Gov. John Bel Edwards and First Lady Donna Edwards have kicked off the official start of the Christmas and holiday season at the Governor’s Mansion. Visitors joined for a visit with Santa, a walk down Candy Cane Lane, and the annual tree lighting ceremony in front of the Mansion.

“There’s nothing quite like a Louisiana Christmas,” Edwards said. “Donna and her team do a wonderful job each year transforming the Mansion into a festive place to celebrate the spirit of Christmas, and we always enjoy being able to share it with others. This is the state’s home and we hope that it brings those who visit during this time the same joy it brings us.”

A total of six Christmas trees throughout the mansion have been decorated with hundreds of ornaments and lights, including a tree that has ornaments decorated by Louisiana school children. Located in front of the Capitol Lake you will see Cajun Santa and his swamp sleigh driven by his Louisiana alligators, the Louisiana Black bear, Louisiana Brown pelican, candy canes, as well as several other festive displays.