All of Acadiana comes together during the holidays to features dozens of special events, parades, tours and parades.

2008 Schedule of Events

Hanley-Gueno Neapolitan Presepio Exhibit
On-going exhibit | Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m. | Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Museum, Lafayette | (337) 232-1322 | Adults $3, senior citizens $2, children 12 & under $1
The Baroque Neapolitan "Presepio," one of the finest and most extensive collections in America, is a reminder that the true meaning of Christmas centers on the birth of Christ. Frank Hanley and Jeffrey Gueno purchased the 17th and 18th century figures over a thirty-year period. Authentically dressed puppet-type characters were fashioned by Neapolitan craftsmen. Enshrined in the place of honor is the Holy Family surrounded by angels singing tidings of great joy to shepherds while the elaborate procession of the Magi makes its way through typical street scenes of daily life characteristic of 18th century Naples.

Christmas Tours of Vivian Alexander Gallery and Museum
Nov. 1-Dec. 31 | Wed.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | 6165 Picard Ln., Maurice | (337) 898-0803|  www.vivianalexander.com | Free
This wonderland of Christmas sculpture and historical one of a kind pieces are created by skilled artisans under the direction of Alexander, named the United States premier creator of modern art in the style of Russia?s Peter Carl Faberge. See the original Imperial Coronation Egg created for Warner Bros. "Ocean's 12" movie. Marvel at the Smirnoff Egg used in a major European marketing campaign. 15 mins. past the Acadiana Mall. Serious shopping in Gallery. Guided tour & reservations available.

Think Snow! All Member All Media Holiday Exhibit
Nov. 13-Dec. 21 | Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | 412 Travis St., Lafayette | (337) 269-0363 | Free Admission
Original arts and crafts produced by local and regional emerging and professional artists. Extensive choice of mediums: paintings, all media; photography, jewelry, pottery, wood, etc.

Acadiana Festival of Trees
Nov. 14 & 15 - Family Nights, Nov. 16 - Holiday Gala 7-10:30 p.m. | City Club at River Ranch, Lafayette | (337) 237-1320 | www.acadianafestivaloftrees.org  | $6 for Family Nights, $50 for Gala
Enjoy Acadiana's kickoff to the holiday season featuring beautifully decorated Christmas trees and wreaths auctioned off to benefit Acadiana Youth.

Christmas in Jeff Davis Parish & "A Wonderful Weekend"
Nov. 16-Dec. 25 | Venues vary | (800) 264-5521 | info@jeffdavis.org
Bring the family out to the Christmas Festivities around Jeff Davis Parish. Jennings (Dec. 1), Lake Arthur, Elton (Dec. 8) and Welsh (Dec. 15) will celebrate with parades, gumbo cook-offs, and festivals. "Wonderful Weekend" (Nov. 16 & 17): Shop our unique gift shops for the holidays! You and your friends want to get away for the weekend, come to Jeff Davis Parish and let us PAMPER you. Friday night, pamper yourself with a facial, manicure, pedicure, massage, etc. with wine or margaritas. Saturday let us bring you shopping on a party bus.

W.H. Tupper Christmas Exhibit
Nov. 16 Dec. 28 | Mon.-F ri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | 311 N. Main St., Jennings | (337) 821-5532 | Students $1, Adults $3
See trees decorated with 1940's Christmas ornaments from the Tupper family store, and toys that were given as gifts to the children of that era.

Hall of Trees
Nov. 22-Dec .15 | City Hall Meeting Room, Lake Arthur | Free | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. | (337) 774-2211 | jobenoit@bellsouth.net
Christmas tree displays from various groups, businesses and locals.

Safari of Lights
Nov. 23-Dec. 30 | 5-9 p.m | Zoo of Acadiana, Hwy. 90, Broussard | (337) 837-4325| www.ZooOfAcadiana.org  | $6 at the door/$5 in advance
The Zoo of Acadiana will be glistening with over 30 larger-than-life illuminated and animated animal sculptures. As you stroll through the Zoo's lighted pathways, you can enjoy hot cocoa, hot cappuccino and additional treats from the Critter Café. Take a train ride on the North Pole Express, passing through the tunnel of lights. Choirs, dancers and Santa Claus will be there to entertain. Guaranteed to put you in the Holiday Spirit! Dec. 8, Breakfast with Santa inside Bamboo Room from 8-11 a.m. Donuts, Borden's milk & juice. Photos with Santa.

Twas the Light Before Christmas
Nov. 24 | Downtown, Lafayette | (337) 291-5566 | www.downtownlafayette.org | Free
Enjoy all day open house shopping and dining in downtown Lafayette. The Lafayette Natural History Museum and Planetarium, Acadiana Center for the Arts, Alexandre Mouton House and the Children's Museum of Acadiana are offering a  free admission day. At Parc Sans Souci, from 12:30-6:30 p.m., a Fine Craft Market, carousel rides and carriage rides will be featured. Also enjoy holiday musical performances, children's activities, free pictures with Santa, the Lighting of the Official City Christmas Tree, and a reading of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." Movies in the Parc will feature "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" at Parc International at 7 p.m., gates open at 6:30 p.m.

Le Grand Noel
Nov. 24 | 5-8 p.m. | Grand Coteau | (337) 662-4002, 662-2275 | www.cajuntravel.com | Free
The quaint shops of Grand Coteau, all adorned with holiday decorations, will open their doors to the public with refreshments and special offerings for the Christmas season.

Idlewild Plantation Christmas Lighting
Nov. 25-Dec. 30 | 5:30-9 p.m. | Kemper Williams Park, 264 Cotton Rd., Patterson | (985) 395-2298 | $2.00 per auto
Kemper Williams Park is the setting for the drive through Christmas lighting displays with music. A beautifully decorated Silo fronts the property on Hwy. 90.

Christmas Along the Cajun Coast
Nov. 25-Dec. 31 | Times vary | St. Mary Parish | (800) 256-2931 | Admission will vary
Enjoy a Cajun-style Christmas in St. Mary Parish's light trail, splendid homes dressed for the season, parades and more.

Ho Ho Ho on the HOT Side
Nov. 26-Jan. 1 | Times, Venues & Admissions vary | (888) 942-3742 | www.iberiatravel.com 
Parades, tours, concerts, shop New Iberia's award-winning historic district, Konriko and Tabasco holiday gift baskets.

Lighting of Le Vieux Village & Holiday Market
Nov. 30 | 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. | 828 E. Landry St., Opelousas | (337) 948-5227 | Free
Watch the historical village come alive with the flip of a switch at the annual Lighting of Le Vieux Village and Holiday Market. This event offers something for the entire family. Enjoy a horse and buggy ride around the village and take a Christmas family portrait. This picturesque village offers a unique shopping experience in the heart of historic Opelousas. Vendors will sell a diverse array of goods including art, crafts, jewelry, and decorative items. At sunset, the village comes to life with the traditional lighting ceremony. Then, warm up with a bowl of gumbo and listen to the sounds of musical entertainment fill the air.

Christmas Renaissance "Festival of Light"
Nov. 30 | 5-9 p.m. | Oil Center, Lafayette | (337) 232-1267 | Free
Celebrate as the switch is pulled to light the colossal Santa, sleigh and reindeer display over Coolidge Blvd. Enjoy music, food, fun for children of all ages - and of course shopping! Santa will be on hand to take wishes and pictures in the Children's Court, which will feature inflatable rides and games for the youngsters. Listen to traditional holiday music and carols performed by area choral groups, bands and church choirs or join in a real fais-do-do. Shops will be open for great gifts! Enjoy family entertainment in a festive and safe environment.

Downtown Christmas Celebration
Dec. 1 | Downtown Morgan City  | (985) 380-4643 | Free
A family oriented event featuring a 5K run/walk, entertainment, shopping specials, a visit from Santa and more. Bring your family and enjoy the fun!

Carencro Country Christmas with a "Twist"
Dec. 1 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Parade at 2 p.m.; Dance 8-12 p.m. | Carencro Community Center | (337) 896-6686, 261-9445 | Free, Call for tickets for dance
Traditional family event with area choirs, singers and musicians providing holiday entertainment. Booths with arts, crafts, and food from local artists and cooks. Decorate homes and businesses for Holiday Décor. Pictures with Santa at the Bechet house. At 2 p.m., the Carencro Christmas Children's Parade, rolls through the streets of Carencro, featuring seasonal floats, marching bands, ending with Santa himself. Attend the "Twist", a 50's dance with gumbo, entertainment, and skits.

Delcambre Boat Parade
Dec. 1 | Boat docks to bridge, Delcambre | Free | 6:30-9 p.m. | (337) 685-4462 | www.delcambreboatparade.com
A unique Christmas parade like no other! Decorated boats will parade down the Delcambre Canal while Christmas music plays. Awards will be given for the best decorated boat & gumbo will be available for purchase.

Sacre Coeur Kaycee Auxiliary Arts and Crafts Extravaganza
Dec. 1 | Corner of South Ave. E & Elm St., Crowley | $1, children 12 and under free | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | (337) 783-9076
Crafters from throughout the area and state exhibit. Door prizes given every 15 minutes. Homemade food and sweets sold.

Noel Acadien au Village
Dec. 1-23 | 5:30-9 p.m. | Acadian Village, Lafayette | (337) 981-2364 | $6 in advance; $8 at door; children 4 & under free
Acadian Village is the home of Lafayette's premier Christmas lighting program. Bring the whole family to enjoy a stroll through the Village decorated with animated lighted displays. Be sure to stop by the pavilion to sample local cuisine, enjoy the nightly entertainment and have your photo taken with Santa. Adults will love the arts and crafts area and kids will have fun on the carnival rides! Reach into Santa?s gift bag; everyone is a winner!

Christmas at the Alexandre Mouton House
Dec. 1-30 | Tues.-Sat., 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1-4 p.m. | Alexandre Mouton House/Lafayette Museum, Lafayette | (337) 234-2208 | Adults $3, sr. citizens $2, students $1
Each December, area floral designers enhance the Alexandre Mouton House/Lafayette Museum with seasonal decorations, both traditional and innovative. This mid-19th century Victorian structure is located only a few blocks from the center of downtown Lafayette. It is also near St. John's Cathedral and should not be missed when touring that vicinity. Group and evening tours are available. School tours are free. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Christmas at Grevemberg House
Dec. 1-31 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | 407 Sterling Rd., Franklin | (337) 828-2092 | www.grevemberghouse.com | Adults $6, senior citizens, students 13-18 & groups of 20 or more $5, children 12 & under $3
Visit historic Grevemberg House during the holidays. A Victorian Christmas tree, seasonal greenery, fruits and food of the 1850's are beautifully displayed. See the spectacular floor cloth in the children's bedroom. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Les Lumieres du Village d'Abbeville
Dec. 1-31 | Downtown, Abbeville | Free | (337) 898-4110 | www.vermilion.org
Downtown Abbeville will be aglow with Christmas lights decorating the buildings, Courthouse, Magdalen Square and more. Visit downtown and you'll be sure to get into the Christmas spirit!

Christmas in Vermilion
Dec. 1-Jan. 1 | Times & Admissions Vary | Vermilion Parish | (337) 898-6600 | www.vermilion.org
Vermilion Parish, the most Cajun place on Earth, will come alive this holiday season with events for all ages. Enjoy Christmas parades and festivals, a boat parade down the Delcambre Canal, special concerts and holiday performances, lighted displays, our Annual Christmas Stroll, a live nativity and more. Each event is sure to get you into the Cajun Christmas spirit!

Sonic Drive-In Christmas Parade
Dec. 2 | 3 p.m. | Lafayette | (337) 988-5301, ext. 239 | Free
One of the oldest holiday traditions in Lafayette, this event marks the official arrival of Santa Claus and features marching bands, floats, and area dignitaries. Parade route: Cajundome Blvd. to W. Congress St., to Bertrand Dr., to Johnston St., ends at Blackham Coliseum.

Chorale Acadienne presents Christmas by Candlelight
Dec. 4 & 7 | 7:30 p.m. | Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Lafayette | (337) 291-5555 | www.choraleacadienne.com
A popular, traditional Christmas concert.

Christmas Open House
Dec. 5 | Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Lafayette | Free | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | (337) 232-1322
www.saintjohncathedral.orgGift shop offers inexpensive homemade and religious items suitable for Christmas. Museum shows the Hanley-Gueno Nativity at no charge. Refreshments served.

Opelousas Children's Christmas Parade
Dec. 6 | 6 p.m. | Begins at North Main (St. Landry Catholic Church) and ends on Creswell Ln. | (337) 948-6263 | Free
The magic of Christmas makes its way through downtown Opelousas for the annual Opelousas Children's Christmas Parade. This unique night-time parade sparkles with float lights, marching bands, holiday music, and of course, Santa Claus.

Christmas Stroll
Dec. 6 | Downtown, Abbeville | Free | 5:30-8 p.m. | (337) 898-4110 | www.vermilion.org
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas in downtown Abbeville as local merchants open their businesses for holiday shopping and festivities.

Eunice Community Concert Band & Choir Winter Concert
Dec. 6 & 7 | Liberty Theater, Eunice | Adults $5, Children 11 & under $2 | 7-9 p.m. | (337) 457-1776 | www.eccbc.org
ECCBC offers a wonderful Christmas concert for the entire family!

Christmas at Coteau
Dec. 6-8 | Schools of the Sacred Heart, Grand Coteau | $5 to Holiday Market | Thurs. 6-10 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | (337) 662-5275 | www.sshcoteau.org | mistelly@sshcoteau.org
Holiday shopping Fri. & Sat. 10-4. Saturday 1 mile & 5 mile race, Breakfast with Santa and Christmas Candyland, Gourmet Luncheon & Breakfast.

Christmas Spectacular - The Art of Vivian Alexander
Dec. 6 thru the holidays | Mon.-F ri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center, | 315 N. Main St., Opelousas | (337) 948-2589 | Free
The Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center is presenting a special treat of dazzling original sculpture by a Louisiana artist. The world's largest private collection of Vivian Alexander art, featuring many large commissioned pieces never before seen in public, will be on display for a limited exhibition through the holidays. Named by Forbes as the premier Faberge style artist in America, this unveiling must be seen before its international tour. Detailed advance literature available.

The Nutcracker
Dec. 8, 7 p.m.; Dec. 9, 2 p.m. | Heymann Performing Arts Center, Lafayette | (337) 262-0444 | www.LafayetteBalletTheatre.com | $20-$35
Experience Lafayette Ballet Theatre's annual performance of the holiday classic "The Nutcracker" featuring professional guest artists dancing side by side with local dancers.

Lake Arthur Christmas Jubilee Parade
Dec. 8 | Downtown, Lake Arthur | Free | 6 p.m. | (337) 774-2211 | jobenoit@bellsouth.net
Parade with fireworks following. Gumbo cook-off and Santa.

Sounds Like Christmas
Dec. 8 & 9, 7 p.m. | First Baptist Church, Lee Ave., Downtown Lafayette | (337) 593-3751 | Tickets are free but must be ordered in advance
The sights and sounds of Christmas will be alive in Downtown Lafayette this Christmas as First Baptist Church of Lafayette presents "Sounds Like Christmas". Part of the "Season for the Savior" 2007-08 performance series, Sounds Like Christmas will be a concert to remember with the Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra performing traditional Christmas favorites plus exciting new sounds destined to be the classics of Christmases yet to come. Groups are welcome and parking for buses and individuals is available.

Christmas Jubilee
Dec 8, 9 & 12 | Kaplan | (337) 643-7765 | www.vrml.k12.la.us/mmcs/
A series of events to get you in the Christmas spirit! 12/8 - Breakfast with Santa, photos and a craft, Maltrait Memorial School Grounds, $10; 12/9 - Tour of Homes, various locations throughout Kaplan, $10; 12/12 - School Christmas Production by Maltrait students and a meal, Maltrait School Cafeteria, $3 in advance, $4 at door.

St. Lucy Festival of Lights
Dec. 9 | Noon-8 p.m. | St. Martin Square, Main Street, St. Martinville | (337) 394-6021, 288-2784 | Free
Live music, vendors, food, refreshments, arts & crafts, K.C. Christmas Parade at 2 p.m. and official lighting of St. Martin de Tours Church Square at dusk.

Christmas Traditions Concert
Dec. 9 | 3:30 p.m. | Ducrest/Gilfry Auditorium at Angelle Hall, Lafayette | (337) 989-1279 | www.lcband.org | $10
The Lafayette Concert Band presents music of the season with special guest conductor Maestro S. von Claus.

Liberty Theatre's Annual Cajun & Country Christmas Show
Dec. 15 | 6 p.m. | Liberty Theatre, 200 W. Park Ave., Eunice | (337) 457-7389 M-F | $5 per person
The "Rendez-vous des Cajuns" Cajun Music Show presents its annual Christmas show featuring Les Amies Louisianaises, Jambalaya Cajun Band and special guests.

Acadiana Symphony Orchestra Christmas Pops Concert
Dec. 15 | 7:30 p.m. | Heymann Center, Lafayette | (337) 232-4277 | www.acadianasymphony.org | Admission
Annual Christmas concert.

Christmas Reveillon
Dec. 16 | 2-7 p.m. | Vermilionville, 300 Fisher Rd., Lafayette | (337) 233-4077, (866) 99-BAYOU | www.vermilionville.org | Adults $6, Students (6-18) & Srs. $4, Under 6 free, Memberships honored
Experience the warmth and simple beauty of a traditional Christmas at this Cajun/Creole folklife park. The historic village will bring the Christmas of yesteryear alive as costumed craftspeople demonstrate candle, angel, and rosary making. Watch and participate in the creation of traditional decorations, including popcorn strings, corn-shuck chains, and orange pomanders. At various times during the day, listen to traditional acoustic music and Christmas carols. In the early evening, sit down for a "Le Réveillon" style meal of meat pies, meatball stew and cake (avail. for purchase). And make sure to visit Mama and Papa Noël before you leave!

Lessons & Carols
Dec. 17 | 7:30 p.m. | St. John Cathedral, Lafayette | (337) 232-1322 | Free
Traditional service of readings and choral music for the Christmas season. Presented by candlelight in the glorious ambiance of St. John Cathedral. All welcome.

Guide Service-Itinerary Planning
Allons À Lafayette, Inc. | (337) 269-9607, (800) 264-5465
Guide service, itinerary planning, accommodations and reservations. Visit beautifully decorated attractions, drive the light trails, and experience Christmas in Cajun Country. Contact Pat Link-Your Link to Cajun Christmas!