Excited for the holidays in Lafayette? Our guide will show you all the best festive fun! Whether you're deeply rooted in Lafayette or just planting seeds, this guide enhances your holiday spirit.
Experience the cheerful vibe of the Lafayette Christmas Tree Lighting, where the city center glows warmly. Unique gifts and local produce can be found at the Holiday Farmers' Market, offering a cozy shopping experience amid twinkling lights. And the Christmas Parade is something you definitely don't want to miss, full of colorful floats and holiday music. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Lafayette
- Christmas Parade
- Lafayette Christmas Tree Lighting
- Christmas at the Farm
- Lafayette Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert
- Lafayette Ballet Company’s The Nutcracker
- Lafayette Reindeer Run
Lafayette Holiday Light Displays
Lafayette Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community-wide countdown and sing-along
Description:
Lafayette's Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony illuminates the heart of downtown with a dazzling display of lights. The event centers around a towering evergreen, carefully selected from local forests. As darkness falls, anticipation builds for the grand countdown. The whole community joins in a spirited sing-along of classic carols, led by local choirs. You can participate in the tradition of hanging a personalized ornament on the community tree. This ceremony has been a Lafayette staple since the 1920s, evolving from a simple lighting to a full-fledged celebration of community and holiday spirit.
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Lafayette Christmas Tree Lighting
Lafayette Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Lafayette Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert
What to Expect:
Blend of classical and contemporary holiday music
Description:
The Lafayette Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Concert elevates the season with a harmonious blend of classical masterpieces and contemporary favorites. The orchestra, founded in 1950, has become a cornerstone of Lafayette's cultural scene. This annual performance features innovative arrangements of beloved carols alongside symphonic holiday classics. The concert hall resonates with the rich tones of strings, brass, and woodwinds, creating a multi-layered auditory experience. Audience members can enjoy a pre-concert talk with the conductor, gaining insights into the evening's musical selections and their historical significance.
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Lafayette Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert
Lafayette Ballet Company’s The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Local dancers performing alongside professional guest artists
Description:
Lafayette Ballet Company's production of The Nutcracker combines the talents of local dancers with guest artists from renowned ballet companies. This annual performance has been a Lafayette tradition for over three decades, growing in scale and artistry each year. The production features elaborate sets and costumes, transporting the audience to a world of sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers. Young audience members can participate in a special meet-and-greet with the characters after the show. The performance not only showcases the city's artistic talent but also serves as a platform for aspiring dancers to perform alongside seasoned professionals.
Website:
Lafayette Ballet Company’s The Nutcracker
Lafayette Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven floats and performances
Description:
Lafayette's Christmas Parade transforms Main Street into a vibrant spectacle of community spirit. Local businesses, schools, and organizations craft elaborate floats, each telling a unique holiday story. The parade's roots trace back to 1952, showcasing the city's rich tradition of holiday celebrations. As you watch, you'll be captivated by the melodious sounds of marching bands playing classic carols. Children can collect candy tossed from passing floats, adding a sweet touch to the experience. This cherished event brings together generations of Lafayette residents, fostering a strong sense of unity and holiday cheer.
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Christmas at the Farm
What to Expect:
Authentic 19th-century Christmas experience
Description:
Christmas at the Farm transports visitors to a bygone era of holiday celebrations. Set on a restored 19th-century homestead, this event recreates the simple joys of an Indiana Christmas past. Costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional crafts and share stories of pioneer life. The farmhouse, adorned with period-accurate decorations, offers a glimpse into historical holiday customs. Visitors can try their hand at making candles or stringing popcorn garlands. The event pays homage to Lafayette's agricultural roots, showcasing how early settlers celebrated the season with limited resources but abundant creativity and community spirit.
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Lafayette Reindeer Run
What to Expect:
Costume-themed 5K run with reindeer antlers for all participants
Description:
The Lafayette Reindeer Run injects a dose of whimsy into the traditional 5K race. Participants don reindeer antlers, transforming the streets into a herd of prancing runners. The race route winds through historic downtown Lafayette, offering glimpses of the city's architectural heritage. Runners can compete for prizes in various costume categories, encouraging creative and outlandish outfits. This event, started in 2010, has quickly become a beloved holiday tradition, promoting both physical fitness and community spirit. The sound of jingle bells attached to runners' shoes creates a festive atmosphere as participants dash through the streets.
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Nearby Events
Holiday Farmers' Market (West Lafayette)
What to Expect:
Locally-sourced winter produce and artisanal gifts
Description:
West Lafayette's Holiday Farmers' Market brings a frosty twist to the traditional farmers' market experience. Vendors brave the winter chill to offer an array of seasonal produce, from frost-kissed kale to crisp winter apples. The market showcases the region's agricultural heritage, dating back to the early 19th century. Visitors can sample artisanal cheeses and warm up with locally-roasted coffee while browsing handcrafted gifts. The aroma of freshly baked goods wafts through the air, enticing shoppers to indulge in holiday treats. This unique market celebrates the bounty of Indiana's winter harvest and the creativity of local artisans.