CHRISTMAS MUSIC EVENTS
LPO Holiday Spectacular; Dec 3
The Philharmonic and special guests return with all your holiday favorites at the Orpheum Theater.
A Swinging Christmas; Dec 3 – Dec 22
The Victory Belles celebrate the season with a sleigh full of swinging holiday hits. Weekend evenings, Sunday matinees and weekday lunch performances.
Vince Vance in a Cajun Christmas; Dec 5
It's a Cajun Christmas Show by Thibodeaux starring Vince Vance at the Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette.
Classical Christmas with the LPO; Dec 16
Experience the glory of the Messiah alongside the holiday's greatest classical music by Bach, Schubert and Vaughan Williams.
Sarah Brightman; Dec 21
Her classical voice performing Christmas favorites with an orchestra and choir at the Saenger Theater.
Mannheim Steamroller; Dec 23
The sound that is so familiar as part of the Christmas soundtrack performing live at the Saenger Theater.
Marc Broussard; Dec 23
Performing his annual full-band show, you won't hear all Christmas songs but will hear "Almost Christmas" that we play every year on the Magic of Christmas at Southport Hall.
Concerts at the Cathedral; Dec 1 – Dec 18
Free performances from local musicians, artists and choirs.
THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES
Elf on the Shelf Musical; Dec 7
Music and dancing brings this fun family tradition to the stage for one night at the Saenger Theater.
The Nutcracker; Dec 18 – Dec 19
Jefferson Performing Arts Society's ballet is a magical Christmas Eve journey about a girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life.
The Nutcracker; Dec 18 – Dec 19
Delta Ballet's performance of the holiday classic will be at the Mahalia Jackson Theater over 2 nights.
TEDDY BEAR TEAS OR SIMILAR EVENTS
Holiday Tea at the Windsor Court, Nov 26 – Dec 31
Teddy Bear Tea at The Roosevelt, Nov 28 – Dec 24
Teddy Bear Tea at the National WWII Museum, Dec 4 – Dec 18
Santa's Pajama Party at the Royal Sonesta, Dec 4 – Dec 23
Papa Noel Tea at the Ritz-Carlton, Nov 27 – Dec 23
Gingerbread Build at the Ritz-Carlton, Nov 27 – Dec 23
Gingerbread House Workshop at the Red Fish Grill, Dec 5 – Dec 19
Enchanted Holiday Tea at Le Petit Tea Room, Nov 21
Palace Christmas Tree Lighting at Le Petit Tea Room, Nov 27
Breakfast with Santa at Chappelle, Dec 4
Christmas Who-Liday Tea at Le Petit Tea Room, Dec 5
Nutcracker Tea at Le Petit Tea Room, Dec 11
Holiday Doll Tea at Beauregard-Keyes House, Dec 11
Jazz Brunch with Santa at Court of Two Sisters, Dec 20 – Dec 23
LIGHT DISPLAYS AND LIGHT CEREMONIES
Canal Street Lighting Ceremony; Nov 23
The official moment they "flip the switch" happens at 5pm at 333 Canal St.
Light the Season Holiday Lights begin in Downtown Gretna; Nov 26
Holiday lights will wrap the trees all along Huey P. Long Avenue from 10th Street to the river.
Celebration in the Oaks; Nov 25 – Jan 22
City Park's famous oaks will be swathed in over a million twinkling lights, and breathtaking light displays will be scattered throughout the 2.25 mile Driving Tour of the Park. You can also add on the Carousel Gardens experience for rides and more fun.
Christmas in the Park at Lafreniere Park; Dec 3 – Dec 30
Driving and walking tour to see the lights and Christmas displays throughout the park. Special character appearances, letters to Santa and concessions add to the fun.
Holiday of Lights on Koop Dr Mandeville; Dec 3 – Dec 25
Limited to drive-thru display only this year, the event runs Fridays through Sundays from 5 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. each night from December 3rd to 19th, and on Christmas Eve and Christmas night, Dec. 24-25.
Christmas Under the Stars in Slidell; Dec 3-4, Dec 10-11
Twinkling lights, festive decorations, life-size Christmas Cottages and other family fun in Griffith Park. Admission to all displays and activities is free.
Greenway Supernova; Dec 9 – Dec 11
Free lights walk through mid-city on the Lafitte Greenway with art installations from local artists.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Santa's Arrival at Lakeside; Nov 20
The big guy arrives with a special welcome parade and sing-a-long at Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie.
Holiday Movies on the Mississippi; Dec 3 - Dec 17
Free showing of family movies outside on Spanish Plaza at the Riverwalk. Complimentary snacks and hot cocoa and the first 50 families get a free blanket.
Dec 3: Polar Express
Dec 10: Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Dec 17: Elf
Algiers Bonfire; Dec 4
Musical performances, vendors for food and gifts, and of course a bonfire on the levee across from downtown. Located at the Algiers Point batture.
Winter Fest at University of Holy Cross; Dec 10
Ice skating, games, s'mores station, vendors, music, and more from 2-8pm. Open to the public.
Festival of the Bonfires; Dec 10 – Dec 13
Food, live entertainment, crafts, Santa's Very Merry Forest and carnival rides throughout the weekend. Each night will be highlighted with a single bonfire lighting at Lutcher Recreational Park on Hwy 3193.
Christmas in the Park Run/Walk; Dec 11
Moved from City Park to Lafreniere Park this year, takes you through a 2 mile course and includes access to the light tour.
Musical Storytime: How the Grinch Stole Christmas; Dec 11
A fun and interactive musical story time with the LPO. Free and no tickets required at City Park's Popp Bandstand.
Running of the Santas; Dec 11
Grown-up pub crawl with Santa costumes encouraged and ending with a live show at Generations Hall.
Holiday Home Tour; Dec 11-12
New twists this year on this tradition with video tours, art and garden tours and a Making Spirits Bright happy hour.
Holiday Movies at Faubourg Brewing; Dec 17-18
Free movies & popcorn on the big screen outside & a holiday photo op. Beer and food available for purchase. Dec 17th – National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Dec 18th - Polar Express
Caroling in Jackson Square; Dec 19
This special New Orleans event is open to everyone with sheet music and candles provided. The singing begins at 7pm.
Nola ChristmasFest; Dec 17-22 and Dec 25-30
Indoor ice skating along with rides and activities for the entire family.
Christmas Eve Caroling Down the River; Dec 24
The Creole Queen dinner cruise on Christmas Eve is filled with holiday music and merriment.
PARADES
Merry Madisonville Christmas Parade; Dec 5
Olde Towne Slidell Christmas Parade; Dec 5
Ponchatoula Christmas Parade; Dec 11
Gretna Christmas Parade; Dec 12
Hammond Christmas Parade; Dec 17
Lights on the Lake boat parade; Dec 18
Jingle on the Boulevard Parade; Dec 18
Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year's Eve Parade; Dec 31
MAGICAL HOTEL DECOR
Looking to see some of the most beautiful displays in the country? The Roosevelt, Royal Sonesta, Ritz-Carlton, Windsor Court, Harrah's Hotel and Hotel Monteleone each do special holiday displays.
REVEILLON DINNERS
See participating restaurants, menus and the history at https://holiday.neworleans.com/food-and-drink/
