15 holiday events you do not want to miss around NOLA!
‘Tis the Season New Orleans!
Saturday, Dec. 1
Krewe of Jingle
Downtown New Orleans. Features creative holiday floats, marching bands, stilt walkers, and many Christmas characters such as Mr. Bingle. 1 pm.
Celebration in the Oaks
New Orleans City Park. Visit a stunning Christmas Wonderland and enjoy the sight of magnificent light displays strung across the oaks. 6-11 pm. Continues through Jan. 1.
Gulfport Harbor Lights
2250 Jones Park Dr., Gulfport, MS. Visit a Winter Wonderland with over 1,000,000 lights, the famous dancing Christmas trees, 13 nights of live entertainment, and more! Pictures with Santa are FREE with admission. Gates open at 5:30 pm and close at 9:30 pm. Continues through December 30.
Sunday, Dec. 2 – First Night of Chanukah
Chabad-Chanukah at The Riverwalk
Riverwalk Spanish Plaza. A public menorah lighting and grand Chanukah celebration. Kosher food, Jewish music, children’s program and entertainment, Chanukah materials. 4:30-6:30 pm.
Wednesday, Dec. 5
Kenner Christmas Village
Kenner City Park, 3800 Loyola Ave. Featuring ice skating, Santa’s Workshop, food and shopping, a Christmas tree lot, performances, and a biergarten. Free. Continues Wednesday through Sunday through Dec. 30.
Thursday, Dec. 6
Luna Fête
Lafayette Square.The multi-day celebration features illuminated installations, digital sculptures, video-mapping projections and art animated by technology. Free. 6-10 pm. Continues through Dec. 9.
Saturday, Dec. 8
Jingle Bell Run
Audubon Park, 6500 Magazine St. Be a part of this holiday-themed 5K race series and fight to conquer arthritis. $35/person. 7:30-11 am.
Holiday Kids Sing-Along and Dance Party with Vince Vance
Deanie’s Seafood. Children are encouraged to be silly, have fun and share their holiday spirit with their friends and family during this playful morning holiday celebration. 9-11:30 am. Continues through Dec. 16.
Winter of the Water Santa Parade
City of Mandeville. The Winter on the Water Santa Parade begins on Lakeshore and Jackson and travels to the Gazebo where we will be entertained with live music, face painting, bell chorus, lighting of the oaks and don’t forget your cameras for pictures with Santa. 4-7 pm.
Sunday, Dec. 9
Hansel & Gretel Children’s Opera
Opera Guild Home. Join for the classic story of Hansel and Gretel, featuring a 45-minute performance from the MetroPelican Opera. 2-5 pm.
Saturday, Dec. 15
Pintsize Paint Party: Reindeer Lights
Fassbender Center, Kenner. Join for a day of reindeer-themed painting and leave with a finished product! All supplies and snacks included. 10 am-noon.
Thursday, Dec. 20
NOLA ChristmasFest
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Enjoy ice skating, ice slides, carnival rides, inflatables, life size maze, a snowball fight area, holiday characters, and decorated Christmas trees. 11 am–9 pm. Continues through Dec. 31.
Friday, Dec. 21
Grinch Party
Kenner Pavilion. This is a pizza party filled with games, arts and crafts, pictures with Mr. Grinch, and more! 6:30-8:30 pm.
Monday, Dec. 24 – CHRISTMAS EVE
Bonfires on the Levee
Lutcher. More than 100 bonfires are lit along the Mississippi River to show the Cajun Santa Claus, “Papa Noel,” where to fly and land as he soars across southern Louisiana. Dusk.
Tuesday, Dec. 25 – Merry Christmas!
Monday, Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve
Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year’s Parade
The parade will begin at the intersection of Elysian Fields Avenue and Decatur Street. The United States Air Force Honor Guard will be marching and the Mardi Gras-style parade will feature floats, bands, and much more. 2:30 pm.
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