Christmas in Lake Charles starts Saturday.

The annual Light Up the Lake Christmas Celebration will take place from noon-7:30 p.m. at the Arcade Amphitheater on the lakefront at 1111 Bord du Lac Drive.

The afternoon will be complete with music, shopping and holiday lights.

Payton Dodds, the city’s director of cultural affairs, said events like the Light Up the Lake Festival do more than spread holiday cheer. They offer people a chance to enjoy local talent, culture and start the holiday season with some relaxation.

“They are a great way for the city to bring people together, celebrate traditions and create a sense of community pride,” she said. “This event fosters connections, showcases what makes the city unique and spreads joy, making the community stronger and more vibrant.”

The Holiday Art Walk offers shoppers a chance to peruse homemade arts, crafts and merchandise. She said it is an event that benefits everyone. Local businesses and artists get exposure, foot traffic and an opportunity to expand their audience. Patrons get an opportunity to shop for unique finds.

“It’s all about celebrating creativity and keeping money in the local economy,” she said.

There are a slate of festive performances planned, starting with the Girl Scouts of the Louisiana Pines to the Gulf at 1:30 p.m. They will sing classic holiday carols that will set the tone for the rest of the season.

Next, Josh Taylor will take the stage. He is a Louisiana native who has captivated audiences for two decades, Dodds said, adding that audiences can expect an “incredible show full of energy, talent and holiday spirit.”

“He has many different genres in his arsenal, including alternative, rock, pop, hip-hop and rhythm and blues,” she said. “His performances are known with the crowd and create a feel-good atmosphere that’s perfect for this kind of event.”

The St. Louis Show Choir will wrap up the musical performances with “high-energy sounds.”

To close out the festivities, Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter will flip a switch and turn on all of the holiday lights on the Lake Charles Event Center grounds and Millennium Park.

That will be followed by a Lighted Boat Parade that will float by the Lakefront Promenade.

At 7:30 p.m., the sky will be lit up by a finale fireworks extravaganza. KBYS (88.3-FM) McNeese Radio will air a simulcast with the display.

Lawn chairs or blankets are permitted. Ice coolers and pets are not.