Good morning, Lafayette.

Actor RJ Mitte is back in Acadiana for a week-long homecoming—his visit began on December 1 and will last until December 7—and he will meet fans at Cajun Con at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center.

Lafayette Travel has released a new Gumbo People episode that features Erica Fox—a curator and story keeper at Maison Creole de Freetown—who has transformed the historic home into a museum honoring African American history, and the video shows how local creatives shape Lafayette’s music, art, food, and traditions. The series is available to watch on GumboPeople.com—continuing to be promoted on Lafayette Travel’s digital channels throughout the year.

Lafayette Ballet Theatre will celebrate its 25th anniversary of The Nutcracker with shows on Dec 13 and Dec 14 at Heymann Performing Arts Center—this is the first time the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra will provide live music for the performance, and 25 local artists have painted nutcrackers for an online auction.

The southwest bound lane on W.

Congress Street near Lafayette High School remains closed until December 9 because of bad weather and essential utility work by Lemoine Company to install a new deceleration lane. Motorists are urged to proceed with caution in the work zone.

LSU has hired Lane Kiffin as its new football coach after he left Ole Miss during the College Football Playoff.

Kiffin is expected to boost LSU’s offense — concerns remain about his local recruiting and ability to secure a national title.

Sarah Montgomery from Lafayette turned her childhood dream into reality by becoming a professional race car driver who finished top ten in her rookie season.

Today she drives for the all-female AE Victory Racing team and mentors young women to race — proving that hard work beats barriers.

St. Thomas More’s four-star quarterback Cole Bergeron decommitted from Virginia Tech after he first committed on Aug.

7 and announced his decision via Instagram on Dec. 1—he is one of the top local prospects and holds offers from several colleges ahead of early signing day from Dec. 3–5.

Lafayette Christian Academy’s four-star wide receiver Brayden Allen decommitted from Oklahoma on Nov.

30 after LSU hired Lane Kiffin as head coach — he had earlier switched from Tulane and played a key role for the Knights — and his move shifts his college football future ahead of early signing day.

LSU's new coach Lane Kiffin was hired on November 30 and now faces the challenge of keeping five key players on his team as the high school signing period will begin Wednesday — his targets are D.J.

Pickett, Harlem Berry, Trey'Dez Green, Carius Curne and Gabriel Reliford.

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.

New Year’s Eve Dance with Geno Delafose

8:30 PM – 12:30 AM — Lafayette Parish Bayou Vermilion District — $45 — Celebrate the New Year with live music, food, and dancing at the biggest party of the year.