Good morning, Baton Rouge.

On Saturday afternoon, a local nonprofit and several faith groups joined forces to help the homeless ahead of Christmas, providing food, clothing, haircuts (and toys from Santa) to uplift spirits in Baton Rouge.

In His Honor Ministries will hold five or six outreach events next year.

First United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge packed 200 food boxes on Saturday morning to help families have holiday meals this Christmas.

WBRZ's Sylvia Weatherspoon handed out toys at the St. Vincent dePaul Warehouse at 6190 Greenwell Springs Road on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.—children received pre-wrapped holiday gifts collected since late November.

Over 600 children gathered at the Dr. Leo S Butler Community Center on Saturday, Dec.

20 for District 10's Toy Giveaway. Guests enjoyed food, music, photos with Santa (and horse riding) as they celebrated the holiday season.

The Central Police Department hosted its annual Drive-thru Toy Giveaway Saturday, Dec.

20, where Santa (and the Grinch) gave over 1,000 children presents. Cars lined up in the parking lot as local kids enjoyed the festive moment.

The iconic Southern University Human Jukebox was awarded a key to the city on Friday, Dec.

19 after being named ESPN’s Band of the Year.

Today, the renovated Lincoln Theatre welcomed local residents with its first public preview as it reconnects generations with its rich history.

The historic venue will have a grand reopening in early 2026.

Tickets are now on sale for the annual spring Angola Prison Rodeo in West Feliciana Parish, offering a unique local event for the community.

The rodeo promises a fresh experience as residents prepare to gather this spring.

Former Southern University football player Devon Gales earned his communications degree from the University of Georgia this weekend (after a paralyzing spinal cord injury in 2015) and now mentors students as a physical education teacher and coach.

In Baton Rouge, public school attendance dropped after federal immigration sweeps began earlier this month but improved as families returned.

Superintendent LaMont Cole credited Principal John Hayman for encouraging parents to send their children back (four schools resumed regular attendance by Dec. 17).

Southern University is expected to hire Sacramento State's Ken Merchant as its next offensive coordinator after head coach Marshall Faulk said Kyle Caskey turned down the job at last week's board meeting.

Southern in Baton Rouge hired Ken Merchant as its new offensive coordinator on Dec.

20, and he is set to lead the Jaguar offense in 2026 after a strong run at Sacramento State.

Local high school seniors wrapped up their season in the annual Red Stick Bowl on Saturday—Bulldogs edged the Wolves 34-30 in a competitive game featuring players from Plaquemine, East Ascension, Istrouma, and other local schools.

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.

Surreal In The Stacks Craft Event

4:30-7:30 p.m. — East Baton Rouge Parish Library — Free entry — Get creative and craft your own surreal costume at this imaginative community event.

The Louisiana Marathon

8 AM – 1 PM — A. Z. Young Park — $25-$170 — Celebrate 15 years of Louisiana spirit with a vibrant marathon experience featuring various race categories.

Louisiana Marathon 2026

7 a.m. — Louisiana Marathon — Check for registration fees — Experience the thrill of running in the heart of Baton Rouge.