Christmas in Louisiana is unlike celebrating the holidays in any other place in the world. There’s great food, great music, and great Christmas light displays to enjoy. I’ve lived in Louisiana my whole life and there’s one place I’ve always wanted to visit during the holidays – the Acadian Village.
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Located at 200 Greenleaf Dr, Lafayette, LA 70506, this life-size village is a replica of a typical 1800s Cajun village. It was designed with three purposes in mind: 1) to preserve an early piece of Acadian heritage, 2) to provide employment for LARC clients, and 3) to raise funds to offset government cuts to the program. LARC is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of people in Acadiana’s community with developmental disabilities. At Christmas time the Acadian Village is covered in lights and becomes a holiday destination in the Southern Louisiana area. Visitors can stroll through the gorgeous light displays, visit the General Store, and even enjoy carnival rides like a lighted Ferris Wheel – just be sure to have on your best walking shoes.
Tips for visiting Acadian Village at Christmas time:
Arrive Early. The gates open at 5:30 PM and remain open until 9:00 PM (weather permitting) but if you want a close parking spot, I recommend getting there about an hour early, finding a parking spot, and just waiting. Trust me, your feet will thank you.
Be patient. There are a lot of visitors at this event and they’re all trying to take the perfect Christmas picture. Try and be patient as families and groups of friends pose for pictures. You’ll likely be trying to take pictures in the same locations so try not to rush.
Go to the restroom before you visit. There are limited restrooms at the Village so definitely make sure you don’t have to go while you’re there because there might be a long line for the bathroom.
Verse of the Day: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6
