Magic on Main

New Iberia has set out the eggnog and lit the fire; come enjoy its holiday charms

In Iberia Parish, Christmas means holiday markets, twinkling seasonal displays, and magical parades. We find there’s no better time than December to visit New Iberia (affectionately called Da Berry by locals) and its neighboring communities.

Throughout the holidays, local merchants will be offering special discounts, coupons, and giveaways through a holiday campaign called Shop Berry Frozen. Try free sweet potato beignets with any purchase at Little River Inn, enjoy a 20% discount at Allain’s Jewelry, or enter to win gift baskets from Konriko or Tabasco (you know you’ll use those). For the full list, visit iberiatravel.com/coupons-specials and be sure to check back often—more offers are coming.

For its third year, local non-profit Envision da Berry will be partnering with local artists for its “Window Wonderland” project, for which downtown storefront windows are decorated in a unified holiday theme. This year, the windows will present scenes from the classic Christmas story, The Nutcracker. The windows will be finished on November 26, when passersby can admire the seasonal décor while enjoying all of New Iberia’s holiday offerings.

We suggest you visit on the weekend of December 10, when the city holds its annual Magic on Main Christmas Parade preceded by a Mistleteaux Marketplace, which features a farmers market and food truck festival, free kids' activities, arts and crafts vendors, shopping at Main Street retailers, Christmas pajama contest and lighting of the Christmas tree at City Hall. When you’re out and about, take a minute to snap a few pictures and enter the “Savor the Season” photo contest.

Plus, two exhibits at the Bayou Teche Museum—one featuring Hunt Slonem and the other George Rodrigue—can make your trip a fine-art affair. These are just some of the events going on in Iberia Parish this holiday season; keep track at IberiaTravel.com/Holiday.