Classic New Orleans holiday festivities that you cannot miss
Embrace all New Orleans has to offer this holiday season, including parades, performances, and tours of the local festive decorations.
Celebration in the Oaks
1 Palm Dr.
City Park is illuminated for this year's Celebration in the Oaks from now until to January 1. Driving and walking tours are available for guests to explore the two mile trail of holiday lights and cheer. The park arranged over one million lights in a decorative display for people of all ages to enjoy and observe.
Classical Christmas
129 Roosevelt Way
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will perform at Orpheum Theater from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on December 5, playing a selection of classical holiday arrangements. Tickets prices begin at $25 for adults and $13 for children. The orchestra will be conducting a similar performance at the Fuhrmann Auditorium on December 4, as well as a family-friendly concert of Muppet classics on December 12.
Gingerbread House Making
921 Canal St.
The Ritz-Carlton is hosting a gingerbread house making event for children of all ages from December 6 to 21, 12 to 5 p.m.. Reservations are required and edible decorations and holiday treats are provided. The hotel also offers additional holiday-themed accommodations such as cookie decorating, to-go gingerbread kits, and a specialized drink menu.
NOLA Holiday Parade
Do not miss out on the fourth annual family-friendly holiday parade hosted by Manning Family Children's LCMC Health. On December 7 at 12:30 a.m. the parade will begin at The French Market and extend downtown, featuring holiday-inspired float designs. Dancing and musical performances will take place in between the 30 floats, which will be televised for viewing.
Greenway Supernova
500 N. Norman C. Francis Pkwy.
The Greenway Supernova art display features a variety of light exhibits in the Lafitte Greenway's Greenway Plaza and Greenway Station open-air pavilion. The displays vary in mode, with immersive, three-dimensional, and two-dimensional viewing options. Access to the art exhibit is available free of charge on December 11, 12, and 13.
The Nutcracker
129 Roosevelt Way, 1111 Canal St.
orpheumnola.com, saengernola.com
Partake in the classic holiday production of The Nutcracker, with performances by both the New Orleans Ballet Theater (NOBT) and the Magical Christmas Ballet. NOBT will perform at the Orpheum Theater on December 13 and 14 and Magical Christmas Ballet will perform at Saenger Theater on December 26. Both ensembles evoke a sense of nostalgia and holiday magic through the elaborate costumes, dances, and festive set design.
Big Easy Boys Holiday Show
113 Chartres St.
bkhouse.org
The historic BK House and Gardens is hosting the Big Easy Boys for a holiday concert on December 18 at 6 p.m. This group expands on the classic but timeless nature of holiday tunes in their quartet-style concert. Tickets range from $30 to $35 for this cheerful and festive performance.
Chanukah at the Pelicans Game
1501 Dave Dixon Dr. Space 101-102
templesinainola.com
Combining athletics with holiday tradition, Temple Sinai will do a Chanukah feature on December 18 at the New Orleans Pelicans versus Houston Rockets game from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Happy hour begins at 6 p.m. followed by a menorah lighting on the court. Those participating will gather for a picture after the game in specialized t-shirts for the event, which can be ordered in advance.
NOLA ChristmasFest
900 Convention Center Blvd.
Let the Yuletide Roll! NOLA ChristmasFest, New Orleans' beloved indoor holiday attraction, returns with dazzling displays, a giant gingerbread house, ice slides, a sparkling ice rink, thrilling Carnival rides, and festive entertainment. This year debuts an exclusive, limited-capacity experience: ice bumper cars (separate ticket and reservation required). Don't miss the magic for all ages! Visit nolachristmasfest.com for daily session times.
Holiday Home Tour
Get to know your neighbors via the Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré's holiday home tours. On December 21 from 12 to 4 p.m., guests will view the elaborate holiday decorations featured at the historic homes of the French Quarter. This unique opportunity enhances a sense of community amidst the bustling nature of New Orleans.
