What: Louisiana Renaissance Festival

When: Weekends through Dec. 11.

Where: Renaissance Festival grounds, 46468 River Road, Hammond

Admission: Adult tickets: $14.95 for one day; $27.95 for two; $39.95 for three; and $50.95 for four. Child tickets for those 12 and under: $8.45 for a one-day ticket; $15.45 for two; $21.95 for three; and $27.95 for four. Children 6 and under are admitted for free.

What to expect: The month-long festival features seven stages, more than 100 merchants and a celebration of what times were like in the period.

"Everyone within the festival is trying to promote the illusion and experience of actually entering a 16th century village," said Stephanie Hight, student-day coordinator for the festival. "You have a united group of people who are trying to create a time-travel adventure."

The festival features several programs, shows and demonstrations on glassblowing, blacksmithing, candle making, woodworking and more on one of its 40 stages. The festival also features cuisine and beverages of the period, in addition to activities like jousting.

Some of the shows feature comedy, juggling, singing pirates and clowns.

On-site camping is available.

The festival began 12 years ago when two residents, Rick Hight and Alvin Brumfield, wanted to start their own renaissance festival in their hometown after participating in others.

The festival attracts 40,000 to 45,000 people every year.

"It is like nothing else in Louisiana," Stephanie Hight said.

Information: 429-9992, 866-249-1138 or visit www.larf.org

Holiday event entering its 18th year

What: Christmas in the Park

When: Nov. 24-27, Dec. 2-4, 9-11, and 17-25

Where: Cassidy Park, 202 Avenue I, Bogalusa

Admission: $2 for adults, students $1 and $5 per car for the drive-through tour.

What to expect: Bogalusa's city park will come alive with holiday spirit when the city displays its annual manger scene with thousands of colored lights and life-sized figures.

Organizers are also expecting visits from Santa Claus.

The annual event sponsored by the City of Bogalusa features a walking and drive-through tour through the forested park that will be transformed by 1 million holiday lights and numerous animated displays.

Tram rides are available.

Marilyn Bateman, the Bogalusa Chamber of Commerce's director, said the intimate setting for the 18th-annual event makes it unique for those seeking the holiday spirit, compared to Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans' City Park.

"It's not as big as that, but the setting is equally as nice," she said. "It's just a really good location."

Information: Col. Robert Miller at 732-9341

Spend a night at the zoo

What: Safari After Dark

When: 5:30 p.m.-9:30 a.m. Dec. 3

Where: Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St., New Orleans

Admission: $45 for zoo members and $55 for nonmembers.

What to expect: The overnight camping trip provides a unique look at Audubon Zoo for the entire family.

The annual event features a craft workshop, an animal presentation, a behind-the-scenes tour, a campfire chat with s'mores and a night hike. Participants must bring their own camping gear.

"To be in the zoo at nighttime is so different," said Sarah Burnette, public-relations director for the Audubon Nature Institute. "It's very, very special."

She said the event, which has taken place for more than 21 years, allows participants a one-on-one feeling with the zookeepers and the animals.

"When you are there at night, it takes on a whole different feeling. ... You feel like you're doing something special," said Burnette who has attended Safari After Dark before. "You really do feel like you've been some place very, very special. It is a fun and special event. It's really, really cool."

Information: www.auduboninstitute.org

— Compiled by Lifestyles Editor Shane Thibodaux