LIGHT DISPLAYS
Celebration in the Oaks
Nov 29-Jan 3, 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 in the Park
Nov 29 - Dec 30, Lafreinere Park in Metairie
Driving and walking tour through the lights. Priced per car at $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. (*Anticipated dates)
Holiday of Lights
Dec 6-31, 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
Nov 29 - Dec 30, Griffith Park in Slidell
A celebration of twinkling lights, festive decorations, life-size Christmas Cottages and other family fun. (*Anticipated dates)
Kenner's Magical Christmas Village
Nov 29 - Dec 22, 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. (*Anticipated dates)
Greenway Supernova
Dec 7-9, Lafitte Greenway Plaza
Free lights walk through mid-city on the Lafitte Greenway with art installations from local artists.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Mariah Carey's Black Irish Holiday Bar
Nov 15 - Dec 29, Virgin Hotel New Orleans
Step into the ultimate festive experience celebrating the 30th anniversary of All I Want For Christmas Is You at our month-long Black Irish Holiday Bar pop-up by Mariah Carey.
Lighting of Canal Street
Nov 26, Canal Place
Music and Santa set the mood starting around 4:30pm until they hit the switch to light up Canal St for the holidays.
Candelight Caroling at the Trailhead
Dec 6, Covington
All are invited to join in the fun of welcoming the Christmas season in Covington with a sing-along and performances. Bring a chair and your festive voice.
Children's Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade
Dec 7, French Market through Warehouse District
The parade will start at 11am at The French Market with an extended route along the Quarter, up and down Canal St, then rolling Tchoupitoulas ending around St Joseph. Look for the floats, throws, special guests (Santa!), bands, and those high-flying balloons!
St Nick Celebration
Dec 7, French Market
Kid-focused holiday event with live music, activities and the St Nick Second-Line all free in Dutch Alley from 11am-4pm.
Movies Under the Stars: The Polar Express
Dec 7, Riverwalk / Spanish Plaza
Enjoy free showings of holiday classics at Movies on the Mississippi! Grab your cozy blankets, pack some popcorn, and settle in for a night of festive fun.
Christmas in Lafreniere Park Run/Walk
Dec 7, Lafreniere Park in Metairie
Run through the decorations in this late afternoon run and then enjoy the fun of the displays with early entry to the lights after your race.
Algiers Bonfire and Concert
Dec 7, Algiers Point
Live performances, vendors and the highlight of the evening - the sculptural bonfire set ablaze along the river.
Los Islenos Christmas Bonfire
Dec 7, St Bernard
Local school choirs spreading cheer leading up to a bonfire with free hot chocolate and cookies.
Cajun Holiday Bonfire Celebration
Dec 7-30, St Joseph Plantation
Depart from the CBD or Metairie on a Gray Line for a candlelit tour at St. Joseph Plantation, including dinner, a bonfire, and carols on the Plantation grounds.
Polar Express Train Rides
Dec 10 - Jan 1, Downtown Nola
Relive the story of the movie with a real train ride and of course some hot chocolate and maybe a special visit from Santa to present the first gift of Christmas.
Festival of the Bonfires
Dec 13-15, 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 14, Old Mandeville
Artists and vendors along with children's crafts and holiday characters bring the festive spirit to Girod St in Old Mandeville.
Movies Under the Stars: Elf
Dec 14, Riverwalk / Spanish Plaza
Enjoy free showings of holiday classics at Movies on the Mississippi! Grab your cozy blankets, pack some popcorn, and settle in for a night of festive fun.
Running of the Santas
Dec 14, Lucy's and Generations Hall
Grown-up pub crawl with Santa costumes encouraged and ending with a live concert.
Holiday Home Tour
Dec 14-15, Garden District
Tour the interiors and grounds of several stunning homes in the historic Garden District. Festivities also include live music, and a holiday boutique.
Nola Christmasfest
Dec 20-30, Convention Center
Rides, activities and even ice skating all inside the Convention Center is back for it's 10th fun year.
Caroling in Jackson Square
Dec 22, French Quarter
This special New Orleans event is open to everyone with sheet music and candles provided.
Gingerbread Lane: Boozy After Dark Bash
Dec 22, Riverwalk
Bring your favorite drink, your crew, and unleash your inner cookie connoisseur as you make your gingerbread masterpiece with a DJ playing along.
Christmas Eve Bonfire Express
Dec 24, Along the levees
Celebrate the Louisiana tradition of viewing the community-built bonfires that light the way for Papa Noël as he makes his way down the River. This includes express transportation and a police escort as guests draw near to the bonfires. Come see the feux de joie (fires of joy).
Christmas Eve on the Steamboat Natchez
Dec 24, Mississippi River
Watching for Santa on the river with a jazz trio, holiday buffet, optional libations, and the most unique view of New Orleans on this Christmas Eve cruise.
Jingling Through the Crescent
Dec 25, New Orleans
A fully narrated Gray Line tour of New Orleans in its holiday dress! Tour highlights include the French Quarter, Esplanade Avenue, Faubourg Treme, City Park, Carrollton Avenue, St. Charles Avenue, Audubon Park, and Garden District. Stroll through the beautiful lobby of the Roosevelt Hotel.
New Year's Eve at Vue
Dec 31, Vue Orleans
Celebrate the New Year at the Vue Orleans Observation Deck! Their annual New Year's Eve party with a champagne toast at midnight, premium hors d'oeuvres, and an open bar. They’ll have music and entertainment throughout the evening.
CHRISTMAS CONCERTS AND PERFORMANCES
LPO Classical Christmas
Dec 5, Orpheum Theater
Dec 6, Furhmann Auditorium in Covington
This special holiday program begins with music from an opera inspired by the story of the Three Kings, along with a Christmas cantata and excerpts of Handel’s Messiah.
Marine Forces Reserve Big Band Christmas Concert
Dec 7, Jefferson Performing Arts Center
Dec 11, Harbor Center in Slidell
It's always a fun tradition to see the Marines perform during the holidays. Free concerts, but reserve your tickets in advance.
Lauren Daigle: Behold Christmas
Dec 11-12, Saenger Theater
Lauren returns to New Orleans for TWO of her only three holiday concerts. The beloved tradition, dating back 8 years, features some of Daigle’s seasonal favorites from her best-selling Christmas album, Behold: A Christmas Collection.
The Victory Belles Ring in the Season
Dec 11-23, BB's Stagedoor Canteen at WWII Museum
Celebrate the holidays at BB’s Stage Door Canteen with a brand-new show from the Victory Belles and the Victory Six Band.
Herb Alpert and Lani Hall: A Christmas Wish
Dec 14, Jefferson Performing Arts Center
Here is your chance to see 2 legendary performers. Herb, Lani and their incredible band, perform an eclectic mix of songs.
Harry Shearer and Judith Owen’s Christmas Without Tears
Dec 17, 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.
Gregory Porter's Holiday Tour
Dec 18, Orpheum Theater
The show will feature a sampling of Gregory's fan loved favorites, along with forthcoming album tracks to highlight the festive holiday period.
LPO Holiday Spectacular
Dec 19, Orpheum Theater
Celebrate the magic of the season with this exciting annual performance of everyone’s favorite holiday tunes. This program has something for everyone and has become a holiday tradition for our LPO audience.
NOCCA's Home for Holidays Concert
Dec 21, House of Blues
Starring Irma Thomas, Kermit Ruffins, Rebirth Brass Band, and John Boutte in a night benefitting aspiring artists.
PARADES
Olde Towne Slidell Christmas Golf Cart Parade, Nov 30
Norco Christmas Parade, Dec 3
Children's Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade, Dec 7
Winter on the Water Mandeville, Dec 7
Merry Madisonville, Dec 7
Hammond Christmas Parade, Dec 7
Christmas in Covington Lollipops, Dec 7
Harahan Christmas Parade, Dec 14
Christmas on Sala Westwego Parade, Dec 14
Lights on the Lake Boat Parade, Dec 14
Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year's Eve Parade, Dec 31
THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES
Elf: The Broadway Musical
Dec 3-8, Saenger Theater
The story of Buddy the Elf inspires this Broadway show passing through New Orleans to bring us a little extra Christmas cheer.
It's a Wonderful Life Y'all
Dec 6-22, Rivertown Theater
This classic story is now told with the humor and warmth of true New Orleans characters.
Elf Jr
Dec 13-15, JPAS Westwego
Based on the cherished movie hit, Elf JR. features songs by Tony Award-nominees. This one is extra special to Magic 101.9 since our own Annette's daughter is appearing as "police office number 2" in her JPAS debut. :)
The Nutcracker
Dec 13-23, 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.
Junie B Jingle Bells, Batman Smells
Dec 13-22, Rivertown Theater
Everyone's favorite first grader is back! Based on the book " Junie B. First Grader: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (P.S. So Does May)." A fun, holiday-themed show for the whole family.
The Nutcracker
Dec 21-22, JPAS in Metairie
The Jefferson Ballet Theater and the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra combine for this classic holiday tradition.
The Nutcracker
Dec 30, Saenger Theater
Celebrate America’s favorite Christmas tradition with an international all-star cast that blends world-class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics.
FOR THE LITTLE ONES
Teddy Bear Tea Dec 1-27, Roosevelt
Santa's PJ Party Dec 7, Royal Sonesta
Teddy Bear Tea Dec 7-21, WWII Museums Stage Door Canteen
Pancakes with Santa Dec 14, Urban South Brewery
Santa Brunch Dec 14-22, Broussard's
SANTA SIGHTINGS
Santa at Lakeside Mall
Through Dec 24, Metairie
Find Santa in his sleigh throughout the holidays for photos.
Santa at Clearview City Center
Through Dec 24, Metairie
Enter by the Walk-Ons entrance to find Santa.
Santa at Oakwood Mall
Through Dec 24, Gretna
Santa pictures available throughout the season including special times for pets.
Santa at The Shops in Mandeville
Through Dec 24, 1200 W Causeway Approach
Book your appointment for Santa pics with the kids or the dogs.
Santa in Slidell
Through Dec 24, 1806 Shortcut Hwy
Book your appointment for Santa pics with the kids or the dogs.
Pet Pictures with Santa
Dec 7, 14, 15, Metairie/Kenner
3 different stops for Santa to take pictures with your pets to benefit the Metairie Humane Shelter.