Santa Arriving in Acadiana this Afternoon

The much-anticipated Lafayette Christmas Parade is rolling today.

Sonic Drive-In's annual parade starts at 1 p.m. on Jefferson St. in downtown Lafayette.

The route will continue on to the Oil Center via Johnston St. and E St. Mary Blvd. Then, the parade hits Heymann Blvd. and will finish at its intersection with Audubon Blvd.

Those streets will be closed from 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Parking is currently not allowed in the 100 block of Vine Street and from the 100 block of Jefferson Street to the intersection of Jefferson and Johnston streets.

Lafayette police remind drivers to plan ahead and use alternate routes.

The parade consists of over 100 units including high school bands such as Lafayette High School who just recently performed in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The parade will be in two segments with the first honoring our veterans. Every branch of the military was invited to march or ride in the parade. The Marine Corps Band is even set to make an appearance.

The second segment of the parade will welcome Santa back into Acadiana who will lead the rest of the Christmas Parade through Lafayette.

Kids are asked to bring their letters to Santa in hopes Santa himself will receive it.