Here is a list of Christmas events and parades in Acadiana. If you would like to add your event to the list, email the information to news@katctv.com.
November 30
Noel Acadien au Village at Acadian Village
Opening night! The gates will open to more than 500,000 bright and sparkling Christmas lights at 5:30 pm and tickets are $10. Children four and under and military members with ID get in free. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $8 at some Shop-Rite and Tobacco Plus stores in Acadiana. Starting this year you can purchase your tickets online. Along with the beautiful lights and displays, the festival will also include carnival rides, food, entertainment, and a chance to meet and have your photo taken with Santa Claus. The village is located at 200 Greenleaf Drive in Lafayette and will light up Acadiana from November 30 to December 23. Lights are scheduled to be on every night from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm, weather permitting.
November 30
Sailors and Soldiers Stocking Stuffer Party
On Saturday, November 30th, DJ N.V. Navy Vet(Michael Edmond)and his wife Racquel Edmond are hosting a Sailors and Soldiers Stocking Stuffer Party at Luna De Noche located at 4001 N University, Carencro,LA. During the LSU vs Texas AM Game. The couple is inviting the general public to bring Christmas Stockings. The toys will be provided by Operation Home Front and the Dollar Tree. The need is for 500 Stockings. This event is running concurrent with the Christmas in Carencro Toy Drive. Drop Off Locations are Luna De Noche, La Pizzeria Carencro, Carencro Fire Station Hector Connoly, Scott Oak Cleaners Carencro. All toys will distributed on December 14th at the Christmas in Carencro Event. From 11 to 2 at the Carencro Fire House on N University.
November 30
Grand Noel in Grand Coteau
Christmas shopping in a quaint village atmosphere November 30 from 2 pm - 8 pm. Life size nativity scene, carriage rides, photos with the grinch & disney characters, snow village, local food available, overnight accommodations, live music. grandcoteau.org
November 30
2nd Annual Christmas in the Village Celebration
The second annual Christmas in the Village presented by Loreauville Community Project (LCP), will be held November 30, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Admission to this family event is free, with food, drink and shopping pay as you go. Prior to the event, LCP will be selling Christmas ornaments that can be decorated and returned to be hung on the Christmas tree the night of the celebration. Ornaments can be purchased from the Loreauville Town Hall, or the Loreauville locations of Community First Bank and First National Bank of Jeanerette. Attendees will enjoy an evening of food, music, shopping and many other festivities. Spread the cheer by liking Loreauville Community Project on Facebook and sharing the event.
Hours/Schedule
6:00 p.m. - Event begins (hanging of ornaments)
6:30 p.m. - Santa arrives
7:00 p.m. - Lighting of the tree
Follow the Loreauville Community Project Facebook page to keep up to date on the schedule of live entertainment.
Returning traditions
· Christmas light competition (judging to be held evening of November 29, 2019) - There will be two categories this year, business and residential. Residences within the Loreauville school district can participate
· Pictures with Santa - pictures with Santa will be provided by Stacey Hebert Photography; for $20 you will receive a digital release of the pictures
· Marshmallow roasting
· Reindeer food station
· Various local vendors - spots for vendors are still available
· Jambalaya and many other food options as well as sweet treats will be available for purchase
· Photo ops with props
November 30
Window Wonderland
Window Wonderland is part of the Downtown Lafayette Merry & Bright Christmas in Downtown. Window Wonderland 2019 is a fine art installation in commercial display windows in Downtown Lafayette that brings together the community, business owners and local artists to celebrate civic pride and the holiday season by showcasing their creative talents in an artistic, family-friendly and festive format.
Windows belonging to businesses in Downtown will be turned over to local artists who will create a stunning visual displays that celebrate the magic of the holiday season. The displays will be installed the week of Thanksgiving and be viewable by the public between November 30, 2019 (Small Business Saturday) and January 4th, 2020.
The Window Wonderland project will be curated by Urban Designer, Phanat Xanamane, who will integrate artists from diverse backgrounds with varying levels of experience and training in the arts, ranging from graphic design, painting, sculpture, fashion, theatrical & film set design, architecture, photography, interior design and more. The project facilitates a dynamic collaboration that allows the participating artists to meet and exchange ideas and tips on their craft. The artists can gain much from each other by developing their artistic network, while having an amazing opportunity to express their creativity and abilities in a very public venue.
Each display will be part of an overall competition for Best Window Wonderland with voting taking place online. The voting period will run through December 21st, with winners being announced alongside the winners of the Christmas Tree Extravaganza: Tree Decorating Competition at the Merry & Bright Grand Finale.
To learn more visit the Downtown Lafayette website below:
https://www.downtownlafayette.org/events-landing/christmas-downtown/
December 1
Christmas in Scott
Lighting of the tree, entertainment, arts and crafts, concessions, and Santa Claus 3-6PM.
December 1
Rayne Christmas Event
The Polar Express. Santa will be in Downtown Rayne's Depot Square for photos from 5 P.M until 6 P.M. Free refreshments will be ready just in time for you to enjoy with the movie, The Polar Express starts at 6 P.M. Don't forget to bring your letters to Santa's mailbox and most importantly don't forget to wear your Christmas pajamas. Seating is limited so bring your lawn chairs and/or blankets
December 4
Broussard Christmas Tree Lighting
Lighting of the Christmas tree at Broussard City Hall at 5:30 p.m. Santa will also be there.
December 4
Crowley's 10th Annual Christmas in Crowley "A Holiday Affair"
6:00pm to 8:00pm on Historic Main Street and Parkerson Avenue in Crowley. A Fun Evening of Christmas carols, music, stories, activities, arts & crafts, Christmas surprises, holiday treats, shopping galore and more.
December 5 & 6
Eunice Christmas Concert
The Eunice Community Concert Band and Choir will present its Christmas Concert December 5 & 6, 2019, 7:00pm at the First Baptist Church in Eunice. Features: Community Choir, Concert Band, Children's Choir and an art exhibit by artist Ted
Bertrand & Friends. Selections Include: Come On It's Christmas, Fruitcake, Gospel Magnificat, It's Christmas, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The First Noel, Angels We Have Heard on High, Baby It's Cold Outside, Brazilian Sleigh Bells, Breath of Heaven, Christmas on Broadway, O Come O Come Emmanuel, Oogie Boogie's Song and Big Band of Shepherds. Tickets: $5 Adults, $2 Children Under 12 - Available by calling 337-457-1776
December 6
Lighting of Le Vieux Village
Families can ring in the holiday season at the annual Lighting of Le Vieux Village in Opelousas from 5:00 - 8:30 pm. The emcee for this year's Lighting of Le Vieux Village is KATC anchor, Marcelle Fontenot. Presented by City of Opelousas, along with support from local businesses, the official lighting of the historic village has been a favorite holiday activity of both children and adults. Attendees can watch the historic village illuminate with holiday lights with the official pulling of the switch which will lead up to the arrival of Santa Claus.
Lighting of the Village offers a variety of activities for the little ones, including a petting zoo, train rides, live music from JS Clark Leadership Academy, a cupcake decorating station, and an ornament making station where kids can design their own holiday ornaments.
Special guests for the event include Queen Elsa & Olaf, Mickey & Minnie, Elmo, Minion and Balloon Artist Rick Hessler. Le Vieux Village is located at 828 E. Landry Street exit 19B. For more information about the event or vendor information, contact Opelousas Tourism at 337-948-5227 or visit www.cityofopelousas.com
December 6
Christmas with the Boss
A free concert called, "Christmas with the Boss on Friday, December 6, will feature music by Keith Frank and The Pine Leaf Boys, as well as the lighting of the official Christmas tree of Lafayette and an opportunity to meet and take photos with Santa Claus
December 6
Carencro Old-Fashioned Christmas
The Carencro Cultural District hosts an Old-Fashioned Christmas to celebrate the upcoming holiday season. The public is invited to join them for an official Christmas tree lighting and more holiday fun.Friday, Dec. 6, 2019 from 6-8 p.m. at the Patriots Pavilion, 210 St. Peter Street (behind City Hall). Free and open to the public.
Festivities include:
Photos with Santa
Caroling and holiday favorites by Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church and French Immersion students
Cookies and hot cocoa
For more information, visit the Carencro Cultural District Facebook page [carencro.us1.list-manage.com] or the City of Carencro website. [carencro.us1.list-manage.com]
December 7
Toy Drive in Carencro
On December 7 from 3pm to 7pm DJ N.V. Navy Vet and his wife Racquel are hosting a SEC Championship Sailors and Soldiers Stocking Stuffing Watch Party at LaPizzeria Carencro. More info
December 7
Christmas Tree Extravaganza
The Christmas Tree Extravaganza begins on Saturday, December 7. The Extravaganza is a friendly Christmas tree decorating competition open to all businesses, organizations, families, and creative individuals throughout Acadiana. Participants will decorate trees to be displayed throughout the holiday season in a grove at Parc International. Visitors to the Parc can vote for their favorite tree online and winners of the competition will be announced in a grand finale event on December 21.
December 7
New Iberia Christmas Parade
A Southern Christmas Parade - Beginning at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall (457 E. Main St.) for the official lighting of the Christmas Tree, followed by the 42nd Annual Christmas Parade beginning at 6 p.m. (Ann St. to Railroad St.).
December 7
Community Christmas in Duson
Music, prayer, and gumbo at 6:00 P.M. at Christ Church in Duson 8827 Cameron Street.
December 7
Marche de Noel
Alliance Francaise de Lafayette is having a Marche de Noel on December 7. Children from different schools will be singing songs in French, and Saint-Nicolas will be visiting from Belgium. The fundraiser will be held at the Biergarten. The event is also posted on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/events/554913101910457/ if you need more information.
December 7
Erath Christmas Tree Lighting
Holiday market with shopping opportunities, selfies with Santa, train rides for the kids, music, People's Choice cook-off, hot cocoa and crafts and the Christmas Tree Lighting at 6pm. This free event begins at 4pm. Location: Downtown Erath, 115 E Edwards St. Erath.
December 7
Fountain Memorial Funeral Home & Cemetery Annual Christmas Service
The Annual Christmas Service will start at 2:00 pm
December 8
Sonic Christmas Parade
The annual Sonic Christmas Parade rolls through Downtown Lafayette on Sunday, December 8th. The parade is held annually and marks the "official" arrival of Santa in Lafayette. Santa will be on a float on the parade and children are encouraged to bring their letters for Santa to mail to the North Pole. After the parade, there will be an after-party at Parc International with live music, drinks, hot cocoa, and pictures with Santa.
December 8
Christmas Parade in Broussard
Christmas Parade in Broussard rolls at 1 P.M.
December 8
2019 Catahoula Christmas Parade
The parade rolls at 2:00PM. Line up at Catahoula Park at 1:30 PM. For more info 337-277-0150.
December 9
Festival International Presents: Blue Christmas Fundraiser for the Blue Monday Mission
Support the musicians and artists at this upcoming holiday event and fundraiser, Festival International Presents: Blue Christmas Fundraiser for the Blue Monday Mission. Blue Christmas will take place at Rock 'n' Bowl in Downtown Lafayette on Monday, Dec. 9, from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $10 for entry or $20 for entry and food. This event is family-friendly, and Santa will be at the front door for pictures as the event starts. The live music starts at 5:30 with students from School of Rock Lafayette. RAM, a self-described "voodoo rock 'n' roots" band from Haiti, brings an international flare as they take the stage at 6 p.m. The Blue Monday House Band will headline the evening with its signature blues and Louisiana roots music at 7 p.m.
Blue Christmas is a fundraiser for Blue Monday Mission, a nonprofit organization that provides health and life care services for aging, retired and elderly musicians and artists in Lafayette and the surrounding community. Festival International has partnered with Blue Monday Mission to support the individuals who helped create Lafayette's vibrant music and arts culture.
In the spirit of the holidays, these two organizations are asking for donations for their toy drive, which will benefit children around Acadiana. Bring unwrapped gifts for children and teens to Blue Christmas on Dec. 9, or drop off donations at Hub City Ford or the Festival International office during business hours between Nov. 13 and Dec. 14.
During Blue Christmas, Festival fans can buy special Festival holiday merchandise, including limited edition ornaments, hoodies, socks, and more. Festival passes, which give festival-goers access to exclusive perks and viewing areas, will also be on sale.
For more information, visit the Blue Christmas event on Facebook.
December 12
Opelouas Christmas Parade
The City of Opelousas is proud to present the Opelousas Children's Christmas Parade scheduled for Thursday, December 12, 2019. This year's parade will feature a new route which will begin at 6 p.m. from the eastern entrance of Landry Street near Le Vieux Village and then continue west through downtown where it will end at the Yambilee Festival grounds. The Opelousas Children's Christmas Parade will feature colorful Christmas themed floats, high school marching bands, dance line performances, lovable characters and, of course everyone's favorite, Santa Claus.
December 14 & 15
Nutcracker
Lafayette Ballet Theatre will present two performances of "The Nutcracker" at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, in the Heymann Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available now through the Heymann Center Box Office or any Ticketmaster outlet. Call or visit Heymann Center Box Office between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on weekends during scheduled events, or visit http://www.heymanncenter.com/event/the-nutcracker/ [heymanncenter.com]or www.ticketmaster.com [ticketmaster.com]anytime. Tickets are priced according to seat location, as follows: front orchestra, $58; back orchestra, $50; first balcony, $43, second balcony, $30. Prices listed do not include Ticketmaster fees. This full-length classical ballet in two acts features Lafayette Ballet Theatre professional company dancers, principal guest artists from the Pacific Northwest Ballet (Seattle) and approximately 150 children studying ballet in local academies. The show promises a magical experience as talented artists, dazzling stage sets, spectacular special effects and Peter Tchaikovsky's delightful musical score bring this engaging E.T.A. Hoffmann tale to life before their eyes! An Acadiana tradition, this ballet presented this year by Lafayette Ballet Theatre only has sold out in the past, so organizers are advising patrons to purchase tickets early to ensure availability. For information about student discounts and group rates, contact the Heymann Box Office at 337-291-5555. The fun doesn't have to end with the show! For more fun and to further support Lafayette Ballet Theatre - a nonprofit ballet company and arts education organization - "Nutcracker" fans of all ages are invited to attend the holiday party, "Land of the Sweets." This social event immediately follows the Sunday, Dec. 15, matinee performance, beginning at approximately 4:30 p.m. at Lafayette Ballet Theatre's studios, 201 Petroleum Drive, Lafayette, 70508. Attendees may enjoy hot cocoa and soft drinks while sampling hors d'oeuvres, pizza and sweets from area restaurants. Stars of "The Nutcracker" will be on hand for autographs and photos, so don your dressy apparel! Tickets for "Land of the Sweets" are $25 and are only available through Lafayette Ballet Theatre. No additional fees apply. For tickets to "Land of the Sweets," call 337-262-0444.
December 15
LCB presents "Christmas Traditions" Concert
Dig out your Christmas sweaters and jingle bells and come celebrate the season with the Lafayette Concert Band on Sunday, December 15. The concert titled "Christmas Traditions" will take place at 3:30pm at the Bayou Church on Kaliste Saloom Road. The program will include old favorites like "The Little Drummer Boy," "Let The Bells Ring,' and "Sleigh Ride" along with new arrangements such as "Minor Alterations," "A Home Alone Christmas" and "Christmas a la Big Band."There will also be an appearance by none other than Santa Claus, himself. This concert will be a treat for children of all ages. The Lafayette Concert Band is a 90 member, all volunteer community ensemble directed by Gerald Guilbeaux. Now in its 38th season the band continues to provide quality musical performances to audiences across Acadiana. The band is the recipient of the prestigious Sudler Silver Scroll awarded by the John Philip Sousa Foundation, LCB was the 22nd band in the nation to receive this award. Children under the age of 12 will be admitted free and general admission is $10 for adults. For more information about the concert or the Lafayette Concert Band visit our website at www.lcband.org [lcband.org].
December 18
Five Golden Rings Holiday Special
On Wednesday, December 18 at 7:00 p.m. the Festival of Words hosts Three Golden Rings, a night of readings, rhymes and rhythm. The evening features musical artist, award winning M. Anthony of Archangel Music Group as well as poets and storytellers. Music Artist, Song Writer, Producer and United States Marine, M Anthony has been embedded with music all his life singing in the church as early as seven years of age. In 1993, M Anthony co-founded a group called Total Package which released the single "Midnight Romance" which he wrote and produced. M Anthony is a member of the Gospel Music Association (GMA), the Stellar Awards Gospel Music Academy (SAGMA). Jacqueline Lewis-Langston plays keyboards and flute. She is a life-long musician and singer who loves the syncopated sounds of gospel, jazz and blues. She is also a skilled wordsmith who serves on the Festival of Words board of directors. She coordinates monthly events, including this holiday extravaganza. Guests are welcome to bring their own poems, songs or stories open mic. This free, community event is suitable for all ages and is sponsored by the Festival of Words Cultural Arts Collective. The venue is made available through the generosity of Chicory's Coffee and Café. For more information, contact Jacqueline Lewis-Langston langz02@ymail.com 985-255-1545.
Lessons and Carols
Join us for a free traditional candelight service of readings and choral music for the Christmas season in the beautiful ambiance of St. John's Cathedral at 11 a.m. on December 15. This is an adaptation of the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols developed in 1918 by King's College in Cambridge with the intent of "bringing a more imaginative approach to worship." Ours will certainly do that, as it will include our children in an interactive Christmas Pageant. Come and be inspired by the Word proclaimed through scripture read and sung and acted out in our joy-filled community! For more info, visit saintjohncathedral.org.
December 20
Cajun Christmas Concert
St. Martinville Main Street Association invites you to an evening of wine and cheese, along with a special acoustic Cajun Christmas Concert with BelleRose at the Duchamp Opera House on Dec 20, 2019 at 7pm. From their hometown of Breaux Bridge, BelleRose members Chynna Huval, Gabrielle and Leiton LeBlanc and Mary Harris bring a youthful spirit and beautiful vocal harmonies steeped in the rich French traditions of St. Martin Parish. What a great Christmas present or just a great way to get you into the holiday spirit Cajun style! $10 each, these tickets are sure to go fast and are available at St. Martinville City Hall, 120 So. New Market St. Contact 337-394-2230 or stmchc@bellsouth.net <mailto:stmchc@bellsouth.net> for information. More information on BelleRose is available at <https://www.facebook.com/bellerosegirls/>.
December 24
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service/Live Nativity
From 5:00 - 5:30 PM there will be Christmas Eve Candlelight Service and a Live Nativity at Lafayette Memorial Park in the Peace Chapel Mausoleum 2111 W. Pinhook Rd. In Lafayette.
Christmas Eve Catata
Join us on December 24th at 5:30 PM for a special service featuring music from "A Night for Rejoicing," a Cantata by Lee Dengler and Susan Naus Dengler. In this service, we will share communion with all who follow Christ and conclude by singing Silent Night by candlelight. Childcare is provided, and we have battery-powered candles for little ones available on request. Come. Worship. Be loved - on the holiest night of the year.
