Good morning, Lafayette.

Earlier Monday, Angels Preparing Nations on Johnston Street provided free Christmas meals, showers, clothing and free haircuts + resources to those in need.

The nonprofit will continue its outreach through the holiday season.

Louisiana state parks have announced free First Day Hikes on Jan.

1 and 2, 2026. Participants can choose self-guided or ranger-led walks at several park sites to kick off the new year outdoors.

Families have time for a festive tour of standout Christmas light displays across Lafayette, Youngsville, and Broussard.

Leah Landers created a Facebook list to help locals find unique holiday decorations, including one on Forest Grove Drive featuring over 300 blow molds.

Louisiana grocery stores will open on Christmas Eve with modified hours (for example, Walmart until 6 p.m., Target from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Kroger from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.) while remaining closed on Christmas Day.

Andre Michot of the Grammy-winning Lost Bayou Ramblers said there are now 10 or 12 Cajun accordion builders in south Louisiana, a steep drop from the 30 or more in the 70s and 80s.

He builds and customizes each traditional accordion by hand (preserving a cherished local tradition).

LITE Center, in partnership with the LEED Center and UL’s Office of Innovation Management, received a $200K USDA grant that will fund the REDI Initiative to boost technology support and spur job growth for rural businesses.

The program will help startups reduce barriers and attract investment.

Chad LaComb, director of UL’s Office of Innovation Management, was chosen by the Delta Regional Authority for the 2026 Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy.

The five-month program—bringing together leaders from the region—is set to boost economic development and community innovation.

LCG will install five new trash cans at Graham Brown Memorial Park over the next year using a $3,500 grant — part of Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s Trash Receptacle Program — to help improve park cleanliness following a recent litter assessment.

On Christmas Day several Lafayette restaurants such as La Papa Loca (4702 Johnston St.) and Piccadilly (100 Arnould Blvd.) will offer traditional holiday meals, and customers are advised to call ahead for reservations.

Louisiana chains offer holiday dining options this Christmas with IHOP, Waffle House (24/7) and Denny’s open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day while Applebee’s and Chili’s serve only on Christmas Eve; hours may vary by location.

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.

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at Louisiana Ragin Cajuns Women's Basketball

5:59-9:59 p.m. — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — Check the scoreboard as the home team faces the Chanticleers in a thrilling women's basketball matchup.