Good morning, Lake Charles.

A local church is hosting a live walk-through Christmas Experience today that shows creative holiday displays for community visitors.

Guests can enjoy festive decorations and seasonal spirit as the event unfolds.

The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Solid Waste and Litter Abatement Committee awarded certificates, trophies, and a gift basket to the 2025 Pick It Up Litter Champs Friday, Dec.

12, recognizing their cleanup efforts. The program began after a 2018 survey identified litter as a top concern and continues to inspire community action.

Multiple venues are preparing for New Year’s celebrations, with Trigerproof performing live at Golden Nugget on Dec.

21 in Lake Charles plus events at Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder and Creole Bar and Grill in Sulphur on Dec. 31 featuring live music, DJ sets, confetti blasts, and champagne toasts.

Houston River Baptist Church in Sulphur invites families to experience Journey to Bethlehem this weekend — a free, family-friendly walk-through with actors as Roman soldiers, tax collectors and merchants — from 6-8 p.m. Friday to Sunday, Dec.

12-14, with refreshments served after the tour.

Louisiana music artist Horace Trahan released his new song, Keep Walking, today via a Facebook video and explained how childhood sleepovers in Lake Charles sparked the inspiration — a fresh nod to his soulful local sound.

Kennel cough has forced Black Bayou Boarding to close its doors temporarily in Calcasieu Parish; the owner has kept a few dogs on board while sanitizing the facility and local veterinarians urge pet owners to keep vaccinations up to date + monitor for signs of illness.

94-year-old Bonnie Laughlin, one of Iowa High’s first cheerleaders from 1950, is traveling with her granddaughter to the championship game today to cheer on the hometown Yellow Jackets while recalling the team’s early unity (its debut season united the community).

Iowa Yellow Jackets won their first state football title by beating North DeSoto 50-43 on Friday at Caesars Superdome.

They became the first Calcasieu parish school to claim a state title since 1972 (coach Tommy Johns said the team is proud to represent the region).

The McNeese Cowboys won 102–66 over East Texas A&M Friday night at Townsley Law Arena with a 30-point lead by halftime — Tyshawn Archie scored a career-high 24 points as the team built on its strong show.

They will face Houston Christian Monday night.

The McNeese Cowgirls won 71-45 over East Texas A&M at Townsley Law Arena last Friday night, led by freshman Dakota Howard who scored a career-high 20 points & senior Lexi Alexander with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

They will host Northwestern State Monday at 6:30 p.m.

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.