A Glorious Christmas in Lafayette: The Annual Lafayette Christmas Parade

The city of Lafayette, Louisiana, has a long history of celebrating the Christmas season with great joy and excitement. Every year, the locals come out in droves to enjoy the annual Lafayette Christmas Parade. This is an event that’s been held for over 40 years, and it continues to draw thousands of people each year. As one of the largest Christmas parades in the state, the Lafayette Christmas Parade is a must-see event for any visitor to the area.

The parade consists of a variety of floats, marching bands, and other festive ensembles. It takes place on the first Saturday in December, and the streets of downtown Lafayette are always packed with excited onlookers. During the parade, revelers can catch a glimpse of Santa Claus, snowmen, reindeer, and other holiday characters. There is also a large array of vendors, selling everything from Christmas cookies to hot cocoa. Children of all ages can be seen running up and down the street, trying to get a close-up view of the floats and characters as they pass by.

The History of the Lafayette Christmas Parade

The history of the Lafayette Christmas Parade goes back to the early 1970s. Back then, the parade was much smaller, more of a neighborhood celebration than a city-wide event. But as the years went by, the parade grew in size and popularity, eventually becoming one of the largest Christmas parades in the state of Louisiana. Today, it’s a beloved tradition for many locals, and visitors from all over the country come to take part in the festivities.

The Floats and Characters

One of the highlights of the Lafayette Christmas Parade are the floats. Each year, dozens of local businesses, organizations, churches, and families create beautiful floats to take part in the parade. These floats typically feature festive decorations, holiday music, and often a costumed character. Some of the more popular characters include Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, the elves, the Grinch, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

In addition to the floats, the parade also features a wide range of marching bands and dance groups. Many of these performers dress in their holiday best and add to the festive atmosphere of the parade. Other popular attractions include horse-drawn carriages, vintage cars, clowns, jugglers, and stilt walkers.

Entertainment and Food Vendors

Along the parade route, you’ll find plenty of entertainment and food vendors. These vendors serve up all sorts of treats, such as popcorn, hotdogs, and funnel cakes. There are also plenty of souvenir stands selling items such as t-shirts, hats, and mugs. The entertainment vendors offer a variety of activities, from face painting to caricature drawings.

To make sure the parade is truly a family affair, there are also special activities just for kids. These activities include everything from bounce houses to balloon artists. Kids can also take part in competitions such as a coloring contest or a festive costume contest.

Be Part of the Fun

If you’re looking for a festive way to celebrate the holidays, look no further than the annual Lafayette Christmas Parade. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. So gather your family and friends and make your way to downtown Lafayette for a fun-filled Christmas celebration.

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