In southwest Louisiana from November 25 through the end of December, there will be plenty of fun things to do and experience for the whole family. Let this guide to holiday events in Acadiana help you to fill your holidays with that Christmas joie de vivre to ensure you have a joyeux noël in Cajun and Creole style.
Safari of Lights
Stroll the pathways of the Zoo of Acadiana amidst twinkling lights and enjoy a hot cup of cocoa while riding the train as Christmas music fills the air.
- November 25 – 27 and December 2 – 30
- Zoo of Acadiana, Broussard, LA – Phone: 337-837-4325
- $5 in Advance, $6 at the door.
Grand Noël in the Streets of Historic Grand Coteau
Enjoy refreshments, carriage rides and candlelit streets.
- November 26, 5-8 p.m.
- 232 Martin Luther King Dr., Grand Coteaux, LA – Phone: 337-662-1032
Breaux Bridge Christmas Parade
- November 27, 2 p.m.
- Main Street, Breaux Bridge, LA – Phone 337-332-8500
- Free
Christmas at the Alexandre Mouton House
The historic Alexandre Mouton House will be beautifully decorated with period pieces.
- Throughout December
- Open Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- 1112 Lafayette St., Lafayette, LA. – Phone: 337-234-2208
- $5 Adults, $3 Seniors, $2 Students.
Noël au Musée
Enjoy Christmas themes and entertainment of all kinds everywhere in Gueydan, LA.
- December 1-31: Wednesday - Friday, 1 - 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Gueydan Museum – Phone: 337-536-0443
- Gueydan, LA
- Free
Spirit of Christmas (Kaplan Chamber of Commerce)
Local business open for holiday shopping Register for drawings. On December 3, enjoy Christmas music, the lighting of downtown Kaplan and a visit from Santa at Turnley Park.
- December 1-3, times vary
- Kaplan, LA – Phone: 337-643-2300
- Free
Noël Acadien au Village
Enjoy the splendor of over half-a-million lights, nightly entertainment, cuisine, photos with Santa and carnival rides.
- December 1-23, 5:30 – 9 p.m.
- Acadian Village, Lafayette, LA – Phone 337-981-2364
- $7 in Advance, $9 at the Gate
The Acadia Players Present, Christmas Belles
In this delightful play a, “Church Christmas program spins hilariously out of control.” Christmas Belles is a delightful farce about squabbling sisters, family secrets, a surly Santa, a vengeful sheep and a reluctant Elvis impersonator.
- December 1-4: Thursday – Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m.
- The historic Rice Theater in Crowley, LA – Phone: 337-581-8507
- $5 Adults, $5 Seniors, Children under 12, and Students with ID
Festival of Light
Be there to watch as the switch is thrown on the lights. Behold the lighting of the nativity. Enjoy music, food, fun and shopping. Take pictures with Santa and play in the outdoor ice skating rink and snow yard.
- December 2: 5 - 10 p.m.
- The Oil Center – Lafayette, LA - Phone: 337-232-1267
- Free
Carencro Country Christmas
Family oriented music, choirs, food, and arts and crafts booths. Catch beads and throws at the Carencro Lion’s Club Christmas Parade.
- December 3, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Carencro Community Center – Phone: 337-255-7589
- Carencro, LA
- Free
Rendez-vous des Cajuns
The Rendez-vous des Cajuns music show presents its annual Cajun Christmas show with the Jambalaya Cajun Band performing Christmas standards with Cajun flair.
- December 3, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Liberty Theater – Phone: 337-457-7389
- 200 W. Park Ave., Eunice, LA
- $5 Adults, Children under 7 free
Sonic Christmas Parade
This parade features 20 floats, throws, high school marching bands and Santa’s official arrival in Lafayette.
- December 4, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Route: Downtown Lafayette, LA to The Oil Center
- Phone: 337-988-5301, Ext. 239
- Free
Grand Coteau Christmas Parade
- Route: Martin Luther King Drive to Town Hall on Burleigh Lane
- December 4, 1 p.m.
- Grand Coteau, LA
- Phone: 337-662-5246
- Free
Opelousas Children’s Christmas Parade
- Route: St. Landry Catholic Church on Main St. to the Civic Center on Creswell Lane
- December 8, 6 p.m.
- Opelousas, LA
- Phone: 337-424-5442
- Free
Noël, by the Eunice Choir and Concert Band
This event features the community concert band, choir, children’s choir and an art exhibit by the Fine Arts Council of Eunice.
- December 8-9, 7 p.m.
- 200 West Park Ave.
- Eunice, LA – Phone: 337-457-1776
- $5 Adults, $2 Children under 12
Christmas Parade Along the Bayou
- December 9: 6 to 8 p.m.
- Main Street – Phone: 337-826-3626
- Washington, LA
- Free
The Singing Christmas Tree Presents, Joyeux Noël
Enjoy Christmas music, drama and a light show with the entire family. The show features a live orchestra and choir singing from a 24-foot Christmas tree.
- December 9-12: Friday 7 p.m., Saturday 3 & 7 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m., Monday 7 p.m.
- First Baptist Church – Phone: 337-593-3757
- 1100 Lee Avenue
- Lafayette, LA
- $10 Adults, $5 Students and Children
Christmas in Scott, LA
Enjoy activities and entertainment for the entire family.
- December 10: 2 – 6 p.m.
- 110 Benoit Patin Road – 337-233-1130
- Scott, LA
Lafayette Ballet Theater Presents, The Nutcracker
Lafayette Ballet Theater’s presentation of the full-length version of The Nutcracker is a timeless and beautiful holiday classic.
- December 10 – 11: Saturday 7 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m.
- Heyman Performing Arts Center
- 1373 S. College Road
- Lafayette, LA
- For admission fee, phone: 337-291-5555
Lessons and Carols
This event is a traditional candlelight service of readings and choral music for the Christmas season.
- December 11: 7:30 p.m.
- St. John's Cathedral, 914 St. John Street – Phone: 337-232-1322
- Lafayette, LA
- Free
St. Lucy Festival of Light and KC Christmas Parade
Food, music, arts and crafts. Christmas parade at 2 p.m. Lighting of Church Square at 6 p.m.
- December 11: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church – Phone: 337-394-9404 or 337-288-2784
- St. Martinville, LA
Old-Time Christmas at Vermilionville
Experience the simple warmth and beauty of Christmas past as the historic village brings to life the holiday traditions of yesteryear. Meet Papa Noël, learn how to make candles, watch popcorn stringing and get a taste of apple cider.
- December 13-16: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Vermillionville – Phone: 337-233-4077
- 300 Fisher Road
- Lafayette, LA
- $10 Adults, $8 Seniors, $6 Students, Children under 6 Free
Maria Blanco - Writer/Editor, Certified Family Herbalist, Naturopath, Holistic Nutritional Consultant
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