What to know for White Light Night

Every year in November, the lights come on around Mid City, ushering in the holiday season and signaling the return of one of the biggest neighborhood events in Baton Rouge.

The annual fall art hop White Light Night features art showcases, food, music and open houses at businesses all along Government Street and nearby for one night, providing the perfect opportunity for residents to celebrate and get a start on Christmas shopping before Thanksgiving.

While the array of participating venues scattered along three miles of Government Street can seem daunting at first, it’s doable if you plan ahead—and use the free shuttles. As Elizabethan Gallery owner Liz Walker told 225 last year, “The No. 1 thing I always tell people about White Light Night is to get yourself a copy of the invitation booklet and plan ahead.”

Those booklets can be found at participating venues and include a full list of vendors and a neighborhood map. Or, just follow the activity—look for the “nodes,” or clusters of shops and businesses that join forces to host outdoor setups, food and drink tables and plenty of live music. Then, branch out from there, letting the twinkling lights of Mid City guide your way.

THE BASICS:
The 17th annual White Light Night takes place Friday, Nov. 21, 6 p.m.-10 p.m. For more information, go to midcitymerchants.org. Below is a partial list of participating businesses:
• Aladdin’s Lamp Antiques
• Atomic Pop Shop
• Bistro Byronz
• Brew Ha-Ha
• Caffery Gallery
• Cajun Electric & Lighting
• Denicola’s Furniture & Upholstery
• Elizabethan Gallery
• La Carreta Mexican Cuisine
• Letterman’s Blue Print
• Match Point Tennis & Fitness Boutique
• McMillin Interiors
• Mid City Redevelopment Alliance
• MJ’s Café
• Monjunis Italian Café & Grocery
• Mosaic Garden
• Radio Bar
• Circa 1857 and surrounding shops
• Studio C
• Time Warp Boutique
• Vanguard Gallery & Stephen Wilson Stained Glass
• Wooden Haven Furniture Company