Good morning, Lake Charles.

Southwest Louisiana is invited to give with joy to the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign this holiday season as local shoppers see bell ringers outside stores and funds raised support shelters, meals and disaster response across five parishes (including Lake Charles).

Families can enjoy the 10th annual Christmas at the Courthouse celebration today from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Historic Calcasieu Courthouse (1000 Ryan St), where classic films, Santa, and free treats await attendees of all ages.

McNeese Rodeo Team will host Celebrity Fight Night at the McNeese Recreation Center on Saturday, Dec.

6 at 7 p.m. The kickboxing and mixed martial arts event will support the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, American Cancer Society, and McNeese Rodeo Scholarships.

The annual Christmas Under the Oaks celebration kicked off in Lake Charles at a local park with festive lights (seasonal decorations) and family-friendly activities, and it will continue offering holiday entertainment through the season.

Two US Navy Blue Angels pilots (Lt. Ronny Hafeza and Lt. Commander Lilly Montana) visited Chennault International Airport on Thursday, Dec.

4 to preview next year’s Thunder Over Louisiana Air Show. The performer lineup will be announced on Dec. 9 and tickets will go on sale at 8 a.m. on Dec. 16.

Urban Air Adventure Park in Lake Charles is giving away 1,000 free Platinum birthday party certificates to licensed teachers from Dec.

5 through Dec. 23. Teachers must visit the park in person with their teacher ID to secure a party, which includes 10 guests free and is valid for 12 months.

McNeese football signed 17 new players on Early Signing Day yesterday, including high school and JUCO athletes, to kick off a multi-phase recruiting process with additional signees expected on Jan.

2 and Feb. 4 during National Signing Day. Coach Viator said the move marks a strong start for the program.

The No. 2 Iowa Yellow Jackets host No. 3 Belle Chasse today in the Division II semifinal, with the winner set to earn a trip to the Superdome for the Non-Select final.

This marks the only SWLA team remaining in the playoffs.

Today at 7:30 p.m., the McNeese Cowgirls will face 8-0 Arizona State in Tempe during the Briann January Classic, with a Saturday game against Nevada; the contest will air on ESPN+.

Coach Ayla Guzzardo expects a tough match + the team seeks its sixth win before returning home on Dec. 12.

LSU coach Lane Kiffin stirred up rival tensions after claiming Rebel fans tried to run his car off the road during his ride to Oxford (official records confirmed his trip was incident-free) while three Ole Miss commitments switched to LSU on national signing day.

McNeese State Cowboys lost 71-67 to Incarnate Word in the league opener on Monday night in San Antonio.

Coach Bill Armstrong said the team will work to improve rebounding & zone offense ahead of their upcoming game with Northwestern State.

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.