Christmas in Acadiana

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Image courtesy of the Cajun Coast Visitors & Convention Bureau

How to spend Christmas in Acadiana

Most of us in Louisiana have read the children's book Cajun Night Before Christmas, and the folks in Acadiana are living it all season long with parades, nativities, craft fairs, and more to spur that Cajun Christmas spirit. 

November 29–December 1; Saturdays and Sundays in December until December 22, plus December 23: McGee's Swamp Tours' Atchafalaya Christmas: Join Papa Noel on the Basin for these incredible one-of-a-kind Cajun holiday experiences—where the “Cajun Night Before Christmas” comes alive. After each tour, guests can take photos with Santa, create their own memento ornament, and enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and candy canes. $25. See tour times at mcgeesswamptours.com. 

November 29–January 5: Window Wonderland: This neighborhood-wide fine arts installation, facilitated by the organization Basin Arts, pairs local artists with businesses downtown Lafayette for stunning visual displays to draw forth the holiday spirit. This year’s theme is “Traditions to Treasure”—inspired by the distinct cultural heritage of the area, with all of its many traditions. Stroll Jefferson Street and its neighbors during this holiday season for a one-of-a-kind holiday exhibition of local talent. Each display will be entered into a competition, with public voting through mid-December, and the winning artist will receive a $500 cash prize. basinartslafayette.com. 

November 30: Christmas in the Village: Small town Christmas and all its charm epitomized in downtown Loreauville, where the lighting of the town Christmas tree will draw out local food, craft vendors, special surprises, and—yes, Santa himself. 5 pm–9 pm. Free. Details at the Loreauville Community Project Facebook Page. 

November 30–December 21: Downtown Advent Adventures: Release the magic of the holiday season, one adventure at a time—each day from November 30–21 "unlocks' new holiday themed activities for New Iberia residents to take part in, ranging from movie nights to Christmas crafts. Check the New Iberia Advent Activity Event Facebook Page each day at 11 am for live videos announcing the day’s details. Free. 

December 1: Sounds of the Season: Make your holiday merry with this free Christmas concert by the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra at St. Peter's Church in New Iberia. Enjoy the familiar Christmas songs you know and love, as well as classical selections to round out the evening. 3 pm–4:30 pm. iberiacultural.org.

December 1–23: Noël Acadien au Village: LARC’s Acadian Village will host its annual Christmas festival fundraiser to benefit persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Noël Acadien au Village will feature half a million lights, themed Acadian home porches, lighted holiday displays, live entertainment, carnival rides, local cuisine, photos with Santa, holiday shopping, and more. Be sure to visit the Gingerbread House and Christmas Carolers. The event will be open nightly from 5:30 pm–9 pm (weather permitting). $10 at the gate. Children ages two and younger, as well as active military, are free. For the full entertainment schedule, nightly promotions, tickets, and other information, visit acadianvillage.org.

December 3: Merry & Bright Christmas Carnival: Meet in Parc International for a holiday celebration—bolstered by face painting, reptile encounters, pony rides, and fun jumps, not to mention local vendors peddling spirited wares and appearances from the Clauses. Local vendors, including Reggie's Seafood, Nina Creole, Cajun Cane, Cotton Candies Lafayette, and more will be onsite. 2 pm–5 pm. Free, with some activities requiring a small fee. downtownlafayette.org.

December 4: Jingle Bell Market: An artful shopping event from the Hilliard, bringing options for local art and other goodies to your holiday gift list this year. Featuring hot chocolate and family photo opportunities, an appearance from Father Christmas, face painting, creative gifts, and free gift wrapping. 4 pm–8 pm. hillliardmuseum.org.

December 5: Abbeville's Annual Christmas Stroll: Stroll, shop, dine, and bask in the magic of Christmas in downtown Abbeville, where white lights will meet live music and Santa Claus himself for a night of holiday bliss. 5:30 pm–8 pm. Free. (337) 898-4110. vermilion.org. 

December 5: A Zydeco Christmas with Keith Frank: Joining the Acadiana Symphony, zydeco star Keith Frank, performing with more than one hundred musicians, will usher in the holidays with a zydeco performance infused with Christmas classics. 7 pm. Tickets start at $30. acadianasymphony.org. 

December 5–6: The Eunice Concert Band & Choir Christmas Concert: Two evenings of Christmas cheer will be presented by local musicians at the First Baptist Church in Eunice. Celebrating its 34th anniversary, the group is made up of a choir concert band, an adult choir, and a children’s choir and sings in a variety of styles. Expect glorious renditions of holiday favorites including “Can You Hear the Christmas Bells,” “Star of Bethlehem,” “Santa Baby,” and more. 7 pm. $5; $2 for children younger than twelve. eccbc.org. 

December 5–7: Christmas at Coteau: This annual seasonal celebration is a shopping, dining, and holiday event on the lovely grounds of Grand Coteau's Academy of the Sacred Heart. Christmas at Coteau gets started on Thursday with a cocktail-style preview party featuring live performances by Three Thirty Seven ($78), then continues through the weekend, with the festival gearing up at 10 am Friday. The experience also includes seated gourmet lunches ($100 per person) and the opportunity to have breakfast with Santa ($26–$37), as well as a chance to judge the annual gumbo cook-off ($21, includes market admission). At the market ($15), expect to find antiques, estate jewelry, Christmas accessories, objets d’art, children’s apparel, and home and garden accessories. All proceeds benefit Schools of the Sacred Heart at Grand Coteau. 10 am–4 pm on Friday; 10 am–3 pm Saturday. ash1821.org.

December 6: Lighting of the Tree Concert Featuring Chubby Carrier:  Don't miss the annual Lighting of the Tree Concert in Parc International in Downtown Lafayette—which has been transformed into a winter wonderland with a twenty-five-foot-tall Christmas tree. Enjoy performances by Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band on the main stage. Look forward to photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday crafts, snacks provided by local restaurants, and creative installations by local artists at area businesses. 6 pm–9 pm. Free. downtownlafayette.org.

December 6–15: IPAL Presents “A Christmas Story: The Musical”: An infamous leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole... This month at the the Iberia Performing Arts League, see all these memorable scenes and more at A Christmas Story: The Musical, based on the 1983 classic film and written for the stage by the songwriting team behind the award-winning Dear Evan Hanson and La La Land. Revisit 1940s Indiana with the young and bespectacled Ralphie Parker as he schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams: an official Red Ryder® Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. ipaltheater.com. 

December 6–27: Creole Christmas: Visit the Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site this holiday season, where you can tour the Olivier Plantation Home (circa 1815) and take in their lovely, all naturally-sourced from the property, period-appropriate Christmas decorations. Visitors will learn how the holiday was celebrated in the mid 1800s. 9 am–5 pm. (337) 394-3754. lastateparks.com. 

December 7: Christmas in Carencro: It’s a whole day of Christmas cheer, and a lot of it: think choirs, arts and crafts, holiday treats, and an opportunity to donate toys to those less fortunate. It all kicks off with the annual "Dancer, Dasher, Prancer 5K Run" at 8 am, then carries forth with the Carencro Country Christmas vendor village at the Carencro Community Center and the official Christmas Parade at 10 am. In the evening, set out towards downtown for the Old Fashioned Christmas Candyland, featuring the lighting of the city Christmas tree, a Polar Express train ride, carols, and cookies with hot chocolate to set the scene—not to mention visits from Santa, Mrs. Claus, and even the Grinch. 8 am–8 pm. Free. Details on the Christmas in Carencro Facebook Page. 

December 7: Village of Pine Prairie Christmas Celebration: The season officially begins in The Village with a market of local vendors, the official Pine Prairie Christmas Parade, and the lighting of the town Christmas Tree. Enjoy taking photos with Santa, while snacking on pizza, cookies, and sipping on hot chocolate. It all takes place at the heart of town on Veterans Memorial Highway. (337) 599-2904. evangelineparishtourism.org. 

December 7: Noël a Broussard: The holiday season leaps to the streets with the annual Broussard Christmas Parade, starting at 3 pm at the corner of Morgan Avenue and Albertson Parkway, and ending at  Arceneaux Park. Afterwards, celebrate the festive spirit in front of Broussard City Hall with reindeer games, face painting, balloon artistry, a Christmas Market, and the annual lighting of the city Christmas Tree. Caroling begins at 5:45 pm, tree-lighting at 6:30 pm. Free. broussard chamber.chambermaster.com. 

December 8: Sonic Christmas Parade and After Party: Welcome Santa to Lafayette this season and meet him on the parade route, which runs from Jefferson through Downtown all the way to the Oil Center. Afterwards, keep the fun going at the official after party in Parc International, featuring cookie decorating, arts and crafts, inflatables, food, beverages, and much more. Parade starts at 1 pm. Free. downtownlafayette.org.

December 8:  Delcambre Main Street Christmas Parade:  Delcambre takes the spirit to the streets for the annual Main Street Christmas Parade—Santa joins local marching bands and dance groups to deck the streets in holiday cheer. 2 pm–4 pm. (337) 519-2541. 

December 8: Mamou Christmas Parade: At this spirited holiday showcase of the town's organizations and creatives, the "Cajun Music Capital of the World" comes alive for Christmas. Afterwards, children can enjoy cookies and hot chocolate with Santa at the Rec Center. 6 pm. evangelineparishtourism.org. 

December 12: The Opelousas Children’s Christmas Parade: Any joyous occasion in Louisiana calls for a parade, and Christmas is no exception. This one, with kids in mind, includes entertainment, music, marching bands, lighted floats, and most importantly: Santa and his buddies. The parade starts at 6 pm at Academy and Landry Streets, and rolls through downtown Opelousas to the Yambilee Grounds. cityofopelousas.com. 

December 14: Holiday Market at ArtWalk: It's everyone's favorite monthly market, Christmas-style. Enjoy this Holiday themed market set up in Parc Sans Souci in Downtown Lafayette, featuring over thirty vendors with one-of-a-kind artwork and gifts, plus live entertainment. 4 pm. Free. downtownlafayette.org.

December 14: Queen City Christmas Parade: A festive parade will meander down New Iberia's historic Main Street, directly followed by a boat parade on Bayou Teche, and a grand finale of fireworks. The street parade will include the Berry Queens, local musicians, Bayou Lit Bikes, visiting royalty, and the man in red himself. Following the street parade, Santa will be available for photos in his workshop in the Bouligny Plaza Gazebo. For the boat parade, head bayou-side to take in the Christmas lights and holiday-bedecked boats parade down the Teche. Street parade begins at 5:30 pm, the boat parade begins at 6 pm at Bayou Landing (Lewis Street Bridge). bayoutraditions.com. 

December 14: A Very Berry Christmas Quest: Grab your family and set out on an adventure across New Iberia, completing a list of kid-friendly tasks with stops inside all of your favorite local businesses. Pick up your goody bag—filled with coupons and holiday treats, as well as your quest cards, at the Iberia Chamber office. Each quest task completed earns a sticker, and once participants have earned seven stickers, they can drop off their completed activity card at the office. Every family that turns in a completed card will be entered to win prizes. 9 am–4 pm. $12 for children ages four to seventeen; $5 for adults ages eighteen and older. iberiachamber.org. 

December 14: Pancakes and PJs with Santa: Families are invited to bring their blankets to the Sliman Theatre in New Iberia for a pancakes and sausage picnic with Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus holiday face painting, story time with Mrs. Claus, and photo opportunities with Santa. 8 am–10:30 am. $10–$15. bayoutraditions.com.  

December 14: Christmas ArtWalk in Paris a la Breaux Bridge: Stroll the glittering streets of beautiful Breaux Bridge, all holiday-ed up as she is, for this special artwalk. Step into downtown shops, galleries, and restaurants, and meet local artists showcasing their work on the street—all while listening to local musicians to add to the festive feel. 3 pm–8 pm. Details at the Christmas Artwalk in Paris—a la Breaux Bridge. 

December 14: Grosse Tete Christmas Parade and Christmas on the Bayou Festival: Festive cheer will roll down the streets of Grosse Tete starting at 1 pm, followed immediately after by the annual Christmas festival at the North Iberville Visitors Center. Enjoy local arts and crafts vendors, live music, Christmas décor and treats, and more. Free. visitiberville.com. 

December 14: Christmas in Washington: Shop from vendors from 10 am–5 pm downtown in the historic town of Washington, centered around the former Doucet Motors sales lot—where you can watch the big tree light up at 7 pm. There'll be a DJ and Kids' Corner with face painting and balloon artistry all throughout the day. 10 am–7 pm. cajuntravel.com. (337) 826-3626. 

December 14: St. Lucy Festival of Lights: Each year, Saint Martin de Tours Catholic Church in St. Martinville hosts the St. Lucy Festival of Lights, a family celebration that begins with 4 pm mass, followed by a children's parade of box floats. The night will close with photos with Santa, the lighting of the Square, live Cajun music, seasonal movies, and Christmas caroling. Free. saintmartindetours.org. 

December 14: Old Time Winter Family Day at Vermilionville: Vermilionville's Historic Village will receive a holiday makeover, transporting visitors back in time to experience the simple beauty of Louisiana Christmases past—drawing on the traditions of the Acadian, Creole, and Native American cultures that lived here. Sing carols, hear stories, decorate cookies, make bousillage ornaments, citrus pomanders, and candles, and more. French Santa Claus, who was historically a trapper known to deliver candy, money, and small toys to good little girls and boys, will make an appearance. 10 am–4 pm. $5. bayouvermilionvilledistrict.org. 

December 14–15: Lafayette Ballet Theatre presents, “The Nutcracker”: An Acadiana tradition sets the stage again with the full-length, classical ballet, The Nutcracker, performed by the Lafayette Ballet Theatre professional company dancers.  Don't miss this timeless tale by E.T.A. Hoffman set to Tchaikovsky's famous score, presented at the Heymann Performing Arts Center. 7 pm Saturday; 2 pm Sunday. Tickets start at $30.  lafayetteballettheatre.org. 

December 15–17 Christmas in the Park: Celebrate the season in Lafayette's Moncus Park, where local musicians, Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band (Friday) and Gerald Gruenig and Gentilly Zydeco (Saturday) will infuse the air with holiday spirit. On Sunday, come back to see two holiday films on the big screen. Bring the kids—there will be activities just for them, including a Christmas light tunnel, “Santa’s Workshop” crafts, s’mores stations, and photos with Santa. Food will be available for purchase. 6 pm–9 pm. $20 for on-site parking, or take advantage of free parking at Blackham Coliseum with a shuttle to Moncus Park. moncuspark.org/christmas. 

December 16: Holiday Shopping on Da Bayou: Peruse works by local craftsfolks, dance to live music, and have a tasty treat in Bouligny Plaza. 9 am–3 pm. Free. Details at the Holiday Shopping on Da Bayou event on Facebook. 

December 17: Louisiana Christmas Day Concert: Bayou Teche Music Productions presents a festive evening of music from internationally acclaimed bass-baritone Andre Courville and the Atchafalaya Orchestra with special guests, the Grammy-nominated Sweet Cecilia, Jennifer Kaye—from Louisiana Red, and Grammy-nominated accordionist Corey Ledet, plus others. 6 pm. Tickets start at $20. heymanncenter.com.