Christmas is only 13 days away! There are many events in and around Acadiana to enjoy this weekend:
Now-DEC 30 – Safari of Lights. Zoo of Acadiana, Broussard. 5-9 p.m. 3 years old and above $6. Stroll the glistening pathways of the Zoo at night as Christmas music fills the air. View still and animated lighted animal figurines, North Pole Express Train ride, hot cocoa or hot cappuccino at the Elves Eatery. 337-837-4325, ZooOfAcadiana.org. (NOV 29 – Members Day).
Now-DEC 23 – Noël Acadien Au Village. Acadian Village, Lafayette. 5:30-9 p.m. $10 at the gate; $8 in advance. Festival fundraiser with half a million lights, displays, food, entertainment and holiday shopping. 337-981-2364, AcadianVillage.org.
DEC 11-13 – Living Bethlehem. Sugar Mill Pond Town Center, 120 Waterview Rd., Youngsville. 7-8 p.m. Free. The Living Bethlehem is a live nativity drama, held outdoors at Sugar Mill Pond and features a cast of children, live animals and a children’s choir. 337-856-2323, SugarMillPond.com.
DEC 11-14 – The Singing Christmas Tree. First Baptist Lafayette, 1100 Lee Ave., Lafayette. 12/11: 7 p.m., 12/12: 3 p.m., 12/13: 3 p.m., 12/14: 7 p.m. Admission. Includes a spectacular light show, choir, and orchestra. 337-593-3757, FBCLaf.org.
DEC 12 – 3rd Annual Santa on the Bayou. Pastor Brothers Cajun Excursion, 1500 General Mouton Ave., Lafayette. Admission. Includes fun jumps, a petting zoo, games and prizes, boat rides on the Vermillion River, photos with Papa Noel and a line-up of live music. 337-205-3276, PastorBrothers.com.
DEC 12 – Christmas on the Lake. South end of Arthur Ave. & Lake Arthur Park. 4 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Free. Hall of trees display at City Hall for two weeks. Gumbo cook-off, vendors on Main Street for Christmas shopping. Parade at 6 p.m. followed by fireworks. 337-774-2211.
DEC 12 – New Iberia Christmas Parade. Main St, New Iberia. 7-9 p.m. Christmas parade, with Santa Claus, marching bands and dance groups. 337-365-1428, IberiaTravel.com.
DEC 12 – Magic on Main and Gingerbread Tea. 320 E. Main St., New Iberia. 1-3 p.m. Admission. A gingerbread man will greet children ages four through ten and adults will enter into a magically decorated gingerbread themed room. There will be singing, a visit by Santa, storytelling, tea, hot chocolate and adult beverages are available along with delicious tea sandwiches and sweets. Holiday Tea Party attire is requested for this special occasion. 337-369-6446, IberiaTravel.com.
DEC 12 – Delcambre Christmas Boat Parade. Delcambre Docks. 307 Isadore St. 4-9 p.m. Fun for the whole family as you watch lighted boats of all sizes cruise Bayou Carlin while listening to Christmas music. 337-658-2422, IberiaTravel.com.
DEC 12 & 13 – The Nutcracker. Heymann Performing Arts Center, Lafayette. Tickets range from $22-$49. Lafayette Ballet Theatre with Principal guest artists from the Pacific Northwest Ballet, and the entire dance community, present the Holiday classic, The Nutcracker. A full-length classical ballet in two acts, based on the story of E. T. A. Hoffmann’s “Nutcracker and the King of Mice” with original music of Peter Tchaikovsky. 337-262-0444 or 337-291-5555, LafayetteBalletTheatre.org.
DEC 13 – City of Broussard Christmas Parade. Begins at the intersection of S. Morgan-Albertson Pkwy. 1 p.m. 337-837-6681. BroussardLA.com.
DEC 13 – Lessons & Carols. St. John Cathedral, 914 St. John Street, Lafayette. 7:30 p.m. Free. Traditional candlelight service of readings and choral music for the Christmas season in the beautiful ambiance of St. John Cathedral. 337-232-1322, SaintJohnCathedral.org.
DEC 13 – Festival of Light and Christmas Parade. St. Martin de Tours Church Square, St. Martinville. Food, arts & crafts, musical entertainment. 337-394-2233, StMartinville.org/Festivals.html.
DEC 13 – Delcambre Christmas on the Bayou. Main Street, Delcambre. 2-4 p.m. Parade begins at corner of Main Street & S. Pelloat to Delcambre Shrimp Festival Bldg. 337-519-2541, IberiaTravel.com.
(lafayettetravel.com) 