Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Families enjoyed reindeer games and Santa’s appearance at the Cookies with Santa event held at St. Amant High School’s cafeteria on Saturday.

More than 60 players, student volunteers and parents helped the fundraiser’s success, and the baseball team will open its season on Feb. 9.

Main Street Market reopens in downtown Baton Rouge, now open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 501 Main Street (four new restaurants, a cafe, and a teaching kitchen add to its upgrades, with Louisiana’s Creole Creations as the only current restaurant) after extensive renovations.

A Christmas tree honoring local military heroes is on display at City Hall until the new year.

The tree features over 200 names & pictures of active-duty, veteran and fallen service members and was installed for the second year by the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Affairs.

The holiday season is here with festive events spanning brunches, parades, markets, and musical shows across Baton Rouge and nearby parishes this week and into next — locals have ample chances to celebrate at venues from Pelican Point to the River Center Theatre.

Louisiana crawfish farmers expect a normal 2026 season, with early production challenges and rising costs being managed — producers remain optimistic as rainfall returns and temperatures moderate.

Zachary school leaders may reintroduce a tax proposal to boost teacher and support staff pay after its narrow rejection last November.

The board is set to discuss the plan in January to decide on scheduling a vote early next year, with hopes to reach voters in June.

Contractors recovered 74 oil-covered wild animals from the Smitty's Supply disaster in Tangipahoa Parish, and 29 have been released after cleaning while others received further treatment at a temporary rehab center.

Baton Rouge lawmakers are considering new rules to protect student-athletes’ NIL deals and require mental health and financial literacy training, with Percy (Master P) Miller of the University of New Orleans and Rep. Tehmi Jahi Chassion backing safeguards to ease pressure on families.

Gov. Jeff Landry has appointed Evelyn Griffin as Louisiana’s new Surgeon General.

Griffin, a board-certified OB-GYN with over 15 years of experience in maternal health, succeeds Ralph Abraham who moved to the CDC + she is expected to drive improved health outcomes.

East Baton Rouge Libraries are offering free fitness classes this December, featuring guided workouts at Jones Creek Regional (Mon, Wed, Fri at 9:30 a.m.) and low-impact movement at the Main Library today at 11 a.m., along with beginner aerobics and scenic walks at other branches.

LSU Tigers will face Houston Cougars at the Texas Bowl on Saturday, Dec.

27 at NRG Stadium with kickoff at 8:15 p.m. The team is making its second consecutive bowl appearance after finishing the season with a 7-5 record.

Ascension Catholic Bulldogs defeated top ranked Westminster Christian by 45 to 14 in the Division IV semifinals, with star Trevin Simon breaking Louisiana high school rushing records.

The Bulldogs will face Riverside in the finals at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11 at Caesars Superdome.

Several Zachary athletes have committed to college teams.

Senior Ava Raymond signed with McNeese as basketball team started with four wins; track athletes Talar Johnson and Nala Mitchell signed with Louisiana Tech and Northwestern State, and football signees join Southeastern Lions and UL Ragin Cajun at a Dec. 18 ceremony.

LSU Women's Basketball led the arena in singing the National Anthem after the sound system failed before their Sunday evening matchup with UNO, and head coach Kim Mulkey with Governor Jeff Landry praised the team's unity (a local highlight).

Parent Meeting for ADHD

5-6:30 p.m. — Professional Development Center — Free entry — Experience an impactful ADHD simulation designed to help parents understand their children's challenges in everyday life.

Do The Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

4:30-9 p.m. — Somewhere Neighborhood Bar — Tickets required — Embrace the holiday spirit at the most delightfully tacky pub crawl in Baton Rouge.

The Nutcracker - A Tale From The Bayou

6-9 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting story of 'The Nutcracker' like never before as it unfolds in the bayou setting.

The Nutcracker - A Tale From The Bayou

2:00 – 2:01 PM — Raising Cane's River Center — Prices set by resellers — Experience a unique blend of holiday magic and Southern charm in this captivating performance.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

7-9:30 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical blend of circus artistry and holiday cheer for the season.

Skating On the River

11:59 p.m. – 1:29 a.m. — Raising Cane's River Center Arena — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the holiday season with Baton Rouge's favorite winter tradition of skating on the river.

Parish County Line Concert

9:00 – 10:30 PM — Texas Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heartfelt country music of Parish County Line in an intimate setting.

Alabama State vs. LSU Women's Basketball

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Pete Maravich Assembly Center — Free trial available — Watch the undefeated LSU Tigers face off against the Alabama State Lady Hornets in an exciting college basketball matchup.