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: 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. cajuncoast.com.  

November 29: Spirit of Morgan City Christmas Festival: It's time to make Morgan City merry and bright. Head to Lawerence Park for a holiday extravaganza, including caroling, story time, letters to (and pictures with) Santa, cookie decorating, face painting, train rides, ice skating—even the Grinch. Stick around for the lighting of the oaks at 5:45 pm. 2 pm–7 pm. Free. 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.    

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 and students; free for children twelve and younger. cajuncoast.com.

December 1: 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. Free. cajuncoast.com. 

December 6: Winter Festival : Festivities await at Lighthouse Community Church in Berwick, where community members are welcome to enjoy music, food, games, crafts, a Santa visit, and more. 11 am–2 pm. Free. cajuncoast.com. 

December 6: Franklin’s Bayou to Main Market Place: Kick off the holiday season with a day of yuletide cheer in the cozy heart of downtown Franklin. Expect a festive wonderland of faceprinting, crafts, DJ Santa & His Elf, a giant snow globe, Christmas cookie scavenger hunt, pictures with Santa, meet & greet with Frozen characters, shopping, and so much more. 10 am–2 pm. Free. cajuncoast.com. 

December 6: 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. 9 am–2 pm. cajuncoast.com.

December 6: 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 6: Miracle on First Street: Over fifty vendors, live music, and more, on First Street in Berwick. 4 pm–8 pm. Free. cajuncoast.com. 

December 6–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 9: Marine Corps Band New Orleans 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 12: Spirit of 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 13: Christmas Movie Night in Berwick: A Christmas flick, Santa, gifts, food, and drink at the Berwick Civic Center. Movie at 6 pm. Free. cajuncoast.com.

December 14: Patterson Annual Christmas Parade: All the trappings of a charming Cajun Christmas parade. 2 pm down Main Street in Patterson. Free. cajuncoast.com.

December 14: 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 an opportunity for photos by Abigail Kathleen Photography. 4:30 pm–6:30 pm. $50; $35 for children younger than 12. theoldbuilding3190.com.