Spectacularly decorated historic homes, twinkling lights, holiday parades, music and dance performances, and mouthwatering cuisine awaits as all of Acadiana celebrates during "A Cajun & Creole Christmas." Dozens of events will get you in the holiday spirit.
 

2011 Schedule of Events

C’est Jolie Flowers Gifts and Christmas Store
Open through Dec. 31; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
203 E. Bridge St., St. Martinville
(337) 394-6132
Complete Christmas store, trees, decorations, wreaths, swags. Call us for your home, office décor.

Christmas Exhibit
Nov. 18-Dec. 29; Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
W.H. Tupper Museum, Jennings
$3 Adults, $1 Students
(337) 821-5532
Step back in time, see trees decorated with 1940’s ornaments, from the Tupper Family Store. The old Magnolia Room is filled with 300+ nutcrackers, snow villages, dolls, bears, trains and more.

34th Annual Festival of Christmas
Nov. 20-Dec. 22; Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
Zigler Art Museum, Jennings
$5 Adults, $2 Students
(337) 824-0114
The museum will be transformed with Christmas trees, lights, and decorations. For dates of related events including the Christmas Tea, An Evening with Santa, and the Cookie Village Workshop, please call the museum.

Downtown Alive!
Nov. 23; 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Parc Sans Souci, Downtown Lafayette
Free
(337) 291-5566, www.DowntownLafayette.org
Outdoor concert featuring The Pine Leaf Boys and official lighting of the city Christmas Tree. Fundraiser for Toys for Tots.

Safari of Lights
Nov. 25-27, Dec. 2-30; Daily 5-9 p.m.
Zoo of Acadiana, Broussard
$5 in advance, $6 at the door
(337) 837-4325, www.ZooOfAcadiana.org
Stroll the pathways of the Zoo as it is aglow with thousands of twinkling lights. Enjoy a hot cup of cocoa while taking a ride on the Northpole Express Train as Christmas music fills the air.

Idlewild Plantation Christmas Lighting
Nov. 25-Dec. 31; 6-9 p.m.
Kemper Williams Park, Patterson
$2 per car
(985) 395-2298
Driving tour along a path filled with elaborate displays of Christmas lights. Christmas music enhances the drive through the park.

Movies in the Parc
Nov. 26; 6 p.m.
Parc International, Downtown Lafayette
(337) 291-5566, www.DowntownLafayette.org
Join us for the viewing of Elf.

Grand Noel throughout the Streets of Grand Coteau
Nov. 26; 5-8 p.m.
232 Martin Luther King Dr., Grand Coteau
(337) 662-1032
Refreshments, horse and carriage rides, candlelit streets.

15th Annual Cajun Christmas Arts, Crafts & Gift Show
Nov. 26-27; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Lafayette Event Center, 4607 Johnston St., Lafayette
$5; Children 12 years & under free.
(985) 796-5853
New location for the Thanksgiving Weekend Show! Arts & craft vendors from a multi-state area.

Breaux Bridge Christmas Parade
Nov. 27; 2 p.m.
Main Street, Breaux Bridge
(337) 332-8500
Annual Christmas Parade always the Sunday after Thanksgiving, kicks off the Holiday Season.

Sounds of the Season with the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra
Nov. 27; 2:30-4:30 p.m.
St. Peters Church, 108 E. St. Peters St., New Iberia
(337) 364-1603
Free Christmas concert by the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra presented by Iberia Cultural Resources Association, featuring familiar Christmas songs as well as classical sections.

Victorian Christmas at the Joseph Jefferson Home & Rip Van Winkle Gardens
Nov. 28-Dec. 31; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
5505 Rip Van Winkle Rd., New Iberia
Admission Fee
(337) 359-8525
Tours of the Joseph Jefferson Home & Rip Van Winkle Gardens decorated for the Holiday Season.

New Iberia Christmas Parade
Nov. 29; 6:30 p.m.
Main Street, New Iberia
(337) 365-1428
Christmas Parade with Santa Claus, marching bands and dance groups.

Abbeville’s 13th Annual Christmas Stroll
Dec. 1; 5:30-8 p.m.
Abbeville
(337) 898-4110
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas as local merchants open their businesses for holiday shopping, festivities and more.

Kaplan Area Chamber of Commerce “Spirit of Christmas”
Dec. 1-3; Times vary
Downtown Kaplan
(337) 643-2400, www.kaplanchamber.com
Annual Chamber Banquet featuring the Outstanding Citizenship Award. Local businesses open their doors for holiday shopping and register people for drawings. On Dec. 3, in Turnley Park join in for Christmas music, lighting of downtown, and Santa.

The Acadia Players present “Christmas Belles”
Dec. 1-4; Thurs.-Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.
The Historic Rice Theater, Crowley
$10 Adults, $5 for children under 12, students with ID, and seniors
(337) 581-8507, www.acadiaplayers.com
A church Christmas program spins hilariously out of control in this Southern farce about squabbling sisters, family secrets, a surly Santa, a vengeful sheep and a reluctant Elvis impersonator.

Iberia Performing Arts League Presents “A Carol for Tiny Tim”
Dec. 1-4 and 8-11; Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. matinee 3 p.m.
Essanee Theater, 126 Iberia St., New Iberia
(337) 364-6114
Live holiday theatre production.

Noel Acadien au Village
Dec. 1-23; 5:30-9 p.m.
LARC’s Acadian Village, Lafayette
$7 in advance, $9 at the gate
(337) 981-2364, www.acadianvillage.org
During this Acadiana holiday tradition, enjoy the splendor of over a half million lights, nightly entertainment, local cuisine, photos with Santa and kiddie carnival rides.

Christmas at The Alexandre Mouton House
Throughout December; Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
1122 Lafayette St., Lafayette
$5 Adults, $3 Seniors, $2 Students.
(337) 234-2208
The Alexandre Mouton House will be decorated for Christmas with period decorations.

Victorian Christmas at Grevemberg House
Dec. 1-31; Daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Closed Dec. 24-25)
407 Sterling Rd., Franklin
$10 per person; $8 for seniors
(337) 828-2092
The Grevemberg House will be decorated in the Victorian style for Christmas. Displays will include a traditional Victorian Christmas tree and displays of traditional foods and fruits.

“Noel au Musee”
Dec. 1-31; Wed.-Fri. 1-5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Gueydan Museum
Free
(337) 536-0443, www.gueydanmuseum.weebly.com
Christmas everywhere, trees decorated by Gueydan Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, town organizers and civic clubs.

Festival of Light
Dec. 2; 5-10 p.m.
Oil Center, Lafayette
Free
(337) 232-1267, www.theoilcenter.com
Celebrate as the switch is pulled to light the colossal Santa, sleigh and reindeer over Coolidge Blvd. Enjoy music, food and fun, and of course, shopping! For children of all ages…Santa will be on hand to take pictures. Behold the living Nativity. Enjoy an outdoor ice skating rink and snow yard. You do not want to miss Lafayette’s most loved holiday tradition.

Shadows Merry Making Season
Dec. 2-31; Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Shadows-on-the-Teche, 317 E. Main St., New Iberia
(337) 369-6446
Tours of Shadows-on-the-Teche Plantation & Gardens decorated for the Holiday Season.

Carencro Country Christmas
Dec. 3; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Carencro Community Center, Carencro
Free
(337) 896-6686, (337) 255-7589, ptcarencroxmas@aol.com
Family oriented music, choirs, food and arts & craft booths. Carencro Lions Children’s Parade at 2 p.m.

Christmas at Coteau
Dec. 3; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
1821 Academy Rd., Grand Coteau
Admission Fee
(337) 662-5275
Holiday Market and Gourmet Luncheon.

Delcambre Holiday Gumbo Cook-off
Dec. 3; 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Delcambre Shrimp Festival Grounds, 411 S. Richard St.
(337) 364-6114
Gumbo Cook-off with Santa Claus greeting all with good wishes and cheer.

Jennings Christmas Parade & Festival
Dec. 3; 5:30-9 p.m.
Starts at Main St. then to La. Oil & Gas Park, Hwy. 26, Jennings
(337) 821-5532
See Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in Jennings. Immediately following the parade join the merriment at the La. Oil & Gas Park for a huge bon fire, Christmas caroling, food and fireworks display.

“Rendez-vous des Cajuns” Cajun Music Radio & TV Show
Dec. 3; 6-7:30 p.m.
Liberty Theater, 200 W. Park Ave., Eunice
$5 Adults, Children under 7 Free.
(337) 457-7389
The “Rendez-vous des Cajuns” Cajun Music show presents its annual “Cajun Christmas” show with the Jambalaya Cajun Band performing Christmas standards with Cajun flair! Features a dance floor open to all.

Sonic Christmas Parade
Dec. 4; 1-3 p.m.
Downtown Lafayette to the Oil Center
(337) 988-5301 ext. 239
One of the oldest Christmas activities in Acadiana. Parade features over 20 floats, High School Marching Bands, and the official arrival of Santa Claus to Lafayette.

Grand Coteau Christmas Parade
Dec. 4; 1 p.m.
Martin Luther King Dr. to Burleigh Lane
(337) 662-5246
Parade will run down Martin Luther King Drive to the town hall on Burleigh Lane.

Oaklawn Manor Christmas
Dec. 5-Jan. 9; Tues.-Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Irish Bend Rd., Franklin
$15 per person, $10 for students
(337) 828-0434
This monumental plantation home is the residence of Louisiana’s former Governor and his wife, Mike and Alice Foster. Elaborately adorned for Christmas with a different style tree in every room.

Opelousas Children’s Christmas Parade
Dec. 8; 6 p.m.
From St. Landry Catholic Church on Main St. to the Civic Center on Creswell Ln., Opelousas
(800) 424-5442, www.cityofopelousas.com
The annual Opelousas Children’s Christmas Parade consists of colorful floats and marching bands along with holiday dance groups and local royalty.

“NOEL” by Eunice Choir & Concert Band
Dec. 8-9; 7 p.m.
200 West Park Ave., Eunice
$5 Adults, Children under 12 $2
(337) 457-1776
An evening of Christmas music and art for the entire family. Featuring the community concert band, choir, children’s choir and an art exhibit by the Fine Arts Council of Eunice (FACE).

Christmas Parade Along the Bayou
Dec. 9; 6-8 p.m.
Main Street Area (Hwy. 182), Washington
(337) 826-3626

The Singing Christmas Tree presents “Joyeux Noel”
Dec. 9-12; Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 3 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m., Mon. 7 p.m.
First Baptist Lafayette, 1100 Lee Ave., Lafayette
$10 Adults, $5 Students/Children
(337) 593-3757
Christmas music/drama and light show for the entire family that includes a live orchestra and choir singing from a 24 foot Christmas tree.

Yuletide on the Bayou
Dec. 10; 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Boulingy Plaza, 102 W. Main St., New Iberia
(337) 369-2330
Gingerbread House competition among Girl Scouts Pine to the Gulf.

Christmas in Scott
Dec. 10; 2-6 p.m.
110 Benoit Patin Rd., Scott
Free
(337) 233-1130
Free and open to the public. Come out and enjoy entertainment and activities fun for the whole family. Perfect event to put you into the Christmas spirit.

Christmas in the Park
Dec. 10; 6-9 p.m.
Downtown Gueydan
Free, photos with Santa and build a toy $2
(337) 536-6140, www.gueydanchamber.org
Enjoy a family-style Christmas event with caroling, parade, fun jumps, live nativity, hot chocolate, kids’ activities, Santa Workshop with elves, hayride and more.

Delcambre Christmas Boat Parade
Dec. 10; 6:30-9 p.m.
Boat docks to bridge, Delcambre
(337) 685-4462, www.delcambreboatparade.com
A Christmas parade like no other! Decorated boats will parade down the Delcambre Canal. Delcambre High Project Graduation will be selling gumbo and refreshments.

Lafayette Ballet Theatre presents "The Nutcracker"
Dec. 10-11; Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.
1373 S. College Rd., Lafayette
Admission fee
(337) 291-5555
Lafayette Ballet Theatre's presentation of this full length ballet is a timeless holiday classic.

Delcambre Christmas on the Bayou Parade
Dec. 11; 2 p.m.
Main Street, Delcambre
(337) 519-4251
Delcambre Street Parade. Begins at corner of Main St. and S. Pelloat to Delcambre Shrimp Festival Building.

Magic on Main
Dec. 11; 4-7 p.m.
Shadows-on-the-Teche, 317 E. Main St., New Iberia
(337) 369-6446
Shadows Holiday Tour of Homes along New Iberia’s Historic Main Street. Trolleys will carry participants from home to home. Enjoy festive holiday music, Santa Claus and refreshments too!

Lessons and Carols
Dec. 11; 7:30 p.m.
914 St. John Street, Lafayette
Free
(337) 232-1322
Traditional candlelight service of readings and choral music for the Christmas season in the beautiful ambiance of St. John Cathedral.

St. Lucy Festival of Light and KC Christmas Parade
Dec. 11; 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church
Free
(337) 394-9404 or (337) 288-2784
Food, arts & crafts, musical entertainment. Christmas parade at 2 p.m. Lighting of Church Square at 6 p.m.

Tri-City Youth Theatre-Children’s Christmas Play
Dec. 12; 6 p.m.
Morgan City Municipal Auditorium
$4 in advance, $5 at the door
(985) 380-4639
Live theatre production of “The Nutcracker” featuring professional actors and local elementary school children.

Old-Time Christmas at Vermilionville
Dec. 13-16; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
300 Fisher Rd., Lafayette
$10 Adults, $8 Seniors, $6 Students, Free for children under 6
(337) 233-4077
Experience the simple warmth and beauty of Christmas past as our historic village brings to life the holiday traditions of yesteryear. You can meet Papa Noel, learn how to make wax candles, sing along to Christmas carols, watch popcorn stringing and even get a taste of apple cider! Perfect for student field trips.

Louisiana Christmas
Dec. 15; 7:30 p.m.
Heymann Performing Arts Center, Lafayette
(337) 232-4277, www.ticketmaster.com
Celebrate Christmas with family and friends and your Acadiana Symphony. Jazz legend Ellis Marsalis will join the orchestra to create the most joyful sounds of the season.

AcA’s Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree Talent Show
Dec. 16; 8 p.m.
Acadiana Center for the Arts, Lafayette
$15 general admission, $25 talent sign-up
(337) 233-7060, www.acadianacenterforthearts.org
Ever wonder if you can pull off Rudolph outside the shower, or if you have what it takes to get the crowd swooning to your rendition of Chestnuts? Here’s your chance – sign up for AcA’s first-ever talent show, complete with celebrity jurors and a hook to yank those off stage that don’t make the cut! Come to watch the spectacle and support your friends!

Le Bayou Legendaire presents Michael Juan Nunez
Dec. 17; Doors open at 6 p.m., Concert at 7 p.m.
Richard Sale Barn, Abbeville
Admission
(337) 893-5760, www.lebayou.org
Enjoy a family-friendly night of Christmas Blues music performed by local artist Michael Juan Nunez and the American Electric Band.

New Year’s Noon
Dec. 31; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Children’s Museum of Acadiana, Lafayette
$5 per person
(337) 232-8500, www.childrensmuseumofacadiana.com
Countdown to noon with lots of games and prizes. Face painting, crafts, and refreshments will be available.


Schedule subject to change.