Festive Fun in the Big Easy
If New
Orleans knows one thing, it's how to celebrate! Even if we don't have the
classic Christmas with white snow, New Orleans has its own special traditions
to enjoy. A month jam-packed with cool events, exciting performances, and more,
the list below has the best things to do in the Greater New Orleans area during
the 2024 holiday season.
Celebration in the Oaks
An elaborate
light show that leads guests through City Park, Celebration in the Oaks is the
park's largest annual fundraiser that features holiday themed lights,
decorations, and more! Whether you take the two and a half mile driving tour
through the park or walk around the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, you are
sure to experience the festive magic of Celebration in the Oaks. Running from
November 29 until January 3, walking and driving tours are scheduled for 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Monday through Thursdays and Sundays, as well as 5 p.m. until
11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets range in prices from $7 to $265.
Old Algiers Holiday Art Market
Cross the Mississippi River for the Old Algiers Holiday Art Market on November 30. The market will take place at Delcazal Park and will feature many festive vendors. The market will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Christmas in Lafreniere Park
Jefferson
Parish's Lafreniere Park returns its Holiday Light Display this Christmas
season. A longtime festive tradition, the park will be adorned with snowflake,
candy-cane, and nutcracker lights that will turn on at 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. daily! Opening on December 1 through December 25, tickets range in prices
from $10 to $15 per car.
Teddy Bear Tea
The Roosevelt Hotel's annual and popular Teddy Bear Tea will run from December 1 to December 27 for children and adults get into the Christmas spirit. Enjoy delicious pastries, hot chocolate, champagne, and more. Times vary, and tickets start at $5 plus a service fee.
Kenner's Magical Christmas Village
Throughout
the month of December, Kenner's Magical Christmas Village invites the Greater
New Orleans community to foster their holiday joy. Featuring holiday-inspired
lights, Christmas music, food, gifts, and even a visit from Santa Claus
himself, admission is free and the event will be held at Heritage Park in Rivertown! Open to the public everyday during the month of December, the
village will be open from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Holly Jolly Market
The Junior League of New Orleans will host a Holly Jolly Market at the Academy of the Sacred Heart on December 3. The market will be from 5 to 8 p.m. and will be held in conjunction with Sacred Heart's annual caroling in the courtyard. There will also be Preview Party on Monday, December 2 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Roosevelt's
The decadent and shining lobby of the Roosevelt Hotel is an iconic holiday stop during the Christmas season. On Tuesday, December 3 at 5 p.m., their Lobby Lighting Ceremony will feature a champagne toast, music from a jazz trumpeter, and the official lighting of over 100,000 twinkling lights! Free and open to the public, visit the Roosevelt's lobby during the month of December for their spectacular light show.
Christkindlmarkt
Visit the Deutsches Haus for its sixth annual Christkindlmarkt (aka Christmas Market). The event is free and will feature lots of art and crafts vendors and delicious German food. It will run December 6 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., December 7 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and December 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
St. Louis Cathedral Concerts
On December 4, 11, 18, and 22, St. Louis Cathedral will host their Christmas concerts. Featuring performers including John Boutte, Yusa and Mahmoud Chouki, and the St. Louis Cathedral choir, listen to Christmas music from all different styles and cultures. Each event will begin at 6 p.m. and go until 7 p.m., with free entry for all.
Classical Christmas: Handel's Messiah
On Thursday, December 5 from 7:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will perform excerpts from Handel's Messiah, including: "For Unto Us," "Glory to God," and "Hallelujah." Hosted by the Orpheum Theatre, enjoy classic holiday music for $35 to $67 per person.
The Amazing Acro-Cats
Hosting their "Meowy Catmas Special," the Amazing Acro-Cats will visit the AllWays Lounge and Cabaret on Thursday, December 5 through Sunday, December 22. Playing seasonal classics like "A Cat in a Manger," "Catnip Roasting on an Open Fire," and "God Rest Ye Merry Kittens," the shows combine your love of the Acro-Cats with your holiday festivities this December. Tickets range in prices from $45 to $60 per person.
Children's Hospital Holiday Parade
A family-friendly event that helps to support Children's Hospital, the Children's Hospital Holiday Parade combines the festivity of Christmas with the famous New Orleans-tradition of elaborate trades. Traveling through the French Quarter, the Children's Hospital Holiday Parade will take place on Saturday, December 7 at 11:00 a.m. and will feature special Christmas guests—like Santa and his elves—holiday-decorated floats, and special throws made by the patients at Children's Hospital.
Santa Paws and Pints
Bring your fuzzy best friend to Port Orleans Brewing Company for their Santa Paws & Pints event on December 7. Your fur baby can have his/her picture taken with Santa, and there will also be local vendors to check out. The event will run from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and entry is $20, which will go towards Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO).
Christmas in Lafreniere Park Run/Walk
A two-mile walk and run through Metairie's Lafreniere Park, the Christmas in Lafreniere Park Run/Walk will boast a trail that ensures participants can see the park's elaborate light show and other holiday decor. This event will be filled with hot cocoa, a visit from Santa Claus, a holiday costume contest and more. On Saturday, December 7 at 4 p.m., participants are invited to join the holiday fun for $25 to $30 per person!
Algiers Bonfire
Hosted on the banks of the Mississippi River, the Algiers Bonfire is a long-loved tradition that will feature musical performances, delicious food, and shopping from their holiday market. With a 30-foot sculpture bonfire, the event will take place on Saturday, December 7 from 4:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. Free and open to the public, visit 200 Morgan St. to enjoy the spectacular holiday joy.
Ringing in the Arts 2024
The annual fine-arts festival in Gretna is a Victorian-inspired Christmas market that will take place on Saturday, December 7 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Gretna Market Place. The event is free to the public and will be a night that involves live music, art from local artists, and refreshments for guests to enjoy.
Movies Under the Stars
Visit Spanish Plaza by the Riverwalk Outlets for a free showing of the movie The Polar Express as part of the outlets' Movie Under the Stars series. The animated movie by Robert Zemeckis is a part choice for a cozy, Christmas outing. The screening will take place from December 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Krampus Nolauf
Combining spooky-ness and holiday joy, the Krampus Nolauf will roll through the Bywater on Saturday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m. Boasting a dark-winter theme, Krampus—who returns one night a year to punish the naughty—will walk the parade, giving those who he thinks are bad coal! A unique experience, visit the Krampus Nolauf parade for a spooky Christmas experience.
The Nutcracker Suite at Tulane
The Nutcracker Suite is a holiday classic filled with magic, holiday cheer, and beautiful dancing. On Sunday, December 8, Dixon Hall at Tulane University will present Tchaikovsky's traditional tale at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Performed by the New Orleans Ballet Association, this performance is family friendly and only lasts an hour, with tickets costing $20 per person.
Caroling in the Chapel
The New Orleans Interracial Gospel Choir and the Ursuline Academy Orchestra and Choirs are excited to host an afternoon of Christmas caroling on December 8 at 4 p.m. Free and open to the public, the event will take place at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor church.
A Very Vappie Holiday
Visit the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center on December 8 for A Very Vappie Christmas. The event will feature live music by banjoist Don Vappie. The concert starts at 8 p.m., and tickets are $10.
Algiers Point Caroling Singalong
On Wednesday, December 11 the Algiers United Methodist will host their annual Caroling Singalong in Algiers Point. From 6 p.m. until 7 p.m., guests can enjoy a retelling of the Christmas story, performances by talented singers, and a sing-along to some of the best Christmas songs.
PRC Home Tour
A unique New Orleans tradition, the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans is excited to host their Holiday Home Tours on the weekend of December 14 and 15. Featuring tours of historic and fantastically decorated homes, festive boutiques, and more, the PRC Home Tours are a great way to garner inspiration for your own holiday decor! Tours take place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and tickets cost $36 to $45 per person.
Harahan Christmas Parade
The Harahan Christmas Parade will begin at the intersection of Hord Street and Jefferson Highway before rolling along Jefferson Highway. A festive event, the parade will include a glimpse of Santa and jolly Holiday decor. Commencing at 12 p.m. on Saturday, December 14, the event is open to the public and is a fantastic family-friendly event.
Running of the Santas
Embody Santa on Saturday, December 14 and run through the Warehouse District to get into the holiday spirit! The event will feature drink specials, live music, entry into local bars and restaurants like Manning's, Lucy's, and Generations Hall, and a costume contest! Commencing at 2 p.m., tickets range in prices from $30 to $75.
Lights on the Lake
Back for its 11th year in a row, Lights on the Lake is a cheerful, family-friendly event filled at the New Canal Lighthouse with festive lights and beautifully decorated boats. Granting visitors the best views of the annual West End Boat Parade, Lights on the Lake will take place on Saturday, December 14 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., with admission costing $10 per person.
LPO's Holiday Spectacular
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will host their Holiday Spectacular at the Orpheum Theater on Thursday, December 19. With the performance commencing at 7:30 p.m., this event is open to all ages and is a widely-beloved holiday tradition, featuring some of the best Christmas music. Tickets range in prices from $13 to $87.
NOLA Christmas Fest
The Morial Convention Center's NOLA Christmas Fest is an exciting event that brings classic holiday fun to New Orleans. From a magical ice skating rink to a Gingerbread village, experience all the family fun at the NOLA Christmas Fest from December 20 through December 30 for $25 during the week and $30 during the weekend. Open daily, with hours fluctuating, purchasing tickets gives guests a 4.5 hour time slot.
Danny O'Flaherty's Celtic Christmas
Celebrating and embracing Celtic Christmas traditions, the Deutsches Haus is excited to host their Celtic Christmas event on December 21, starting at 2 p.m. Gather around the yule log, enjoy a cup of O'Flaherty's Wassail, and embrace the holiday spirit with this cool holiday event!
Home for the Holidays
Visit the House of Blues for their Home for the Holidays event on December 21. Presented by The NOCCA Foundation, the event will feature music by Rebirth Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins, Irma Thomas, and more. The show starts for 8 p.m. and tickets are $62.50.
Patio Planters Holiday Home Tour
Join the Patio Planters for their annual Holiday Home Tour through the French Quarter. Take a self-guided walking tour and visit the decorated homes of different French Quarter residents. It will take place on December 22 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and is $35 to preregister.
Caroling in Jackson Square
For one night, Jackson Square will be lit up by hundreds of candles, marking itself as a favorite holiday-tradition by many New Orleans natives. On December 22 from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m., participants are invited to visit Jackson Square and sing-along to holiday favorites. Free and open to the public, anybody is welcome to join in the celebration!
Creole Christmas Holiday Home Tour
The Friends of the Cabildo is hosting a Creole Christmas Holiday Home Tour, which will allow participants to step back in time to old New Orleans, from December 27 to December 29. Houses included on the tour are the Beauregard-Keyes House, Gallier House, Hermann-Grima House,1850 House, Historic New Orleans Collection, and Spring Fiesta. Tickets are required and are $40 for general, $30 for seniors, and free for kids 12 and under.
