Christmas on the Cajun Coast

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Your 2023 Cajun Coast Christmas Calendar 

There's something extra magical about Christmas down the bayou, where the communities are tight-knit and their traditions run deep. Here are some of the best small-town holiday celebrations on the schedule this year. For a comprehensive calendar, visit cajuncoast.com. 

November 24–December 31: Centerville Louisiana Light Show: This bayou tradition lights up the night all throughout the holiday season at 135 Yellow Bayou Road, from 5:30 pm–midnight. Visitors should tune the radio to 88.9 to enjoy coordination with the festive tunes. Details at the Centerville Louisiana Light Show Facebook Page. 

November 25: Mistletoe & Moss Market: This massive start-of-the-season market will feature craft vendors, makers, food products, and more at Lawrence Park under the Highway 90 Bridge. 11 am–4 pm. Free. cajuncoast.com.

November 25–December 31: Traditional Idlewild Plantation Christmas Lighting: Take a winding cruise through the light displays on the historic grounds of Idlewild at Kemper Williams Park in Patterson. 5 pm–8 pm Sunday–Thursday; 5 pm–9 pm Friday and Saturday. $4 per car. 985-395-2298. cajuncoast.com.

November 28: Berwick Annual Christmas Tree Lighting: Refreshments and live music will be awaiting Santa's arrival at the lighthouse (by boat), all for the occasion of lighting up the town tree. 6 pm–8 pm. (985) 397-0793. cajuncoast.com. 

December 1–31: Victorian Christmas at the Grevenberg House and Shadowlawn: These historic homes in Franklin have gotten the Victorian Christmas treatment, and it's quite the sight to see. 337-828-2092. cajuncoast.com. 

December 2: Cookie Decorating with Mrs. Claus: Take the magic to the next level by facilitating a once-in-a-lifetime cookie-making session with the queen of the North Pole herself, all to be professionally photographed by Lily Kay Photography. 1234 David Dr, Morgan City, Suite 202. Thirty minute sessions available from 9 am–4:30 pm. ashline@lilykayphoto.com. $115. 

December 2: Christmas in the Park: The Paul Maillard Business & Arts Initiative is hosting its first ever Christmas event at Monsanto Park in Luling, featuring photos with Santa and friends, an oak tree lighting, a train ride, games, crafts, hot chocolate, and a two-mile levee run (costumes encouraged). Free. Noon. Details at the Christmas in the Park Facebook Event. 

December 2: "Christmas Under the Lampposts" Decorated Golf Cart Parade & "Christmas on the Bayou Lighting Ceremony: Follow the festive golf carts down to the courthouse, where word has it, they'll be setting the city alight with over 1 million twinkles. Parade begins at 6 pm. Free. Details at the City of Franklin, Louisiana Facebook page. 

December 2–January 1: Christmas Lights on the Teche: The historic Bayou Teche has seen a lot, but during the holidays, leaders make sure that we can see it in all it's glory, lighting up Parc Sur La Teche with over 1 million lights. (337) 828-3631. 

December 3: Norco Civic Association Christmas Parade: This annual tradition will roll with about sixty floats, trucks, marching groups, equestrian riders, pageant queens, and school bands—all united by the this year's theme of "Norco Noel: Santa Celebrates the Joy of Christmas". Weather permitting, the Clauses will arrive at the Mississippi River levee by helicopter at 12:45 pm, launching the parade at River Road. They will then set up at the Community Christmas Tree at the Town Square for photos. Free. Details at The Norco Civic Association Christmas Parade 2023 Facebook Group. 

December 5: Marine Corps Forces Reserve Band Toys for Tots Christmas Concert: See the remarkable band in action at the Municipal Auditorium in Morgan City, and all for a great cause. In lieu of an entry fee, bring a new, unwrapped toy. 7 pm. (985) 380-4639. 

December 9: Bernice Street Christmas by Candlelight: Take in the historic Morgan City street all a-twinkle with the warmth of candlelight. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and keep an eye out for special guests Santa and Mr. Grinch. Kids can also enjoy a train ride. 5:30 pm–9 pm. Details at the Bernice St. Christmas Lighting Facebook Page. 

December 9: Mingle & Jingle Downtown Franklin: Shopping gets serious in Franklin as the holidays approach. On this festive evening, everyone's staying open late and offering discounts, Santa appearances, and more. 10 am–8 pm. cajuncoast.com.

December 9: Miracle on First Street: Come shop over fifty vendors, enjoy live music, delicious food, and more, on First Street in Berwick. 4 pm–8 pm. Free. cajuncoast.com. 

December 9: Christmas Movie Night at the Berwick Civic Center: Make an evening out of it, dinner and a movie, with Santa on deck. Before the film's screening, meet the old guy himself, grab a hot dog, and enter for a chance to win your children a special holiday gift. 7 pm. Free. cajuncoast.com. 

December 10: Jingle All the Way 5K: Get the serotonin flowing good and hot for the start of the holiday season by taking part in Franklin's Jingle All the Way 5K, or at least the one-mile fun run. It's a beautiful route, featuring the city's iconic lamp posts, antebellum homes, live oaks, historic downtown, and wildlife along the bayou. Each participant will receive a jingle bell and a coffee mug. Runs begin at 8 am at 718 Main Street. Details at runsignup.com. 

December 10: Patterson Annual Christmas Street Parade: Expect all the trappings of a charming Cajun Christmas parade. 2 pm down Main Street in Patterson. Free. (985) 395-5205. cajuncoast.com.

December 10: Patterson 4-Legged Friends Christmas Parade: This adorably festive pup parade rides before the big Christmas Parade in Patterson. Noon. Free. (985) 395-4422. cajuncoast.com.

December 12: The Wedell-Williams Aviation & Cypress Sawmill's Christmas Tree Festival: This exhibit open house welcomes visitors to view a variety of decorated trees and listen to singing performances by local schools. 5 pm–7 pm at the Louisiana State Museum in Patterson at Kemper Williams Park. Free, and light refreshments will be served. (985) 399-1268.

December 16: The Cajun Spirit of Christmas Parade: The Cajun Nutcracker foundation is excited to bring back the beloved tradition that is Morgan City's Christmas Parade. Dance groups, local businesses, and appearances from Santa and other characters will be featured when the parade rolls starting at Onstead Street, then moving down Second Street, turning right on Brashear Avenue and moving down Front Street, turning left on Everett street and circling around Lawrence Park, then ending under the Highway 90 bridge. Free. 6 pm.  cajuncoast.com. 

December 16: Winter Wonderland at Southdown: Kiddos and adults alike will find it well worth bundling up for the Winter Wonderland Family Fun event at Southdown, which will feature a six-station inflatable bounce zone, food trucks, live music, a live nativity, snow, and appearances from the North Pole's biggest celebrities. 11 am–8 pm. southdownmuseum.org. 

December 17: Teddy Bear Tea: Join the hosts at The Old Building in Patterson for an afternoon Christmas tea with Santa, featuring finger foods, Christmas treats, champagne and mimosas, coffee and tea, and a build-a-bear opportunity with Teddy Mobile of Acadiana, plus photos by Abigail Kathleen Photography. $50; $35 for children younger than $35. theoldbuilding3190.com.