Christmas in Avoyelles: Holiday markets, festive events and ways to give back

Christmas in Avoyelles Parish brings opportunities to shop local, celebrate with neighbors and help brighten the season for children. Here is a guide to upcoming holiday markets, open houses, courthouse festivities and gift collections.

Shop local and celebrate

Christmas on the Island: Nov. 14

The Fifth Ward Community Center and Flea Market will host Christmas on the Island from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at 152 Schoolhouse Road in Marksville.

Vendors inside and outside the community center will offer crafts, jewelry, artwork, collectibles, ornaments, home décor, wood crafts, jams, jellies, baked goods and other gifts. The regular flea market remains open until 4 p.m. For information, contact Stacy Reed at 318-419-4260.

Bunkie Christmas Open House: Nov. 19

The Bunkie Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Christmas Open House Thursday, Nov. 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. Downtown businesses will stay open late with special discounts, refreshments and holiday shopping.

The Bunkie Train will pick up and drop off shoppers at participating locations. For information, call the chamber at 318-346-2575.

Marksville Christmas Extravaganza: Nov. 21

The Marksville Chamber of Commerce's 20th annual Christmas Extravaganza will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Paragon Casino Resort Mari Center, 711 Paragon Place in Marksville. Visitors can browse vendors, enjoy food and take part in holiday festivities.

Admission is $5 for adults; children ages 12 and younger enter free. Vendor registration is available at marksvillechamber.org. Vendors must bring their own tables, chairs and any tents needed.

Setup is Friday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 6 to 7:30 a.m. All booths must be ready by 7:30 a.m. Overnight security will be provided Friday for merchandise left at the venue. For information or vendor space, call 318-253-8599.

Avoyelles Courthouse Christmas Lighting: Nov. 28

The Avoyelles Courthouse Light-Up Foundation is seeking vendors for its annual Christmas Lighting celebration Saturday, Nov. 28, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the courthouse, 312 N. Main St. in downtown Marksville.

The celebration will feature Christmas lights, entertainment, shopping, food and community festivities. Organizers invite craft vendors, gift sellers, food vendors, bakers, artists, makers and other small businesses to participate. Space is limited.

For vendor information, visit aplights.org, email lightup@kricket.net or contact Gayle Gros at 318-481-5952.

Give back this Christmas

Avoyelles Parish residents can support Christmas gift collections for children through a Hessmer shoebox collection and a Marksville toy drive.

Operation Christmas Child: Nov. 16–23 in Hessmer

Hessmer Baptist Church, 2927 Main Street, will collect Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts during National Collection Week, Nov. 16–23.

The Samaritan's Purse project collects shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies and personal care items for children facing poverty, illness, war and other hardships. Since 1993, the organization has delivered more than 244 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in over 175 countries and territories. Its 2026 goal is to reach 12.8 million children through partnerships with churches worldwide.

Individuals, families, churches and community groups are encouraged to participate. Those packing shoeboxes may donate $10 per box online through “Follow Your Box” to receive a tracking label showing where the gift is delivered.

Collection hours at Hessmer Baptist Church:

• Monday, Nov. 16: noon–2 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 17: 4:30–6:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 18: 9–11 a.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 19: 5:30–7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 20: 9–11 a.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 21: noon–2 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 22: 9–11 a.m.
• Monday, Nov. 23: 5:30–7:30 a.m.

Packing instructions, additional collection locations and other information are available at www.samaritanspurse.org/occ.

Christmas Toy Drive: Donations accepted through Dec. 9

Children's Advocacy Network and Fostering Community are partnering for their annual Christmas Toy Drive. New toys may be dropped off through Dec. 9 at 121 S. Washington St., Marksville, LA 71351.

Residents may also purchase items through the organizers' Amazon Wish List, accessed by scanning the QR code on the drive's promotional material. Organizers welcome toy donations and help sharing information about the collection. For information, email communications@childrensadvocacy.net.

From the November 4, 2026, edition of The Avoyelles Journal.