Louisiana
Experiences|Events

Louisiana’s Enchanting 1-Mile Magic Of Lights Holiday Drive-Thru Is Sure To Delight

Candy Cane Lane in Calhoun, Louisiana, offers a spectacular drive-through holiday light display that families can enjoy without leaving their car.

Updated Oct 29, 2023

Written by 

Jackie Sutherlin

It’s the holiday season, y’all! Soon our evenings will be illuminated with the displays of millions of twinkling lights that would even put the Grinch in the holiday spirit. This year, kick off your holiday festivities with a drive through this Candy Cane Lane in Louisiana. Located in Calhoun it’s one of the most special holiday light displays in the state, and you never even have to leave your car to see it! Come along as we show you why we love it so much and are sure you will too! Let’s take a closer look:

Calhoun is a tiny town just outside of Monroe, Louisiana.

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Abigail Shirley/Google

You may have never heard of Monroe, before, but it’s home to one of the most incredible holiday displays in Louisiana.

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Every year, the Hanson family transforms part of their 52-acre property into a Candy Cane Lane.

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Candy Cane Lane Drive Thru Christmas Light Park /Facebook

The result is a dazzling holiday light display that the whole family will love.

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Candy Cane Lane Drive Thru Christmas Light Park /Facebook

It takes a lot of work, but when all of the lights are hung and the displays are set up…

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Christopher626/Google

…it’s awe-inspiring!

They began the light show in 2017.

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Candy Cane Lane Drive Thru Christmas Light Park /Facebook

And since that time and it’s become one of the most popular Louisiana Christmas traditions for hundreds of families.

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The best part of it all is that you never have to leave your car!

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Henry Wiygul/Google

So all you have to do is snuggle up with family and friends and enjoy the ride.

You’ll drive through a mile-long display filled with over a million lights...

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... and numerous Christmas-themed displays.

Kids of all ages will be mesmerized by the light show.

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Heck, even adults will find themselves smiling from ear to ear as they drive through!

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Candy Cane Lane is open nightly November 11 - December 31 from 6 p.m. till 10 p.m.

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Admission is $20 per vehicle and $40 per commercial vehicle (church van, 15 passenger van, etc).

For more information, be sure to check out the Candy Cane Lane website and give them a follow on the Candy Cane Lane Drive Thru Christmas Light Park Facebook page.

Have you visited Candy Cane Lane in previous years? Are you planning a trip this year? If you've been, would you say it is one of the best ways to enjoy Christmas in Louisiana? How about winter in Louisiana? Let us know in the comments below!

If you'd like to stay a night or two in a nearby bigger city, consider the  Courtyard Shreveport-Bossier City/Louisiana Boardwalk.

If you’re still in the mood for more Louisiana adventures, take a look at this video:

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Experiences|Events

There is an Entire Christmas Village in Louisiana and it’s Absolutely Delightful

LARC’s Acadian Village transforms into a magical winter wonderland with over half a million Christmas lights and festive activities from December 1st to 23rd.

Updated Oct 28, 2024

Written by 

Jackie Sutherlin

LARC’s Acadian Village is a one-of-a-kind experience where visitors get the opportunity to travel back to the early 1800s to experience early Acadian life. While this historic gem is a wonderful year-round attraction, the village truly transforms into a winter wonderland every holiday season, worthy of a road trip with the family from any corner of the state. Gas up the car, because the lovely Acadian Village Christmas lights are a must-see Christmas attraction in Louisiana. Let's check out what makes the Acadian Village Christmas lights so magical.

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Rear view of young Asian mother carrying her lovely little daughter in arms, looking at illuminated Christmas tree in Christmas market. Family moment. Enjoying Christmas atmosphere. Holiday and festive vibes. Christmas is here

Mark your calendars because LARC’s Acadian Village, also known as Noel Acadien au Village, transforms for the month of December, and you don’t want to miss it.

Noel Acadien au Village is a nightly celebration that the entire family will enjoy from December 1st - 23rd.

As you walk through the village, your pathway is illuminated with hundreds and hundreds of twinkling lights. Over half a million lights adorn the historic buildings peppered throughout the village. Animations, lighted displays, and live entertainment round out the village’s holiday theme and make the perfect background for your family's holiday photos.

There are also carnival rides and food from local vendors, so you can refuel in between thrilling rides and mesmerizing light displays.

The Acadian Village Christmas dates for the 2024 season are December 1 - December 23, 2024.

Weather permitting, you can expect the village to be open every evening during those dates from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. We'd recommend visiting the first or second weekend in December to escape the crowds. It'll get much busier as we get closer to Christmas!

Take a virtual tour through LARC’s Acadian Village to get a sneak peak:

Tickets are less than $10 per adult if purchased in advance. Online tickets for Noel Acadien au Village are good for any day and can be found online or at Acadian Shop Rite locations. For more information, be sure to check out the Acadian Village website, and don't forget you can also check out the Acadian Village Facebook page, so you can stay up to date on any weather delays, and closures, or catch a glimpse at all the wonder and excitement that awaits you.

Have you ever visited Noel Acadien au Village? Share this article with someone you would want to visit this Christmas display in Louisiana with! And for more information about LARC's Acadian Village, check out our previous article.

And for more Christmas inspiration, check out the best Christmas towns in Louisiana. Don't forget to check out our official gift-giving guide.

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Experiences|Events

We Can’t Wait To Attend Louisiana’s Most Charming Harvest Festival This Fall

Published Aug 30, 2024

Written by 

Jackie Sutherlin

Fall is festival season in Louisiana. The cooler temperatures get everybody out of the house and over to their nearest festival to enjoy live music, great food, and maybe an ice-cold beverage or two. The Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival is one of our favorite fall festivals, and it’s just around the corner. 

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sugar cane field at dusk
Todd Landry Photography/Moment Collection via Getty Images

When Jesuit priests first brought sugar cane to Louisiana in 1751, they could never have predicted the impact it would have on Louisiana. Sugar cane is one of Louisiana’s biggest exports and is responsible for nearly 20,000 jobs in Louisiana. 

Out of the 23 sugar-producing parishes, Vermilion, Iberia, Lafayette, Iberville, St. Mary, and Assumption Parishes lead the pack. In 2022, Louisiana produced more than two million tons of raw sugar, making Louisiana the top-producing state in the country. Louisiana and Florida are typically neck-and-neck every year, but it looks like Louisiana may be tasting the sweet victory for the next few years. 

Sugar cane is one of Louisiana’s biggest crops, and on the last weekend of September, all of the sugar-producing parishes come together to New Iberia to throw the annual Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival. This is one of the oldest festivals in Louisiana! The festival was born in 1937 and it’s only gotten sweeter every year. 2024 marks the festival’s 81st season.

welcome to New Iberia, louisiana sign
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

Here’s everything you need to know about this beloved fall festival in Louisiana:

September 26-29, 2024 are the dates for this year—don’t forget!

The four-day festival begins on Thursday, September 26th with an art/garden/flower show followed by a reception. Festers can also attend Farm Fest over on the grounds of Shadows on the Teche from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. This family-friendly event kicks off the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival and admission is $10 per family. There will be plenty of family activities including a petting zoo, cupcake decorating, live music, a kids’ raffle, and more. 

The annual blessing of the crop at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 27 marks the beginning of the festival (and sugar cane season). The entire weekend is full of parades, live music, and delicious food. 

Check out the musical acts for the 2024 Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival:

Friday 9/27:

  • Cajun Roots
  • The Rouge Krewe
  • Molly Ringwalds
  • Mike Jamez
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Saturday 9/28:

  • Bad Boys Band
  • Jamie Bergeron & The Kickin Cajuns
  • Spank the Monkey
  • YING YANG TWINS

Friday and Saturday nights are an epic Fais Do Do that’s not to be missed. View a full listing of musical acts and times on the festival’s website. 

A single dad sitting on a spinning swing ride with his son, both of them with their arms stretched out while spending the day at the fun fair.
Tom Wener/DigitalVision Collection via Getty Images

The festival will also have plenty of carnival rides for all ages to enjoy. 

The Street Fair is located at Bouligny Plaza in downtown New Iberia. Tickets cost $1.25 each—keep in mind that some rides may require more than one ticket!

Visit the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival website for more information. Are you planning on attending this fall festival this year? Let us know in the comments below!

There’s still time to find a place to stay in New Iberia. This waterfront cabin might be just what you’re looking for!

If you want to add a little spice to your sweet festival, carve out some time to visit Avery Island nearby.

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