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Experiences|Events

The Louisiana Christmas Celebration Where You Can Share A Swamp Boat With Santa

McGee’s Swamp Tours offers a unique Atchafalaya Christmas tour featuring Papa Noël, alligator cookies, and festive activities.

Updated Nov 27, 2023

Written by 

Jackie Sutherlin

Down in Cajun Country, Santa Claus is more commonly known as Papa Noël. While he still makes his way around the world every Christmas delivering holiday cheer to all the good boys and girls, he trades his reindeer for alligators when he reaches the swamps. At least, that’s the Cajun version in the popular holiday book, "A Cajun Night Before Christmas." While there are plenty of spots to snag a selfie with Santa in Louisiana, this one might just be the most unique. At McGee’s Swamp Tours, you can take a Christmas swamp tour with Santa, known as the Atchafalaya Christmas tour. It's the same great swamp views with a festive twist, and we cant wait to see what's in store this year. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

In what can best be described as a Cajun version of the Polar Express, the Atchafalaya Christmas tour is one of the most unique holiday events in Louisiana.

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McGee’s Swamp Tours/Facebook

McGee’s Swamp Tours hosts swamp tours year-round, but during the holiday season, there’s a very special guest who’ll be leading the tour: Papa Noël!

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McGee’s Swamp Tours/Facebook

Enjoy alligator cookies and hot chocolate while you cruise through the swamps with Santa.

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McGee’s Swamp Tours/Facebook

The 60-minute tour is full of festive fun while peppering in the sights and sounds of the Atchafalaya Basin. Of course, Papa Noël will be reading “The Cajun Night Before Christmas.”

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McGee’s Swamp Tours/Facebook

Afterward, enjoy making handmade ornaments to take home as a souvenir...

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McGee’s Swamp Tours/Facebook

...and don't forget to take a picture with Papa Noël.

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McGee’s Swamp Tours/Facebook

Papa Noël will be giving tours from November 24 - December 23, 2023.

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McGee’s Swamp Tours/Facebook

There are multiple tours offered on select days, but this is one tour that will sell out quickly, so don't wait to buy your tickets!

Want a closer look at the McGee's Swamp Tours Christmas experience? The company posted this short video on YouTube three years ago, and the whole experience looks amazing!

Visit the McGee's Swamp Tours website to purchase your Atchafalaya Christmas Swamp Tour tickets today, and keep an eye on the McGee's Swamp Tours Facebook page for all the updates on this year's Christmas festivities. Don't let the festive fun end there, there are so many charming Christmas towns in Louisiana to make sure your holiday season is merry and bright.

Looking for a place to stay in the area once your Christmas swamp tour is done? Check out the Holiday Inn Express Breaux Bridge/Henderson, only five miles away from McGee's.

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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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