Long-standing holiday tradition returns to the American Rose Center

Christmas in Roseland is a long-standing holiday tradition celebrating its 42nd year this season and will open on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 5:30 p.m.

Nestled in a corner of Jefferson Paige Road are 118 acres that were donated to the American Rose Society more than 50 years ago. The country’s oldest single-plant society used the property to build its headquarters, called The American Rose Center.

Today, divergent interests and differing organizational needs have led the Rose Society and the rose gardens to separate into distinct entities.

However, Marilyn Wellan, former ARS president and arguably the garden’s most significant contributor, is busy organizing community backing for the foreseeable continuation of this local gem.

Christmas in Roseland has also received $50,000 from the Caddo Commission, which helps fund new outreach and marketing efforts. There were some slight concerns with restructuring the organizations that the event might not happen this year. Still, thanks to the efforts of the garden’s team and a loyal community, celebrations will continue.

“We’ve prevailed, thanks to the help from the commissioners and also other sponsors who have come through. … Christmas in Roseland is the fundraiser that will get us started through the first half of the year as a new organization,” said Wellan. “We have sponsorships anywhere from a hundred dollars to a couple thousand. One way would be to sponsor Santa Claus. Another way would be to sponsor the Christmas cards to the community that the children produce.”

Christmas in Roseland will be open Dec. 4–7, Dec. 11–14 and Dec. 19–21 from 5:30 to 10 p.m.

Encore nights are set for Dec. 22–23. The annual Christmas Market will run Dec. 11–14,

“The opening night of Christmas in Roseland 2025, on Thursday, Dec. 4, will be dedicated to Beth,” Wellan said, referring to Beth Smiley, the longest-tenured employee of both the society and the gardens.

“Mardi Gras in Roseland,” featuring a parade and visiting krewe royalty, will take place Dec. 20.

Fireworks are scheduled for Dec. 6, 13 and 20, with an additional show during the finale on Dec. 23, also featuring a candlelight sing-along.

Visitors can stroll through the decorated grounds, take photos with Santa, ride the Roseland Express train and roast marshmallows at fire pits. Food vendors — including Hangry Chicken, Watkins Concessions and Miami Latin Kitchen — will be on site each night. Guests 21 and older can also visit the Blitzen Bar.

Santa will be in the garden nightly from 6 to 9 p.m. Photos are $10 and include the option for families to take additional pictures with their own devices.

Admission ranges from $15 to $20 on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with discounted family packs and VIP packages available. Children 2 and younger are admitted free. Discount coupons are available at Visit Shreveport-Bossier.

Active-duty military, veterans, first responders, and postal and delivery drivers receive $5 off admission with proper ID.

Tickets can be purchased online at tickets.christmasinroseland.org or at the gate. Group reservations and sponsorship information are available by calling 318-572-9102 or emailing beth@americasrosegardens.org. Christmas in Roseland is a walking-only event.