Christmas Wonderland in the Louisiana Pines

Author: J Toms
Date of Trip: November 2005

I’ve lived in the Jonesboro area for the past 29 years. It is located in Jackson Parish, Louisiana, on 167 Highway south of Ruston, Louisiana. Jonesboro is the home of the late Louisiana Gov. Jimmy Davis, the author and singer of the song “You are my Sunshine.”

Jonesboro is a beautiful place to visit during the Christmas holidays. Especially for people who like to travel in motorhomes, RV’s or pull travel trailers. There is a great place to camp at the Jimmy Davis State Park, on Caney Lake. Plus you’re only an hour drive from Monroe Louisiana or about an hour and a half from Shreveport. Arcadia or Ruston are only a 30 minute drive away. There are nice hotels, plus they are all conveniently located along Interstate 20.

Jonesboro goes all out for Christmas. It is a must see for anyone that is in the North Central Louisiana area. To see the full Jonesboro calendar of events, visit http://www.townofjonesboro.org/visitor_info.htm

The Christmas Wonderland In The Pines is held the first Saturday after Thanksgiving with a parade, lighting of over 5 million miniature lights and a grand fireworks display. Festivities also include the Grand Marshal Coffee and the official turning on of the lights. The millions of lights then stay on from dusk to dawn all the way in to the new year.

Notable nearby attractions include: Poverty Point State Historic Site, Lake D’Arbonne State Park, Lake Claiborne State Park, Jackson Bienville Wildlife Management Area, Jimmie Davis Tabernacle, Bonnie & Clyde Trade Days, Biedenharn Museum & Gardens, Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo and Antique Alley.

There are three airports in the area – Monroe, Shreveport and Alexandria.