Wondering how to celebrate Christmas in Acadiana? Here’s a running list of events, toy drives, where to see lights, and more. This post will be updated with additional information as it becomes available, so check back for more information.

Last updated: 12/15/21

Events, parades, etc.

Lafayette Parish

  • Willow Charter Academy + J & S Tax Pros Christmas Toy Giveaway — Dec. 12 at 2-5 p.m. Willow Charter Academy and J&S Tax Pros are partnering for a Toy Giveaway. There will be toys, games, door prizes, and more. Event open to the public
  • Moncus Park presents Christmas in the Park — Dec. 16-19 at 5-10 p.m. (closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day)
  • Candlelight Service & Live Nativity — Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. at Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery, Peace Chapel Mausoleum (2111 W. Pinhook Rd.). *Bring an ornament in remembrance of your loved one.

Iberia Parish

Jeff Davis Parish

  • Sounds of Christmas Concert — Jennings Strand Theater, Dec. 10 and 11 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 12 at 2 p.m.
  • Jennings Christmas Festival — Friday, Dec. 17 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Parade starts at 5:30 p.m. on Main Street. Event includes hot chocolate with Santa, a hayride, the Jennings Hall of Trees and Christmas fireworks at 8:30 p.m. from the Jennings Airport

St. Mary Parish

  • Lower Atchafalaya Christmas Boat Parade in Patterson — December 11, 6 p.m. at Morey Park
  • City of Patterson 4-Legged Friends Christmas Parade — December 12, 12 p.m. with line-up at 11 a.m. at Main Street
  • City of Patterson Annual Christmas Street Parade — December 12, 2021, 2 p.m. down Hwy. 182 Main Street in Patterson
  • Caroling at Shadowlawn in Franklin — December 18, 6 p.m. – 1st Ever “Caroling at Shadowlawn” – Candles and song sheets will be provide, 906 Main Street, Franklin
  • “Home for the Holidays” Christmas Gala in Franklin, December 18, 8 p.m., Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts
  • City of Franklin New Year’s Eve Celebration, December 31, 6 p.m. to Past Midnight – Historic Downtown Franklin

St. Martin Parish

  • St. Lucy Festival of Lights — Dec. 11 at 4 – 6:30 p.m., St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church
    • 4 p.m. – Mass at St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church Chariot Parade Registration
    • 5:15 p.m. – Blessing by Father Vidrine, Chariot Parade, Christmas Music, open house at St. Martin de Tours Rectory, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus
    • 6 p.m. – Lighting of the Square, Musical entertainment, movie, Christmas caroling. Community of Jesus Crucified Spiritual Care Unit
    • 6:30 p.m. – Live Nativity followed by Memorial Candle lighting for lost loved ones

Toy drives

  • Toys for Tots event at Green Room in Rayne — Saturday, Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 318 Gossen Memorial Dr. Santa will be on-hand, and a free meal giveaway for parents will be held.
  • Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots — collection ends Dec. 15. The Lafayette City Marshal’s Office is an official Toys for Tots drop off location. You can drop toys off at City Court room 106 and City Court lunchroom.
  • 5th annual Brandy Lunch Giveaway — Dec. 19, 3-6 p.m. at Northgate Mall, 1800 NE Evangeline Throughway – free food, drinks, and toys

Lights, tours, etc.

The “12 Yards of Christmas” across Acadiana — 12 specific homes in Acadiana decorated their houses for people to see. Download the map and use the suggested route (or make your own) and drive past the houses to enjoy the Christmas lights. The map will be updated daily with houses that would like to join the tour.

Lafayette Parish

  • LARC’s Acadian Village, Noel Acadien au Village — Nightly from 5:30 – 9 p.m. Dec. 4-23 (weather permitting)
  • St. Pius X Catholic Church’s Christmas in Lafayette — Event by the Baton Rouge Early Vocal Ensemble (BREVE), Dec. 12 at 2 p.m.

St. Mary Parish

  • Bayou Teche in Franklin — Nighty; Tune 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
  • Light show at 135 Yellow Bayou Rd., in Centerville — Nightly from 5:30 – midnight; Tune your radio to 88.9
  • Kemper Williams Park in Patterson — Nightly (Sunday – Thursday 5 – 9 p.m. and Friday – Saturday 5 – 10 p.m.), dependent on weather; Kemper Williams Park in Patterson for $2 per car
  • Morgan City — 505 Brashear Avenue, Morgan City
  • Bernice Street Christmas by Candlelight in Morgan City — December 11, 5:30 – 9 p.m.; Bernice St. (one way only)
  • Victorian Christmas at the Grevemberg House and Shadowlawn, December 1-31, — Victorian style tree and seasonal greenery. Closed Christmas Eve and Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Franklin, $12per person, $10 for seniors and $8 for children.
  • Christmas Home Tour, December 11, 2021, 11 am to 4 pm, including Idlewild, Melancon, Kyle, Rentrop, Gil, Gowan, and the Wedell-Williams Cypress-Sawmill Museum. Contact 985-395-5205 for more information.
  • 25th Wedell-Williams Aviation & Cypress Sawmill Annual Christmas Tree Festival 202, December 12, Open House to view the variety of decorated trees, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Louisiana State Museum in Patterson at Kemper Williams Park. Free admission and refreshments
  • For more details and events in St. Mary Parish, visit cajuncoast.com

Iberia Parish