[caption id="attachment_6807" align="aligncenter" ]Purdue Christmas Show Purdue Christmas Show[/caption] It is the happiest time of the year. A time for gathering of families, celebrating and to be jolly. Holiday time is the best! Lafayette-West Lafayette are two great cities to celebrate the holidays in thanks to the many activities and celebrations that occur during the holiday month. Put on by the Purdue University Musical Organizations is the incredible PMO Christmas Show. Each year there are four shows put on by students of the university celebrating the holiday season. This show draws people from all over the United States. At each show, all 6,000 seats of Elliot Hall are typically sold out. The show has been going on since 1933 and has evolved into a spectacular event. The PMO Christmas Show has been voted as a Top 100 Event in North America by the American Bus Association three times. In 1998, 2003, and 2010, the Christmas Show has won this incredible honor. You must purchase your tickets in advance to this popular event. [caption id="attachment_6809" align="aligncenter" ]Santa Santa[/caption] Each year, a celebration of the holidays is seen in the streets of downtown Lafayette called the Lafayette- West Lafayette Christmas Parade. Many local groups and organizations take part and show off their holiday spirit. From area high schools' marching bands to church groups to Purdue student groups, they all gather and spread their holiday cheer to all. Ending with the Purdue University All American Marching Band, the parade is such a fun way to enjoy the holidays. [caption id="attachment_6808" align="alignleft" ]Dickens Carriage Rides Dickens Carriage Rides[/caption] Step back in time into Victorian England each holiday season as Lafayette is completely transformed for Dickens of a Christmas. Throughout the day, many activities occur including live performances by choirs and entertainers, roving carolers, a Holiday Farmers Market, Riverside Skating Rink sessions, artisans in costume demonstrating their craft, carriage rides and of course, the Dickens and Victorian street characters! A scene from A Christmas Carol is acted out at Riehle Plaza. Finally, you can join in the Community Sing as the holiday season is officially kicked off by “flipping the switch” to light the Courthouse Dome, Riehle Plaza, Big Four Depot and the Community Tree. Finally, you must plan ahead for this special event. Dinner with Santa is held at Lafayette Brewing Company each year. Two dinner sessions occur in an evening for families to enjoy together. A buffet dinner is served while children have the opportunity to visit with Santa. Holiday music plays throughout the restaurant as children take over for the evening. Lafayette- West Lafayette is a great place to celebrate the best time of the year. So much joy and laughter can be heard all throughout the city. With the brisk air and snow on the ground, the holidays come and go so quickly. To find more information and dates for these spectacular events, check out calendar of events website, http://www.homeofpurdue.com/calendar/calendarofevents.html. Rachel, Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette Intern and Purdue University Student, shares this blog.