This joyous time of year is the perfect time to share all of the delights and magic that the season brings. Despite the rare citing of a white Christmas in the Big Easy, the spirit of the holidays is around the city all season. With the "12 days" quickly arriving, here are some of the city's most spectacular kid friendly events to enjoy as they count down the days until the mystical Kris Kringle arrives.
Celebration in the Oaks
City Park
Let's start with a New Orleans tradition. Celebration in the Oaks is a Christmas extravaganza. Located in City Park, it is the park's largest fundraiser and has been dazzling us since the 1980s. This year, the celebration will include both the driving experience as well as the Carousel Garden experience. While attending, your holiday cuties will be able to venture into the park to see the stunning light exhibits along with enjoying treats, sites, and entertainment along the way.
NOLA ChristmasFest
New Orleans Convention Center
Ice-skating, Santa, carnival rides, and more. Your little prancers will be sure to enjoy NOLA ChristmasFest. With everything to celebrate the holiday season, this fest is loads of fun for all ages. From December 17-30 (excluding the 23rd and 24th), attendees can enjoy delicious food, sweets, and drinks, as well as a gingerbread village, a carousel, a stunning tree exhibit, and, of course, their famous indoor skating rink.
Holiday Gingerbread Workshop
Red Fish Grill
They say workshops are the best place for elves looking for a Christmas activity. In this workshop, your little elf will be making a gingerbread house, learning the techniques of building and decorating a fantastic gingerbread home. This family fun event is pretty popular and available on Sundays from the 5th through the 19th of December. While there, you are encouraged to dine, drink, and enjoy. Along with all of your gingerbread decorating materials, tickets also include a commemorative holiday bell and a virtual keepsake photo.
Jazz Brunch with Santa
The Court of Two Sisters
From December 20-24, your Christmas elves can enjoy a tasty brunch with the mellow sounds of jazz gracing their little pointy ears. This fancy holiday event is held at The Court of Two Sisters and includes a delicious brunch buffet, a small gift, and, of course, a visit with the guest of honor himself, Santa Claus. Selling out quickly, this special holiday brunch is the perfect treat for kids on the nice list.
Teddy Bear Tea
The Roosevelt Hotel
Inside the spectacularly and Christmasly decorated Roosevelt Hotel, you will find a holiday tea party experience like none other. Serving up a tasting of holiday dishes, teas, and pastries, children are greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Claus as they indulge in all of the fun. Is tea the only beverage, you ask? Of course not. Moms and dads have not been forgotten. While your Christmas cuties enjoy their treats, parents can enjoy as much sparkling wine and mimosas to fill their hearts' desires. Visit their website to see select dates.
Kids Masterclass: Bûche de Noël
Southern Food & Beverage Museum
Okay, this one is pretty specific, but also pretty cool. Who doesn't love a good Bûche de Noël? Yum! On December 4 at the Southern Food & Beverage Museum, kids will work in groups to create the delicious holiday classic. Starting with the sponge cake, this masterclass will teach each part from filling the treat to decorating it. This fun holiday event will surely be a joyful time for your little reindeer.
Caroling in Jackson Square
French Quarter
Each year, folks from all around bring themselves and their families out for a lovely night of singing all of our holiday favorites. On December 19, join the others as they participate in a long-standing tradition of caroling in Jackson Square. Yes, this event is free and kid friendly. So grab some hot cocoa and enjoy a night of singing with your kiddos, family, and friends.
Christmas in the
Outlying Parishes
While New Orleans is a fantastic place for kids to experience Christmas, there are other events near the city that are certainly worth experiencing. If you're looking for a parade outside of the city, you can find one in Slidell and in Ponchatoula. There is a very Merry Christmas Spectacular in Mandeville and so much more. Don't be afraid to venture off and explore.
There are many ways for kids to celebrate the holiday season in the city as they count down the days until the mystical Kris Kringle arrives. While this article lists a few fun things, these aren't the only kid friendly Christmas events for them to enjoy. Things as simple as family and friend gatherings, decorating, holiday baking, driving around to see lights, and visiting beautifully lit streets around the city are all spectacular Christmas events. This is simply the time of year to be in the spirit, enjoy, and make those Christmas cuties, elves, prancers, and kiddos happy.
