LAFAYETTE, La. — Noel Acadien au Village at Acadian Village is officially underway.
The gates opened Saturday to over 500,000 bright and sparkling Christmas lights.
The event runs until December 23rd and the gates open nightly at 5:30 p.m. 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. Also, starting this year you can purchase your tickets online.
All proceeds directly benefit LARC’s Acadian Village and the residential, vocational, and community supports and services programs at LARC. LARC’s mission is to support persons with developmental disabilities to reach their goals of self-sufficiency, quality of life, and self-worth. For more on LARC, click here.
Davis added, "This provides jobs and provides funding for our programming activities."
There are other new things at the Noel Acadien au Village this year, including new lighting and animations.
"We have a new lighting contracter, a local guy," said Davis, "In the forest area, it used to be dark, there was a few animations, but we have purchased some elves."
But as you walk down the new sidewalks throughout the forest area, you'll soon realize these aren't just any elves.
"The elves were installed in the trees...[as you walk by], they start talking to you and telling you a Christmas story about Acadian Village."
And if you're worried about the parking issues from previous years...
"We have two acres of new parking available this year."
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 Clause!
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.
