Here's a list of the events planned across Acadiana for the Thanksgiving - Christmas - Hanukkah - Kwanzaa season this year.
If you don't see your event listed, and you'd like it included, just send the info to news@katctv.com
Here are the events, arranged by parish:
EVANGELINE PARISH
The Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office is holding their annual toy drive.
Here's the info:
The Backwoods Enchanted Trails Presents: The Magic of Christmas — A Magical Forest Walk for the Whole Family
This Christmas season, The Backwoods Enchanted Trails invites families, friends, and festive spirits of all ages to step into The Magic of Christmas, a glowing, immersive forest stroll filled with sparkling lights, joyful displays, and enchanting characters. Beginning December 6, guests will journey through a beautifully illuminated woodland path transformed into a magical Christmas forest—alive with twinkling scenes, peaceful ambience, and the warmth of the season. Every twist and turn offers something new to delight visitors of all ages.
Event Dates & Times
Open from 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM on: December 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21
Special Christmas Appearances
• Santa Claus • The Grinch • The Ice Princess
Admission
• $10 per person • $5 for children ages 5–9 • Free for children 4 and under
Tickets will be available online at https://magicofchristmas.hytix.com and at the gate.
“We’re thrilled to bring The Magic of Christmas to Pine Prairie,” said the founders of The Backwoods Enchanted Trails. “This event is all about family, wonder, and creating memories together. We hope our guests feel the spirit and enchantment of Christmas as they stroll through our glowing forest.”
IBERIA PARISH
The Very Berry Christmas Quest happens tomorrow in New Iberia. The quest features activity stops all over New Iberia- hosted by local businesses- where participants complete a kid-friendly activity, collect a sticker, and move on to the next stop! Once participants have received seven stickers, they head to the All About You to drop of their completed activity card. Every family that turns in an activity card will be entered to win some amazing prizes. But not everything is for your young elves- these grand prizes are for the adults in your group! As families complete their quest, they will be stopping by businesses they've never been to before- which is where our merchants get the most out of this event! This is a perfect opportunity to meet and network with new customers, and to make a lasting impression that will have them coming back long after the quest is over.
HOW TO PLAY
Families can register beginning November 1st.
Families who register online will receive a copy of the quest map a few days prior to the event so they can plan their quest ahead of time. All pre-registered families are also guaranteed and elf hat and goody bag!
Children age 0-3 can participate for free
Children age 4-17 can participate for $12 each
Adults age 18+ can participate for $5 each
The prizes given at the end of the Quest are intended for the adults in your group!
The grand prize this year is a gift certificate for Armentor's Jewelry in New Iberia!
All registered children will also receive a complimentary kids meal from Raising Canes.
For information click here.
LAFAYETTE PARISH
LFT Fiber is hosting several events.
Here's the flyer:
The LFT Fiber Santa Hotline is back! Get ready to experience the magic of Christmas as kids and parents can call in and leave a special message for Santa Claus.
"We're excited to unveil that the Santa Hotline is officially live," exclaimed Michael D. Soileau, the Director of LFT Fiber. "It's a fun, festive, and easy way for kids to connect with Santa Claus."
Grab your holiday spirit and dial 337-534-GIFT (337-534-4438). You'll hear Santa's jolly voice and can share your Christmas wishes with him directly! You can even leave a shout-out for Santa’s reindeer. This is a great opportunity for parents to help Santa with his naughty-and-nice list by sharing all the good (and maybe a little naughty) things their little ones have done this year. The Santa Hotline is open now through Christmas Day, so grab your cocoa, make your list, and let the festive fun begin!
Once Was Inc will host its Annual Hams for Heroes Christmas event honoring Lafayette Area Veterans this Saturday, December 20, 2025. From 11am to 1pm (while supplies last) at Walmart Supercenter Carencro - Evangeline Thruway.
Here's a flyer:
Alliance Française of Lafayette will host a READING of CHRISTMAS BOOKS in FRENCH for children.
Père Noël / Santa Claus will be there and hot cocoa will be served. This event is free and will take place in the Library of Alliance Française of Lafayette located at 735 Jefferson Street.
The event will be from 10 a.m. until noon, with reading starting at 10 a.m., on Saturday, December 20.
You can register online at https://holidaymorning.eventbrite.com
Vermilionville celebrates Old Time Winter Traditions this month.
Step back into the past as the traditions of the earliest peoples of Acadiana come to life during Vermilionville Living History Museum and Folklife Park's Old Time Winter Tradition Days December 8-20. The community is invited to experience the simple warmth and beauty of Christmases past. Visitors young and old are invited to sing CHristmas carols, enjoy traiditional music by the Angelle Aces, listen to storytelling, watch demonstrations of candlemaking and soapmaking, view the decorations in the village and much more. December 13 will mark our Old Time WInter Family Day, with Vermilionville's artisans on hand to demonstrate winter traditions fo the Acadian, Creole and Native American cultures such as open hearth cooking demonstrations and making candles, soap, natural decorations and citrus pomanders. Children will enjoy writing letters to Papa Noel, and can even meet the French Santa Claus himself, who was actually a trapper who would deliver presents such as candy, money and small toys. Vermilionville's restaurant, La Cuisine de Maman, also will be open for regular business hours that day, offering a tasty buffet for attendees. And last but not least, you'll find that perfect something for everyone on your gift list in La Boutique at Vermilionville, with special artisan displays and wonderful merchandise from stocking stuffers to t-shirts, books and cookbooks, local art and jewelry, Louisiana holiday decor and more. Vermilionville is closed to the public on Mondays but is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
LIVE NATIVITY
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2025
5:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Lafayette Memorial Park
Peace Chapel Mausoleum
2111 W. Pinhook Rd.
Special Request: If you wish to have your children to participate in the Christmas Nativity, please call by December 19, 2025 at 337-235-3062.
Please bring ornament in remembrance of your loved one.
The Lafayette Area Music Teachers Association plans two community events this December and January; both free, family-friendly, and designed to bring music education into the spotlight:
Music by Black Composers Recital | Friday, January 10
5-6:30pm Acadiana Center for the Arts Theater
This recital spotlights works by Black composers—voices that have been historically underrepresented in classical music. LAMTA members and local musicians will perform solo and chamber pieces, creating a space for community members to experience a richer, more diverse classical music tradition. It’s part of our ongoing effort to broaden what students and audiences hear and celebrate in Acadiana’s music scene.
Ageless Healthcare will host a Christmas Bash on December 18 at the Martin Luther King Recreation Center in Lafayette. There will be free BBQ, bingo, giveaways and music.
Here's the flyer:
A Holiday Classic with a Creole Twist: The Creole Nutcracker Returns to Acadiana!
The Creole Nutcracker is back, ready to enchant audiences with a holiday experience like no other! Presented by Heritage Parc, this reimagined take on the classic Nutcracker ballet will light up the stage on December 20, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Heymann Performing Arts Center. Blending Louisiana’s rich culture with traditional storytelling, The Creole Nutcracker follows young Clarice on a magical journey through the state’s most iconic and historic locations. Audiences will be captivated by an exhilarating mix of dance styles—including jazz, zydeco, hip hop, and classical ballet—set against a vibrant backdrop that celebrates the spirit of Acadiana.
Don’t miss this festive celebration that fills hearts with the joy and rhythm of Louisiana! Follow The Creole Nutcracker on Facebook and Instagram for updates, and secure your tickets today.
Event Details:
● Date: December 20, 2025
● Time: 7:00 PM
● Location: Heymann Performing Arts Center, Lafayette, LA
● Tickets: www.thecreolenutcracker.com
About The Creole Nutcracker: The Creole Nutcracker is a vibrant reimagining of the classic holiday ballet, infused with the rich cultural heritage of Louisiana. Created by Lafayette natives Jazmyn Jones and Leigha Porter in 2018, the production highlights the music, dance, and traditions unique to Creole culture. Featuring talented youth and adults from across Acadiana, the show provides performers with an opportunity to shine on stage while giving Louisiana a holiday production to call its own. Through dynamic storytelling and unforgettable performances, The Creole Nutcracker brings families and communities together to celebrate the season in true Louisiana style.
About Heritage Parc: Heritage Parc is a local nonprofit arts organization dedicated to fostering cultural enrichment and community connection. By supporting arts, education, and meaningful local initiatives, Heritage Parc highlights Louisiana’s rich traditions and provides opportunities for artists and performers to inspire and engage audiences of all ages. Partnering with productions like The Creole Nutcracker, Heritage Parc helps ensure that the cultural vibrancy of our region continues to thrive.
Acadiana Symphony Orchestra offers a "Home Alone" concert!
Heymann PAC, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Conductor: Matthew Kraemer
Celebrate the holidays with ASO, as you experience a true holiday favorite! This beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams' charming and delightful score, performed live to the film by Acadiana Symphony Orchestra. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who's accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone in Concert is holiday fun for the entire family!
Heymann Performing Arts Center | Maestro Circle at 6 PM | Performance at 7 PM
Make your Home Alone experience even more magical with a Maestro Circle upgrade — a festive pre-show add-on filled with holiday fun for the whole family! Come early and step into the spirit of the season with a hot cocoa bar, pizza from Little Nero’s, and a lively atmosphere brimming with holiday joy. Wear your ugly Christmas sweater and enter our holiday raffle, with a special prize for kids and grown-ups alike, announced on stage before the movie begins. It’s the perfect way to kick off an evening of music, laughter, and Christmas magic!
Here's the flyer:
Acura of Lafayette on Johnston Street is offering a "Free Photos with Santa" event on December 18 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. There will be activities for kids, and you can take your picture with Santa in front of a Magic Mirror Photo Booth and receive a free printed photo as well as a texted link to the digital copy right there on the spot.
The City of Scott has a number of events planned for the holidays.
Here's a calendar of events:
The Children’s Museum of Acadiana (CMA) is excited to announce the 29th Annual New Year’s Noon Carnival & Countdown, taking place on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This beloved Acadiana tradition offers families a joyful, memory-filled way to ring in the New Year kid-style, with a high-energy countdown happening at NOON, not midnight. For 29 years, New Year’s Noon has served as one of the best and most family-friendly ways for children in Acadiana to celebrate the New Year, attracting thousands of visitors annually. The event blends festival excitement with hands-on learning, interactive exhibits, and joyful celebration throughout the museum.
Families attending New Year’s Noon can expect a vibrant morning full of entertainment and exploration, including:
• Indoor and Outdoor Confetti Blasts during the signature noon countdown
• Live music from The Rouge Krewe
• Performances by the Amazing Bacon Stilt Walker
• Aerial silk play with Sky Craft Circus
• Inflatables, games, crafts and prize stations
• Free festive wearables and tote bags for children
• Access to 12+ interactive museum exhibits
• Treats available for purchase from local partners
“All of Acadiana deserves a place where kids can celebrate the New Year in a way that feels magical, safe, and full of wonder,” said Lore Linton, Executive Director of the Children’s Museum of Acadiana. “For nearly three decades, New Year’s Noon has created joyful moments for families, and we’re thrilled to continue that tradition with even more hands-on fun this year.”
Tickets will be available both online and at the door.
• $16 per person
• CMA Members: 50% off
• Children 12 months and under: FREE
Guests are encouraged to pre-purchase tickets to avoid lines and expedite entry.
Want a free Christmas meal? There's one waiting for you in Lafayette!
ST. MARTIN PARISH
Applications And Donations Now Being Accepted For 2025 St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office Toy Drive
To apply, please see the below flyer for the instructions on how to receive an application.
Donations of new unused toys are also being accepted at the locations listed on the below flyer.
If you have any further questions, please contact Sgt. Tracy Etienne by calling 337-394-2613.
Here's the flyer:
