The 2023 Guide to Family Holiday Events In and Around Lafayette

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Check out our event categories included below and jump straight to that section by clicking below to see all of the HOLIDAY FUN and Events in and around Lafayette this Christmas Season!

Festivals & Holiday Shopping | Santa | Performances & Entertainment | Fun Runs | More Fun | Give Back | Worth the Drive | Additional Resources

Christmas Festivals & Holiday Shopping In and Around Lafayette, LA ::

Wine Women & Shoes Acadiana (Lafayette) :: Nov. 2nd. Join for a few fabulous hours benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana! Guests will enjoy a wine tasting, designer shopping, seated dinner, live & silent auctions, glamorous fashion show, charming shoe guys, a best in shoe contest & more!

Jingle & Mingle at the Grand Opera House (Crowley) :: Nov. 4th. Falalalala…call your friends and plan a to spend the day together sipping and shopping at our 2nd annual Jingle & Mingle shopping extravaganza. Only $10 to enter. Lots of vendors. Loads of fun.

Ladies Night at All Seasons Nursery (Lafayette) :: Nov. 8th. Bring a friend and enjoy free wine catered by Marcellos, sales, & cheer!

St. Francisville Food and Wine Festival (St. Francisville) :: Nov. 10 – Nov. 12th. 3 Days • 1500+ Attendees • 25 Celebrated Chefs from Mississippi & Louisiana • 40+ Notable Wines from Boutique and Small-Batch Wineries • Craft Beers by Regional Breweries • Spirits & Cocktails by Mississippi & Louisiana Distillers • Live Bands • Lawn Games • Festival Marketplace

Noel on the Prairie (Eunice) :: Nov 11-12th. Kick off the Holiday shopping season by shopping local!

Grand Finale Food Truck Friday Night Out (Lafayette) :: Nov. 17th. Savor the last taste of the year at Moncus Park with the grand finale of Food Truck Friday Night Out, where a diverse array of food trucks will be serving up their mouthwatering specialties, accompanied by live music and a lively bar. Live music by Abi Clair, Bar available 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Wineaux – A Sipping Experience (Youngsville) :: Nov. 17th. Girls night out at Sugar Mill Pond. Wineaux is a fun, wine sipping event where one can learn a little about wine.

Broussard Community Fair (Broussard) :: Nov. 18th- 19th. Great family fun! Old fashion Community Bazaar with delicious food, games for adults and children, Carnival rides, raffles, confetti eggs and more …

La fête de Noël – Christmas Market (Lafayette):: Join Teurlings Catholic High School on Saturday, November 18, for their annual La fête de Noël – Christmas Market. Over 40 vendors will be present selling various crafts, jewelry, clothings, and much more! The market will be in our TCHS Gym

Noel Acadien au Village (Lafayette) :: Dec. 1 – Dec. 23rd. Take a picture with Santa, get some hot chocolate, enjoy the music, take in the beautiful lights. Remember the reason for the season! Tickets available at area Shop Rite stores or online.

Christmas at Bridge Point Farms (Maurice) :: Drive-Thru Lights Display :: Nov. 24 – Dec. 24; Monday-Wednesday ~ 6-10pm; Thursday-Sunday ~ 6-11pm; $25 per car/truck; $40 per van; $100 per trolley/bus

Christmas at Couret Holiday Market (Lafayette) :: Nov. 25. We will have pictures with Santa, live music throughout the day and delicious food trucks adding to the ambiance of our market area with over 60 vendors. Our vendors will be feature jewelry, clothing for adults and children, customized wreaths & t-shirts, bath and body products, baked goods, and more! This event is free to attend.

Santa’s Sleigh Ride and Holiday Shopping (Lafayette) :: Nov. 25th. Come ride Santa’s Sleigh and shop til you drop at all the fine retailers in the South College Center! Plus children’s activities and entertainment from 12:00-2:30pm and 3:30-5:30pm. Visit website for Santa’s Sleigh run times!

Christmas at Coteau (Grand Coteau) ::Dec. 1- Dec. 2nd. We are welcoming 85 of the regions BEST vendors for our fabulous holiday shopping event! Check every name off of your Christmas list with beautiful and unique gifts, all while supporting these small businesses. Art, antiques, children’s clothing, fine china, entertaining needs, home decor, and more! On Dec. 2nd, enjoy breakfast with Santa while you shop!

Jingle Bell Market (Lafayette) :: Dec. 2nd. From unique gifts, to beautiful jewelry, to handmade pottery, and the perfect art book, the Hilliard Museum store has something for everyone on your nice list

Carencro Country Christmas (Carencro) ::  On Saturday, December 2, Carencro Business Association hosts the Carencro County Christmas. Bring the family for shopping, yummy food, and of course, Santa!

Christmas in the Village (St. Loreauville) :: Dec. 2nd. Free event begins at 6 pm at the Town Hall. Pictures with Santa , lighting of the tree, live music and performances by LHS Tiger Band, LHS Cheerleaders and LHS Tigerettes. Food, shopping, games, roasted marshmallows and much more!

Noël à Broussard (Broussard) ::  Dec. 2nd. The Christmas parade begins at the corner of Morgan Avenue and Albertson Parkway, and will head up Morgan Street, take a right onto Main Street, and end at Arceneaux Park. After the parade join us in front of Broussard City Hall for Reindeer Games, Face Painting and balloon artistry, Papa Noel’s Market, Christmas Carolers, and The Annual Lighting of the City Christmas Tree.

Nutcracker Holiday Market (Henderson) :: Dec. 2nd. Local vendors will be set up to make your holiday shopping fun and easy all while supporting your local small businesses! There will be a complimentary hot chocolate bar, a snow machine for the kids, and your favorite Christmas tunes will fill the air. Santa and friends will be here from 10am-2pm. Your $5 donation for pictures will be used to bless a family in need this Christmas.

Sonic Christmas Parade (Lafayette) :: Dec. 3. The annual parade marks the official arrival of Santa in Lafayette. Santa is the star of the parade which will also have floats, high school marching bands and dance clubs. Kids should bring any letters for Santa to the parade where they will be collected and mailed to the North Pole. The Sonic Christmas Parade is a perfect opportunity to get into the holiday spirit.

Downtown’s Merry & Bright Christmas Carnival (Lafayette) :: Following the annual Sonic Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 3rd, head on over to Parc International for the official holiday after party! Here’s a little of what to expect: crafts, petting zoo, pony rides fun jumps, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Cookie decorating and local food vendors. Visit website for ticket information.

Holiday Art Market (Lafayette) :: We’re making your holiday shopping easy during Downtown Lafayette’s December ArtWalk. Find holiday gifts, stocking stuffers, unique artwork and other hand-crafted items created by local artists and vendors on Saturday, December 9th on the 400 block of Jefferson Street.

Lafayette Sugar Plum Market (Lafayette) :: Dec. 9th. Get a jump start or finish all your Christmas shopping while supporting local small business owners! We will have local vendors offering everything from Women’s and Children’s Clothing, Home, Holiday and Garden Decor, Gourmet Food Items, Hand made and Fashion Jewelry, and so much more!

Christmas Artwalk in Paris a la Breaux Bridge (Breaux Bridge) :: Dec. 9th. The Breaux Bridge community will join in an open-air Holiday Market Event on Saturday, December 9, 2023, in Downtown Breaux Bridge. 𝟲𝟬 𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗢𝗥𝗦 | 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗖 | 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 | 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗦𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗔

Semi-Seasonal Shop Hop (Maurice) :: Dec. 9th. Grab your shopping bags and come out for some sure fun! We will have a kids corner to keep the littles occupied while you sip mimosas and shop from our local vendors!

Christmas at West Village (Scott) :: Dec. 9th. Join us  from 6:00pm until 9:00pm at West Village Development in Scott, LA for this FREE and family-friendly event! You and your loved ones can enjoy live music, Christmas shopping from our holiday artisans market, pictures with Santa, train rides, kids activities, food trucks & more.

Christmas in The Commons Market (Broussard) :: Dec. 10th. Join us for Christmas In The Commons Market, perfect time to Christmas shop & support local vendors! Pics with Santa, live music, festive food, shopping, arts & crafts, and more! Come see us for your one stop shop for all your last minute gifts.

Christmas in the Park (Moncus Park, Lafayette) Dec. 15-17th. Get ready for a festive wonderland featuring: Live Music to get you in the holiday spirit! The Polar Express on the big screen! Mobile Hot Chocolate Stations, Santa Photos, Hay Rides & S’mores Stations.

Christmas Pajama Brunch (Breaux Bridge) :: Dec. 17th. It’s the Sunday before Christmas and all throughout the Cafe …. Many creatures were stirring…. IN THEIR PAJAMAS! WHAT! Make your plans to join us this year for Cafe Sydnie Mae’s third annual Christmas Pajama Brunch. Sing Christmas songs with Christine Balfa, Dirk Powell and their totally talented family of musicians!

Where to See Santa In and Around Lafayette, LA ::

Pancakes with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Barn Hill Preserve (Ethel) :: The event occurs every Saturday and Sunday from November 18th through December 17th. The time slots run from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. or 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person. Ages 2 and under are free! All tickets must be booked online in advance due to limited capacity. Every photo includes a picture with a baby kangaroo!

**Read more about Pancakes with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Barnhill Preserve written by a Red Stick Mom HERE

Santa at All Seasons (Lafayette) :: Free Meet & Greet. Bring your own camera! Nov. 19 2-4 pm and Dec. 2 2-4 pm

Stories with Santa (Breaux Bridge) :: Experience a different story time each week as our presenters add their own touch to the Christmas setting at the Soiree House. Enjoy :: photos with Santa, cookies, story time and ornament making. Click on link to view schedule.

Sonic Christmas Parade (Lafayette) :: Dec. 3. The annual parade marks the official arrival of Santa in Lafayette. Santa is the star of the parade which will also have floats, high school marching bands and dance clubs. Kids should bring any letters for Santa to the parade where they will be collected and mailed to the North Pole. The Sonic Christmas Parade is a perfect opportunity to get into the holiday spirit. There will be an after-party held at Parc International with a chance to take pictures with Santa and enjoy the North Pole installation at the Parc.

Letters to Santa (Main and Regional Lafayette Public Libraries) :: Nov. 20-Fri. Dec. Visit the library and send a letter to Santa using the library’s special mailboxes!

Atchafalaya Christmas (Henderson) :: Papa Noël is headed back to the Atchafalaya Basin for the sixth year! McGee’s is again offering swamp tours led by Papa Noël (aka Santa Claus) himself! The 60-minute tour will share the story of “The Cajun Night Before Christmas.” After each tour there will be family photos with Santa, ornament decorating (with a swamp-theme), hot chocolate, cookies, and candy-canes. All included in the price of your tour! Check the website for tour times and dates.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town (Lafayette Public Library) :: Santa is coming to a library near you! Children will get to take a picture with Santa using their parent’s phone. Also, make a craft and enjoy a candy cane! Visit the Lafayette Public Library’s calendar for time and locations.

Santa’s Sleigh Ride and Holiday Shopping (Lafayette) :: NOVEMBER 25 ACTIVITIES: **12:00 – 2:30pm and 3:30 – 5:30pm** Face Painting & Glitter Tattoos, Letter Writing to Santa, Christmas Card Making, Cookie Decorating, Ornament Decorating, Photos & Storytime with Mrs. Claus, Live Youth Entertainment

MidCity’s Jolly Holiday Dinner (Lafayette) :: Dec 1st. Join us for a 3-course dining experience with paired cocktails, and a visit and photo with Acadiana Santa. Please choose one of our 2 seatings: 5:30 pm – 7:15 pm or 7:45 pm – 9:30 pm. Visit website for tickets

Noël à Broussard (Broussard) :: Dec. 2. Photos with Santa on the City Hall Porch: After parade until 5:30pm

A Night with Saint Nick  (Lafayette) :: Dec 9th. Join Adopted Dog Brewing for a family friendly event with Acadiana Santa. We’ll have hot cocoa for kids, pics with Santa and more!

Golf Cart Santa :: A one of a kind traveling Christmas productions with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and the elves. Keep up with their Broussard and Youngsville Area schedule on Facebook. You do not want to miss all the dancing, music and lights!

Beignets & Cocoa with Santa (Broussard) :: Dec. 10th PJ’s Coffee in Broussard is hosting Beignets & Cocoa with Santa. Each ticket purchase comes with a link to download you child’s cherished photos with Santa, 3 delicious beignets, a cup of warm cocoa, a beautiful Christmas ornament they design themselves, reindeer feed, and even face painting!

Coca Cola Christmas Caravan :: Visit the lighted Christmas Coca Cola truck and take a family photo! Visit the Lafayette Mom Calendar for event date and time.

Holiday Performances and Entertainment In and Around Lafayette, LA ::

Movies in the Parc ft. Super Mario Brothers (Lafayette) :: Nov. 4th. The entire community is invited to come experience a FREE, outdoor movie showing of The Super Mario Bros. Enjoy fun jumps, food trucks, face painting, crafts and more. Movie-goers are encouraged to bring their chairs and picnic blankets, grab a drink, a bucket of popcorn or a bite to eat from one of the food vendors. Sit back and enjoy the show! Food and activities will be open to the public starting at 5:30PM and the movie will begin at sundown.

Stay Strong Tour: Danny Gokey, Austin French & Natalie Layne (Lafayette) :: Nov. 4 The Family Church is hosting Stay Strong Tour. Featuring American Idol finalist Danny Gokey and “Billboard Hot Christian Songs” chart artist Austin French with Natalie Layne.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze (Lafayette) :: Nov. 19th. CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE dazzles with a brilliant and whimsical family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around an infusion of contemporary circus arts. As lights dim and the music swells, audiences will have visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads as a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life on stage

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”  (Lafayette) :: Nov. 16-19th. Join us this holiday season for an unforgettable performance of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” brought to you by Wonderland Academy! Get ready to be swept away by the magic of this heartwarming production.

Youngsville On Ice (Youngsville) :: Nov. 25- Dec. 31st. Family-friendly, free-to-enter outdoor holiday park featuring a state-of-the-art Ice Skating Rink, Live Music, Holiday Shops, Kids Activities, Food Trucks and Beverage Bars, and more!

“An Olde English Christmas” by the Crowley Community Choir & Area Churches (Crowley) :: Nov. 26th. The Crowley Community Choir & Area Churches present ‘An Olde English Christmas’ featuring The Merrye Olde Christmas Story in Scripture and in Song on Sunday,. This is a FREE event. Donations accepted and are donated to area charities. Complimentary punch and refreshments to follow concert. Performance to be held in the The Grand Opera House of the South.

Sounds of the Season with the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra (New Iberia) :: Nov. 26th. Iberia Cultural Resources Association sponsors four free concerts a year by the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra. This concert season includes a Christmas concert entitled “Sounds of the Season.”

Lighting of the Tree Concert (Lafayette) :: POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER. A winter wonderland experience as the community gathers for the lighting of Downtown Lafayette’s 25-foot Christmas tree and an evening of live music featuring Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band.

The Real Story of Christmas (Lafayette) :: Dec. 2nd. The Real Story of Christmas is a broadway-style musical that gives life to some of the best-loved stories of Christmas all while centered around the true story of Christmas. A lively and interactive event, the show has a powerful message for the whole family. Performance to be held at Crossroads Church.

“The Nutcracker” (Lafayette) :: Dec 9th & 10th. Lafayette Ballet Theatre presents “The Nutcracker” a holiday tradition in Acadiana, includes over 140 local students. Unforgettable memories are made through this magical classic.

Christmas at The Bayou (Lafayette) :: Dec. 15th & 17th. We invite you and all of Acadiana to experience the sounds of the season at our annual Christmas concert. This festive event has something for the whole family to enjoy. We will transport you to a Christmas wonderland as we set the tone for this joyful season through music, community, and fun surprises for all ages. Our pastor will share a brief message about the hope that was born on Christmas for all to receive. There is no childcare as we encourage you to enjoy the concert as a family. Please join us for this family-friendly event!

5k’s & Fun Holiday Runs ::

Jungle Gardens 7K Trail, 5K Run (Avery Island) :: Nov. 4. Please join us for a great run and day at the world famous jungle gardens. The race will be held on the hard pack road that travels throughout the gardens. This will definitely be the most scenic race in Louisiana and one not to miss! All the while you will be helping the children of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as proceeds will go to St. Jude for the treatment and cure of childhood diseases.

Holy Ghost Creole Festival 5K (Opelousas) :: Nov. 4th. Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Opelousas, LA has been baking up homemade sweet potato pies and frying cracklin for 29 years at our annual Creole Festival.  Several years ago now we decided to get in a quick run/walk before eating delicious foods the rest of the weekend.  Come out and join us in celebrating our great heritage filled with Run, Food, Music, Family and Fun.

Tunnel to Towers 5K (Lafayette) :: Nov. 5th. The Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk Series was created to honor the heroic life and death of Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter (FDNY) who lost his life on September 11, 2001 after strapping on his gear and running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers. Honor all of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and support our first responders and military who make extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty!

Courir de l’Omelette 5K Run/Walk (Abbeville) :: Nov. 5th. Get your running shoes ready and sign up today. Great way to kick off the Omelette Festival and support an organization that’s helps so many in need throughout Vermilion Parish.

10K Ruck & Run for Heroes (Youngsville) :: Nov. 11th. This will be a 10k loop course, non-timed, where participants can choose to run/walk the course or throw a rucksack or backpack on and do a military-style ruck along the way!

Broussard Community Fair 5K/1 Mile Run (Broussard) :: Nov. 18th. It’s the 19th Annual Broussard Community Fair 5k & 1 Mile Fun Run! We are excited to continue the tradition of kicking off the Broussard Community Fair and raising funds to support our wonderful Parish & Community. We want to thank all of the past Sponsors, Participants, Supporters & Volunteers and hope to gain your support again this year in our efforts!

Semper Fi Strides 5K & 1 Mile Walk/Run (Lafayette) :: Nov. 18th. We are so excited to have you join us for the Acadiana Detachment of the Marine Corps League’s 3rd Annual Semper Fi Strides 5K/1M!  Run or walk through beautiful River Ranch in Lafayette for a 3.2 mile route that will make you proud!  We will have a presentation of the Colors prior to the start of the 5K and food and fun after the event.  There will also be a Photo Booth so that you can capture some fun, memorable pictures from the morning.

Camellia Crossing- Acadiana’s Gleaux 5k (Lafayette) :: Join us on Thanksgiving Eve as we light up Camellia Boulevard for the 20th annual Camellia Crossing! On November 22, put on your gleaux gear and race down to River Ranch Town Square for a night of family fun that makes a direct impact on the lives of local families fighting, surviving, and living with cancer.

Cajun Country Run (Lafayette) :: Nov. 25th. Acadiana’s Oldest half marathon is the most beautiful running course in Lafayette.  Runners have the options between either road races or trail races.  The road race distance options include: 1/2 marathon, 10k or 5k; while the trail running options include 5k or 10k. Run and support TRAIL’s investments and efforts in Acadiana Park & Nature Station.  Do really well and win an alligator head.

Dasher Dancer Prancer 5K (Carencro) :: DASH, DANCE or PRANCE your way through our Third Annual 5K. Acadiana Fitness is excited to announce that we will be hosting our Third Annual “Dasher Dancer Prancer 5K” on December 2, 2023 (VIRTUAL option also available) Profits will be donated to St. Jude… LET’S HELP FIND A CURE! Registration deadline to be guaranteed a shirt is November 16!

More Holiday Fun In and Around Lafayette, LA ::

Christmas Tree Extravaganza Decorating Party (Lafayette) :: Nov 21st. Christmas Tree Extravaganza participants are invited to join us at Parc International on Tuesday, November 21st to decorate their tree and connect with community members from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Eggnog, hot coco, and beignets will be available for purchase as we get ready to kick off the holidays here in Downtown Lafayette

Victorian Christmas (New Iberia) :: Nov. 27-Dec. 31st. Tours of the Joseph Jefferson Home at Rip Van Winkle Gardens decorated for the holiday season.

Twinkle Light Night (Lafayette) :: Dec. 1st. Join the Children’s Museum of Acadiana for our annual Twinkle Light Night event! On December 1, 2023, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, we’re transforming your night into a dazzling wonderland that you and your loved ones won’t want to miss. Join us for an unforgettable experience at Twinkle Light Night! The incredibly talented Lady Chops will mesmerize us with her musical skills.

New Iberia Advent Activity Event (New Iberia) Starting Dec 1st. A “surprise” month long family activity for the community to enjoy. Each day will “open” the next day’s activity live on the Facebook page.

Parc de Oaks Christmas Celebration (Lafayette) :: Join us for our first annual Christmas celebration at Parc de Oaks on December 2nd and 3rd! Get in the festive spirit with a host of exciting activities and enchanting sights: Pictures with Santa Claus: Meet the jolly man himself, Santa Claus, and capture the perfect holiday memory with a photo! Dazzling Lights: Witness the park come to life with a display of Christmas lights for all to enjoy. Family Fun Activities: Bring your loved ones to enjoy the family-friendly activities and much more!

Vermilionville Gingerbread House Contest (Lafayette) :: Dec. 2. Bake and decorate your favorite gingerbread structure for fun and prizes! There will be three divisions (may be baked / built by an individual or group). Follow the event on Facebook to learn more about the divisions and gingerbread house rules.

12 Yards Of Christmas (Acadiana) :: Dec 4th-30th. Enjoy a Christmas Light Tour through Acadiana that ends with a Christmas light show featuring more than 20,000 lights! The Christmas Light Tour will start December 4th and run through December 30th.  Download a map and drive by the 12 (plus more) yards throughout Acadiana that are decorated for Christmas.

Christmas Lights on Bayou Teche (Franklin) :: Dec. 6th – Jan. 8th.
Christmas Lights on Bayou Teche will be on nightly by tuning in to 93.5 FM on Teche Drive, Main, Martin Luther King and Iberia Streets in Franklin. Over 1 million lights along Parc Sur La Teche!

Delcambre Christmas Boat Parade (Delcambre) :: Dec. 9th. Lighted boat parade on the Delcambre Canal. Please bring your lawn chairs if you prefer to sit while viewing.

Winterfest at Adopted Dog Brewery (Lafayette) :: Dec. 9th. Adopted Dog Brewery’s first Winterfest will be an entire day of fun! Live Music with a trio from The Good Dudes and Lindsay Council, a visit from Acadiana Santa, beer and glassware release, games and more! They will have a professional photographer on site with Santa. Kids package for tickets, cocoa and cookies can be purchased on their website. 

Downtown Lafayette Window Wonderland :: Windows belonging to businesses in Downtown Lafayette will be turned over to local visual artists who will create stunning visual displays. This year’s theme is ​Nature’s Noel! Each display will be part of a competition for the Best Window Wonderland. Voting will take place online through the middle of December and the winning artist will receive a $500 cash prize.

Where to Give Back and Community Service In and Around Lafayette, LA ::

Little Lambs Angel Tree (Broussard) :: Little Lambs is an outreach of InnerFaith Prison Ministry. Find your Little Lamb angel at Rise Chiropractic in Broussard.

Foster Children’s Christmas Party (Lafayette) :: The Bayou Church is honored to partner with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to organize community donors from across Acadiana to create a special Christmas gift for every child fostered in Lafayette parish which is approximately 100 children. This special drive-thru party will include princesses and superheroes along with Santa. We can’t wait to bless these children with meal cards, gift cards, candy and more this Christmas season.

Healing House Angel Tree (Lafayette) :: Chuy’s Mexican Restaurant on Ambassador Caffery is hosting The Healing House’s Angel Tree. Angels can be selected from the tree beginning in mid-November.  The restaurant will also be collecting monetary donations for Healing House during November – Children’s Grief Awareness Month – and these funds will also be used to purchase additional gifts for our families.

Christmas Kettle Campaign – Bellringing ( Lafayette Area) :: Businesses, individuals, families, and groups can volunteer to ring bells to help with Salvation Army Christmas fundraising efforts from November 17 through Dec. 24, 2023. Time slots are available Monday – Saturday at various stores around town. Some indoor locations available. Call 765 479-3594 to schedule  or email [email protected].

Toy Tree/Angel Shop (Lafayette Area) :: Volunteers needed in December to help sort and distribute toys. For more information, contact Briton Weise, Director of Social Services, at 765 532-3462 or email [email protected]

Gifting Grace Project (Lafayette Area) :: Starting Nov. 1st. A Non-Profit organization whose mission is to freely love, serve and support homeless children. You’ll be able to find the Online Angle Tree on our website Nov 1st. where you can sponsor a child for the holidays!

The Giving Wall at Our Savior’s Church (Lafayette) :: TBD

What better way to get into the Holiday Spirit than to get into the community spirit? Lafayette Mom is encouraging you to give back to Acadiana’s families by participating in one (or more) of the following activities this season. A local mom has compiled a complete list of “Ways to Give Back to Acadiana This Holiday Season”.

Holiday Festivities Worth the Drive  ::

Natchitoches Festival of Lights (Natchitoches, LA) :: The Christmas Season begins on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and concludes on January the 6th, the Epiphany. Over 300,000 lights and 100 plus set pieces are on display every night at dusk. Parades, vendors, pageants, Christmas lights, Fireworks, Santa’s House and SO MUCH MORE!

Teddy Bear Tea at the Roosevelt (New Orleans) :: Nov. 26th. For decades, children of all ages have experienced the magic of the yuletide season in our beautifully assembled North Pole. This year, the time-honored celebration will once more feature singing, dancing, story-telling, and appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus! Indulge in decadent pastries and hot chocolate or sip on champagne as you pass on this tradition from one generation to the next!

Wicked :: Broadway in New Orleans (New Orleans) :: Nov. 29-Dec. 17. With a thrilling score that includes the hits “Defying Gravity,” “Popular” and “For Good,” WICKED has been hailed by The New York Times as “the defining musical of the decade.” Time Magazine cheers, “if every musical had the brain, the heart, and the courage of WICKED, Broadway really would be a magical place.” From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, WICKED—the untold true story of the Witches of Oz—transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story. It will send your spirits soaring to heights you’ll never forget.

Build Your Own Gingerbread House at the Ritz-Carlton (New Orleans) :: Dec. 9-21st. Children of all ages are invited to build a festive Gingerbread House at the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans. Price includes one Gingerbread House with all of the decorating essentials and holiday treats. Each house can accommodate up to four guests. Adult supervision and reservations are required.

Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival (Gulfport, MS) :: Nov. 24th – Dec. 31st. Over the years, the show has expanded into Mississippi’s Largest Christmas Light Show with over 1.5 million lights throughout 40 acres in Jones Park. Today, visitors can ride carnival rides, hop on a train at the Train Station, or enjoy the “Dancing Trees” Show. Visitors can even stroll through Santa’s Village to see working elves, Santa’s Headquarters, and visit with Santa Claus! Each year the show grows and it brings new surprises!

Other Links Worth Checking Out ::

Holiday Events In and Around Baton Rouge

Holiday Events In and Around New Orleans

Where to Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree in Louisiana 

Pancakes with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Barn Hill Preserve

Are you hosting an event that should be included in this list?

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