Good morning, Baton Rouge.

On Friday, Dec. 19, residents gathered near Gramercy to light a century-old bonfire tradition along River Road.

Families and local builders prepared pyramid-shaped fires (some up to 13 feet tall) while sharing stories and celebrating their community heritage in St. James Parish.

Geaux Ride will host the upcoming Learn to Ride and Bike Safety Day event with bike safety tips for Baton Rouge residents.

Charles Daniel said more timing and location details — including event schedule and meeting point — will be announced soon.

On Christmas Eve, local families lit bonfires along the Mississippi River in Iberville to honor fallen deputy Charles Riley, whose badge number 503 was displayed on top of one bonfire.

Community members helped build the tribute, keeping alive a long-standing tradition that celebrated his service.

Cajun Navy 2016 is preparing to distribute Christmas meals to families in need in Livingston Parish today + the effort aims to offer warm holiday support to local residents.

Louisiana State Police said they will monitor highway conditions—especially on bridges and elevated roads—as dense fog lowers visibility during busy holiday travel today; drivers should slow down and increase following distance to stay safe.

French Settlement Roasting Co. will break ground on its first cafe in Maurepas at the start of 2026 (with plans to open by summer).

The cafe, located next to Diversion Pizza and Sarita's restaurants, will serve coffee, tea, and breakfast foods.

State lawmakers signed Act 172 during the summer legislative session to designate Cajun Night Before Christmas as the official children's Christmas book, a Louisiana take on a classic story written in an old French dialect with condensed English words.

The rink at Raising Cane’s River Center offers ice skating for all ages today in Baton Rouge, where visitors may skate with local Zydeco hockey players & keep a 35-year tradition alive during the holiday season.

Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport has seen a 7.5 percent rise in passengers as airlines add extra seats for the busy holiday travel period that began Dec.

19 and will run through Jan. 5 + officials advise travelers to check the airport website for updated flight and parking information.

EBR Schools Superintendent LaMont Cole is preparing proposals for pay raises and simpler salary schedules that could give many employees two boosts starting in July for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

The district hired the consulting firm (LEAN Frog Consulting) for $59,500 to review an 83-page schedule and benchmark salaries regionally.

Buffet of Louisiana will open Jan.

1, 2026 at 9626 Airline Highway in Hammond Aire Plaza — the new 13,000 sqft buffet will serve Chinese and Asian favorites to 350 guests and expects to pass inspections days before its debut.

The East Baton Rouge Schools Bob Pettit Boys Basketball Tournament will tip off at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec.

26 at Baton Rouge Community College, where 13 high school teams will compete through Dec. 29. The event aims to give young players a chance to experience college-level games for the first time.

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.

La Zenda Norteña Concert

9 p.m. — Avanti Night Club — Ticket prices available — Experience a high-energy live performance by La Zenda Norteña De Mario Madrigal in a vibrant setting.

11th Home & Remodeling Show with Ralph's Market Food Fest

10 AM - 5 PM — Lamar Dixon Expo Center — $6 admission, free for kids under 13 — Discover home innovations and savor delicious food samples from Ralph's Market.