Acadiana is gearing up to celebrate the holiday season with festivals, parades, concerts, markets and more.
Whether you’re hunting for unique gifts, looking for a fun night out, or simply in the mood to soak up that holiday spirit, these holiday events offer something for everyone. New ways to celebrate are also returning with the annual return of the Oil Center Association’s 26th Festival of Lights, A beloved holiday festival.
Here are some upcoming parades, festivals, and more in Acadiana:
Noël Acadien au Village: Happening nightly from Dec. 1–23, at LARC’s Acadian Village in Scott. Enjoy Cajun-style lights, festive displays, and support nonprofit programs. Admission is included with ticket purchase. Tickets are $10 at the gate.
Festival of Lights at the Oil Center: On Dec. 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Oil Center in Lafayette. Celebrate with holiday lights, live music, and family fun. Tickets can be purchased at theoilcenter.com.
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree Concert: On Dec. 5, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Parc Sans Souci, in Downtown Lafayette, enjoy live music, tree lighting, and festive holiday vibes. Free admission.
Noël à Broussard On Dec. 6, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., in Downtown Broussard, catch the Christmas parade, tree lighting, vendor market, snow, and more family activities. Free to attend.
Christmas in Carencro: On Dec. 6, have a full day of holiday fun starting at 9 a.m., at the Carencro Community Center & Downtown Carencro, enjoy family-friendly arts and crafts, food vendors, and a Christmas Parade at 10 a.m., further activities include pictures with Santa, and city tree lighting from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 210 E. St. Peter St. This event is free to attend.
Christmas in Scott: On Dec 7, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at 125 Lions Club Rd, enjoy family fun activities such as a christmas movie, carnival games, hay rides, giveaways, and more. Admission is free.
Sonic Christmas Parade: On Dec. 7, from 1 p.m., in Downtown Lafayette catch holiday floats, marching bands, and Santa’s arrival. Free to attend.
Opelousas Children’s Christmas Parade: On Dec. 11, at 6 p.m., head to Downtown Opelousas for a holiday parade through the historic district. Free to attend.
Christmas Playathon: On Dec. 13 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Acadiana Center for the Arts, enjoy live music performances by local students, holiday‑themed concert that raises funds for music education.
“Christmas Under the Stars” Returns to Youngsville: On Dec 13, at the Youngsville Sports Complex, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., enjoy live performances, family fun activities such as photos with The Grinch and Santa, food trucks, petting zoo’s and more. Admission is free.
St. Martinville Christmas Parade and Bayou Festival: On Dec 14, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Historic Downtown St. Martinville. Parade through Main Street from 2:00–4:00 PM followed by the Christmas on the Bayou Festival featuring festive floats, local vendors, and family fun. Free to attend.
Christmas in the Park: From Dec. 12 to 14, 2025, evenings, at Moncus Park, in Lafayette will showcase holiday lights, music, food trucks, and kid-friendly activities. Free admission.
Ageless Healthcare Christmas: On Dec. 18, at the Martin Luther King Recreation Center, in Lafayette. The event will include free BBQ, bingo, giveaways, and music. Free to attend.
Acadiana Symphony Orchestra: On Dec. 18, at 7 p.m., at the Heymann Performing Arts Center, in Lafayette, conductor Matthew Kraemer leads this holiday-themed concert known as Home Alone. Tickets available online.
The Creole Nutcracker: On Dec 20, at 7 p.m. at the Heymann Performing Arts Center, at the festive ballet performance. Tickets available at thecreolenutcracker.com.
Reading of Christmas Books in French for Children: On Dec. 20, 10 a.m. to noon, at the 735 Jefferson St. Père Noël / Santa Claus will be present, hot cocoa served, and readings start at 10 a.m. Register online at holidaymorning.eventbrite.com.
Pancakes with Papa Noel: On Dec 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Zoosiana, enjoy a festive breakfast with Santa. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased here.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.theadvocate.com ’
