Christmas was never only a holiday. There's a smell, sound, and feel associated with Christmas that brings people together like no other day. A room changes once a tree goes up, and nothing can wake a child up earlier than their mom and dad quite like Christmas morning butterflies. Grab some hot cocoa, make sure you're sitting cross-legged, and enjoy this list of holiday events coming up in December here in Acadiana. Consider it our gift to you!

If you don't see your favorite holiday event on this list, feel free to email brandon.derouen@townsquaremedia.com.


Holiday Trail of Lights
We do Christmas in our own special way down here in Louisiana. Find your flavor on this state-wide festival. You can expect to see lights of course, but look out for the parades, live music, theater performances and more. With all the cities participating, you're sure to get your fill of Christmas for the year at on of the biggest holiday sightseeing routes in the country.

Find out more, including dates and locations, here.


Noel Acadien au Village
Find a new way to give this year with Noel Acadien au Village, a fundraiser benefiting LARC. They've got it all, everything from lights and food, to carnival rides and live entertainment. Take photos with Santa, or find something to take home from the Christmas store. Enjoy all the Christmas festivities, while feeling the warmth that comes with giving back to the community.

You can find the schedule and more info here on their website.


Old Time Christmas
Send your family back in time at Vermilionville's Historic Village this Christmas. Experience the warmth and beauty of time-tested Christmas traditions with Vermilionville's self-guided tours. Enjoy Native American storytelling, meet the French Santa Claus, see how things were decorated back in the 17 and 1800s, sing along to classic carols, and make your own take-home decorations. You can participate in that and much more this year at Vermilionville's Historic Village and their Old Time Christmas!

Find out more here on their website.

P.S., they need some volunteers. If you are interested, call 337-233-4077 ext. 215, or email outreach@BayouVermilionDistrict.org.


Christmas Season at the Alexandre Mouton House
Ring in the Christmas season this year with wine, champagne, and treats prepared by the museum board members. Enjoy the 19th century setting and decorations provided by these local florists:

Champagne's Floral Department
Anita Bergeron
Brian Crutchfield
Andy Ducharme
Fabian's for Flowers
Garden Arrangements
Viator & Associates

There will also be live entertainment by the Cypress Lake Trio.

Admission is handled through a $50 donation. Tickets will not be given, instead there will be a checkpoint at the door. Visit their website for more info.


Festival of the Bonfires
Festival of the Bonfires presents Zebra. Enjoy some great food, live entertainment, crafts, Santa's Very Merry Forest, and Carnival rides all weekend on December 8th-10th. Every night will end with a bonfire, per St. James Parish tradition.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. You can find more info here, or purchase tickets at Eventbrite.com.


Safari of Lights
The Zoo of Acadiana is the perfect holiday venue this year, with fun for the whole family! View the Zoo in all its glory from now until December 30th, weather permitting. Look forward to the Elves' Eatery, pictures with Santa, as well as zoo-themed gifts. Regular admission is $7.

You can find more info here on their website.


Christmas at the Gardens
Come out and see the splendor that is Jefferson Island Rip Van Winkle Gardens during the Christmas holiday. View the Joseph Jefferson home with decorated mantels, a decked-out tree, and antiques on display. Also, why not visit the gift shop for quick gift ideas, or stop by Cafe Jefferson for dinner with a view!

Visit the property any time between 9am and 5pm, with tours going on from 10am until 4pm.

Jefferson Island Rip Van Winkle Gardens is not only a beautiful getaway but a gorgeous backdrop for weddings. The Bayless Center wedding venue is currently discounted for bookings in January and February 2018.

Call 337-359-8525 or visit RipVanWinkleGardens.com for more info.


 

New Year's Noon
There's no better place to be with family and friends than this New Year's Noon Carnival and Countdown. The parking lot of the Children's Museum of Acadiana will be transformed into an old-fashioned carnival complete with tents, games, arts and crafts, food, and beverages. The museum's exhibits are still available as well.

Stop by on December 31st, 10am until 2pm, at the Children's Museum of Acadiana.

Call 232-8500 or visit their website for more info.

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