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Baton Rouge Food & Wine Festival: Downtown Historic District, Dec 1-3

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at 12:22 GMT by The Advocate

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Baton Rouge Food & Wine Events to Keep Your Calendar Full This December

The holiday season in Baton Rouge is a feast for the senses, and this year the city’s culinary scene is pulling out all the stops. From upscale wine pairings in historic venues to family‑friendly food markets that smell like fresh‑baked bread and spice, the city’s December calendar is brimming with events that celebrate the region’s rich food heritage and burgeoning wine culture. Below is a rundown of the most talked‑about tastings, festivals, and holiday celebrations that are worth marking on your calendar.

1. Baton Rouge Food & Wine Festival – Downtown Historic District

Dates: December 1–3, 2023
Location: The historic Louisiana State Museum, 600‑650 North Main Street
Link: [ https://www.batonrougefoodandwine.com/festival2023 ]

The Baton Rouge Food & Wine Festival is the city’s flagship holiday event. Over three evenings, the museum’s sprawling grounds are transformed into a gastronomic playground. Visitors can sample a curated selection of local wines—from the crisp whites of Vermilion‑County vineyards to the rich reds of the Acadiana region—paired with artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and small plates from the city’s top chefs.

A highlight is the “Wine & Dine” tasting room, where a rotating lineup of chefs such as Chef Dominique Martin of Le Gourmet and Chef Jason “The Food Whisperer” Thompson of Saffron & Sage showcase dishes that play off the wines’ flavor profiles. Attendees can purchase a 5‑dish tasting menu for $79 per person (includes wine), or a $125 “Chef’s Table” experience that features a multi‑course journey through the region’s seasonal bounty.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for children under 12. For those who prefer a relaxed experience, the festival also offers a “Wine Lounge” where guests can sip a selection of featured wines while enjoying live jazz from local musicians.

2. Southern Food & Wine Festival (SFWF) – LSU Campus

Dates: December 4, 2023
Location: LSU’s R. W. Scott Hall, 1 S. 2nd Street, Baton Rouge, LA
Link: [ https://southernfoodwine.org/lsu2023 ]

The Southern Food & Wine Festival brings a taste of the South to the LSU campus. The event is a half‑day affair that showcases 12 local restaurants and 15 wineries. A popular attraction is the “Food Truck Alley,” where chefs like Chef Maria Hernandez of The Cajun Kitchen share their signature dishes.

Wineries such as Blue Heron Cellars and Miller & Sons Vineyard offer complimentary tastings, while a “Kids Eat Free” promotion invites families to join in the celebration. The event concludes with a live performance by the LSU Jazz Band, making it a perfect afternoon for students and locals alike.

Ticket pricing is $35 for adults and $20 for students (with valid ID). For groups of five or more, a discount of 10 % is available.

3. Holiday Food & Wine Experience – The Gallo Restaurant

Dates: December 6–14, 2023
Location: The Gallo, 1301 Boudreaux Drive, Baton Rouge, LA
Link: [ https://thegallo.com/holiday-experience ]

This one‑week tasting experience at The Gallo is a small‑group affair that invites guests to savor a menu crafted exclusively for the holiday season. Chef Lila Gallo, who earned her Michelin star in 2019, curates a 6‑course menu that features local ingredients such as blackened shrimp, caramelized beets, and a decadent chocolate truffle dessert.

The menu is paired with five bottles of selected wines—two from the local Louisiana vineyards and three from international labels. Each pairing comes with a brief tasting note and pairing guide provided by the Gallo’s sommelier. Tickets are $199 per person, and the event is open to reservations only.

4. “12 Days of Wine” – Baton Rouge City Hall

Dates: December 17–29, 2023
Location: City Hall, 1 City Hall Square, Baton Rouge, LA
Link: [ https://battalw.com/12daysofwine ]

In a nod to the tradition of “12 Days of Christmas,” this event offers a new tasting station each day. Participants can sample a different wine each evening, ranging from bold reds to crisp whites, while enjoying complimentary hors d’oeuvres. The highlight of the night on December 24 is a midnight toast with a glass of champagne from the city’s premier vineyard, River’s Edge.

Entry is free for all residents, but visitors must purchase a ticket for $10, which grants access to all 12 tastings. The event is designed to be family‑friendly, with a kids’ corner that features a chocolate‑dipped fruit station and a “Build Your Own Ice Cream” sundae bar.

5. New Year’s Eve Gala – Baton Rouge State Museum

Date: December 31, 2023, 8 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Location: Baton Rouge State Museum, 600‑650 North Main Street
Link: [ https://www.batonrougefoodandwine.com/newyeareve2023 ]

The Gala is the perfect way to ring in 2024. Guests enjoy a 4‑course dinner featuring dishes such as smoked salmon tartare, duck confit, and a coconut‑flavored dark chocolate mousse. Live jazz sets the tone, while a champagne toast at midnight caps off the evening.

Tickets are $249 per person, and the package includes a complimentary bottle of Miller & Sons’ 2019 Reserve. Reservations are required, and a deposit of $50 is due at the time of booking.

6. Baton Rouge Holiday Food & Wine Market – City Park

Dates: December 5–12, 2023
Location: City Park, 1234 Main Street, Baton Rouge, LA
Link: [ https://battalw.com/foodwineholidaymarket ]

This open‑air market brings together local artisans, farmers, and winemakers. Vendors sell everything from freshly baked gingerbread and spiced apple cider to locally produced cheeses and honey. A special “Cheese & Wine” booth offers tastings of aged cheddar paired with a selection of 10 local wines. The market also features live cooking demonstrations by Chef Paul “Spice” Thompson, who showcases holiday‑themed recipes using ingredients that are easy to find at the market.

Admission is free, and all proceeds go to a local food‑bank partnership. Children under 12 can join in the cooking demos, which are led by volunteer chefs.

7. Baton Rouge Holiday Food & Wine Festival – LSU’s Riverfront Plaza

Dates: December 15–19, 2023
Location: Riverfront Plaza, 100 Riverfront Drive, Baton Rouge, LA
Link: [ https://lsu.edu/riverfrontfest ]

A newer addition to the city’s culinary calendar, this event is held along the river, where the view of the water complements the seasonal fare. The festival features 8 rotating food stalls, each offering a signature holiday dish—think jambalaya stuffed peppers, sweet potato pie, and pecan‑fruit tarts. Wine tastings are available from the Blue Heron Cellars and Miller & Sons Vineyard, with a special “Riverfront 7‑Bottles” tasting for adventurous guests.

The festival offers a “Kids’ Corner” with craft stations, a gingerbread house building competition, and a “Petting Zoo” featuring farm animals. Admission is free, and the event runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day.

How to Make the Most of the Season

Buy Tickets Early

Many of these events sell out quickly—especially the more exclusive tastings and the New Year’s Gala. Check the links above to secure your spot, and keep an eye out for early‑bird specials that may be offered on the festival’s Facebook pages.

Explore Local Wineries

While the events focus on food, they also showcase Louisiana’s emerging wine industry. Many wineries offer tours of their vineyards and cellars on the days of the festivals. Booking a guided tour in advance can add a unique touch to your holiday plans.

Plan Your Transportation

Baton Rouge has ample public transportation, but during the holiday season, rideshare services and hotel shuttles may be in higher demand. Consider using the city’s “Baton Rouge 24‑Hour Transit” or a pre‑arranged car service to get between venues safely.

Don’t Miss the Kid‑Friendly Options

Family‑friendly festivals such as the “12 Days of Wine” and the Holiday Food & Wine Market have activities designed for all ages. Many festivals also offer discounted admission for children, ensuring that the whole family can join in the festivities.

In Short

Baton Rouge’s December food and wine events blend classic Southern comfort with modern culinary creativity, all while celebrating the region’s strong agricultural roots. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur, a food enthusiast looking to try new flavors, or a family searching for a festive outing, there’s something for everyone. Mark your calendar, buy your tickets early, and get ready to savor the best of Baton Rouge’s culinary delights this holiday season.