November in Alexandria Pineville: Holiday Traditions, Family Fun and Plenty to Be Thankful For
November is here, and Alexandria Pineville is getting into the holiday spirit!
From festive shopping and local flavors to community events, Thanksgiving traditions and the first signs of Christmas, there is plenty happening on both sides of the Red River this month.
Whether you are getting a head start on your Christmas list, gathering with family for Thanksgiving or looking for something new to do around town, November is full of reasons to get out and explore.
November 12 through 15 | Holiday Open House Kicks Off the Season
It’s time to make your list, grab your friends and get ready for a little holiday shopping!
Holiday Open House returns November 12 through 15, bringing four days of shopping, dining and holiday fun to Alexandria, Pineville and surrounding communities.
Local boutiques, restaurants, specialty shops and businesses are getting into the spirit with special promotions, festive treats, giveaways and plenty of opportunities to find something special.
Whether you are shopping for Christmas gifts, picking up something for your Thanksgiving table or treating yourself to something new, Holiday Open House is the perfect excuse to explore your favorite local spots and discover a few new ones along the way.
And the fun goes beyond shopping! Stop by Fighting Hand Brewing Company for a Friendsgiving Flight, check out seasonal cocktails at Hemingway House, explore the holiday hunt at Alexandria Mall or browse the many participating boutiques and specialty shops.
Make a day of it! Start with coffee, spend the afternoon shopping, grab lunch at a local restaurant and finish with dinner or drinks.
Learn more about Holiday Open House
November 14 | Celebrate Sugar Day at Kent Plantation House
Step into Central Louisiana history at the 33rd Annual Sugar Day at Kent Plantation House on Saturday, November 14, from 9 AM to 4 PM.
Spend the day watching traditional sugar making demonstrations, browsing arts, crafts and handmade goods from local vendors, and enjoying one of Alexandria’s favorite family traditions. It is a wonderful chance to learn a little local history while shopping for unique finds and spending time together.
Interested in joining as a vendor? Kent Plantation House is accepting applications. Message the organizers through the event page for details.
November 2 | Feast for Good
Good food for a great cause? Count us in!
Feast for Good returns Monday, November 2, from 5:30 to 8:30 PM at the Randolph Riverfront Center.
This special evening brings together talented chefs from New York City and Louisiana for a night of incredible food, live cooking demonstrations, dinner, an open bar and auctions.
Best of all, the event benefits St. Mary’s Residential Community & Services, making it a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a night out while supporting an organization that makes a difference in Central Louisiana.
Learn more about Feast for Good
November 7 and 21 | Lace Up for a Good Cause
November brings a couple of great reasons to get outside, get moving and support important causes.
On November 7, the Strides for Diabetes Awareness 5K & Family Fun Run takes place at England Airpark Community Center from 8 to 10 AM. Whether you are running, walking or bringing the family along, it is a great way to spend the morning while raising awareness about diabetes.
Then on November 21, grab your running shoes for the Geaux for the Gold 5K at the Pineville Ward 9 Sports Complex from 8 to 11 AM. The event includes a 5K and one mile fun run supporting the fight against childhood cancer through St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Two great events, two important causes and plenty of reasons to get moving this November!
Learn more about Strides for Diabetes Awareness
Learn more about Lace Up for a Good Cause: Geaux for the Gold
November 26 | Start Thanksgiving with the Calvary Turkey Trot
Before the turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie, why not start Thanksgiving with a little fresh air?
The Calvary Turkey Trot returns Thanksgiving morning, November 26, from 8 to 10:30 AM.
This family friendly event brings runners, walkers and families together for a fun way to begin the holiday. Participants who register in advance will receive a special race day shirt, and prizes will be awarded in various age groups.
Have family coming into town? Sign everyone up and make it a new Thanksgiving tradition!
Learn more about the Calvary Turkey Trot
Family Coming Home for Thanksgiving? Take Them on a Heart Hunt!
Once the Thanksgiving meal is over and everyone is looking for something to do, we have an idea.
Go on a Heart Hunt!
Alexandria Pineville’s Community Heart Project features colorful, larger than life hearts created by artists and displayed throughout the area. Each one has its own personality, making it a fun way to explore different parts of our community.
Grab the kids, grandparents, cousins or whoever is visiting for the holidays and see how many hearts you can find.
Use our interactive Heart Hunt Map to plan your route, snap a family photo at your favorite hearts and stop for coffee, lunch or a little shopping along the way.
It is a fun way to spend an afternoon together, and you might just discover a new favorite place in Alexandria Pineville.
November 27 and 28 | Let Your Holidays Shine at Holiday Light Safari
The holiday magic is coming to the Alexandria Zoo!
Holiday Light Safari kicks off November 27 and 28, transforming the Zoo into a glowing wonderland filled with colorful lights, illuminated animal displays and plenty of Christmas cheer.
Bundle up, bring the family and stroll along the lighted pathways. Enjoy a festive train ride, visit with Santa and stop by Atwood’s Merry Creations for a little extra holiday fun.
You can also grab a bite at the Palm Café or visit the Gift Shop to pick up something special for someone on your Christmas list.
Whether this is already part of your family’s holiday traditions or your first visit, Holiday Light Safari is a great way to kick off the Christmas season.
Learn more about Holiday Light Safari
November 28 and 29 | Experience the Magic of The Nutcracker
A little Christmas magic is coming to Alexandria Pineville!
Red River Dance Theatre Company Presents The Nutcracker at the Coughlin Saunders Performing Arts Center.
Follow Clara on her magical adventure filled with dancing snowflakes, toy soldiers, the Mouse King and the Sugar Plum Fairy. With beautiful costumes, talented dancers and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music, this beloved holiday ballet is a tradition the whole family can enjoy.
Now celebrating its 37th year, Red River Dance Theatre Company’s production has become a favorite Christmas tradition in Central Louisiana.
Performance Dates: Saturday, November 28 at 7 PM; Sunday, November 29 at 2 PM.
Have family visiting for Thanksgiving? Make an evening of it with dinner at a local restaurant before the show, or enjoy a Sunday afternoon together at the ballet.
Learn more about the Nutcracker
Keep the Holiday Shopping Local
Holiday Open House may kick things off, but there are plenty of reasons to keep shopping local throughout November.
From clothing and home décor to handmade gifts, sweet treats and unique finds, our locally owned businesses have plenty of ways to make your Christmas list a little more personal.
And with Thanksgiving just around the corner, do not forget about our local restaurants, bakeries and specialty food shops. Whether you need a dessert for the family table or a meal out with visiting relatives, there are plenty of ways to support local this season.
Make November a Month to Remember
November is one of those months that reminds us just how much there is to enjoy right here in Alexandria Pineville.
Shop your favorite local businesses during Holiday Open House. Run for a good cause. Take the family on a Heart Hunt. Start Thanksgiving morning with the Turkey Trot. Then welcome the Christmas season with Holiday Light Safari and The Nutcracker.
There is something special about this time of year, especially when we get to spend it with the people we love.
So gather your family and friends, make a few plans and enjoy everything November has to offer on both sides of the Red River.
Learn more about Holiday Open House