Countdown To Christmas – Point of Vue December 2023

In the heart of our bayou community, festive cheer and joyous celebrations herald the arrival of the holiday season. As the calendar pages turn, we welcome the dazzling spectacle of lights, laughter, and shared moments. From the spirited hustle and bustle of holiday markets to the serene beauty of tree-lighting ceremonies, our local holiday events help to ensure the spirit of the season is alive and thriving. Each event is a chapter in the story of our community, inviting us to come together and embrace the magic of this enchanting time. Join us as we embark on a journey through the warmth and splendor of our local holiday festivities.

REINDEER ROWE
December 2,
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Warren J. Harang Municipal Auditorium, Thibodaux
The Reindeer Rowe holiday shopping event will feature over 30 local merchants all in one spot! Unique gifts, clothing and fashion items, as well as food will be available. General admission tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door. Admission is free with the purchase of a Santa’s Land ticket.

A VISIT TO SANTA’S LAND
December 2
Warren J. Harang Municipal Auditorium, Thibodaux
A Visit to Santa’s Land has become a beloved tradition for children in Thibodaux and the surrounding areas. Enjoy a family holiday event featuring Christmas themed crafts, games, and activities for children of all ages. The day is full of Christmas cheer where you can cozy up with a book with Mrs. Claus, create a special ornament, write a letter to Santa, and even take a picture with Santa himself. Snacks are also provided during the event. Tickets are required for every person that enters, and must be pre-purchased online. Your Santa’s Land ticket is also valid for entrance to Reindeer Rowe – Thibodaux’s Premier Holiday Shopping Event.

MARKET AT THE MARINA
December 2
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Downtown Houma Marina
The market features 80 local vendors selling lots of local goods such as fruits, vegetables, bread, jams and jellies, meat and seafood, homemade body care products, and so many other amazing items that will make wonderful Christmas gifts! The market also features the Marina Sprouts Kid Club program sponsored by Terrebonne General Pediatric care, St. Matthew’s STEM Lab, Little Arts Studio, and more.

34TH BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
December 2
7-10:30 a.m.
Vandebilt Cafeteria, Houma
The Kiwanis Club of Houma Foundation presents their 34th Breakfast with Santa! Enjoy delicious pancakes, sausage, coffee, milk and juice. There will be children’s activities and pictures with Santa. Tickets are $9 in advance or $10 at the door. Tickets are available from Kiwanis members and VCHS Key Club members.

CELEBRATE THE CHILD CHRISTMAS EVENT
December 2
2-6 p.m.
Rotary Centennial Plaza, Downtown Houma
Spend the afternoon at the Rotary Centennial Plaza and the Courthouse Square for free kids crafts, Santa pictures, and concessions for purchase. Stay to enjoy the Houma-Terrebonne Downtown Christmas Parade!

HOUMA CHRISTMAS PARADE
December 28 p.m.
Downtown Houma
Enjoy the annual Houma Christmas Parade, as it travels from Terrebonne High School to Town Hall, through Downtown Houma.

REINDEER RUN 5K
December 3, 1 p.m.
Bayou Country Sports Park, Houma
Each season of Girls on the Run comes to an end with a celebratory 5K. This Christmas-themed closing event gives program participants of all abilities a tangible sense of accomplishment. Crossing the finish line instills confidence through completion and is a joyful moment program participants always remember! The run is open to the public. Registration opens at 11:00; Warm-Up at 12:45; Race starts at 1:00.

THIBODAUX CHRISTMAS PARADE
December 3, 2:30 p.m.
Thibodaux
The annual Thibodaux Christmas Parade begins on the corner of Afton and Audubon on Nicholls’ Campus, continuing down Audubon. From there, the parade travels left onto Menard Street, moving towards Canal; left onto Canal Blvd., to 7th Street; left onto 7th Street, moving toward the park. The parade will end at Peltier Park.

SOUTH LOUISIANA COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA’S CHRISTMAS CONCERT
December 3, 3 p.m.
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Houma
“A Joyous Christmas” concert will be directed by Dr. Jason Ladd, Director of the Wind Section and Assistant Music Director at Nicholls State University. Traditional Christmas carols and modern Christmas songs will be featured in the music repertoire. Admission is $10 for adults, and $5 for those 12 years and younger.

TREE FOR LIFE CEREMONY
December 6, 5:30 p.m.
Terrebonne General Main Lobby
Join Terrebonne General for the Tree for Life ceremony, a special evening where cancer survivors, families, and friends remember and honor those who have been affected by cancer. With your gift of $25 or more, a personalized ornament will be created for your loved one and hung on the tree. Proceeds will support the regional Camp Bluebird program, an adult camp where cancer survivors can gather for sharing, educational workshops, and fun. The tree will be on display at Terrebonne General throughout December. The event is open to public participation. Light refreshments will be served.

CHRISTMAS AT LIVE OAK
December 7
5:30- 8:30 p.m.
The Settlement at Live Oak, Thibodaux
The Settlement at Live Oak is delighted to bring this free holiday event to the community! The event will have live music by Icarus Jones plus performances by local choirs throughout the event along with complimentary face painting, crafts, photo booth and visits with Santa (bring your cameras)! Pop-up shopping will allow you to get the perfect holiday gifts for your loved ones. Food trucks and tents will be on-site with food and drinks for sale.

HOPE RESTORED CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES
December 8, 5-9 p.m.
Houma
Get into the holiday spirit as you explore beautifully decorated homes in our community. Experience the magic of the holiday season as you admire the twinkling lights and enchanting decorations. This in-person event promises to be a wonderful opportunity to spend time with friends and family, and get inspired for your own holiday decor. Tickets are $35 per person. All proceeds benefit Hope Restored Pregnancy Resource Center.

COOKIES AND CRUMPETS
December 9, 10 a.m. -12 p.m.
Nicholls Ballroom
Join the special inaugural family event in your Christmas best where you, your children and grandchildren will enjoy a unique Christmas experience with visits from Most Reverend Mario E. Dorsonville, St. Nicholas, Mrs. Claus and St. Nicholas’ special spiritual elves. Guests will enjoy Christmas carols by We & Mrs. Jones, served hors d’oeuvres, Christmas cookies, citrus punch for kids, mimosas and champagne for adults, letters to St. Nicholas and much more! Tickets are $50 for adults and $30 for children, while children under two are free.

SUGARPLUM SHINDIG
December 9 and 10, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Rendezvous, Thibodaux
Calling all elves! Put on your baker’s cap and decorate gingerbread houses and Christmas cookies! In addition, guests will enjoy hot chocolate, mimosas, pancakes, photos with Santa and live entertainment. Tickets can be purchased online.

BAYOU CHRISTMAS TEDDY BEAR TEA
December 9 and 10, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Chez Felicite’
The elves are busy preparing for the return of A Bayou Christmas Teddy Bear Tea at Chez Felicite’. This festive event will be the perfect holiday experience to share with children and grandchildren. Enjoy a presentation of delicious holiday food, specialty teas, hot chocolate, and tasty pastries. Holiday characters will entertain and delight with music, story time and games all under the enchanted pavilion. All children in attendance will receive a special teddy bear gift followed by a teddy bear parade. Be sure to sit for a family photo in the beautifully decorated fairytale holiday carriage. Tickets for adults are $50; children 2-11 are $35; children under 2 are free. Reservations are required.

BCCM’S PAPA NOEL
December 9 and 16
3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Bayou Country Children’s Museum
Enjoy crafts, games, story time and snap your own picture with Santa! Session one is from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. and session two is from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. on both dates. Tickets can be purchased online and are $8 for members, $10 for non-members, and $15 on the day of.

COOKIES WITH SANTA
December 10, 12 p.m.
WoodmenLife, Houma
Enjoy cookie decorating, arts and crafts, jump houses, face painting, s’more making, Adopt-A-Vet tree, raffle and food (for purchase.) Pictures with Santa begin at noon. Please bring your own camera. Admission is $10 per child.

CHRISTMAS WITH C.A.R.E.S.
December 11, 6 p.m.
Preston LeJeune Gym at E. D. White Catholic High School
The E. D. White C.A.R.E.S. program is thrilled to invite you to a magical evening of joy and togetherness at Christmas with C.A.R.E.S.! This special event is open to all families with school-aged children who have exceptionalities and disabilities. Let’s come together for an unforgettable evening filled with fun, laughter, and the true spirit of the holiday season.

DECK THE HALLS HOME TOURS
December 15, 6-9 p.m.
Thibodaux
Celebrate the beauty of the season! Six homes in Thibodaux will deck their halls for guests to tour and enjoy, benefitting Light Up Lafourche! Light Up Lafourche is an organization that brings the magic of Christmas to homes in Lafourche Parish with lit and decorated trees. Tickets are $35.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA COW
December 16, 8-10 a.m. 
Chick-fil-A, East Houma
Enjoy breakfast with Santa Cow, along with photo opportunities, crafts and more!

SUPPER WITH SANTA COW
December 16, 5-7 p.m.
Chick-fil-A, West Houma
Enjoy supper with Santa Cow, along with photo opportunities, crafts, cookie decorating and more!

GRINCHMAS ON THE BAYOU
December 16, seatings at 7:30; 9; 10:30 a.m.
Ward 7 Citizens Club, Chauvin
Merry Grinchmas! Enjoy this special breakfast with Grinch, DJ Rhett. Breakfast includes green pancakes, hot chocolate, crafts, face painting, storytime and more. Tickets are $10 per child. Photos with the Grinch are an additional $5. This event is a fundraiser for the South Terrebonne High School Band to perform in Disney World. WINTER WONDERLAND December 16, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Southdown Plantation, Houma The Winter Wonderland family fun event features food trucks, live music, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, bounce houses, SNOW and much more!

FIND MORE EVENTS AT HOUMATIMES.COM/CALENDAR