A Cajun & Creole Christmas — Holiday Lights

Noel Acadien au Village

    Lafayette and the surrounding cities and countryside is transformed into a winter wonderland during the holiday season with light displays everywhere.
    Here are some spots to visit throughout the entire holiday season, with a few special lighting events thrown in. For a complete list of Cajun and Creole Christmas events, visit LafayetteTravel.com.
     Christmas in Crowley Lights to Music Spectacular will be 5:30 p.m. to midnight Nov. 22-Jan. 3 at City Hall, 425 N. Parkerson in Crowley. Over 50,000 dazzling animated holiday lights are synchronized to music and you can listen to the lights by tuning in on your car radio!
     Safari of Lights is a holiday event with lights, animation and the North Pole Express train at the Zoo of Acadiana, held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 23-24 and Nov. 30-Dec. 30 at the Zoo, 5601 U.S. Hwy. 90 East in Broussard. Info: (337) 837-4325.
      Christmas in Vermilion offers a variety of holiday activities Nov. 23-Jan. 1 throughout Vermilion Parish. Admission varies. Info: (337) 898-6600. 
      Take a driving tour along a path filled with elaborate displays of Christmas lights while Christmas music enhances the drive from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 25-Dec. 31 in Kemper Williams Park in Patterson. Cost is $2 per car. Info: (985) 395-2298.
     The historic town of Franklin will offer its Walking Parade & Lamplighter Ceremony beginning at 6 p.m. Nov. 29 at the corner of Jackson and Main streets. Bring flashlights. For those who own golf carts, decorate them and participate in the parade! Info: (337) 828-3631.
     Noel Acadien au Village, a light extravaganza to support the non-profit historic village, is 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. nightly Dec. 1-23 at LARC’s Acadian Village in Lafayette. There will be more than a half million lights, nightly entertainment, local cuisine, photos with Santa, carnival rides and items for sale. Admission is $9 at the gate, $7 in advance, with specials available on the web site. Info: (337) 981-2364.
     The 18th Annual Festival of Light, with shopping, Santa, music, food and real snow, will be 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 7 in the Oil Center of Lafayette. Info: (337) 232-1267.
    Le Vieux Village’s 11th Annual Christmas Lighting will be from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the historic “village” at 828 E. Landry St. in Opelousas. In addition to the lighting ceremony, there will be Christmas music, carols sung by a choir, refreshments, a horse-drawn buggy ride and Santa. Free. Info: (337) 948-5227.

St. Lucy Festival of Light

     The Delcambre Boat Parade features decorated and lighted boats parading down the Delcambre Canal from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 8 in Delcambre. In addition, there will be gumbo and refreshments for sale. Info: (337) 898-6600.
     St. Lucy Festival of Light will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 9 at St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church in St. Martinville. The free event features food, arts and crafts, musical entertainment, a 2 p.m. Christmas parade and the lighting of the Church Square at 6 p.m.
      This is only a tip of the holiday iceberg. Be sure and check out the full schedule at http://www.lafayettetravel.com/play/festivalsevents/cajun-creole-christmas.

A Cajun & Creole Christmas – Parades

     We love a parade in South Louisiana which is why there are numerous parades happening throughout the area during the holidays. The following are Christmas Parades and their starting times:
      The Breaux Bridge Christmas Parade begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25, along Main Street in Breaux Bridge. Info: (337) 332-8500.
    The New Iberia Christmas Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, along Main Street in New Iberia. Info: (337) 365-1428.
     The Carencro Lions Children’s Parade begins at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, as part of the all-day Carencro Country Christmas festivities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Carencro Community Center in Carencro. The 2 p.m. parade is part of the free event which includes family-oriented music, choirs, food and arts and craft booths.   
    The Sonic Christmas Parade is one of the oldest in Acadiana, featuring more than 20 floats, high school marching bands and the official arrival of Santa Claus to Lafayette. The fun happens from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, from downtown to the Oil Center in Lafayette. Free. Info: (337) 988-5301, ext. 232.
      The Lake Arthur Christmas Parade begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at Lake Arthur Park. Free. In addition, there will be a gumbo cook-off, lighting of the Christmas tree, Hall of Trees, visit with Santa and fireworks to close the night.
     The Christmas in the Park festivities in downtown Gueydan includes a parade from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. Come enjoy this family-style Christmas event with caroling, fun jumps, live nativity, hot chocolate, kids' activities, Santa Workshop with elves, hayride and more!
     The Delcambre Boat Parade features decorated and lighted boats parading down the Delcambre Canal from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 8 in Delcambre. In addition, there will be gumbo and refreshments for sale. Info: (337) 898-6600.
     St. Lucy Festival of Light from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church in St. Martinville includes the KC Christmas Parade at 2 p.m. from St. Martinville High School toward Main Street, ending at Denier. The free event features food, arts and crafts, musical entertainment and the lighting of the Church Square at 6 p.m.
     The Delcambre Christmas on the Bayou Parade begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, along Main Street in Delcambre. The parade begins at the corner of Main Street and S. Pelloat and travels to the Delcambre Shrimp Festival Building.
     The Opelousas Children’s Christmas Parade begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, from St. Landry Catholic Church on Main Street to the Civic Center on Creswell Lane. Info: (337) 948-5227.
    For a complete list of Cajun and Creole Christmas events, visit LafayetteTravel.com.

A Cajun and Creole Christmas — Children’s Activities

    We all love the holidays, with the lights, gift-giving and special events abounding. But the holidays also mean there are kids under afoot.
    For the tykes who are out of school and looking for fun activities, there’s endless fun happening throughout Acadiana during the Cajun and Creole Christmas festivities. In addition to those occurring for the holidays, there’s the usual fun-filled children’s events, such as canoeing on Bayou Vermilion, the night hikes at Acadiana Park Nature Trails, the museums of downtown Lafayette and more.
    For a complete list of Cajun and Creole Christmas events, visit LafayetteTravel.com.
    Christmas in Crowley Lights to Music Spectacular will be 5:30 p.m. to midnight Nov. 22-Jan. 3 at City Hall, 425 N. Parkerson in Crowley. More than 50,000 animated holiday lights are synchronized to music and you can listen to the lights by tuning in on your car radio.
    An evening hike through Acadiana Park Nature Trails begins at 7 p.m. Nov. 24. Bring flashlight, long pants, walking shoes and insect repellent. $3 per person and children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required and must be made by 3 p.m. Nov. 24; call (337) 291-8448.

Acadiana Park Nature Station

    Join the Griswolds when Movies in the Parc present “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” at dusk (5:30 p.m.) in Parc International of downtown Lafayette. Cost is $2, free for kids 5 and under. Bring blankets, snacks and more and enjoy a holiday classic. Info: (337) 291-5566.
       The Acadiana Symphony Orchestra performs Christmas songs and classical selections as part of its “Sounds of the Season with the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra” at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 25 at St. Peters Catholic Church, 108 E St. Peter St. in New Iberia. Free. Info: (337) 364-1603.
    The Acadiana Center for the Arts presents the award-winning Playing By Air, a fusion of music, juggling and circus in which traditional theatricality meets absurd comedy, at 7 p.m. Nov. 27 & 28.
     Safari of Lights is a holiday event with lights, animation and the North Pole Express train at the Zoo of Acadiana, held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 30-Dec. 30 at the Zoo, 5601 US Hwy. 90 East in Broussard. Info: (337) 837-4325.

Movies in the Parc

     The Children’s Museum of Acadiana offers its Candy Cane Lane exhibit from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 1-Feb. 28 at the museum in downtown Lafayette. Visitors will be transported to a place full of holiday cheer and imagination where they can play in Santa’s Workshop, dress up as elves’ and visit a holiday village. Info: (337) 232-8500.
    Noel Acadien au Village, a light extravaganza to support the non-profit historic village, is 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. nightly Dec. 1-23 at LARC’s Acadian Village in Lafayette. There will be more than a half million lights, nightly entertainment, local cuisine, photos with Santa, carnival rides and items for sale. Info: (337) 981-2364.
    The 18th Annual Festival of Light, with shopping, Santa, music, food and real snow, will be 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 7 in the Oil Center of Lafayette. Info: (337) 232-1267, www.theoilcenter.com
    Le Vieux Village’s 11th Annual Christmas Lighting will be from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the historic “village” at 828 E. Landry St. in Opelousas. In addition to the lighting ceremony, there will be Christmas music, carols sung by a choir, refreshments, a horse-drawn buggy ride and Santa. Free. Info: (337) 948-5227.
    Get outside for a canoe paddle up Bayou Vermilion beginning at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 8. Cost is $5 or bring your own canoe or kayak and paddle for free. RSVP in advance by calling (337) 233-4077, Ext 205.
    Take a hike Dec. 8 at Lake Fausse Pointe State Park and learn about the different plants and animals in the park and how they've been historically utilized by the Chitimacha, Acadians and Creoles for food, shelter and medicine. Info: (888) 677-7200.
    Yuletide on the Bayou, a Gingerbread House competition among Girl Scouts, will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 8, at Boulingy Plaza, 102 W Main St. in New Iberia. Info: (337) 369-2330.
     Old-Time Christmas at Vermilionville will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 11-20 and include Papa Noël, demonstrations on how to make wax candles, citrus pomanders and soap, a Christmas sing-a-long and a reading of “A Cajun Night before Christmas.”
    Learn about bousillage, a mixture of mud and Spanish moss used in Acadian and Creole home building, at 11 a.m. Dec. 15 at Lake Fausse Pointe State Park. Guests will learn the basics of bousillage and create their own sculptures out of bousillage to take home. Info: (888) 677-7200.
    A Christmas Celebration will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 15 at Vermilionville with a hands-on family cooking class, decorating workshop where kids use natural and traditional items to make decorations, Christmas caroling in the village and a cookie decorating contest.

New Year's Noon Countdown and Carnival

    Christmas parades in Acadiana include the Sonic Christmas Parade through Lafayette from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 2; Lake Arthur Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. Dec. 8; Delcambre Boat Parade at 6 p.m. Dec. 8; St. Lucy Festival of Light and KC Christmas Parade from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (parade at 2 p.m.) Dec. 9 in St. Martinville and the Opelousas Children’s Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. Dec. 13.
    For New Year’s, the Children’s Museum of Acadiana offers a New Year’s Noon Countdown & Carnival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 31 at the museum in downtown Lafayette. The cost is $6 per person and includes exhibits, confetti, cannons and prize drops. Info: (337) 232-8500.
    For a complete list of holiday events, visit http://www.lafayettetravel.com/play/festivalsevents/cajun-creole-christmas.

A Cajun & Creole Christmas — Performances

There is so much to do this holiday season! Here is a list of special holiday performances held throughout Acadiana, from the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra and Lil’ Band O’ Gold’s Christmas musical specials to the massive choir of Lafayette’s First Baptist Church on a 24-foot Christmas tree. It’s a good idea to call or visit the corresponding web sites to verify times and dates and to learn about admission charges.
     For a complete list of Cajun and Creole Christmas events, visit LafayetteTravel.com.
    Downtown Alive! free music concert series features The Pine Leaf Boys Nov 21 in Parc Sans Souci and includes the Lighting of the Official City Christmas Tree and Toys for Tots Drive. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., music starts at 6 p.m.

Downtown Alive!

    "A Christmas Tuna," a comedy for all ages, will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21-24 and 2 p.m. Nov. 25 at Cité des Arts. And yes, that means they are having a show on Thanksgiving evening!
    Join the Griswolds when Movies in the Parc presents “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” at dusk (5:30 p.m.) in Parc International of downtown Lafayette. Cost is $2, free for children 5 and younger. Bring blankets and snacks. Info: (337) 291-5566.
       The Acadiana Symphony Orchestra performs Christmas songs and classical selections as part of the “Sounds of the Season with the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra” at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 25 at St. Peters Catholic Church, 108 E St. Peter St. in New Iberia. Free. Info: (337) 364-1603.
    The Acadiana Center for the Arts presents the award-winning Playing By Air, a fusion of music, juggling, and circus in which traditional theatricality meets absurd comedy, at 7 p.m. Nov. 27 & 28. Admission is $10 adults, $7 children.
    The UL-Lafayette School of Music and Performing Arts will present its annual Christmas Concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1, in Angelle Auditorium on the UL campus. The performance will feature the combined talent of the UL Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Choir and Percussion Ensemble with each group performing Christmas classics. Info: (337) 482-6224.
    If you missed Lil’ Band O’ Gold’s Christmas special last year – with the golden sounds of some of the most influential musicians coming out of Acadiana – here’s another chance. Lil' Band O' Gold's “The Return of the Annual Swamp Pop Christmas Pageant” will be performed at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 in Lake Charles and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7 at the Acadiana Center for the Arts in Lafayette. Info: (337) 233-7060.
    Firelight Performing Arts, a Louisiana non-profit theater group, will present “Scrooge, the Musical” on Dec. 6 through 9 at UL-Lafayette’s Burke Hall. Performances are 7 p.m. Dec-6-8 and 2 p.m. Dec 8 and 9. Tickets $15; call (337) 962-0306.
    Iberia Performing Arts League presents Jean Shepherd’s “A Christmas Story” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, 7 and 8 and Dec 13, 14, 15 and at 3 p.m. Dec 9 and 16. Tickets $10, available at Delaune’s Pharmacy, Paul’s Flowers and Accentrics on Main Street and by calling (337) 364-6114.

Singing Christmas Tree

    The Singing Christmas Tree is a Broadway-style Christmas show for the entire family with a choir singing from a 24-foot tall Christmas tree with more than 100,000 lights synchronized to music. Performances are 7 p.m. Dec. 7, 8 and 10 and 3 p.m. Dec. 8 and 9 at the First Baptist Church in Lafayette. Info: (337) 593-3757.
     “The Nutcracker” will be performed by Lafayette Ballet Theatre with special guests at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 and 9 and 2 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Heymann Performing Arts Center in Lafayette. The ballet’s annual fundraiser “Land of the Sweets” follows the Sunday matinee (about 4 p.m.) at the Heymann Convention Center (behind the theater). Attendees may enjoy coffee or soft drinks while sampling hors d’oeuvres and sweets from area restaurants and “Nutcracker” stars will be on hand for autographs and photos. Info: (337) 262-0444.
    Chorale Acadienne presents Christmas by Candlelight at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Grand Opera House of the South in Crowley.
    The Acadiana Symphony Orchestra presents “Louisiana Christmas” with special guest artist Sonny Landreth and the ASO children chorus at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Heymann Performing Arts Center in Lafayette.

"The Nutcracker"

    The Performing Arts Society of Acadiana presents Cirque Chinois, the National Circus of the People’s Republic of China, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Heymann Performing Arts Center.
    Lessons and Carols, traditional candlelight service of readings and choral music for the Christmas season in the historic St. John Cathedral, will begin at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at 914 St. John St. in Lafayette. Free. Info: (337) 232-1322.
    The Acadiana Repertory Theatre present “Carol, A Broken Chain,” a commissioned world premiere adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” featuring carolers and special events in the lobby of the Acadiana Center for the Arts, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20-22.
    Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival will be performed at 4 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Cajundome.
    The Children’s Museum of Acadiana offers a New Year’s Noon Countdown & Carnival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 31 at the museum in downtown Lafayette. The cost is $6 per person and includes exhibits, confetti, cannons and prize drops. Info: (337) 232-8500.
     This is only a tip of the holiday iceberg. Be sure and check out the full schedule at http://www.lafayettetravel.com/play/festivalsevents/cajun-creole-christmas.

A Cajun & Creole Christmas – Shopping Opportunities

    There’s so many great opportunities to shop for holidays gifts in Acadiana, from original artwork to unique cultural creations. And you can save on sales tax! The State of Louisiana designated Downtown Lafayette as a Cultural Products District in March 2010 so all state sales tax is exempt from purchased original artwork.
    Be sure and “like” the Facebook page of ShopLafayette, which promotes shopping along with overnight stays at hotels and motels in Lafayette Parish. Once they reach 7,000 fans they will be giving away a World’s Best Chicken Cooker from Bruce Foods!

Second Saturday ArtWalk, Lafayette

    Here is a list of special activities where great shopping can be had during the holiday season.
    C’est Jolie Flowers, Gifts, and Christmas Store, 203 E. Bridge St. in St. Martinville will be selling trees, decorations, wreaths and more from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Dec. 31.
    Lake Arthur Merchant’s Association presents Glitter & Garland, holiday shopping with photos with Mrs. Claus and more from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 16 on Lake Arthur’s Arthur Avenue. Free. (337) 774-5101.

     Holiday Magic among the Jeff Davis Parish retail stores will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 16-17. Free. (337) 824-0933.
      Christmas in Vermilion offers a variety of holiday activities Nov. 23-Jan. 1 throughout Vermilion Parish. (337) 898-6600. 
    Le Grand Noel, with musical performances, demonstrations, holiday refreshments and horse and carriage rides, will be 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 24 throughout the shops of historic Grand Coteau. 337-662-1032.
    Christmas Shoppe, featuring local crafters displaying handcrafted jewelry, beauty products, handmade candles & soap, food products and much more, will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 25 at the Willow Wood Park Recreation Center in New Iberia. (337) 229-1982.
     Christmas at Coteau, featuring vendors and a gourmet luncheon, will be Nov. 30-Dec. 1 at the Academy of the Sacred Heart, 1821 Academy Road in Grand Coteau. Admission $7. (337) 662-5275
     The 20th Annual Christmas Shopping Extravaganza with 48 booths of crafters from throughout the area, will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 1 at the corner of S. Avenue East and Elm Street in Crowley. Admission $1 per person; 12 years and younger free. (337) 783-9076.

San Souci Gallery

     Carencro Country Christmas, an event that features a parade and music in addition to arts and crafts booths, will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Carencro Community Center in Carencro. Free.
     Noel Acadien au Village is 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. nightly Dec. 1-23 at LARC’s Acadian Village in Lafayette. There will be more than a half million lights, nightly entertainment, local cuisine, photos with Santa, carnival rides and items for sale. (337) 981-2364.
    Christmas in Crowley “A Holiday Affair” will include local merchants as part of its varied holiday event from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 5 in historic downtown Crowley. Free.
     Abbeville's 14th Annual Christmas Stroll, where merchants open their businesses for holiday shopping, is 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 in downtown Abbeville. (337) 898-6600.
    Kaplan Area Spirit of Christmas, where merchants open their businesses for holiday shopping in addition to other activities, will be Dec. 6-8 in downtown Kaplan. (337) 898-6600.

The 18th Annual Festival of Light, with shopping, Santa, music, food and real snow, will be 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 7 in the Oil Center of Lafayette. (337) 232-1267.
    A Merry Marketplace, Lafayette's newest Holiday shopping event, will be Dec. 7 at Top Shelf Sports Arena in Youngsville.
    Le Vieux Village’s 11th Annual Christmas Lighting will also feature local merchants, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 7 in Opelousas. In addition there will be Christmas music, carols sung by a choir, refreshments, a horse-drawn buggy ride and Santa. Free. (337) 948-5227.

Lafayette Art Association Gift Shop

     The 2nd Saturday ArtWalk, featuring more than a dozen galleries in downtown Lafayette and artwork in area businesses and restaurants, will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 8. Free. (337) 291-5566.
    The Lafayette Art Association’s Christmas Exhibit begins Dec. 10 with a 6 p.m. opening party at their gallery at 1008 St. Mary St. and the artwork will remain up until Jan. 8, 2013. Be sure and check out the association’s gift shop and the wonderful creations for sale from participating artists.
    This is only a tip of the holiday iceberg. Be sure and check out the full schedule at http://www.lafayettetravel.com/play/festivalsevents/cajun-creole-christmas.

A Cajun and Creole Christmas - Ongoing Events

    Lafayette and the surrounding area becomes transformed every year into a sparkling winter wonderland. Events vary, from festivals of light and parades to tours of homes and live performances. Not only is it spectacular, but unique to South Louisiana and our Cajun and Creole culture.
    “A Cajun and Creole Christmas” has been voted a Top 20 December Event by the Southeast Tourism Society and you’ll find out why when you visit. For a complete list of individual events in our area, visit http://www.lafayettetravel.com/play/festivalsevents/cajun-creole-christmas.

    The following are events that are ongoing throughout the holiday season:
     The Hanley-Guéno Neapolitan Presepio Exhibit, showcasing 18th nativity tableau, is available 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 9 a.m. to noon Fridays at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Museum in Lafayette. By admission. Info: (337) 232-1322.
     Christmas in Crowley Lights to Music Spectacular will be 5:30 p.m. to midnight Nov. 22-Jan. 3 at City Hall, 425 N. Parkerson in Crowley. Over 50,000 dazzling animated holiday lights are synchronized to music and you can listen to the lights by tuning in on your car radio!
     Safari of Lights is a holiday event with lights, animation and the North Pole Express train at the Zoo of Acadiana, held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 23-24 and Nov. 30-Dec. 30 at the Zoo, 5601 US Hwy. 90 East in Broussard. By admission. Info: (337) 837-4325.
     Christmas at the Alexandre Mouton House features holiday decorations at the historic home from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, Nov. 29-Dec. 29, at 1122 Lafayette St. in downtown Lafayette. By admission. Info: (337) 234-2208.
    Noel Acadien au Village (shown) is a holiday extravaganza with thousands of lights, activities and live music from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. nightly, Dec. 1-23, at LARC’s Acadian Village in Lafayette. By admission. Info: (337) 981-2364.
     Victorian Christmas at Grevemberg House will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily Dec. 1-31 at 407 Sterling Road in historic Franklin. By admission. Info: (337) 828-2092. Also in Franklin is Oaklawn Manor, home to former Louisiana Gov. Mike Foster, and the home will be adorned for the holidays and open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, Dec. 1-Jan. 6, at 3296 Oaklawn Drive, off Irish Bend Road in Franklin. By admission. Info: (337) 828-0434.

     Victorian Christmas at the Joseph Jefferson Home & Rip Van Winkle Gardens is offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 1-Jan. 8 at the historic home, gardens and café at 5505 Rip Van Winkle Road in New Iberia. By admission. Info: (337) 359-8525.
    Shadows Merry Making Season in the Shadows-on-the-Teche Plantation Home & Gardens decorated for the holidays will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 3-31 at the historic home at 317 E. Main Street in New Iberia. By admission. Info: (337) 369-6446.
    Old-Time Christmas at Vermilionville will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 11-20 and include Papa Noël, demonstrations on how to make wax candles, citrus pomanders and soap, Christmas singalong and a reading of “A Cajun Night before Christmas.”
    This is only a tip of the holiday iceberg. Be sure and check out the full schedule at http://www.lafayettetravel.com/play/festivalsevents/cajun-creole-christmas.