Good morning, Lake Charles.

On Dec. 3, local officials recognized a standout resident with the Hometown Hero honor at a community ceremony held in Lake Charles.

The event celebrated the individual's dedication to service & boosted neighborhood pride.

The LSU AgCenter forecasts a normal 2026 crawfish season for SWLA, meaning bigger crawfish and better prices during Mardi Gras and Good Friday (a welcome change from years of harsh weather).

After over a decade of temporary worship sites, St. John the Divine Orthodox Christian Church will hold its first service on Sunday, Dec.

21 at its new permanent home in the former Legacy Event Center in Westlake — a fresh start supported by donations and strong faith.

A Southwest Louisiana church has secured a permanent home after 11 years of moving among temporary venues.

The church will hold services in its new building today to serve its community.

The Children’s Museum at Port Wonder will host its first annual Teddy Bear Tea on Saturday, Dec.

6. Families can choose from sessions at 11:00 a.m. or 4:00 p.m. where kids receive tea service and a complimentary teddy bear with each child ticket.

Local leaders and professionals marked milestones: Leadership SWLA celebrated 2025 graduates at L’Auberge while JD Bank welcomed Mandy Thomas as VP commercial lender and EXIT Bayou Realty named Hannah Ditch, with awards honoring local talent.

Country music icon Randy Travis will perform his More Life Tour at the Rosa Hart Theatre (inside the Lake Charles Event Center) on April 18, 2026 with guest vocalist James Dupré supporting him.

Tickets go on sale on Friday, Dec. 5 at 10 a.m.

Grant Christmas Tree Farm in Allen Parish has served real tree traditions since 1983 + it now hosts a final Fall Harvest Festival this weekend with a hot chocolate bar, gift shop, playground, photobooths and petting zoo across 25 acres.

CDC data shows Louisiana leads the nation in weekly flu increases as Lake Charles Urgent Care reports more upper respiratory infections & Dr. Jay Marque said vaccination remains key, with most healthy patients recovering at home using over the counter medicine.

On Wednesday, McNeese State signed 17 players on national signing day, including 13 high schoolers and four junior college athletes.

Coach Matt Viator said he will add more recruits via the transfer portal and further signings to keep the Cowboys’ class top in the conference and 13th nationally.

McNeese football head coach Matt Viator signed 17 new players during Wednesday's early signing period to boost the Cowboys' roster for the upcoming season.

The recruits include high school and JUCO talent from Louisiana + Texas + Mississippi + California, and more signings are expected in the coming weeks.

SWLA high school basketball and soccer contests on Dec.

2 delivered close scores and standout plays — Ethan Arceneaux made eight 3-pointers, while teams like DeRidder, Sulphur and Lake Charles College Prep posted solid efforts.

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.

Holiday Helping Hands

11 a.m. — Panorama Music House — Free entry — Celebrate Christmas by helping serve the Southwest Louisiana community with local restaurant support.

Winter Wonderland Skate Night

Winter Wonderland Skate Night — Evening — Lake Charles Event Center — Check local listings for entry fees — Celebrate the holiday season with festive skating fun at this special event.