Louisiana Lights gets plenty of attention each December on the Burden property off Essen Lane. But the LSU Rural Life Museum and its neighbors have three other seasonal events on the calendar, and each one has a personality of its own.

Poinsettias & Prosecco, Nov. 19

The season starts with a grown-up night out. Hosted by the Friends of LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens, this 21+ evening runs 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19, inside the lit-up Windrush Gardens. Expect small bites and paired drinks from local restaurants, desserts, and live music on the porch of the Burden family home. Tickets are $100, or $80 for Friends members.

A Rural Life Christmas, Dec. 6

On Sunday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the museum turns back the clock to a 19th-century Louisiana Christmas. Costumed re-enactors, storytellers, artisans and live musicians fill the grounds, Papa Noel poses for photos, and the food tent serves homemade gumbo. It happens rain or shine, and pets stay home. Tickets are sold through the museum's online box office, priced from free up to $14.38 with fees. Note that these are not Louisiana Lights tickets.

It's a fitting setting. The museum holds 32 historic outbuildings spread over 25 acres, the largest collection of Louisiana vernacular architecture, thanks to the Burden family's preservation of the land.

Wassailing in Windrush, Dec. 15

For a cozier evening, the Friends of LSU Rural Life Museum host Wassailing in Windrush on Tuesday, Dec. 15, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Guests stroll the illuminated gardens with traditional seasonal music, fireside gatherings, food and drink inspired by old holiday customs, and historic and literary scenes performed by Red Magnolia Theatre Co. Tickets are $65, or $50 for museum members and docents, and part of the proceeds supports the theater company.

Pick one, or make a tradition of all three. The oaks look good in every one of them.

Photo courtesy of LSU Rural Life Museum.