes.

And so these are the things that you learn when you watch LPB, because we are Louisiana storyteller and we can't do it without you.

So please, we are inviting you to to be part of the holiday spirit with us, to support our mission.

So call or text give 2888769 5000 or scan the QR code that is on your screen.

And in return, we want to give back.

We don't just take, we like to give.

So we have some very special thank you gifts for you.

Take a look.

Become a friend of LPB to support the programs you love and we will thank you with these membership gifts chosen especially for you during this holiday.

Special for $20 a month, receive the Louisiana Holiday Combo, including authentic Louisiana Pralines in a gift box, a 3 pound box of fresh shelled bacon halves from Bergeron Pecan Company, and an LPB mug for $12 a month.

Choose authentic Louisiana Pralines and enjoy this great southern recipe full of Louisiana pecans.

For $10 a month, receive a 3 pound box of fresh shelled Bajoran pecan halves.

Whether you are ready to bake or looking for the perfect healthy snack, these Louisiana pecans are sure to be the best you've ever tasted.

Or for just $6 a month, choose the LPB mug.

We also have two special credit card offers for the first caller of $500 or more on a credit card, receive a Papa Noel Okra pod sculpture by Louisiana artist Kathy Tate Davis, who transforms dried okra pods and other natural materials into colorful characters symbolic of Louisiana.

This is an original artwork that is sure to delight for the first caller of $750 or more on a credit card, receive the festive Papa Noel Holiday Collection that includes a punch bowl, a large platter for dessert plates and for mugs.

All ceramic pieces are handmade and hand painted.

This collection is perfect for holiday entertaining.

Those are some awesome gifts.

I love that we don't just ask our viewers to gift to us, but we like to give back to them.

All right, so now we're getting into controversial territory again.

Okay, I've got another question for you.

This is about well, first of all, stuffing versus dressing.

Is there a difference.

Does anybody know.

So I think of stuffing as dry and like crumbled cornbread a little onion.

So.

Right okay.

You know, what do you think.

Well, first of all, we don't even eat something.

It's dressing for us.

But dressing like I said it's a little the texture is a little different.

It's a little bit more.

That's right.

It's a little moist.

And, we'll seafood in there stuffing.

Like she said, it's a little brittle.

Okay.

So you've brought up some important things here.

Okay.

What kind of stuffing?

Slash dressing do you like.

So we have you.

Cornbread, oyster stove top.

I don't know what's happened.

So tell me what your preference is.

Definitely a cornbread I agree I will take some cornbread over stuffing.

That's right a little cornbread.

You put it.

Now I'm not a big fan of oyster so we don't do oyster dressing.

But we'll put some crawfish and shrimp in there.

Put a little chicken, put a little seasoning and a little onion.

You love it.

I'm hungry.

I never grew up.

Okay.

Thank you for sharing that one.

Oh, I know, I know, and I have to say, my favorite, stuffing is my brother in law's.

He is from Lafayette and he uses Paul Prado's recipe.

Okay, I don't know what is in it.

It's a cornbread cornbread recipe, but the seasonings are so amazing.

It is seriously the best that I've ever had.

I love that so.

So when it comes to the holidays, do you do gumbo?

Do you do a turkey?

Do you have like what's your what's your family tradition?

Turkey and ham.

We are equal opportunity in my household.

My family loves a good honey baked ham and then a Cajun injected.

It has to be Cajun and yes, turkey.

How about you?

So I same here.

We'll do a turkey.

We'll do that.

One year I was I was a cook.

That year I ordered a turducken.

Can you believe it?

I've had that I'm not so sure about that.

And it was stuffed with a two.

Yeah.

Oh my gosh.

It was it was different.

The duck was different for me.

But it was it was festive.

That's good, that's good.

Well yeah, there's lots and lots to continue to unpack here.

But I want to tell our viewers about a very special memory challenge that we have.

So Gary Allen, who is a former senior LPB senior producer, is very honored to support LPB programing and he's challenging viewers to donate now in tribute to some of LP's beloved former staff members Beth Courtney, Ken Johnson, Charlie Wenham and Robin Ekins.

Now, Gary is going to match dollar for dollar.

The first $1,500 donated during this program only.

So this is your only opportunity to take advantage of this.

This will effectively double the impact of your contribution to LPB.

So this is an amazing opportunity.

So please again call or text GIF scan the QR code on your screen.

Take advantage of this special opportunity that we have.

This this this is a giving time right?

Right.

Holiday season.

Hence the giving season.

And we certainly welcome your gift so we can keep on traveling the state and bringing you holiday stories.

But all the news and public information that's so important arts, culture, history, all of the stories you've come to enjoy over the years.

Okay, so any other Christmas traditions that we need to know about?

Any other any elf on the shelf?

I got an elf on the shelf.

You know, it happens.

Yeah, I do like to bake.

And for years, I hosted a Christmas cookie exchange to the point where my friends are like, please don't make me bake like seven dozen cookies.

I think that's cute.

That was fun.

Yes, but I love holiday baking.

And my mama's peanut butter marshmallow cream chocolate fudge.

That sounds delicious.

Wow, that totally sounds delicious.

Now, guys.

Okay, there's one more controversial question that I have to ask before we wrap up our program.

Okay, let's just say you had gumbo on Christmas Day, okay?

Or maybe have it on New Year's Eve.

Tomatoes or no tomatoes?

No tomatoes, no.

Definitely okra.

No tomatoes.

You know, these are fighting words for some parts of our state.

I mean, not for me.

I'm a no no.

I'm a no no.

I hate in person, too.

I'm just saying it.

I don't want to alienate our viewers who are part of us.

They're part of our family.

If you like tomatoes, that's okay.

Yeah.

Okay.

To each his own, but tomatoes are I know, for me.

Okay.

All right.

So let's look again at this member challenge that we have with Gary Allen who is a former LPB senior producer.

Again, he is honored and we are honored that he is supporting LPB programing.

He's challenging viewers to donate now in tribute to some of LPB beloved former staff members Beth Courtney, Ken Johnson, Charlie Lena, and Robin Ekins.

Gary is going to match dollar for dollar.

The first $1,500 donated during this program.

Only effectively doubling the impact of your contribution to LP.

So this is an opportunity to sort of double the Christmas jam.

If you were the holiday spirit.

Yes.

So let's take a look at the thank you gifts that we have in appreciation for all that you do for LPB.

Become a friend of LPB to support the programs you love, and we will thank you with these membership gifts chosen especially for you during this holiday.

Special for $20 a month, receive the Louisiana Holiday Combo, including authentic Louisiana Pralines in a gift box, a 3 pound box of fresh shelled bacon halves from Bajoran Pecan Company, and an LPB mug for $12 a month.

Choose authentic Louisiana Pralines and enjoy this great Southern recipe full of Louisiana pecans.

For $10 a month, receive a 3 pound box of fresh shelled Bajoran pecan halves.

Whether you are ready to bake or looking for the perfect healthy snack, these Louisiana pecans are sure to be the best you've ever tasted.

Or for just $6 a month, choose the LPB mug.

We also have two special credit card offers for the first caller of $500 or more on a credit card, receive a Papa Noel Okra pod sculpture by Louisiana artist Kathy Tate Davis, who transforms dried okra pods and other natural materials into colorful characters symbolic of Louisiana.

This is an original artwork that is sure to delight for the first caller of $750 or more on a credit card, receive the festive Papa Noel Holiday Collection that includes a punch bowl, a large platter for dessert plates and for mugs.

All ceramic pieces are handmade and hand painted.

This collection is perfect for holiday entertaining.

Displays the.

Colors.

What's of things and our and the Maya family carries on a tradition from their childhood growing up in Natchitoches.

A visit to this Santa Claus house as the city lights up for the annual Christmas festival.

We've grown up here.

We've lived here our whole lives.

And so for us coming as kids ourselves to be able to bring our children and get to come down here and literally have this in our backyard is so special, each year to get to do it.

And we're so excited to be so close to the 100th year of it, and to be able to celebrate that with our kids.

The Natchitoches Christmas Festival is now in its 97th year, and as the sun sets, the waterway lights up with over 100 lighted displays, 300,000 lights.

It's a beloved tradition that attracts visitors from all over.

It's a magical place during the Christmas season, and what we know from our tourism folks is we are the eighth best city in the world to celebrate Christmas, so that's a big thing.

That's not in the South, that's not in the United States.

That's the world.

Interestingly enough, their tradition was started by a city utility worker.

Our uncle Charlie Maggio was he worked for the city.

He was an electrician, a lineman, and, he and Charlie Solomon and some other folks at the city.

They built the first, Christmas set pieces that you see still.

And some of the original ones are still here on the riverbank.

Chris and Carmela maggio are siblings who carry on the Christmas festival legacy started by their family members as kids.

Yeah, again, we had 30, 40 cousins, and every night back in those days, you had to turn up manually, turn on the Christmas lights.

So the Oracle Charlie would take about 4 or 5 of us every night, and we would flip the switch to turn on the lights every Christmas.

Each holiday season, the Maggio siblings opened the doors to Santa Claus House, founded by their aunt in the late 1950s.

It's a beautiful and bittersweet story.

Santa Claus House honors the memory of Barry, their and three year old son.

Barry wanted to see Santa on a family shopping trip to Shreveport, but he never got the chance.

Barry, our cousin, said.

That's okay, mama.

We'll see Santa next year.

Well, unfortunately, within that year there was an accident in the home and Barry, passed away.

And, so our, our aunt Jeanette Maggio.

Gunnar, went to the mayor back in the late 1950s and said, if you'll build a Santa Claus house, we'll make sure that no kid in that condition never, that every kid in that college has the opportunity to see Santa.

Santa Claus house is open free of charge for children and pets to visit, take photos, and tell Santa what's on their Christmas list.

Carmela volunteers to keep Santa Claus House open nightly during the Christmas Festival through December 23rd.

That took on this because it's we want to carry on the legacy that my aunt started years ago.

I think it means a lot because I when I come every night, I just I meet so many families, local families and families from out of town.

And, it's just I just see the joy on the kids faces as they come to see Santa joy and the pride that comes with being a Christmas bell.

A dream of countless young girls growing up in Natchitoches, including Alyssa Robertson, current Christmas Bell Santas assistant and Christmas Festival ambassador.

And whenever we were all little, we wanted to be Christmas Bell.

So now it's kind of cool to be one.

Now I've been called Mrs. Claus.

Elves, a bunch of different things, so it's cool to see them.

And I used to be one of those.

And the title comes with the responsibility.

Tell me about that.

It does.

So a lot of it was academic.

And so maintaining that coming up, all of the things that we go to, we go all over the state festivals.

One of the highlights of the Christmas festival is the Holiday Home Tour.

The city is filled with these charming historic bed and breakfast.

In such as this one here, the steel magnolia house, all decorated for the holidays.

A canopy of lights covers the streets of downtown historic Natchitoches.

As holiday shopping, special events and shows bring an uptick in business, friends and relations.

On this night, zydeco musician Patrice LaCour was performing with the LA Corps Trio.

First of all, congratulations.

You are riding in the Rose parade and forming.

What an honor.

Let's, Unbelievable.

Yeah.

Very excited.

What was your reaction?

How do you find that?

Oh, well, I found out several months ago.

But I had to keep it a secret because it wasn't announced yet.

But this.

This is Christmas to me, is Christmas.

My belief up to me and the people you know, they know.

The Northwestern State University Middle Lab school orchestra director was recently inducted into the Louisiana music Educators Association Hall of Fame, and he's writing in honor of music education.

The theme of this year's Rose parade float.

Natchitoches is one of several North Louisiana cities along the Louisiana Holiday of Lights trail, bringing visitors and boosting local economies.

When you say economy, a great economic impact, I think a lot of people feel that, especially our downtown merchants, it's, typically the best time of the year from an economic standpoint for them.

Natchitoches, such a special town, and Louisiana and the Festival of Lights there.

It's just spectacular.

It really is been a family tradition for Jenna and generations.

97 years and counting.

Absolutely.

And speaking of traditions and family, and that's my alma mater.

So that's my family in Natchitoches.

So I love it out there, I love it.

And speaking of traditions, I think we need to continue this tradition of exploring the holidays spirit in our state.

Like, this is really fun and together I know family, I know.

Okay, so same time next year.

That's right.

Next Christmas.

Okay, I'll probably wear my happy elf outfit again.

Yeah, I think that'll work.

What do you think?

This sounds great.

All right, I want to remind our viewers to look at the member challenge that our LPB senior producer, Gary Allen, has offered just for this program.

So this is your last opportunity.

So please scan the QR code on your screen.

Call or text.

Give 2888769 5000.

Thank you for all that you do for us.

We want to get back to you.

We're going to take one more look at these thank you gifts.

Gifts.

But from all of us at Louisiana Public Broadcasting.

Happy holidays.

Happy holidays.

And thank you for being a part of our family.

Become a friend of LPB to support the programs you love, and we will thank you with these membership gifts chosen especially for you during this holiday.

Special for $20 a month, receive the Louisiana Holiday Combo, including authentic Louisiana Pralines in a gift box, a 3 pound box of fresh shelled bacon halves from Bajoran Pecan Company, and an LPB mug for $12 a month.

Choose authentic Louisiana Pralines and enjoy this great southern recipe full of Louisiana pecans.

For $10 a month, receive a 3 pound box of fresh shelled Bajoran pecan halves.

Whether you are ready to bake or looking for the perfect healthy snack, these Louisiana pecans are sure to be the best you've ever tasted.

Or for just $6 a month, choose the LPB mug.