LIGHT DISPLAYS
Celebration in the Oaks
Nov 23-Dec 30, City Park
Enjoy over a million twinkling lights through the 2.25-mile Driving Tour or the reimagined Walking Tour, featuring unlimited Amusement Park rides as well as access to the elegant Botanical Garden, or a combination of both!
Christmas on Front Street
Nov 18-Jan 1, Slidell
The City of Slidell and Keep Slidell Beautiful welcome you each night to Olde Towne with a dazzling display of thousands of lights along Front Street.
Holiday of Lights
Dec 1-2, 8-9, Koop Dr in Mandeville
Sing along with carolers, visit with Santa, ride the kiddie rides and enjoy local food truck vendors.
Christmas Under the Stars
Dec 1-31, Griffith Park in Slidell
A celebration of twinkling lights, festive decorations, life-size Christmas Cottages and other family fun.
Kenner's Magical Christmas Village
Dec 1-31, Heritage Park in Rivertown
Vendors and entertainment every Friday and Saturday from Dec 1-23 with snow, music, food, arts, crafts and a special appearance from Santa Claus himself. Light displays every night from Dec 1-31.
Greenway Supernova
Dec 7-9, Lafitte Greenway Plaza
Free lights walk through mid-city on the Lafitte Greenway with art installations from local artists.
Luna Fete
Dec 7-10, Downtown
While not specifically a Christmas event, the lights and art displays around the downtown area are certainly magical.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Jingle Bells and Beer
Nov 18, City Park's Celebration in the Oaks
Be first to enjoy Celebration in the Oaks this year with the same tacky sweater vibes with rides, fun and beers, but the party now extends into the Botanical Garden for an elegant VIP experience featuring a full bar, food, and a Walking Tour sneak peek. Tickets $40 or VIP for $100.
Lighting of Canal Street
Nov 21, Canal Place
Music and Santa set the mood starting around 4pm until they hit the switch to light up Canal St for the holidays.
Roosevelt Lobby Lighting
Nov 28, Roosevelt Hotel
Mickey Loomis flips the ceremonial switch to light the famous lobby lights this year in an event that's open to everyone.
Children's Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade and Party
Dec 2, French Market to Lafayette Square
The parade will start from The French Market with an extended route through Downtown, and will end with a post-parade holiday experience and concert in Lafayette Square!
St Nick Celebration
Dec 2, French Market
Kid-focused holiday event with live music, activities and the St Nick Second-Line all free in Dutch Alley.
Algiers Bonfire and Concert
Dec 2, Algiers Point
Live performances, vendors and the highlight of the evening - the sculptural bonfire set ablaze along the river.
Candelight Caroling at the Trailhead
Dec 8, Covington
Free family event features the Northlake Performing Arts Society chorale, caroling on the open-air stage.
Festival of the Bonfires
Dec 8-10, Lutcher Recreational Park
Food, entertainment, crafts, Santa’s Very Merry Forest and carnival rides. Each night will be highlighted with a single bonfire lighting.
Christmas Past Festival
Dec 9, Old Mandeville
Artists and vendors along with children's crafts and holiday characters bring the festive spirit to Girod St in Old Mandeville.
Christmas in Lafreniere Park Run/Walk
Dec 9, Lafreniere Park in Metairie
Run through the decorations and then enjoy the fun of the displays after your race.
Running of the Santas
Dec 9, Manning's and Generations Hall
Grown-up pub crawl with Santa costumes encouraged and ending with a live concert.
Holiday Home Tour
Dec 9-10, Garden District
Tour the interiors and grounds of six stunning private homes and one bonus property all dressed up for the holidays in the historic Garden District.
Caroling in Jackson Square
Dec 17, French Quarter
This special New Orleans event is open to everyone with sheet music and candles provided.
Nola Christmasfest
Dec 21-30, Convention Center
Rides, activities and even ice skating all inside the Convention Center is back for it's 10th fun year.
CHRISTMAS CONCERTS AND PERFORMANCES
Bayou Jam with Vince Vance and the Valiants
Dec 1, Heritage Park Slidell
The original "All I Want for Christmas is You" performer will be live for some Christmas fun at this free event.
Louisiana Christmas Day
Dec 1-22, WWII Museum's Stage Door Canteen
The Victory Belles will take you on a musical tour of Louisiana traditions with favorite yuletide tunes like “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Christmastime in New Orleans,” and “White Christmas.”
LPO Holiday Spectacular
Dec 2, Orpheum Theater
The LPO and special guests will bring an exciting holiday program to you with a few musical surprises.
LPO performs Handel's Messiah
Dec 7 in Covington, Dec 8 at Orpheum
Experience the glory of the Messiah with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.
Danny O'Flaherty's Celtic Christmas
Dec 10, JPAS in Metairie
Combine the rich cultural traditions of the Celts with the festive spirit of Christmas.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Dec 13, Smoothie King Center
Rock out this holiday season with TSO as they bring back The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More! Trans-Siberian Orchestra is pulling out all the stops to make sure this winter tour is our best show in years.
Harry Shearer and Judith Owen’s Christmas Without Tears
Dec 19, Orpheum Theater
An intimate evening full of music, laughter, and special guests, the critically acclaimed vocalists will once again spread their unique brand of yuletide cheer.
NOCCA's Home for Holidays Concert
Dec 20, House of Blues
Starring Irma Thomas, Kermit Ruffins, The Soul Rebels, Preservation Hall All Stars, John Boutte and Cimafunk in a night benefitting aspiring artists.
Gregory Porter's Holiday Tour
Dec 20, Saenger Theater
The show will feature a sampling of Gregory's fan loved favorites, along with forthcoming album tracks to highlight the festive holiday period.
Mannheim Steamroller's Christmas
Dec 27, Saenger Theater
The show encompasses all of your favorite classic holiday songs with dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting and is a perfect night out to celebrate the season with the entire family!
PARADES
Children's Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade and Party, Dec 2
Winter on the Water Mandeville, Dec 2
Merry Madisonville, Dec 3
Olde Towne Slidell Christmas Golf Cart Parade, Dec 3
Norco Christmas Parade, Dec 3
Harahan Christmas Parade, Dec 9
Lights on the Lake Boat Parade, Dec 9
Hammond Christmas Parade, Dec 15
Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year's Eve Parade, Dec 31
THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES
A Christmas Story
Dec 1-17, Rivertown Theaters in Kenner
The nostalgic and heartwarming holiday spectacle that recreates the classic film's charm with catchy tunes and a touch of Broadway magic.
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage
Dec 3, Orpheum Theater
Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the Peanuts gang together live on stage as they uncover the true meaning of Christmas. Matinee and evening performances.
The Nutcracker
Dec 15-23, Orpheum Theater
The beloved two-act ballet returns from the New Orleans Ballet Theater. Performed by the professional company and the charming addition of over 120 local children.
The Nutcracker
Dec 16-17, JPAS in Metairie
The Jefferson Ballet Theater and the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra combine for this classic holiday tradition.
The Nutcracker
Dec 30, Saenger Theater
Experience the extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists performing at the peak of classical European Ballet. Jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger than life puppets and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes.
HOLIDAY MOVIE EVENTS
Movies Under the Stars: Elf
Dec 9, Riverwalk / Spanish Plaza
Bring the entire family out for a special holiday movie under the stars on Spanish Plaza. Watch Elf and enjoy complimentary holiday treats provided by Riverwalk Outlets.
Movies Under the Stars: The Polar Express
Dec 16, Riverwalk / Spanish Plaza
Bring the entire family out for a special holiday movie under the stars on Spanish Plaza. Watch The Polar Express and enjoy complimentary holiday treats provided by Riverwalk Outlets.
Elf with the LPO
Dec 22-23, Saenger
The classic movie Elf will be shown with the soundtrack performed live by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.
SANTA SIGHTINGS
Santa's Arrival Celebration
Nov 18, Lakeside Mall in Metairie
Doors open at 9am and the parade to welcome Mr and Mrs Claus begins at 9:30. Santa remains at the mall throughout the holidays for photos.
Santa at Oakwood Mall
Dec 1-24, Gretna
Santa pictures available throughout the season including special times for pets and sensory friendly needs.
Holiday Pet Photos
Dec 2-3, Jefferson Feed
Your fur babies want to meet Santa too, right? Proceeds benefit pet charities so it's a perfect excuse.