Christmas at Acadian Village
During the Christmas season, one of the most breathtaking attractions in Cajun country are the lights at Acadian Village. Not only a notable tourist attraction, the venue draws flocks of locals who make it a yearly family event.
Christmas at Acadian Village in Lafayette, La is always a special event in these parts, and is a perfect family or couples excursion for getting in the holiday spirit!
The Village official description reads:
LARC’s Acadian Village is an open-air museum that features one of the oldest authentic versions of Acadian life in southwest Louisiana in the 19th century.
While that is true, the Village is so much more. First, it’s a year-round open-air museum featuring live character actors depicting the oldest authentic language, skills, and history of Acadian settlers life. The Village welcome area is centered around the 19th century, then as you walk further in, it transports you to the early 1800’s.
Each year Acadian Village puts on a show of over a half million lights and also includes carnival rides for everyone to enjoy.
#TravelTip: Acadian Village is a great place to take pictures with Santa and also to take your group family picture for your Christmas Cards!
You get to enjoy the local Cajun cuisine, do a little holiday shopping through the local craft vendors and you never have to worry about parking! Bring Grandma and Grandpa…. they even provide VIP Parking for those who are less mobile and can’t walk too far (weekends only). It’s a great evening with the family and lots of fun.
2018 ACADIAN VILLAGE SCHEDULE
- 5:30pm to 9:00pm Nightly (Weather Permitting)
- Month of December
- Tickets are sold $8 in advance & can be purchased as early as the week of Thanksgiving at select Shop Rite & Tabasco Plus Stores.
- Tickets are sold $10 at the gate.
- Children 4 years and under are FREE.
The amazing event runs for 23 nights in December and is a critical annual fundraiser for LARC’s Acadian Village, a local 501(c) non-profit organization with its primary focus on assisting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
You’ll find plenty of press and praise for this centerpiece of cultural wonder, and we’ll be featuring more articles about the Village here on our site, but some of the standout features of the Christmas lights at Acadian Village are listing here.
Chapel
Visit the beautifully lit OPEN-Door Chapel and it’s creative and stunning Christmas decorations.
The New Hope Chapel is used as a popular wedding venue from January to November of each year. Brides and Grooms make their way to the chapel by crossing the bridge that goes over the rambling bayou which is surrounded by the 19th century rustic village.
Celebrating a rustic Louisiana wedding is perfect in the chapel.
Live Entertainment – Christmas Carolers
Acadian Village at Christmas time is never boring. You’ll enjoy the pleasant sounding Christmas Carolers and it’s ok if you sing along too! If you’ve seen the movie, Elf, Buddy the Elf says the best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud for all to hear.
Carnival Rides
For the more adventurous in spirit, an old-school carnival augments the attraction and runs the length of the event. Take a spin on the carousel, or watch the kids enjoy the unexpected joy of a late-season scramble. Be sure to bring a jacket as Louisiana weather can do a quick change on you!
The beautifully decorated Christmas carnival rides provide a lot of fun for adults and children. Pricing listed below:
Ride Coupons: 20 Coupons Per Sheet
1 Sheet: $20, Single Coupons: $1.00, Cash Only
An ATM is located at the pavilion for your convenience. Each ride takes 3 or more coupons. All riders must have coupons.
- Carousel: 3 Tickets
- Train: 3 Tickets
- Puppy Ride: 3 Tickets
- Magic Carpet: 3 Tickets
- Bumper Cars: 3 Tickets
- Arctic Blast: 3 Tickets
- Pirate Ship: 4 Tickets
Porches on the Houses
This year the little Acadian Homes have new themed & animated resin porch displays.
You won’t believe the beauty of the lights once the grounds are all lit up. Floating oil rings in the water create the perfect ambiance and keep you wanting to explore more of the beauty of the venue.
Don’t forget to visit the beautiful lighted Gingerbread house and the animated enchanted forest. You’ll never know what might pop out of the bushes!
It’s all good, clean, and safe fun for the whole family.
Local Cuisine
If you enjoy Cajun food, you’ll get your fill at Acadian Village Christmas.
Photo’s with Santa
Santa Claus is located under the LUS Fiber Pavilion, in the right-hand corner.
Package Price List
- Package 1: 1 – 5×7 = $16
- Package 2: 4 Wallets = $16
- Package 3: 2 – 5×7’s = $21
- Package 4: 1 – 5×7 & 4 Wallets = $21
- Package 5: 2 – 5×7’s & 8 Wallets = $31
Holiday Shopping
The Christmas Store and the Acadian Village Art Gallery are ready for your Christmas shopping needs.
- November Hours: Tue & Thurs 10am-2pm
- December Hours: Nightly 5:30-9 pm
More Information
For more information call 337-981-2364 or visit the Acadian Village Website.
If you’re visiting the area and need to book accommodations, the Louisiana Cajun Mansion Bed and Breakfast is perfectly located within minutes of Acadian Village/
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!