Ring in the spirited season with over 45 Santa-approved adventures the whole family can enjoy. After all, nothing screams holiday traditions in New Orleans quite like parades, music, City Park lights, and Teddy Bear teas. 

Baby It’s Cold Outside

2nd Annual Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade

December 2. 11 a.m. • Rolls from Elysian Fields Avenue & N. Peters Street, New Orleans

The parade will start from The French Market with an extended route through Downtown, and will end with a post-parade holiday experience and concert in Lafayette Square!

Algiers Holiday Bonfire & Concert

December 2. 4:30-8 p.m. • 200 Morgan St., New Orleans

As Algiers’ biggest annual holiday celebration and New Orleans’ only official holiday bonfire, the Algiers Bonfire is the neighborhood’s largest event and pays tribute to Louisiana traditions. Listen to musical performances, eat food from local vendors, and shop at the holiday craft market.

Celebration in the Oaks

December 1-30. Closed December 24. 5-11 p.m. • City Park, 1 Palm Dr., New Orleans

This premier holiday fundraiser garners over 135,000 visitors, celebrating what has become THE New Orleans family tradition. This incredible lights festival has enchanted Park visitors since the 1980s and is vital to the Park’s maintenance, care, and beautification year-round.

Christmas in Lafreniere Park Run/Walk

December 9. 4 p.m. • Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie

This run/walk will give locals the chance to participate in one of the most festive holiday events in the country. The 2-mile course takes participants through Lafreniere and ends near the walking light display tour!

Harahan Chirstmas Parade

December 9. Parade rolls at noon.

The parade route will start at the intersection of Hord Street and Jefferson Highway proceeding in the westbound lanes of Jefferson Highway. Come prepared to catch holiday-themed throws and spread Christmas cheer!

Krampus NOLAuf Parade

December 2. 7:30 p.m. • Rolls from Royal Street & Mazant Street, New Orleans

Come see Krampus for yourself and the spectacular show of dark winter known as the NOLAuf. Krewe of Krampus is returning to a walking parade on the streets of New Orleans after two years of pivoting to a stationary parade. 

Lights on the Lake

December 9. 5-8 p.m.New Canal Lighthouse, 8001 Lakeshore Dr., New Orleans

This family-friendly holiday event provides the best view of the annual West End Boat Parade, which starts 5:30 p.m. Also featuring fun, hands-on activities for the kids, you can enjoy local food trucks, “Santa’s Holiday Cocoa,” and choirs and dancing performances.

St. Nick Celebration

December 2. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Dutch Alley, 916 N. Peters St., New Orleans

Join the holiday festivities at the annual Saint Nick Celebration in the French Quarter. Enjoy live music, kid’s activities, and the Saint Nick Second Line!

Train Rides with Santa

December 16. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. • Louisiana Steam Train Association Train Yard, 1501 Jefferson Hwy, Jefferson

Ride with your family and friends in an open-air gondola or caboose pulled by one of LASTA’s historic diesel locomotives. Be on the lookout for when Santa makes his appearance!

Brrrrrrr-unches!

Brunch with Santa

December 17. 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Bourbon Orleans Hotel, 717 Orleans St., New Orleans

Get into the holiday spirit and bring the whole family to meet the man in red himself! Indulge in a scrumptious brunch spread while Santa listens to your Christmas wishes. 

Christmas Brunch at The Roosevelt

December 25. 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. • The Roosevelt New Orleans, 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans

The Roosevelt, New Orleans invites you and your family to take part in our Christmas brunch with delectable entrees, bottomless mimosas, and live music.

Christmas at The Cannery

December 9. 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. • December 17. 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. • The Cannery, 3803 Toulouse St., New Orleans

Visit for a holiday brunch with Santa and his friends. Tickets include brunch by Toulouse Gourmet Catering, arts and crafts activities, as well as other fun surprises!

Jazz Brunch with Santa

December 19-22. 10 a.m. to noon & 1-3 p.m. • The Court of Two Sisters, 613 Royal St., New Orleans

Get Jazzy with Santa as you enjoy a brunch buffet and a live holiday jazz trio. Every child will also receive a gift of their choice (naughty or nice!)

Snow Sisters Holiday Brunch

December 10. 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. • The Cannery, 3803 Toulouse St., New Orleans

Visit The Cannery for a Holiday Princess Brunch with your favorite Snow Sisters, Elsa and Anna! Tickets include brunch by Toulouse Gourmet Catering, arts and crafts activities, as well as other fun surprises.

Cups of Christmas Cheer

BK House’s Annual Kids Holiday Tea Party

December 9. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Beauregard-Keyes House, 1113 Chartres St., New Orleans

Kids and guardians are welcome to attend the party filled with snacks and fun activities ranging from storytelling, holiday crafts, and a visit from a surprise guest.

Teddy Bear Tea at The Roosevelt

November 26-December 27 • The Roosevelt New Orleans, 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans

Indulge in decadent pastries and hot chocolate or sip on champagne as you pass on this tradition from one generation to the next! This year, the time-honored celebration will once more feature singing, dancing, story-telling, and appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The Remington’s 2023 Cajun Night Before Christmas Tea

December 3. 2-5 p.m. • Destrehan Plantation, 13034 River Rd., Destrehan

The Remington Mobile Tea Room will host a Cajun Night Before Christmas Teddy Bear Tea at the Destrehan Plantation’s Mule Barn. Join the fun along with Boudreaux & Thibodeaux as they welcome Papa Noel, Mrs. Clause, and Papa Noel’s elves for a day of Christmas Fun on the Bayou!

Holly Jolly Jingles

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage

December 3. Showtimes at 1 & 7 p.m. • Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans

The critically acclaimed holiday celebration that the whole family can enjoy brings Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the Peanuts gang together live on stage as they uncover the true meaning of Christmas.

A Christmas Carol

December 7-21. Showtimes at 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. • Marquette Theater, 6363 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans

This thrilling adaptation uses only five actors to bring some of Dickens’ most beloved characters to life. Witness Scrooge’s transformation from a stingy miser to a man who generously celebrates the spirit of the season all year long.

A Christmas Story, the Musical

December 1-17. Showtimes at 2 & 7:30 p.m. • Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts, 25 Minor St., Kenner

Set in the 1940s, the show follows young Ralphie Parker on his quest to receive a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Filled with memorable characters, catchy songs, and delightful choreography, this enchanting musical captures the essence of childhood wonder and the magic of the holiday season. 

A Very Electric Christmas

December 2. 3 p.m. • Lafon Performing Arts Center, 275 Judge Edward Dufresne Pkwy., Luling

When Max gets blown off course and ends up at the North Pole…his adventure begins! Dancing toy soldiers, caroling worms, and performing poinsettias light up the stage in Lightwire Theater’s A Very Electric Christmas.

Elf in Concert

December 22-23. 7 p.m. • The Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St., New Orleans

Buddy was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. This holiday season relive this heartwarming holiday classic on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live to picture.

Louisiana Christmas Day

December 13. 11:45 a.m. to  2:00 p.m. • BB’s Stage Canteen at The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St., New Orleans

Celebrate the holidays, Louisiana-style! The Victory Belles will take you on a musical tour from the raucous Cajun bayous to the splendors of caroling in historic Jackson Square.

LPO: Holiday Spectacular

December 2. 7:30 p.m. • Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will play all your holiday favorites live on the Orpheum Theater stage. Make this performance a part of your Christmas traditions— it is the perfect concert experience for your entire family!

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

December 27. 7:30 p.m. • Saenger Theater, 1111 Canal St., New Orleans

This show encompasses all of your favorite classic holiday songs with dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting and is a perfect night out to celebrate the season with the entire family!

Musical Storytime: The Snowy Day

December 9. 10:30 a.m. • Popp Bandstand at New Orleans City Park, 54 Dreyfous Dr., New Orleans

Join the fun for an interactive story and musical adventure featuring LPO musicians. The musician will play a demo on their instrument, explain a little bit about their instrument and their background, and then read the story with musical accompaniment.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

December 30. 4 & 8 p.m. • Saenger Theater, 1111 Canal St., New Orleans

Gather your loved ones for the warm glow and nostalgia of America’s favorite Christmas celebration. Experience the extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists performing at the peak of classical European Ballet. 

The Nutcracker

December 15-23. Showtimes at 2 & 7 p.m. • The Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans 

The beloved two-act ballet has returned! Performed by a professional company and the charming addition of over 120 local children, New Orleans Ballet Theater will present eight performances at the Orpheum Theater this holiday season.

The Nutcracker in New Orleans

December 10. 2 -3:30 p.m. • Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall, 6301 Saint Charles Ave., New Orleans

Get ready to be captivated by this enchanting localized production that will transport you to a world of wonder and fantasy with this localized production includes a Mardi Gras Strut, pom-pom-shaking Who Dats donned in black and gold, and more!

Merry Markets

5th Annual ChristKindlMarkt

December 1, 4-8 p.m. December 2, 1-8 p.m. December 3, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. •  Deutsches Haus, 1700 Moss St., New Orleans

A Christkindlmarkt is a street market associated with Christmas during the Advent season. These outdoor markets originated in Germany in the late Middle Ages. This market will offer food, drinks, seasonal items, and handmade gifts and crafts offered for sale from open-air stalls.

8th Annual Holly Jolly Market

December 7. 6-8 p.m. • Academy of the Sacred Heart, 4521 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans

The Junior League of New Orleans invites attendees to this free, public event to socialize, enjoy the beautiful sounds of caroling, and get a jump start on their holiday shopping. 

Holiday Market

December 16. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • The Shop at The Collective, 520 Royal St., New Orleans

Featuring local brands and makers from across the Greater New Orleans Region, visit this market in the heart of the French Quarter and shop for unique gifts, surrounded by the festively decorated historic courtyard.

Holiday Market with the Grinch

December 9. Noon to 5 p.m. • Port Orleans Brewing Company, 4124 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans

Shop locally at this holiday market featuring an extra special grumpy visitor and a bounce house for the kiddos. The Grinch will be at the brewery to steal presents and take photos!

Holiday Sip & Shop

December 7 & 14. 5-7 p.m. • The Rink, 2727 Prytania St., New Orleans

View this collection of unique shops and select offices in the heart of the Garden District for convenient holiday shopping with a splash of fun.

Holiday Stroll

December 2. 6-9 p.m. • Magazine Street, New Orleans

Kick off the holidays on Magazine Street for an evening of after-hours shopping for the holidays. Sip, stroll, and find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Participating businesses will offer wine, bites, sales, and holiday cheer. 

Little Flea Nola Holiday Market

December 3. Noon to 5 p.m. • Hotel Saint Vincent, 1507 Magazine St., New Orleans

Little Flea Nola returns to Hotel Saint Vincent for a series of markets featuring some of the city’s best vendors and artists.

Longue Vue’s Merry Market

December 2, 1-4 p.m. • Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Rd., New Orleans

Longue Vue’s annual outdoor holiday marketplace includes shopping with local vendors, festive crafts and music, and photos with Santa.

Old Metairie Chirstmas Market

December 2. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. • St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, 215 Betz Place, Metairie

Shop from over 100 vendors, enjoy the food trucks, make snowflakes  or take pictures with Santa at this free event.

Santa Sightings

While Santa Claus may pop into other events, here are some places you’re sure to find the jolly man in red. 

Don’s Seafood

December 10. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.• December 21. 5-9 p.m. • Don’s Seafood, 4801 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie

It’s a Cajun Christmas come true! When you come to Don’s for dinner, take the kiddos see St. Nick and take a free picture to celebrate the occasion.

Gentilly Santa

Call (504) 722-3835 or email gentillysanta@gmail.com to book your session. 

Lakeside Shopping Center

December 1-24•  Weekdays: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. •  Sundays: 12-6 p.m. • 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie

Visit the Center Court for photos with Santa Claus or to take a ride on the North Pole Express.

Oakwood Center

December 1-24. Reserve your time slot online. • 197 Westbank Expy., Suite 33, Gretna

What’s that sound? Santa’s in town! Don’t miss out on taking pictures with St. Nick!

Santa Paws & Pints

December 2. Noon to 4 p.m. • Port Orleans Brewing Company, 4124 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans

Celebrate the holidays while helping animals in need! Bring your fur babies to take pictures with Santa Claus, shop local vendors, raise a glass to help Animal Rescue New Orleans’ homeless dogs and cats, and maybe meet your new best friend.

The Rink

December 2-3. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. • 2727 Prytania St., New Orleans

Winter Wonderlands

A Candy Cane Celebration

December 10. 1 p.m. • Destrehan Plantation, 13034 River Rd., Destrehan

Enjoy an afternoon on the plantation grounds at the Mule Barn for holiday crafts, reindeer games, Elf Bingo, a candy cane hunt, and meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. 

Kenner’s Heritage Park Christmas Village

December 2-30. 5:30-8:30 p.m. • Kenner’s Heritage Park, 2015 Fourth St., Kenner

Visitors can wander through and view the festival displays, shop local food and craft vendors, find a unique gift, take a photo with Santa, or catch a song or dance performance by community churches and school groups. 

NOLA Christmasfest

New Orleans Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans • December 21-30. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

From the awe-inspiring holiday displays including a Gingerbread Village, Giant Wreath and Tree to a newly designed ice-skating rink, exciting Carnival rides, and delightful holiday entertainment, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

NORD Holiday in the Park

December 1, 2023 – January 2, 2024. Dusk to 9:30 p.m. • Joe W. Brown Park, 5601 Read Blvd., New Orleans

Join NORD for its annual Holiday In The Park! Come experience the beautiful holiday lights, displays, music, family-friendly fun, and much more!

Porter Lyons Christmas Wonderland + Meet Santa

December 9. 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Porter Lyons, 623 Royal St., New Orleans

​​Be transported to a magical Winter Wonderland at Porter Lyons in the heart of the French Quarter. Bring your little ones to meet Santa, write letters, decorate cookies, and ho ho so much more.

Santa’s Pajama Party

December 9. 9:30-11 a.m. • Restaurant R’evolution, 777 Bienville St., New Orleans

Children can wear their favorite holiday pajamas, deliver their wish list, and visit with Santa and the Sugarplum Fairy Princess. Sip only the best house-made hot chocolate and warm apple cider or enjoy delicious food while decorating your own cookies!

Santa’s Soiree

December 9. 7-10 p.m. • Copeland Tower Living, 2601 Severn Ave., Metairie

Join the nice list just in time for the holidays by supporting East Jefferson YMCA’s 3rd Annual Santa Soiree featuring local cuisine, live music, pictures with Santa and more festive activities.

Winter Holiday Art Camp

December 18-20. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. • The Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., New Orleans

This winter break, give your child the gift of artistic exploration and a playful creative outlet. Join Mikhayla Harrell and the Museum Teen Interns for three days of joyful arts and crafts projects, all inspired by the seven Elements of Art and Ogden Museum’s current exhibitions.

Winter Solstice Camp

December 18-22. 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Rd., New Orleans

School’s out! Students ages 5 to 10 can spend holiday breaks at Longue Vue seasonal camps to explore the gardens, create art, play games, and engage in fun activities based around the seasons.