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.