There are plenty of fun and festive activities to kick-off and enjoy this holiday season! From activities for kids and families, couples, and those who love their pets, there is so much to do and so many ways to celebrate the holidays. Check out the list below for the best events and experiences during the month of December.
Fun & Festive Activities During December 2024
Picnic Under the Lights
visitjeffersonparish.com
Enjoy a picnic inside a personal bubble tent and underneath the sparkling lights along Gretna's Huey P. Long Avenue Thursdays through Sundays from now through December 22. Costing $75 to $125 per night, bring a picnic, drinks, or a treat, and enjoy a unique experience. The bubble tents will be available for reservation from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Santa at Lakeside
lakesideshopping.com
Until December 24, Santa Clause will be stationed at the center court in the Lakeside Shopping Mall. Whether it's your first time or you are a repeat customer, photos with Santa are a classic holiday activity. Walk-ups are welcome but photo reservations can be made in advance. Photos are taken Monday through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., as well as on Sundays from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. Prices range depending on photo size.
Christmas at Lafreniere Park
lafrenierepark.org
Lafreniere Park transforms into a festive holiday wonderland during the month of December. Every night throughout the month of December, the lights display will come on at 5:30 p.m., and guests will be invited to tour the twinkling decorations. Open until December 30, and closed only on the 25, entrance to the park is $10 per car if bought in advance and $15 per car at the park.
Kenner's Magical Christmas Village
kenner.la.us
Featuring a visit from Santa Clause, festive Christmas decorations, delicious food, music, and "snow," Kenner's Magical Christmas Village will run through December 31 and open to the public from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Admission is free, with vendors and entertainers being present every Friday and Saturday. Located at Heritage Park in Rivertown, visit the Kenner's Magical Christmas Village for festive fun and holiday joy!
St. Nicholas Children's Party
stjosephgretna.com
Every Saturday during the month of December, families and their children can visit St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gretna to enjoy fun games, decorate cookies, and get their picture taken with St. Nicholas. Running from 1 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., St. Nicholas Children's Party is a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season.
It's a Wonderful Life Y'all
rivertowntheaters.com
Putting a New Orleans spin on a holiday classic, Rivertown Theaters is excited to present "It's a Wonderful Life Y'all." Running from now through December 22, guests are invited to enjoy this heart-warming and festive performance. A family-friendly event, tickets range in prices from $41 to $45, and showtimes differ per day.
Heavenly Rose
visitjeffersonparish.com
On December 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Good Shepherd Church, the Jefferson Chorale will perform Christmas and holiday concerts. Free and open to the public, experience the festive joy and impressive talent of the Jefferson Chorale this holiday season.
Light of the Stable
divinemercyparish.org
The Divine Mercy Catholic Church is excited to host the "Light of the Stable" Christmas concert on December 13, commencing at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature candlelit caroling by the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School Choir, a meet and greet with Kitty Cleveland, and a holiday performance. Admission is free and will end with delicious treats, drinks, crafts, activities, and a visit from Santa Clause.
Elf Jr. The Musical
jpas.org
Based on the hit movie, Elf Jr. is a Jefferson Performing Arts musical that will take place December 13 through December 15. A hilarious and cheerful performance, Elf Jr. is fantastic for families and kids to embrace the holiday season. With showtimes at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. at the Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, tickets range in prices from $15 to $25.
Harahan Christmas Parade
visitjeffersonparish.com
On December 14, the Harahan Police Department will host the John Doyle Memorial Christmas Parade. Commencing at 12 p.m., the festive parade will feature holiday joy and a visit from Santa Clause! A family-friendly event, the parade will begin at the intersection of Hord Street and Jefferson Highway and will roll along Jefferson Highway.
Lights on the Lake
scienceforourcoast.org
Hosting its 11th annual Lights on the Lake celebration, the family-friendly event will feature decorated boats and sparkling holiday lights to celebrate the exciting season. With the viewing taking place at the New Canal Light House, the event is set for December 14 and will run from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Band of Excellence Christmas Concert
facebook.com
The concert invites the best student musicians and singers to perform a Christmas and Holiday concert in front of the Christmas Tree on Huey P. Long Avenue and Sixth Street in Gretna. Presented by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, the event will be held on December 14 from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Herb Alpert and Lani Hall - A Christmas Wish
jeffersonpac.com
On December 14, legendary performers Herb Alpert and wife Lani Hill will visit the Jefferson Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. There, they will perform the classics from Brasil '66 and more in celebration of the holiday season. Tickets cost $36 to $77 per person.
Pet Photos with Santa
petsmart.com
On December 14 and 15, Santa is offering the chance to take free photos with your furry friend! From 2 p.m. until 6 p.m., visitors can line up to get an adorable and festive photo with their pet and Santa Clause. Done locally by a PetsMart near you, visitors are encouraged to make reservations in advance online.
Santa in Gentilly
gentillysanta.com
Gentilly Santa returns this holiday season! Meet Santa, take photos with him, and tell him your wishlist on December 15 at SMGlam Bar from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m., December 21 at Emline Store from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., and December 23 at Emline Store from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Reservations must be made in advance. Gentilly Santa can also be booked online for personal Zoom calls and events.
Living Nativity in Gretna
stjosephgretna.com
St Joseph Catholic Church is excited to present a Living Nativity Scene on Huey P Long Avenue between 6th and 7th streets in Gretna. From December 15 through December 22, the living nativity will commence at 6:30 p.m., recreating the classic Christmas story.
The Nutcracker
jeffersonpac.com
The Jefferson Performing Arts Center is excited to bring the classic tale of The Nutcracker to their theaters on December 21 and 22. Featuring the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra and the Jefferson Ballet Theatre, tickets range in prices from $30 to $80. Both shows will begin at 2 p.m. each day.
Fun for Everyone!
Make this time of year the most magical with these exciting and heartwarming events and activities. Enjoy caroling, fun festive shopping, or a magical visit from Santa Clause to truly embrace the holiday spirit.
