Holidays on the Cajun Coast

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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 29–December 31: Traditional Idlewild Plantation Christmas Lighting: Take a winding cruise through the lights from 5 pm–8 pm Sunday through Thursday and 5 pm–9 pm Friday and Saturday at Kemper Williams Park in Patterson, $5 per car. cajuncoast.com.    

November 30: Mistletoe & Moss Holiday Market: Check out a decked-out holiday market in Southwest Louisiana, featuring vendors from all over the country. Held under the HWY 90 Bridge/Front Street in Morgan City, the Mistletoe & Moss Holiday Market booths will feature crafts, makers, and food. 11 am–4 pm. (985) 380-4639. cajuncoast.com.  

December 1: Norco Christmas Parade: The town of Norco's Christmas parade returns to the small town's streets this year, starting on River Road and Apple Street. The theme will be "Norco Noel: Santa Goes to the Olympics!," so expect to see fans of all sports come out for this family-friendly community extravaganza. Be sure to stop by the Veterans Memorial after for a free photo with Santa in front of the community Christmas tree. 1 pm. norconoel.com.

December 1–31: Victorian Christmas at Grevenberg House and Shadowlawn: Admire the Franklin home bedecked with a Victorian style tree and seasonal greenery. Closed Christmas Eve and Day, 10 am–4 pm. $12, $10 for seniors, $8 for children. 337-828-2092. cajuncoast.com.

December 2: 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 7: City of Franklin Christmas Under the Lamppost, Decorated Golf Cart Parade, & Christmas on the Bayou Lighting Display 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. cajuncoast.com.

December 7–January 1: Christmas Lights on Bayou Teche: Cruise down Teche Drive, Main, Martin Luther King and Iberia Streets in Franklin to take in over a million lights along Parc Sur La Teche (for festive accompaniment, tune into 93.5 FM). cajuncoast.com. 

December 7: Christmas Movie Night in Berwick: A Christmas flick, Santa, gifts, food, and drink at the Berwick Civic Center. Santa at 6 pm; movie at 7 pm. Free. cajuncoast.com.

December 8: Miracle on First Street: Over fifty vendors, live music, and more, on First Street in Berwick. 5 pm–8 pm. Free. cajuncoast.com. 

December 8: Patterson Annual Christmas Parade:All the trappings of a charming Cajun Christmas parade. 2 pm down Main Street in Patterson. Free. cajuncoast.com.

December 10: Marine Corps 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. cajuncoast.com.

December 11: Wedell-Williams Aviation & Cypress Sawmill Annual Christmas Tree Festival: Admire a slew of decorated trees at the Patterson Museum at Kemper Williams Park. Free admission and refreshments. 5 pm–7 pm. louisianastatemuseum.org. 

December 14: Morgan City’s Christmas Parade: At the Morgan City's annual Christmas Parade parade, head downtown to 2nd Street for a festive display, followed by a movie. Free. 6 pm. cajuncoast.com.

December 14: 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 15: Berwick Christmas 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 12. theoldbuilding3190.com.