Let’s fill your New Orleans Holiday Calendar
2017 is chock full of holiday fun. we have it all listed here!
Friday, December 1
Fulton Street, New Orleans. Featuring daily “snow”, twinkling lights, a giant 30-foot tall tree and a magical gingerbread display in the Harrah’s Hotel Lobby. Enjoy live music and visits with Santa on Fridays and Saturdays, December 1 – 23, beginning at 6 pm with hourly snowfall 11 am-10 pm.
Happy 70th Birthday Bingle Party
City Putt, New Orleans City Park. It’s Mr. Bingle’s 70th birthday! Celebrate with a holiday-themed party, including one round of golf, one cocktail or soft drink, sweet treats, a free raffle ticket and giveaways. $10/person. 3-7 pm. Continues through Dec. 3.
City Putt, New Orleans City Park. It’s Mr. Bingle’s 70th birthday! Celebrate with a holiday-themed party, including one round of golf, one cocktail or soft drink, sweet treats, a free raffle ticket and giveaways. $10/person. 3-7 pm. Continues through Dec. 3.
Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie. The park sparkles for the holidays with thousands of twinkling lights and displays. $5/person (walking), $5/vehicle, $1 to ride on the carousel. Open daily Sunday-Thursday from dusk-9:45 pm and Friday-Saturday from dusk-11:45 pm. Continues through Dec. 31.
BB’s Stage Door Canteen, 945 Magazine St. The talented Victory Belles harmonize their way through the holiday season, presenting sacred and secular favorites, superb musical arrangements, Rockettes-style choreography, and an array of beautiful costumes. Times and ticket prices vary by day. For more information, visit nationalww2museum.org. Continues through Dec. 27.
Kenner City Park, 3800 Loyola Ave. The Annual Christmas Village will light up Kenner this holiday season, as it’s transformed into a festive holiday village with beautiful Christmas lights and animated scenery. Featuring ice skating, Santa’s Workshop, food and shopping, a Christmas tree lot, performances, and a biergarten. Free. 6-9 pm. Continues Wednesday through Sunday through Dec. 17.
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. Enjoy Storyland, the Botanical Gardens, amusement rides and a miniature train that’ll take you around the park. $9/person. Free for Friends of City Park members and children younger than 3. 6-11 pm. Continues through Jan. 1.
New Orleans City Park. Visit a stunning Christmas Wonderland and enjoy the sight of magnificent light displays strung across the oaks. Enjoy Storyland, the Botanical Gardens, amusement rides and a miniature train that’ll take you around the park. $9/person. Free for Friends of City Park members and children younger than 3. 6-11 pm. Continues through Jan. 1.
Destrehan High School Auditorium, 7:30 pm; Dec. 2, 2 pm and 7:30 pm, Dec. 3, 2 pm
The River Region Ballet, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation that has performed a full length Nutcracker in the river region since 1995, and in 1998 a Spring Concert was added to the ballet company’s season.
Jesuit High School Auditorium, 4133 Banks St. Join Leila Haller Ballet Classique for Ballet Louisiane’s Nutcracker performance. $15/children ages 11 and younger, $20/adults and children 12 years and older. For more information, visit lhballet.com. 7:30 pm. Continues through Dec. 2.
Butch Caire’s Holly Jolly Family Friendly Vintage TV Christmas Special
Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177 Sala Ave. A “live” version of the Christmas TV variety specials from the 1960s that is perfect for the whole family. Butch Caire and guests recreate some of TV’s most memorable holiday moments, along with new skits and original songs. $20-$35/person. 7:30 pm. Continues through Dec. 10.
A Christmas Tribute to Patsy Cline by Lisa Layna
Gretna Cultural Center for the Arts, 740 4th St. Celebrate the holidays with a stirring tribute to Patsy Cline. $42/person. 8 pm, doors open at 7 pm.
Saturday, December 2
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.
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.
Home Depot Gingerbread House Workshop
Home Depot, multiple locations. Build holiday memories in a hands-on workshop where parents and children can put together a wooden gingerbread house that will last year after year. For more information, visit homedepot.com/workshops. Free. 9 am-noon.
Festival of Trees Family Fun Day
Louisiana Children’s Museum. Kids can wear festive pajamas and celebrate the magic of the season at the 7th Annual Festival of Trees, and stroll the Museum’s collection of whimsical trees created by local schools and community partners. $10/members, $15/non-members. Noon-4:30 pm.
Louisiana Children’s Museum. Kids can wear festive pajamas and celebrate the magic of the season at the 7th Annual Festival of Trees, and stroll the Museum’s collection of whimsical trees created by local schools and community partners. $10/members, $15/non-members. Noon-4:30 pm.
Audubon Tea Room, 6500 Magazine St. This festive holiday party will include zoo admission, holiday refreshments, a visit with Santa, inflatables, holiday crafts, carousel and train rides, a holiday photo, face painting and an ugly sweater contest. Advance ticket purchase is required. $32/adults, $27/children for members; $35/adults, $30/children for non-members. For more information, visit audubonnatureinstitute.org. 1-4 pm.
Sunday, December 3
Kenner Pavilion, 3800 Loyola Drive. Complete a wood chalkboard design to countdown Santa’s arrival. For more information, contact Leisure Services at 504.468.7268. $15/person. 10 am-noon.
The Nutcracker Suite, New Orleans Ballet Association
Tulane University’s Dixon Hall, 3 pm and 6 pm. For tickets, click here.
Tulane University’s Dixon Hall, 3 pm and 6 pm. For tickets, click here.
NOBA has been serving and helping to advance the dance field for more than 40 years with a mission to cultivate understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of dance through performance, education, and community service.
Tuesday, December 5
Drago’s Parking Lot (SE Corner of Edenborn Ave and 18th St.). Enjoy music, food and family friendly fun! Pictures with Santa and free gifts for children, free food and drinks provided by Drago’s, Pho Michael and Los Jefes, Moonlight Market with Holiday Crafts and a Jefferson Parish Fire Truck. 5-8 pm.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Saenger Theatre. Cirque Dreams Holidaze celebrates the most wonderful time of the year with soaring acrobatics, gravity defying feats, elaborate production numbers and illusions that will leave the whole family mesmerized. Ticket prices vary. For more information, visit saengernola.com. 7 pm.
Saenger Theatre. Cirque Dreams Holidaze celebrates the most wonderful time of the year with soaring acrobatics, gravity defying feats, elaborate production numbers and illusions that will leave the whole family mesmerized. Ticket prices vary. For more information, visit saengernola.com. 7 pm.
Wednesday, December 6
Lafayette Square, 600 S. Maestri St. This official New Orleans Tricentennial signature event takes place in Lafayette Square and along Lafayette Street to Fulton Street. The multi-day celebration features illuminated installations, digital sculptures, video-mapping projections and art animated by technology – intended to engage and inspire audiences of all ages. Free. 6-10 pm. Continues through Dec. 9.
Thursday, December 7
Wreath Making
Kenner Pavilion, 3800 Loyola Drive. Create a beautiful Christmas tree wreath. For more information, contact Leisure Services at 504.468.7268. $30/person. 6-8 pm.
Holiday Card Making
East New Orleans Regional Library. 5641 Read Boulevard, New Orleans. Spend a festive evening designing homemade cards for friends and family. Supplies provided but you can also bring your own. FREE. 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Shops at Canal Place, 333 Canal St. The Sideline Pass’ 3rd Annual Toy Drive will take place during the Saints vs. Falcons watch party on Thursday Night Football. Free admission with a new, unwrapped toy or monetary donation. 7-10 pm.
Friday, December 8
Young Audiences Charter School, 1407 Virgil Street, Gretna.
This new fully staged and costumed 40 minute production is designed for schoolchildren, but it also contains humor that parents and teachers will appreciate. The Wolf, the Woodsman, Mother and Grandmother are hilarious, operatic commedia dell’arte versions of the classic storybook characters. Little Red Riding Hood herself is wise beyond her years and has a LOT of surprises in store for the not-so-wily Wolf! 1-1:40 and 2-2:40 pm.
Kenner Parks and Recreation Department Little Elves Workshop
Fassbender Center, 2508 20th St., Kenner. Help Santa this year and make some presents for family or friends. For more information, contact Leisure Services at 504.468.7268. $20/person. 6-8:30 pm.
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Plaza. 900 Convention Center Blvd. Two weekends of special outdoor movie showings! Friday, Dec. 8 – Polar Express and Friday, Dec. 15 – Elf. Show starts at 6:30 pm.
Jefferson Ballet Theatre
Gretna Cultural Center, 7:30 pm; Dec. 9, 7:30 pm; Dec. 10, 2:30 pm ; Dec.16, 7:30 pm; Dec. 17, 2 pm. For tickets, click here.
Gretna Cultural Center, 7:30 pm; Dec. 9, 7:30 pm; Dec. 10, 2:30 pm ; Dec.16, 7:30 pm; Dec. 17, 2 pm. For tickets, click here.
Presented by the German-American Cultural Center and the Jefferson Ballet Theatre, the E.T.A. Hoffman tale of “The Nutcracker and the Mouseking” with music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It is a two-act ballet, staged on some 45 professional and student dancers, with splendid scenery, elaborate costumes and special effects. A holiday delight for both boys and girls, the show features a sword fight, a battle of soldiers and mice, international dances, athleticism and romance. Come experience this holiday tradition firsthand, as you see Clara’s Christmas party, her dream, and her visit to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy, all with a German touch, right in the heart of picturesque downtown Gretna.
Tuck Everlasting
Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Drive, Metairie. The story of 11-year-old Winnie Foster, a free spirit who longs for adventure. When she meets the Tucks – and discovers they hold the secret to everlasting life – she faces an extraordinary choice: return to her own family or join the Tucks on their never-ending journey. For more information, visit jpas.org. Ticket prices vary. 7:30 pm. Continues through Dec. 17.
Saturday, December 9
The Shops at Canal Place Plaza. 333 Canal St., New Orleans. Calling all kids! The DDD and Entergy present the annual Shops at Canal Place holiday fun run for kids on Canal Street! Rudolph, Santa and friends will jingle their bells to signal the start of the race. Participants will receive bells for their sneakers, antlers, a race t-shirt and a bag of holiday goodies. After the race, “Romp” around … and enjoy healthy activities for kids and parents, music, games, crafts and more. Registration 8:00am, Race Start 9:00am Preregistration available online at active.com.
Deanie’s Seafood, 841 Iberville St. Vince Vance has created a special New Orleans-style family holiday program to entertain kids and kids at heart alike. Children are encouraged to be silly, have fun and share their holiday spirit with their friends and family during this playful morning holiday celebration. $49/adults and children ages 4 and older, free for children 3 and younger. 9-11:30 am. Continues through Dec. 17.
Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium. Celebrates the holidays with activities and treats for the entire family. For more information, visit audubonnatureinstitute.org. Free with admission. 10 am-4:30 pm.
Celebration in the Oaks Run/Walk
New Orleans City Park. Join this Run/Walk on the south side of the park. For more information, contact Natalie at nweiss@nocp.org. 2-5 pm.
New Orleans City Park. Join this Run/Walk on the south side of the park. For more information, contact Natalie at nweiss@nocp.org. 2-5 pm.
New Canal Lighthouse, 8001 Lakeshore Drive. Enjoy live music, food from local eateries, cocktails and craft beers, book readings, holiday photos, and the West End Christmas Boat Parade.Boat owners of all kinds, decorate their boats Holiday style and sail down the canal. You can vote for the best one from the Lighthouse, that’s the starting point for the parade. Music by Benny Grunch and the Bunch.
Free admission. For more information, visit saveourlake.org. 4-8 pm.
Free admission. For more information, visit saveourlake.org. 4-8 pm.
Holiday Spectacular
Orpheum Theater. The theater gets lit for the holidays with special help from the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and the 610 Stompers. For more information, visit lpomusic.com. Ticket prices vary. 7:30 pm. Continues through Dec. 10.
Orpheum Theater. The theater gets lit for the holidays with special help from the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and the 610 Stompers. For more information, visit lpomusic.com. Ticket prices vary. 7:30 pm. Continues through Dec. 10.
JCC Sock Hop
Jewish Community Center, 5342 St. Charles Ave. JCC Sock Hops draw crowds of young dancers in grades 5 through 7 from the entire community. Each dance features a live DJ, who takes song requests, as well as a snack bar with soda, candy, pickles and popcorn for sale. $10/members, $14/non-members, $15/non-members at the door. 7:30-10:30 pm.
Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal Street, New Orleans. For the third year in a row, The Marine Corps Reserve will partner with Chevron and the Saenger Theatre to present the Marine Corps Band New Orleans’ holiday concert production of “Santa Meets Sousa”. An event for all ages, the performance is open to the public; however, the donation of a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots is appreciated. While admission is free, all seating is reserved and requires an event ticket, which will be available at the Saenger Theatre box office (1111 Canal Street, New Orleans) beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 8 through the show. Tickets are given out on a first come first serve basis. Toy donations will be distributed by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program during the holidays to greater New Orleans children in need. Toys, including stuffed toys, must be new and in original packaging. 7:30 pm.
Sunday, December 10
East Jefferson YMCA, 6691 Riverside Drive, Metairie. Bring the entire family for a fun pancake breakfast with the theme “Breakfast at Whooville.” Call 504.888.9622 for more information. Free for members, $5/non-members. 10-11 am.
St. Alphonsus Church, 2030 Constance Street, New Orleans. Enjoy a Christmas favorite, MetroPelican Opera’s “Hansel & Gretel” (45 minutes long). Children ages 10 and under are admitted free-of-charge, and will have a wonderful opportunity for a visit with Santa away from crowded malls in a much more inspiring environment. Admission for adults is $10, which includes 3 drinks (wine/beer/soft drink). 1 and 2 pm showtimes.
Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel, 1307 Louisiana Avenue, New Orleans.Featured will be several of New Orleans’ finest musicians, including sopranos Phyllis Treigle and Melissa Brocato, tenor Kevin Rouchell, and organist Brian Morgan, Director of Music. The Good Shepherd Choir will be heard in Gregorian Chant.Composers included will be Adolphe Adam, Theo Brandmüller, Allan Caron, Gene Clarke, Carson Cooman, César Franck, Calvin Hampton, Nicola A. Montani, Flor Peeters, Ned Rorem, and Pietro A. Yon. The repertoire performed will be a mixture of the familiar and unfamiliar. There will be no charge for admission, though a free-will donation will be accepted. For further information, please telephone 504.227.3793. 4 pm.
Christmas New Orleans Style Concert Series
St. Louis Cathedral. Enjoy gospel music by The Boutté Family. All concerts are free and open to the public. Concerts begin at 6 pm and last approximately one hour.
St. Louis Cathedral. Enjoy gospel music by The Boutté Family. All concerts are free and open to the public. Concerts begin at 6 pm and last approximately one hour.
Monday, Dec. 11, 6pm -Wendell Brunious (Jazz)
Tuesday, Dec. 12, 6pm – The Zion Harmonizers (Gospel)
Wednesday, Dec. 13, 6pm – Panorama Jazz Band (Jazz/World/Klezmer)
Thursday, Dec 14, 6pm – Christmas Organ Spectacular featuring Davide Mariano (Classical)
Sunday, Dec. 17, 5:30pm – St. Louis Basilica Annual Christmas Concert (Classical)
Tuesday, December 12
FIRST DAY OF HANUKKAH
Friday, December 15
Mercedes-Benz Superdome. This unique 2-mile race runs participants into the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, up and around the Dome’s Ground, Plaza and Terrace Levels, then down the ramps finishing on the field! This event is fun for competitive runners looking for a new challenge, kids & football fans alike. All participants will receive a race t-shirt, free post-race refreshments, hospitality area during the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl concert in Champions Square and a free general admission ticket to the 2017 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Ticket prices starting at $10. 6 pm.
Saturday, December 16
Kenner Parks and Recreation Department – Mr. Bingle
Kenner Pavilion, 3800 Loyola Drive. Enjoy a day where the whole family completes a Mr. Bingle Christmas painting. Ages 6 and older. For more information, contact Leisure Services at 504.468.7268. $15/person. 10 am-noon.
The Nutcracker
Orpheum Theater. With its biggest cast to date, The New Orleans Ballet Theatre will present five performance of the classic Christmas tale. For more information, visit neworleansballettheatre.com. Ticket prices vary. 2 pm and 7pm. Continues through Dec. 22.
Orpheum Theater. With its biggest cast to date, The New Orleans Ballet Theatre will present five performance of the classic Christmas tale. For more information, visit neworleansballettheatre.com. Ticket prices vary. 2 pm and 7pm. Continues through Dec. 22.
New Orleans School of Ballet
Tulane University’s McWilliams Hall, 3 pm; Dec. 17, 1 pm and 3 pm
Tulane University’s McWilliams Hall, 3 pm; Dec. 17, 1 pm and 3 pm
A brilliantly imagined New Orleans twist on Tchaikovsky’s treasured holiday classic.
Sunday, December 17
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. Visit the Americas on the dates below to see Santa and his elves dive in the Great Maya Reef tunnel!
- Sunday, December 17 – 10:30 am
- Tuesday, December 19 – 3:30 pm
- Wednesday, December 20 – 10:30 am
- Friday, December 22 – 3:30 pm
- Saturday, December 23 – 10 am
DIY Winter Ornaments
East New Orleans Regional Library, 5641 Read Blvd. Brighten up the winter season with an ornament you design, make and keep! All the supplies are provided, just bring your own creativity! Free. 2-4 pm.
Caroling in Jackson Square
Jackson Square. A holiday tradition that has been going on since 1946, Christmas Caroling in Jackson Square is a joyful, fun experience. Free. 7 pm, gates open at 6:30 pm.
Jackson Square. A holiday tradition that has been going on since 1946, Christmas Caroling in Jackson Square is a joyful, fun experience. Free. 7 pm, gates open at 6:30 pm.
Tuesday, December 19
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, The Musical
Saenger Theatre. Based on the 1954 movie, White Christmas tells the story of a song-and-dance team putting on a show in a magical Vermont Inn and falling for a stunning sister act in the process. For more information, visit saengernola.com. Ticket prices vary. 7:30 pm. Continues through Dec. 24.
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, The Musical
Saenger Theatre. Based on the 1954 movie, White Christmas tells the story of a song-and-dance team putting on a show in a magical Vermont Inn and falling for a stunning sister act in the process. For more information, visit saengernola.com. Ticket prices vary. 7:30 pm. Continues through Dec. 24.
Thursday, December 21
FIRST DAY OF WINTER
NOLA ChristmasFest
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Enjoy an ice skating rink, ice slides, carnival rides and inflatables, life-size maze, snowball fight area, holiday characters, and decorated Christmas trees. $20/person, free for children younger than 2. 11 am-9 pm. Continues through Dec. 31.
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Enjoy an ice skating rink, ice slides, carnival rides and inflatables, life-size maze, snowball fight area, holiday characters, and decorated Christmas trees. $20/person, free for children younger than 2. 11 am-9 pm. Continues through Dec. 31.
Friday, December 22
Mahalia Jackson Theater, 1419 Basin St. Enjoy this Christmas classic with music by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. For more information, visit deltafestivalballet.com. Ticket prices vary. 7:30 pm. Continues through Dec. 23.
Saturday, December 23
Kenner Pavilion, 3800 Loyola Drive. Enjoy a day with Elsa and Olaf, ice skating, frozen treats and crafts. For more information, contact Leisure Services at 504.468.7268. $10/person. 10 am-noon.
Sunday, December 24
CHRISTMAS EVE
Bonfires on the Levee
Various locations along River Road between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, particularly in St. James Parish. 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.
Various locations along River Road between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, particularly in St. James Parish. 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.
Monday, December 25
CHRISTMAS DAY
Tuesday, December 26
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
Saenger Theatre. Enjoy the special effects of the flapping winged owl on the Grandfather clock, the growing 50-foot-tall Christmas Tree, the Dove of Peace with a 20-foot wingspan, and, of course, the leaps, spins, and extraordinary moves of the company all performing to Tchaikovsky’s complete and incomparable score. For more information, visit saengernola.com. Ticket prices vary. 3 pm and 7 pm.
Saenger Theatre. Enjoy the special effects of the flapping winged owl on the Grandfather clock, the growing 50-foot-tall Christmas Tree, the Dove of Peace with a 20-foot wingspan, and, of course, the leaps, spins, and extraordinary moves of the company all performing to Tchaikovsky’s complete and incomparable score. For more information, visit saengernola.com. Ticket prices vary. 3 pm and 7 pm.
Sunday, December 31
Countdown to Noon
Louisiana Children’s Museum. A festive celebration featuring games, entertainment, and a New Year’s countdown, complete with balloon and confetti drops, and a soda-pop toast. Regular admission cost, plus $5/members and $10/non-members for this special event. 9:30 am-2:30 pm.
Zoo Year’s Eve
Audubon Zoo. Celebrate the New Year in style with music, games and prizes. Pick up a party hat and noise maker, grab a soda for toasting and countdown to noon to ring in the New Year with “The Pop Princesses.” Free with admission. 10:30 am-12:30 pm.