This week, Lafayette and the surrounding parishes will celebrate the holidays with multiple ways to shop for Christmas presents and take part in traditional holiday festivities. Trees, neighborhoods and homes will be ceremoniously lit. Live music is, as always, in abundance. Plus, Santa!
12/5: Wine Tasting: The Barrel of Broussard, Cass Winery and Chops Specialty Meats will host a wine tasting and dinner this Thursday evening from 7-10. Menu items include a deli style charcuterie board, filet mignon with oven roasted carrots and hot chocolate cheesecake truffles. Cass Winery’s owner, Ted Plemons, will fly in for the event to introduce Louisiana to his wine collection – the event will have a limited supply of all Cass Winery wines, as most are not available in the state. Unique wines make a great gift! For ticket information, call (337) 330-8039.
12/6: Christmas with the Boss: Keith Frank and the Pine Leaf Boys: Downtown Lafayette will celebrate its lighting of the Christmas tree with a family friendly Christmas concert in Parc International! The Parc, which will be decorated as “the North Pole of downtown” will have lights, massive ornaments and a Christmas tree grove. Kids can take a picture with Santa during the concert! Entry is free. The Parc gates will open at 5 p.m., with the show beginning at 6 p.m. Hot chocolate and adult beverages will be available.
12/6: Lighting of the Village: The lighting of Le Vieux Village in Opelousas will celebrate its 17th year of sparkling seasonal traditions this Friday at 5 p.m.! With more than 600 visitors every year, attendees can look forward to seeing historic buildings brought to life with lights. Kids can get photos with Santa, attend the petting zoo, partake in an ornament making station and more. Special guests include Elsa and Olaf of “Frozen,” Elmo of “Sesame Street,” and balloon artist Rick Hessler. This event is free to attend.
12/8: Deck the Halls – A Christmas Home Tour: See some of the most beautiful homes across Acadiana in all their festive glory this Sunday evening. The Acadiana Symphony Orchestra and Conservatory of Music will take you through four stunning spaces as the Youth Orchestra plays holiday favorites. Tickets are $45 for adults and $10 for children. Tickets are available here.
12/8: Sonic Christmas Parade: A holiday parade will make its way down downtown this Sunday at 1 p.m. The annual parade will feature Santa, tons of floats, marching bands and dance teams. Kids should bring any letters, comments or concerns to Santa to the parade, where they will be collected and mailed to the North Pole. An afterparty at Parc International will follow.
