Good morning, Lake Charles.

Visit Lake Charles teamed with Wheel the World to check if 20 local restaurants, hotels, parks — and attractions are accessible for people with disabilities.

Each business will get a full report with staff training — and 20 more spots will be assessed next year.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Lake Charles chapter is launching Snacksgiving to provide free snack bags and essential items for school-age children during Thanksgiving break — the giveaway will be held Monday, Nov.

24 at the MLK center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Kiwanis Club of Lake Charles served six turkeys to pre-k students at Henry Heights Elementary School on November 19 — the Thanksgiving feast provided a festive meal for local children.

Operation Christmas Child is underway as Samaritan’s Purse asks Southwest Louisiana residents to donate shoebox gifts filled with school supplies + hygiene items to help needy children worldwide; seven drop-off sites are accepting donations + a $10 fee covers shipping and project costs.

Chennault International Airport will host the new Thunder Over Louisiana Airshow from August 28-30, 2026 as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations — the lineup of military and civilian performers will be announced in December and tickets will go on sale on December 16 with advance sales for Air Show Insights members beginning December 13.

Lake Charles residents can look forward to the Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival — a two-day event in downtown Cameron on January 9th and 10th that will feature carnival rides, food and craft booths, and a variety of live music.

The festival will include key performances by the Johnson Brothers Band, Conner Haynie, Rusty Metoyer & Zydeco Krush, and Steel Shot along with a 5k race, dog trials, and a gumbo cookoff.

Lake Area Ballet Theatre said it will kick off the holiday season with a live show of 'The Nutcracker' later this month — local viewers can look forward to a festive performance.

Louisiana's John Foster shared a video of his performance at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe — he sang George Jones' classic 'Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes' with Pam Tillis on background vocals.

He performed at Lake Charles' Marshland Festival in July and is set to return for a Christmas show.

A Vinton teen who lost sight at age 10 has joined a marching band—finding a new way to express his love for music and overcome challenges.

McNeese State University will host a FAFSA event on January 10 at Frazar Memorial Library to help current and incoming students complete forms for financial aid for the 2026–2027 school year—students and parents can contact Student Central for assistance.

Lake Charles officials announced that trash pickup will be suspended on November 27 (Thanksgiving) and November 28, with Thursday collections moved to November 26 and Friday collections to November 29 while other city services close during the holiday break.

Truman Causey's remains were identified using DNA and isotope testing and laid to rest on November 15 in Larose—83 years after his death in World War II.

His daughter Shearon Guidry and family, who worked hard for answers, honored his service with support from Patriot Guard Riders as they said goodbye to a true wartime hero.

Christmas In The Air

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the holiday spirit with a festive event for the whole family.

Cowboy Christmas Celebration

9 AM - 5 PM — The Stables At LeBocage — Free admission — Experience the magic of Christmas with festive shopping, live music, and Southern traditions.

Santa's Hot Chocolate Run

2-4 p.m. — Downtown Lake Charles — Registration fee required — Enjoy a festive 3.1-mile adventure with a blend of running and holiday cheer.

East Texas A&M Lions vs. McNeese State Cowgirls Basketball

3:30-6:30 a.m. — The Legacy Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting college basketball matchup live in Lake Charles.

LAR's Swamp Stomp Half Marathon & Fun Run

7-11 a.m. — Graywood Golf & Racquet Club — Registration fees apply — Test your endurance at the Swamp Stomp and enjoy a fun run experience.

Candlelight Christmas Concert

7-10 p.m. — Ray's Lounge, Lake Charles, LA — Free entry — Experience a magical evening of holiday music by candlelight.

Arenacross Racing Spectacle

7-8:30 p.m. — Lake Charles Event Center — Tickets required — Experience a thrilling blend of motocross racing and freestyle MX with lights and pyrotechnics.

World Ballet Company's The Nutcracker

6-7:30 p.m. — Rosa Hart Theatre — $50-$127 — Experience a magical evening with the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker, performed by the World Ballet Company.