Celebrate the Holiday Magic of Downtown
Don’t miss out on the third annual Merry & Bright Holiday Series, presented by Lafayette Coca-Cola Bottling Co., happening Downtown this holiday season.
The holiday season is a time to come together and celebrate the connection you have to your family, friends, and community. Part of Downtown Lafayette Unlimited’s mission is to foster a downtown district where this can happen, to serve as a gathering place for memeries and traditions that stand the test of time.
This is made possible by the overwhelming support of our sponsors, companies and individuals that also want to have a hand in the success of Downtown and see the vision that DLU has for the district. Whether it is decorating a tree in our Christmas Tree Extravagenza or becoming a presenting sponsor for one of our several events, this incredibl season would not have been the same without our incredible sponsors.
To truly serve everyone in the community, it is important to make it accessible to the community. Through our sponsorship efforts, we are able to keep entry to all of our events this season free to the public and welcoming to all.
“The whole team at Downtown Lafayette and DLU has been focused on bringing back the Merry & Bright series to Downtown and keeping entry to each event free, thanks to the support of our generous sponsors.”
The Tradition of Merry & Bright
Downtown Lafayette’s Merry & Bright series may only be in its third year, but it has already made a huge impact. After making a huge investment to decorate and make Downtown vibrant for the holidays. After being unable to have in-person events in 2020 as a result of COVID-19, our team at DLU have been working tirelessly to bring Lafayette a wonderful variety of events for anyone to enjoy.
From a much needed concert to kick off the series to a fun-filled fair for the kids, family and community is at the center of every event we have for you this holiday season. Thanks to all of our Downtown churches, we also have a Christmas carol sing-along to truly get you in the spirit.
What’s in Store this Season
DLU is known for producing the Downtown Alive! Friday night concert series and will continue to contribute significant time, effort, and financial resources towards providing more one-of-a-kind family-friendly experiences that draw families to Downtown Lafayette.
Happening All Month Long
Christmas Tree Extravaganza
The Christmas Tree Extravaganza is presented by Barczyk Spine & Joint. A grove of beautiful Christmas trees is displayed in Parc International and are decorated by businesses, families, and organizations all competing to win $500 for the nonprofit of their choice. Online voting for both events will take place beginning December 1st with winners announced on December 18th.
Window Wonderland
Window Wonderland, in partnership with Basin Arts, allows businesses to bring holiday cheer to their storefronts. Online voting for both events will take place beginning December 1st with winners announced on December 18th.
Calendar of Events
Lighting of the Tree Concert
The Lighting of the Tree Concert presented by The Evangeline Bank & Trust Co., a free event, which will feature music by Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band in addition to the lighting of the official Christmas tree of Lafayette with Mayor-President Josh Guillory and his family.
Sonic Parade After-Party
The annual Sonic Christmas Parade rolls through Downtown at 1:00 p.m. and will mark the official arrival of Santa in Lafayette. Following the parade there will be an after party presented by Meritus Credit Union in Parc International featuring holiday music, drinks, and activities for the entire family.
Holiday Market
Parc Sans Souci will be transformed into a Holiday Market filled with thirty local artisans selling one-of-a-kind artwork and crafts accompanied by live performances. Holiday Market is presented by The Acadiana Advocate and is in conjunction with Second Saturday ArtWalk.
Candlelight Christmas
Candlelight Christmas is one of Downtown’s more traditional Christmas events with a live reading about a Savior born to a virgin in Bethlehem along with the singing of traditional Christmas carols, as led by Downtown parishioners and church choirs.
Movies in the Parc
A special Christmas edition of Movies in the Parc, sponsored by Ochsner Lafayette General, marks the grand finale of the Merry & Bright Holiday Series with a free showing of The Polar Express on Saturday, December 18th in Parc International. Family-friendly activations will accompany the free movie showing and concessions will be sold on-site.
This event series is made possible by our generous presenting sponsor Lafayette Coca-Cola Bottling Co., and event partners The Acadiana Advocate, Barczyk Spine & Joint, Basin Arts, DenMar Staffing, Guilliot Family Dentistry, The Evangeline Bank & Trust Co., Meritus Credit Union, and Ochsner Lafayette General. Huge thank you to our Silver Bell sponsors and Downtown Angels for making spirits bright: Acadiana Security Plus, brandRUSSO, CGI, Chase Tower, Lafayette Travel (LCVC), Parish Proud, Professional Outsource Services, Victor Ashy, ACSW Architects, Duplantis Design Group, Gleason Group, IDI Workspaces, Keaty Real Estate, MortgageSolutions360, Right Angle, and Under Pressure.
