December Goings On

Goings On

Local events in December are listed below.

TOUR BAYOU LAFOURCHE –

through December

Cast off from Thibodaux and take a journey to one of two historic plantation homes adjacent to Bayou Lafourche. One the way, learn about the waterway’s storied history and evolving biology. On Mondays and Fridays (from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), the 20-passenger aluminum boat travels to Madewood Plantation in Napoleonville; on Wednesdays, the trip ends at the E.D. White Plantation Home. Madewood tickets cost $28.25, which includes lunch. E.D. White trips cost $5. Reservations are required.

Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center, 314 St. Mary St., Thibodaux. (985) 448-1375.

CHRISTMAS LIGHT DRIVING TOUR –

through Dec. 31

The one-mile tour combines the history of Patterson with lit displays. Admission is $2 per car.

Kemper Williams Park, 264 Cotten Road, Patterson. (985) 395-2298

VICTORIAN CRHISTMAS AT GREVEMBURG – 

Dec. 1-31

Franklin’s Grevemburg House coalesces the Victorian style with Christmas decorations, including a traditional tree and displays of traditional foods and fruits. The house is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily. 407 Sterling Road, Franklin. (337) 828-0434.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT –

Dec. 1 FREE

The 15-member Lockport-based choir Joyous Sounds perform their annual Christmas concert.

2 p.m. Holy Savior Catholic Church, 612 Main St., Lockport. (985) 532-3533.

THIBODAUX CHRISTMAS FEST –

Dec. 1 FREE

The annual parade begins at 4 p.m., Sunday, at John L. Guidry Stadium at Nicholls State University. It travels north on Audubon Avenue to Menard Street, then continues across Canal Boulevard onto West Fifth Street. Santa and Mrs. Claus are available for photographs at the Dansereau House, which is lit in its traditional flare. Christmas caroling is also scheduled.

Thibodaux. www.thibodauxchamber.com.

CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS CONCERT –

Dec. 3 FREE

The Nicholls Concert Choir performs its annual Candlelight Christmas Concert with the theme “A Carol for to Sing.” Typically, the choir performs familiar songs like “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World,” in addition to compositions by international composers. Dr. Kenneth S. Klaus conducts, and Michelle Z. Parro accompanies the choir on a Nicholls Steinway grand piano.

7:30-8:30 p.m., Danos Theater, Talbot Hall, Nicholls State University. www.nicholls.edu.

LAZY GATORS RV RALLY –

Dec. 5-8

Kemper Williams Park, Cotten Road, Patterson. (985) 395-2298.

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA STEAK DINNER FUNDRAISER –

Dec. 5

A rib-eye dinner is served. Proceeds benefit the Joe Cefalu Boy Scouts of America. Tickets are $75.

6:30 p.m. AARP Building, 4014 Chennault St., Morgan City. (985) 518-5061.

TREE LIGHTING –

Dec. 6 FREE

Decorations in Bayouside Park are lit for the first time this season. Santa Claus and Frosty arrive by boat and distribute handcrafted, wooden toys produced by the Angola toy shop. Food and refreshments are provided by the Knights of Columbus.

6:30 p.m. Bayouside Park, Canal Street, Lockport.

(985) 532-3117

‘WINTER WONDERLAND’ –

Dec. 6

The Nicholls Chambers Singers present “Winter Wonderland” at their 27th-annual dinner series event. Songs include “Snow” from Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and “Snow, Snow, Beautiful Snow” by Sherm Feller, as well as popular children’s Christmas songs. The Nicholls Jazz Ensemble performs before the program. Tickets are $40 for adults and $20 for children 12 and younger.

7 p.m. Cotillion Ballroom, Bollinger Memorial Student Union, Nicholls. (985) 448-4600.

ONCE UPON A CAJUN CHRISTMAS PARADE –

Dec. 6 FREE

“Papa Noel” arrives via a 20-float Christmas parade that commences at Terrebonne High, follows the traditional west Houma route and ends at Courthouse Square, where gathered crowds greet him and Mrs. Claus. Caroling and Christmas tree lighting are also scheduled.

7 p.m. Downtown Houma. (985) 876-6408.

CHRISTMAS AT OAKLAWN MANOR –

Dec. 6 through Jan. 6

Admission is $15 per person, $10 for students.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. 3296 Oaklawn Drive, Franklin. (337) 828-0434.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA –

Dec. 7

All-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, coffee, juice and milk are served at the 18th-annual breakfast sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Houma. Photos with Santa and face painting are also made available.

7-11:30 a.m. Vandebilt Catholic High School Cafeteria, 209 S. Hollywood Road. (985) 879-3465.

SANTA’S BLOCK PARTY –

Dec. 7

10 a.m. Downtown Morgan City. (985) 385-1770 ext. 112

BOWL FOR BREATH –

Dec. 7

The 24th-annual Bowl for Breath, which benefits with Louisiana chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, celebrates Hollywood. Attendees are asked to dress as their favorite characters, with an “Oscar” awarded to the best costume. A raffle and scavenger hunt are also planned.

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Creole Lanes, 1371 W. Tunnel Blvd., Houma. (504) 455-5194.

LOCKPORT CHRISTMAS PARADE –

Dec. 7 FREE

Begins on Church and Seventh and ends at the Bayouside Park on Canal, zig-zagging downtown Lockport en route. Armand Autin is grand marshal of the parade, featuring 25 floats, high school marching bands and Christmas characters. Candy, cups and stuffed animals are among the throws.

5:30 p.m. Downtown Lockport. (985) 413-9772.

CHRISTMAS UNDER THE LAMPPOSTS –

Dec. 7 FREE

The City of Franklin’s Christmas parade of golf carts cedes to a lamp-lighting ceremony, trolley rides, children’s activities, arts and crafts vendors and a live performance by The Michael Foster Project, a New Orleans-styled brass band.

6 p.m. Jackson and Main streets, Franklin. (337) 828-6345.

CRACKLIN COOK-OFF, CAR AND CRAFT SHOW –

Dec. 7 FREE

Fried pork fat, plate lunches and refreshments are sold. Attendees can view for free items exhibited at craft booths and various show cars, including motorcycles, trucks and antique automobiles.

11 a.m. Cut Off Youth Center, 205 W. 79th St. (985) 632-7616 or www.cutoffyouthcenter.org.

CHRISTMAS BRUNCH –

Dec. 8

Pork roast and gravy, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, sausage links and chicken-salad finger sandwiches are among the offerings, catered by Cashio’s Mobile Catering. The event supports HOPE for Animals. Tickets are $30, and reservations are encouraged.

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Dansereau House Bed and Breakfast, 506 St. Philip St., Thibodaux. (985) 447-3821.

ONCE UPON A DECEMBER –

Dec. 8

The South Louisiana Community Orchestra performs with Vandebilt Catholic High School’s band and choir during its annual winter concert. Admission is $6.

3 p.m. Vandebilt, 209 S. Hollywood Road, Houma.

MULBERRY ELEMENTARY CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA –

Dec. 12

Each grade level performs a unique Christmas-related skit, replete with school-produced music and costumes. Admission is $3.

6:30 p.m. Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd. (985) 850-4657.

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL EXHIBIT OPEN HOUSE –

Dec. 12 FREE

The 18th-annual open house of Wedell-Williams Aviation museum and Cypress Sawmill offers singing performances by local schools’ troupes and a variety of decorated Christmas trees.

5:30-7:30 p.m. Louisiana State Museum at Kemper Williams Park. (985) 399-1268.

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA –

Dec. 13

Attendees lay wreaths to honor military veterans in the third-annual event, inspired by a similar annual event at Arlington National Cemetery. Wreaths cost $15.

2 p.m. Maison Jardin Assisted Living Community, 516 Roderick St., Morgan City. (985) 385-3003. www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

FILM SCREENING –

Dec. 13 FREE

The International Film Club at Nicholls State University screens “Salmon Fishing in Yemen,” a British romantic comedy starring Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt.

6:30 p.m. Peltier Auditorium, Nicholls State University.

CHRISTMAS GALA –

Dec. 13

Friends of the Patterson Community Center host a Christmas Gala. Don Rich and a disc jockey perform. Attendees are asked to bring their own food and liquor to the adult party. Tickets are $10.

7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Patterson Area Civic Center, Cotten Road. (985) 395-8313.

BAYOULAND ADVENTURE QUEST –

Dec. 14

The second-annual race, organized by the Sports Medicine Center of Thibodaux Regional Medical Center, includes 10-15 miles of biking and 4-7 miles of running in addition to unique mystery challenges as participants travel through Thibodaux. Up to 150 two-person teams compete in four divisions: coed, male, female and 55 and older. Registration is $75 per person.

8 a.m. Thibodaux. www.bayoulandadventurequest.com.

WINTER WONDERLAND –

Dec. 14 FREE

Children of all ages are invited to partake in several winter activities, including a gingerbread bounce house, train ride, a horse-drawn carriage ride and a race in a giant snowball. Ten tons of real snow are brought in, and attendees can enjoy a Snowzilla slide. Santa Claus, Rudolph and juggling elves are among the special guests.

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Southdown Plantation, 1208 Museum Drive, Houma. www.banksynergy.com/news.html

THE ROSS MULLOOLY PROJECT –

Dec. 14

Honoring Vandebilt graduate Ross Mullolly, the event features a 5K run, a children’s fun run, a raffle drawing, silent auction and blood drive. Race registration costs are $20 and $15, respectively. Food and refreshments are served, and Bandit provides live entertainment.

2:30 p.m. Courthouse Square, downtown Houma. (985) 876-6070

CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT –

Dec. 14 FREE

Residents of Bernice Street in Morgan City decorate each house for Christmas during the 25th-annual event. Travel along the street to see the laminated dwellings.

5:30 p.m. Bernice Street, Morgan City. (985) 384-8003.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT –

Dec. 14

The Houma-Terrebonne Community Band gives its final 2013 performance.

6:30 p.m. JCPenney Court, Southland Mall, 5953 W. Park Ave., Houma. (985) 637-3894 or www.htcb.org.

PATTERSON CHRISTMAS PARADE –

Dec. 15 FREE

The seven-float parade begins at Place Norman Shopping Center and ends at Patterson High School. Christmas music is played, and candy is thrown. Travis Bourdier, a member of the Patterson Fire Department injured during a rescue effort, is the parade’s grand marshal.

2 p.m. La. Highway 182, Patterson. (985) 395-5205.

DISNEY JUNIOR LIVE ON TOUR! PIRATE AND PRINCESS ADVENTURE –

Dec. 20

The live show features characters from Disney Junior’s hit series “Sofia the First” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.” Cinderella, Peter Pan and Captain Hook make appearances. Tickets range from $18-$55.

3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd. (985) 850-4657 or www.ticketmaster.com.

CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY SOCIAL –

Dec. 20 FREE

Treater Band performs, and a meal topped by chicken and sausage gumbo is served. All food, drinks and desserts are provided for a fee by Holy Family Kateri Circle. Alcohol is not permitted. Santa Claus is in attendance.

7-11 p.m. Grand Caillou Recreation Center, 106 Badou Drive, Dulac. (985) 870-0492.

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARADE –

Dec. 21 FREE

The parade begins at Bobtown Fire Department, proceeding along Grand Caillou Road to Buquet Bridge, onto Shrimper’s Row and then to Bobtown Bridge, where it disbands.

Noon. Houma. (985) 563-4112.

ALA BAYOU TERREBONNE CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE –

Dec. 21 FREE

Pleasure boats decorated with Christmas lights embark from the Bourg Volunteer Fire Station and parade down Bayou Terrebonne to Montegut, about 3 miles past Sacred Heart Church. People gather on the bayou’s banks to watch the parade and light fires.

Approximately 5:30 p.m. (985) 594-2125

RUN 4 THE HEALTH OF IT –

Dec. 28

The second-annual race series benefiting education in Lafourche Parish concludes with a 15K race. Registration is $40 before Dec. 13 and $45 after. A one-mile fun run (registration: $10) is also scheduled.

8 a.m. North Acadia and Percy Brown roads, Thibodaux. (985) 448-5888 or www.advanceptandrehab.com.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY –

Dec. 31

Snapper and the Fishsticks perform. Attendees are asked to bring their own alcohol. General admission tickets are $25.

8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Warren J. Harang Jr. Auditorium, 310 N. Canal Blvd., Thibodaux. (985) 413-1451.

NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH –

Dec. 31

Clustafunk rings in the new year. Attendees are asked to bring their own alcohol. Tickets are $17.

10 p.m. Cut Off Youth Center, 205 W. 79th St. (985) 632-7616.

Have an event in January? Send the details to editor@gumboguide.com.

Kemper Williams Park is aglow again for the annual Christmas Light Driving Tour, which focuses on Patterson’s history and lasts through the end of the month. Admission is $2 per car.

COURTESY PHOTO