Downtown lights up the holiday season

One mayor. Half a million lights. Ice-skating. Lots of jingle bells. No one can beat that for a Friday evening. Pick up a cup of CC’s hot cocoa and witness the traditional Festival of Lights downtown from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. along North Boulevard at Third Street. Partake in the Baton Rouge trilogy – music, food and art – as you welcome the holiday season with open arms (you’re ready, right?). The outdoor spectacular is preceded by Forum 35’s annual Reindeer Run, which leads to a roar of jingling bells a thousand-plus jog along the streets of downtown at 7 p.m. Register in advance for $15 at reindeer-run.com.