LAFAYETTE — Downtown Lafayette Unlimited has created a new tradition - lighting the Christmas tree in Parc International. In years past, a smaller event has been held at Parc San Souci This year, President Jason Mott said they wanted do try something new.
"We decided to step it up big time," Mott said. This year's celebration also features the first real Christmas tree in the Parc.
Normally held on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Mott said that this year, they didn't want the ceremony to compete with Turkey Day.
"We decided to just own December, we're going to leave the decorations up all month," he added.
All month long, Downtown Lafayette will host several Christmas events as part of their "Merry & Bright Christmas" celebration. Another annual event, the Sonic Christmas parade, rolls at 1 p.m. on Jefferson Street.
Moss said this year's event was to be more like a Downtown Alive, complete with music from The Pine Leaf Boys and "Zydeco Boss" Keith Frank.
Jordan Richard and his younger sister have come previous years. When asked what's different to him this year, he said the amount of people.
"More and more people," Richard said.
Families like the Aguillards are looking forward to adding this to their list of Christmas traditions.
"This happened to be ont he right day for us to come. We try to come downtown as much as we can," said Toby Aguillard.
This Christmas celebration was so lit, even Santa made an appearance!
Mott says they plan on hosting the event every year.
For a complete list of events, click here.
