Merry & Bright is an annual celebration that transforms Downtown into a festive wonderland throughout December.

About Merry & Bright

Downtown Lafayette's Merry & Bright Holiday Experience is an annual celebration that transforms the city center into a festive wonderland throughout December. The event series kicks off with the Lighting of the Tree Concert, featuring live performances by Mike Dopsie & Zydeco Entourage and an opening act by Grace Novasad and Carnelian amongst the illumination of a towering Christmas tree in Parc Sans Souci. The area is adorned with twinkling lights and holiday decorations, creating a picturesque setting for family photos and seasonal enjoyment with Lafayette Coca-Cola bringing their beloved Polar Bear and the infamous Grinch on site for photo ops and fun! The team from the Downtown Ambassador Program will host an ornament decorating station for children of all ages to decorate an ornament and take a special part of this holiday experience home with them. We've got fun for Adults, too- Adorn Handcrafted Jewelry will be on site offering permanent jewelry. Reggie’s Soul Food, Nina Creole, & The Local Lemon will be serving up festive favorites and crowd-pleasing eats and drinks for purchase.

Please leave ice chests and pets at home, and support local by purchasing food and beverages from downtown restaurants and food trucks.

Make a night of it! Hop aboard our holiday trolley, running between Downtown Lafayette’s Christmas Tree Concert and the Oil Center Festival of Lights—two sparkling celebrations, one unforgettable evening.

The festivities continue with a variety of family-friendly events, including the Sonic Christmas Parade, which marks Santa's official arrival in Lafayette, and the Holiday ArtWalk showcasing unique gifts and artworks from local artisans. The Window Wonderland experience features creative holiday displays in Downtown storefronts, with the public invited to vote for their favorites. These events highlight the vibrant culture and community spirit of Downtown Lafayette during the holiday season.