(12/18/23) BATON ROUGE, La. — Burden Museum & Gardens recently announced Louisiana Lights: Where the Holidays Shine, a new holiday event set to open in 2024 with presenting partner, Visit Baton Rouge.

Louisiana Lights is a unique and enchanting light show that gracefully unfolds within historic Windrush Gardens. It beckons guests to embrace the harmony of nature and artistry of light, transporting them into the serene oasis designed by Steele Burden in the heart of urban life.

The multi-night event will invite residents and visitors to take an hour-long stroll through interconnected garden rooms that are exquisitely lit for the holidays, celebrating a garden where the past and present shine.

Crafted through collaborative efforts and meticulous planning, Louisiana Lights is poised to become a timeless tradition for families, a joyous gathering for our community and a radiant spectacle that will captivate visitors of all ages. It's an intergenerational celebration, a harmonious blend of nature, history, togetherness and festive spirit.

“This is a game changer for the Greater Baton Rouge community and Burden Museum & Gardens,” said Bill Stark, director of the LSU Rural Life Museum. “Windrush Gardens has long been cherished by many visitors.”

Stark went on to say that now, those visitors will be able to engage with the gardens through this new and immersive experience. Louisiana Lights will also introduce the gardens to new audiences who will appreciate Windrush Gardens and everything Burden Museum & Gardens offers year-round. Moreover, the proceeds from this endeavor will help to preserve and sustain Windrush Gardens and the historic structures within.

“We’re not only creating a new tradition for our community, but we are also ensuring the sustainability of the Burden family’s gift and one of Louisiana’s most unique and treasured assets for future generations,” he said.

Jill Kidder, CEO of Visit Baton Rouge, was excited to announce their partnership with Burden Museum & Gardens.

“As identified in our current strategic plan, the largest opportunity to boost visitation to Baton Rouge lies between the end of college football season and the beginning of Mardi Gras season,” she said. “Louisiana Lights will attract attendees from late November to early January.”

Kidder went on to say that the event would fit perfectly into this traditionally low visitation season for the Capital City.

“We look forward to an even brighter holiday season in Baton Rouge in 2024, as this new light display combines with our favorite traditional Christmas events, our outstanding retail offerings for holiday shopping, Zydeco hockey games and our excellent restaurant scene,” she said.

LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens resident director Jeff Kuehny is enthusiastic about garnering support from local business leaders for the event.

“We’re calling on Louisiana business and industry leaders to give their support for the implementation of Louisiana Lights. Together we can give our state an extraordinary experience that will redefine holiday expectations,” he said.

For information on sponsorship opportunities contact LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens director of development, Bridget LaBorde at blaborde@agcenter.lsu.edu.

For general information, contact LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens communications coordinator, Haleigh Judge at hjudge@agcenter.lsu.edu.

Sneak Peek attendees wander through the “Holiday Hallway,” an area that will feature more than 30 Moravian stars hanging from each live oak, creating a constellation overhead for guests to admire at Louisiana Lights in 2024. Photo by Jeff Kuehny/LSU AgCenter

From left: Bill Stark, director of LSU Rural Life Museum; Bridget LaBorde, director of development for LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens; Jill Kidder, CEO of Visit Baton Rouge; Jeff Kuehny, resident director of LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens. Photo by Sean Gasser