Downtown Lafayette Welcomes Back the Festive ‘Merry & Bright’ Holiday Series

Downtown Lafayette is set to sparkle this December as it brings back the much-anticipated 'Merry & Bright' Holiday Series. Now in its fourth year, Downtown Lafayette Unlimited, in collaboration with Lafayette Coca-Cola Bottling Company and supported by Lafayette Travel, presents a month-long festive extravaganza.

Visitors to Downtown Lafayette can look forward to tons of holiday of activities. Highlights include a community-wide Christmas tree decorating contest, the enchanting Lighting of the Tree concert, the jovial Christmas Carnival, a Holiday Art Market, the grand finale of Movies in the Parc, and an amazing competition for the best holiday window display.

This year, Parc International will transform into a winter wonderland. The park will proudly host a towering 25-foot Christmas tree surrounded by a grove of live trees adorned by local families, businesses, and organizations.

"The Downtown Merry & Bright Holiday Series offers a heartwarming opportunity for families to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit right in the city's core," remarked Anita Begnaud, CEO of Downtown Lafayette Unlimited. She added, "We warmly welcome the community to join in the festivities, support our local businesses, and relish the walkability of downtown."

Beginning in November, local businesses will be part of the "Window Wonderland" initiative, showcasing inventive displays curated by local artists. Presented by Basin Arts and Downtown Lafayette Unlimited, the public will have the chance to vote for their favorite displays from December 1.

The much-anticipated Christmas Tree Extravaganza will commence on November 21 with a grand decorating party. The competition is open to all – from businesses to families. Voting begins on November 27, with winners announced mid-December.

The official inauguration of the Merry & Bright Holiday Series is scheduled for December 1, featuring a live performance by Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, presented by Evangeline Bank & Trust. Following the Sonic Christmas Parade on December 3, families can revel in the Christmas Carnival's delights, sponsored by Meritus Credit Union.

Moreover, December 9 promises a bustling evening with the Holiday Art Market and the Movies in the Parc season finale, featuring a free screening of Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch.

Downtown Lafayette Unlimited extends its gratitude to its sponsors, including The Chase Tower, Maison Title, First Horizon, and many others, for making this event possible.

For a detailed schedule and more information on the 2023 Merry & Bright Holiday series, please visit the Downtown Lafayette website here.