Sulphur, Louisiana - Sulphur’s long-running Christmas Under the Oaks festival is moving forward this year with a new, more community-focused format, after organizers were unable to secure a traditional carnival ride operator.

The event, a popular holiday tradition in Sulphur for more than 20 years, will introduce a new Community Christmas Sideshow designed to bring in more participation from local schools, churches, and nonprofit organizations. The festival will take place Saturday, Dec. 6, at The Grove at Heritage Square in Sulphur.

Follow this link for more information about Christmas Under the Oaks 2025 in Sulphur

Organizers explained that the change comes after the festival’s long-time ride vendor became unavailable because of a schedule conflict and the end of the current carnival season. According to the announcement, volunteers and planners contacted dozens of alternative providers, but no replacement ride operator could be confirmed for this year.

While that created a short-term challenge, organizers are using it as an opportunity to reshape the event around local involvement. The new Community Christmas Sideshow is being promoted as a “by Sulphur, for Sulphur” addition to the festival, with an emphasis on homegrown holiday entertainment rather than outside ride companies.

Local Groups Asked To Host Carnival-Style Game Booths

Instead of large carnival rides, this year’s Christmas Under the Oaks will feature carnival-style games and activities run by community groups.

School clubs, church groups, and nonprofit organizations are invited to host booths with family-friendly games and attractions. Each participating group will be able to set its own prices for activities, giving organizations a chance to raise funds while contributing to the festival atmosphere.

To keep the event accessible, free activities will also be available so that every member of the community can take part, regardless of budget. Organizers are positioning this blend of paid and free options as a way to balance fundraising with inclusivity.

Groups interested in running a booth or activity are encouraged to contact festival organizers at:

• Phone: (337) 313-1302
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Attractions Planned For This Year’s Festival

Even without traditional carnival rides, Christmas Under the Oaks will still feature a full lineup of holiday attractions aimed at families across Southwest Louisiana.

Planned features include:

• The Coca-Cola truck – A branded holiday truck appearance, a familiar seasonal draw at community events.
• Cookie decorating with Santa – A hands-on activity for children and families, combining treats with a visit from Santa.
• Decorated Army trucks – Military vehicles dressed up for the holidays, offering a visual display and photo opportunities.
• Sulphur Fire Department smokehouse – An educational trailer often used to teach fire safety in a controlled, kid-friendly environment.
• Hot Wheels races – Toy car races that give children a chance to compete in a playful, low-cost activity.
• Live performances – Music or stage performances that add to the holiday atmosphere.
• RC car mini-parade – A small-scale parade featuring remote-controlled cars, likely decorated for the season.

These activities are intended to maintain the festival’s reputation as a family-friendly holiday destination while emphasizing local creativity and participation.

Long-Term Planning Continues

Organizers describe the new Community Christmas Sideshow as a temporary response to this year’s vendor issue, while also signaling that they are working on long-term solutions for future festivals.