It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and Acadiana is spreading holiday cheer. With all the merry events around the area, even the grinchiest of Grinches will find joy in the season.

Throw Me Something, Santa

Acadiana loves a parade, so what better way to spread holiday cheer than with Santa on a float? At Broussard a Noel, Saturday, December 2, the Christmas parade runs down Morgan St. to Main St., ending at City Hall, where kids can play reindeer games, get their face painted like elves, sing with carolers, and stay for the Annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree. You can catch the Youngsville Rotary Christmas Parade December 6 – 8 at 6:30 as Santa’s Big Red Ride travels through neighborhoods. The Sonic Christmas Parade rolls downtown Lafayette on December 3. Check the routes for Broussard’s one and only Golf Cart Santa for a unique tradition of dancing elves and pictures with Mrs. Claus.

Merry & Bright Holiday Series

Downtown Lafayette Unlimited presents the fourth annual Merry & Bright Series, which kicks off with the Lighting of the Tree Concert featuring Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band on Friday, Dec. 1, 5 – 9 p.m. Bring the kids to the Christmas Carnival on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2 – 5 p.m. where they can enjoy pony rides, face painting, games, and fun jumps. On Saturday, Dec. 9, bring popcorn and a blanket for Movie in the Parc for the featured film Dr. Suess’ The Grinch at 4:30 p.m. or stroll down Jefferson St. through the Holiday Art Market from 5 – 8 p.m. Take in the festive artwork of the Window Wonderland and vote for your favorite Christmas tree in Parc International.

All Month Long

Experience a Victorian Christmas at the Joseph Jefferson Home in Rip Van Winkle Gardens. The historic mansion will be decorated in traditional Christmas trimmings and open for tours from November 27 – December 31 (except Christmas Day), from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Take a stroll through half a million twinkling lights at LARC’s Noel Acadien au Village from December 1 – 24, 5:30 – 9 p.m. Take a photo with Santa, brave the carnival rides, and chow down on local cuisine while admiring the vibrant Christmas scenes. Explore what the holidays were like for the Weeks family and those enslaved on the plantation during the Shadows Holiday Harvest Home & Garden Tour every Thursday – Saturday in December from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Holiday Shop ‘til You Drop

Score all your holiday gifts at the Sugar Plum Market at the Cajundome & Convention Center on December 9 from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. With over 100 vendors, you are sure to check off everyone on your nice list. Join the merriment at New Iberia’s Very Berry Christmas Quest, where families follow a quest to various small businesses for kid-friendly activities. Upon completion of your quest, you are entered to win grand prizes. Along the way, do a little shopping while the kids are entertained!

Moncus Park’s Christmas in the Park

Live music, interactive games, hayrides, hot chocolate and smores, Santa photos and more! Moncus Park is hosting festivities all weekend long, December 15 – 17. On Friday, experience “A Cajun Christmas” with the Pine Leaf Boys and special guests, Chubby Carrier, Steve Riley & the Brazos Huval School of Music. On Saturday, rock out with Rockin’ Doopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters with special guests The Lagniappes. Then, on Sunday, cozy up for “The Polar Express” on the big screen at the amphitheater.