Posted by: Mae Mayeux
Louisiana is an incredible place to visit during the holiday season, with countless events and festivals happening in all corners of the state. One of our favorite holiday events is the Noel Acadien Au Village in Lafayette. This fun-filled festival takes place every night from November 30th until December 23rd in Lafayette. Over the course of 23 joyful nights, you’ll have the chance to enjoy light spectacles, carnival rides, live entertainment, local cuisine, holiday arts and crafts, a visit from Santa, and loads of other festive holiday surprises.
Lafayette’s Acadian Village is a one-of-a-kind, open-air museum where visitors can experience the authentic Acadian life of southwest Louisiana during the 19th century. With its well-preserved homes and historic charm, a trip to the Acadian Village will transport you back in time to the 1800s. Though worth a visit any time of year, the Village is especially magical during the Christmas season when it is transformed into one of the best holiday event venues in all of Lafayette.
The main draw of the festival is the half-a-million sparkling lights strung all throughout the village, including a fully-lit chapel, animated displays, and spectacularly decorated Acadian home porches. At the Christmas carnival, you’ll find festive carousels, trains, bumper cars, and other fun, holiday-themed rides. Head to the LUS Fiber Pavilion for nightly performances by local bands and choirs playing everything from blues and rock ‘n roll to traditional Christmas tunes. At Santa’s Kitchen, you’ll find all sorts of delicious food, from holiday treats like hot chocolate and cookies to authentic Cajun fair such as gumbo, pork jambalaya, and po’boys. The Village Christmas Store is also a great place to do a little Christmas shopping and stock up on local crafts and artwork, baked goods, holiday decor, children’s toys and trinkets, stocking stuffers, and so much more. And of course, no holiday festival is complete without a visit from Santa. Photos with Santa are available nightly, from 6-9 pm, and make the perfect holiday memory for kids and adults alike.
The Noel Acadien Au Village is a holiday activity the entire family can enjoy. Keeping with the true spirit of Christmas, proceeds from the festival benefit LARC, a local non-profit organization that helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Admission is $8 in advance, $10 at the gate, and free for seniors and active military members (with ID). If you are looking for a place to stay during your time in Lafayette, make sure to check out the Louisiana Bed & Breakfast Association’s many wonderful properties located throughout the region, including cottages, historic homes, plantation bed & breakfasts, and more.
Planning a trip to Louisiana this holiday season? Book a stay at one of the Louisiana Bed & Breakfast Association’s many charming and unique properties located all across the state!