One of the
best parts about Christmas is all the decorations and lights. Every year, homes,
city parks, and city streets are decked out in holiday splendor with twinkling
lights and colorful displays. New Orleans is known for having quite a few
popular spots to see beautiful Christmas lights. With Christmas in just a few
days, this week is one of your last chances to see the light displays for the
2020 Christmas season. COVID-19 has put a lot of restrictions on states and
their citizens, and seeing Christmas lights can really help bring back the
joyfulness of the holiday season. Here is a list of several local spots to
check out some festive light displays this year.
French
Quarter
Every year,
the city of New Orleans decks the French Quarter with more than
40,000 lights. The French Market, the businesses
in the Quarter, and several homes in the area decorate with gorgeous Christmas
lights. On Decatur Street, there is a lit Christmas tree on display. To see
some of the best displays in the French Quarter, stroll down Royal Street and
Chartres Street.
Canal
Street
Every year,
Canal Street "flips the switch" on Thanksgiving to light up this iconic
thoroughfare with festive displays, from Claiborne Avenue to the Riverwalk. The
lights are on display for over a month for all to enjoy. Canal Street displays
the perfect scene of a beautiful urban Christmas.
Kenner
Christmas Village
Even with
COVID-19 restrictions, Jefferson Parish will have their annual Kenner
Christmas Village. The city of Kenner will be transformed into a
Christmas light display with animated scenery to bring some holiday cheer. The
event will take place until Saturday, December 26, and it is free to all.
Convention Center Boulevard's
"Pedestrian Park" New
Orleans's Riverfront Development project's newest gem is finally mostly
complete, after a long period of being under construction. The "pedestrian park"
stretches from Ernest N. Morial Convention Center to Poydras Street and is
worth checking out. In the Christmas spirit, the walkway has switched its
lights to red and green, adding some festive pep to your step. While you're
there, check out the Christmas tree by the Riverwalk Mall. Celebration in the Oaks The festival returns for its 35th year, bringing
back all your favorites, including the enormous dinosaurs, replica of St. Louis
Cathedral, and crawfish with beer mugs—all made from vibrant colorful lights.
In a pandemic year, Celebration in the Oaks remains the perfect outdoor
activity. The breathtaking displays are scattered throughout City Park, which
makes for an exciting scavenger hunt. This year, it's a ticketed driving event
through the 2.25-mile grounds. Reserve your spot online, starting at $18.99. 1 Palm Dr., (504) 482-4888, neworleanscitypark.com/celebration-in-the-oaks
