It's been a long week, but the weekend is in sight, and it's time to have some fun and say "Merry Christmas!" Many of us have been cooped up for months due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. This puts us in a pretty unusual position because us Louisiana folks like to get out and about at this time of year. If you feel like busting out for some adventure, safely of course, then the folks at our Louisiana Tourism Department have some amazing suggestions for you this weekend, December 11-13. If a stay-cation is your thing, then check out some of the fun events below across Louisiana. I'm adding in a few favorites of my own, and updating if I see more merry things scheduled.

    • Christmas Artwalk in Paris, Breaux Bridge, December 12. From 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm, downtown Breaux Bridge will turn into a winter wonderland with live music and an open-air market with local vendors. And the streets will be closed off for safe sipping and shopping at restaurants and the cute little shops Breaux Bridge is famous for.
    • Celebration in the Oaks, New Orleans, through January 3. The 35th anniversary of this beloved holiday event in City Park is a little different this year, but still spectacular. Drive through 2.5 miles of twinkling lights and amazing Christmas displays at this family-friendly festival. Purchase advance tickets here.
    • Natchitoches Christmas Festival, November 21-January 2. This is the 94th year for the festival of lights along the Cane River in Louisiana's oldest city.
    • Shadows on the Teche Christmas Craft Market, New Iberia, December 12. From 9:00 am - 3:00 pm on the historic grounds of the former sugar plantation, you can shop from local artisans and craftsmen for handmade items in the beautiful Shadows gardens.
    • Holiday ArtWalk, Lafayette. December 12. Downtown Lafayette will come alive with over 30 local arts and crafts vendors, free parking in the Vermilion Street parking garage, and festive live performances from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm.
    • St Lucy Festival of Lights, St. Martinville. December 12. From 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm. the public is invited to attend this free event at the beautiful St Martin de Tours Catholic Church. Activities include a traditional mass, live nativity and official lighting of the square.

 

 

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