Good morning, Lafayette.

Santa Claus will visit several venues across Acadiana this holiday season — he will offer families photo opportunities at the Acadiana Mall daily until Dec.

24 and at local parades and village events with set schedules. Additional events will include live music, festive treats, and special activities for all ages.

On Thanksgiving Day, volunteers and guests filled Bailey’s Tandoori Grill in Lafayette to offer free meals to community members.

Owner Ema Haq said about 1600 meals delivered, picked up, and enjoyed on-site had been provided by the end of the event.

Black Friday drew eager shoppers across Lafayette Parish who began early to find big deals at Best Buy and other stores.

Many first-timers compared prices and some urged others to give back—reminding everyone to help those in need while shopping for holiday bargains.

Explore Louisiana has published a list of 11 Christmas events for this holiday season across Louisiana.

The list highlights festivals, light displays and local traditions at venues in Natchitoches, New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette's Noel Acadien au Village.

Local artists painted storefront windows downtown on November 21 and November 24 as part of the sixth annual Window Wonderland holiday event themed Tinsel Through Time.

Basin Arts — Downtown Lafayette partnered to create vibrant displays that brought festive spirit to the area.

Drought concerns have grown in Acadiana as forecasts predict an active weather pattern will bring needed rain in the coming days—offering relief to dry areas.

After Robby suffered a stroke on August 5, the Martins ended their plans to move to Bali and chose to live at The Vincent Senior Living—where Robby now gets outpatient rehab and both receive transportation services and daily care.

They say the community has helped ease their transition as they focus on recovery and adjusting to their new life.

On Friday at Gardiner Memorial Stadium, Notre Dame finished with a 27-19 win over Lafayette Renaissance as senior linebacker Wes Duplechin made a 58-yard fumble return—set up by his brother Jude’s sack—with 33 seconds left to secure the victory.

Notre Dame will host Calvary Baptist next Friday in the Select Division III semifinals.

Teurlings Catholic lost 21-7 to John Curtis in the LHSAA football playoffs on November 28th in downtown Lafayette—ending their season.

LSU women's basketball took on Marist in the opening round of the Paradise Jam Tournament Friday night at 7 p.m. CT at the Eldridge Wilburn Blake Sports and Fitness Center in the U.S. Virgin Islands, with the Tigers keeping a 6-0 record while Marist dropped to 2-4.

If the Tigers win, they will face the winner of the Washington State or Miami of Ohio game today at 8:30 p.m. CT on ESPN+.

The UL Ragin’ Cajuns will play today at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium against the UL-Monroe Warhawks in a game that could extend their winning streak to four games and earn bowl eligibility — coach Michael Desormeaux said the team will rely on running plays and strong defense to counter UL-Monroe’s top-ranked defense.

Friday night high school football playoffs in Lafayette featured key contests such as John Curtis at Teurlings, Lafayette Renaissance at Notre Dame and Ascension at Hamilton Christian—fans tracked live scores for Acadiana prep contests using the Scorestream app.

Darryl Payne Jr. from Lafayette, a former track star, is now racing in skeleton and hopes to secure a top-two finish to make Team USA, potentially becoming the first Black man to do so.

He began chasing his Olympic dream after watching the 2008 games and uses his Louisiana roots—instilling discipline—to drive his pursuit.

Postmodern Jukebox Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — Heymann Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the sensational sounds of Postmodern Jukebox's new-millennium Roaring 20s celebration.

Festival of Lights

5:30-9 p.m. — Ochsner Parking Garage — Ticketed event — Celebrate the holidays with lights, food, music, and family fun activities.

The Gospel According to Scrooge

December 5-8 — 1100 Lee Ave, Lafayette, LA — Free entry — Experience a musical retelling of a classic Christmas tale with a message of transformation and grace.

Locally Filmed Christmas Movie Showing

5-9 p.m. — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Ticket price applies — Enjoy heartwarming local Christmas films and a Q&A with cast and crew.

George Porter Jr. Performance

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary bassist and funk pioneer perform classic grooves from his illustrious career.

Breakfast with Santa 2025

9 a.m. — Dave and Buster's Lafayette — $10+ — Celebrate the holiday season with Santa over a festive breakfast and exclusive arcade fun for the whole family.

Cajun Christmas Ballet

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Family-friendly — Experience a Cajun-inspired ballet that celebrates Christmas through the adventures of Marie in the bayou.

Marc Broussard Concert

8:30 PM – 12:00 AM — Rock'n'Bowl® de Lafayette — $25 cover charge — Enjoy an evening of live music featuring Marc Broussard and special guest Mike Broussard.