Ring in the spirited season with over 35 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
3rd Annual Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade
December 7. 11 a.m.
Rolls from Elysian Fields Avenue & N. Peters Street, New Orleans
This family-centered Holiday Parade is back, and will be even bigger and better this year! The parade will start from The French Market with an extended route through Downtown.
Algiers Holiday Bonfire & Concert
December 7. 4:30-8 p.m.
200 Morgan St., New Orleans
As Algiers’ biggest annual holiday celebration and New Orleans’ only official holiday bonfire, this 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.
December 1 through January 3.
New Orleans City Park
This iconic celebration transforms New Orleans City Park into a holiday wonderland. Visitors can drive through a 2.25-mile light display that winds through ancient oak trees draped in thousands of lights.
December 7. 4-6:30 p.m.
Covington Trailhead Museum and Visitors Center, 419 N. New Hampshire St., Covington
Christmas on the Northshore is a charming holiday experience complete with live music, local crafts, and holiday light displays throughout the Covington Historic District.
December 1-30. Closed December 25.
Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie
The park’s lagoons, trees, and bridges are decked out in festive lights, with fun themes like Santa’s workshop, the candy cane lane, and the nativity scene.
December 14. 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!
Kenner’s Magical Christmas Village
December 1-31. 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Heritage Park, 2015 Fourth St., Kenner
The Kenner Christmas Village has a warm, small-town feel with a classic holiday charm. The park lights up with a display of lights around the bandstand, snow machines, a decorated Christmas tree, and festive holiday shops.
December 7. 7:30 p.m.
Rolls from Royal Street & France Street, New Orleans/Bywater
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.
December 7. 11 a.m. to 4 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!
December 10-31. Closed on December 25.
New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, 1001 Loyola Ave., New Orleans
Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on The Polar Express for a magical one-hour trip to the North Pole.
Brrrrrrr-unches!
December 23.
Brennan’s Restaurant, 417 Royal St., New Orleans
This festive breakfast will feature a gourmet three-course breakfast, holiday games, face painting, and magical snowfall in the courtyard, with two seating options, and photo opportunities with Santa in his sleigh.
Bourbon Orleans Hotel, 717 Orleans St., New Orleans
December 8 & 15. 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.
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. Reserve your spot online.
The Roosevelt New Orleans, 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans
The Roosevelt, New Orleans invites you and your family to take part in its Christmas brunch with delectable entrees, bottomless mimosas, and live music.
The Cannery, 3803 Toulouse St., New Orleans
December 7. 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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!
December 7, 14, & 20.
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!)
December 14. 10 a.m. to Noon.
Urban South Brewery, 1645 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans
Bring the whole family for a morning of hot pancakes straight from the griddle, cold beer and kid-friendly bevies, Santa photo opportunities, and more fun activities!
Cups of Christmas Cheer
Teddy Bear Tea at The National WWII Museum
BB’s Stage Door Canteen, 945 Magazine St., New Orleans
December 7, 14, & 21.
Teddy Bear Tea is the perfect holiday experience to share with children and grandchildren—delicious food and sweet treats, lively music from the Victory Belles, and a special visit with Santa!
Teddy Bear Tea at The Roosevelt
The Roosevelt New Orleans, 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans
Every weekend in December, plus December 20, 23, 24, & 27.
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.
Holly Jolly Jingles
Delta Festival Ballet’s The Nutcracker
December 21 at 6 p.m. December 22 at 2 p.m.
Mahalia Jackson Theater, 1419 Basin St., New Orleans
Since 1981, Delta Festival Ballet’s The Nutcracker has captivated local audiences of all ages, with dazzling performances and live accompaniment by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Featuring international guest stars, talented local dancers, and a youth corps from the Greater New Orleans Area, this holiday classic is a must-see event.
December 3-8. Various Showtimes.
Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St., New Orleans
When Buddy, a young orphan who is raised at the North Pole after accidentally being adopted by Santa’s elves journeys to New York City to find his real father, Buddy must navigate the challenges of a skeptical family and a city that’s lost its Christmas spirit, all while spreading holiday cheer and reminding everyone of the magic of the season.
Lauren Daigle: The Behold Christmas Tour
December 11-12. 7:30 p.m.
Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St., New Orleans
Lauren Daigle’s “Behold Christmas Tour” brings her soulful renditions of holiday classics to life, drawing from her popular album *Behold: A Christmas Collection*. The 2024 tour includes stops at select cities and features a festive mix of Daigle’s Christmas favorites, creating a warm, reflective atmosphere perfect for the season.
December 19. 7:30-9:30 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.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
December 30. 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St., New Orleans
Celebrate America’s favorite Christmas tradition with an international all-star cast that blends world-class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics!
St. Louis Cathedral Concert Series
December 4, 11, 18, & 22. 6-7 p.m.
St. Louis Cathedral, 615 Pere Antoine Alley, New Orleans
This year’s concert series features an electric lineup of local talent, bringing the spirit of the season to life in the heart of the French Quarter.
December 21-22. 2 p.m.
Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Dr., Metairie
The Jefferson Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker, a magical journey based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s tale, with toy soldiers, the Mouse King, and the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy. This 17th annual production, directed by Kenneth Beck, features choreography by Kimberly Matulich-Beck and the live accompaniment of the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra, bringing Clara’s adventures in the Land of Sweets to life for audiences of all ages.
December 13-23.
The Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans
Come see this classic Christmas tale and experience the incredible talent that is New Orleans Ballet Theatre’s company of dancers, stunning sets and costumes, and the iconic score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
Merry Markets
December 6-8.
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.
December 7. 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.
December 3. 5-8 p.m.
Academy of the Sacred Heart, 4521 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans
The Junior League of New Orleans will host an array of local vendors selling everything from home decor to holiday classics to handmade wonders. This is the perfect opportunity to cross a few items off your holiday shopping list.
December 1. 10 a.m. to 5 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.
Santa Sightings
While Santa Claus may pop into other events, here are some places you’re sure to find the jolly man in red.
Call (504) 722-3835 or email gentillysanta@gmail.com to book your session.
December 1-24.
3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie
Visit the Center Court for photos with Santa Claus or to take a ride on the North Pole Express.
Canal Place: Selfies with Santa
December 7. Noon-3 p.m.
While you wait to snap a selfie with the jolly man himself, be enchanted by delightful Sugarplum fairies and elves, who will be interacting with families and spreading holiday spirit throughout Canal Place.
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!
Winter Wonderlands
December 7.
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.
New Orleans Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans
December 20-30.
Inside, you’ll find elaborate light displays, an ice rink, a Christmas tree display, carnival rides, and even Santa Claus. With snowfall scheduled at regular intervals, an indoor ice slide, and a gingerbread village, it’s an ideal holiday stop for families looking to escape chilly outdoor weather.
December 7-8, 14-15, & 21-23.
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!
School’s Out Camp: Winter Edition
December 30 through January 2. 8 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.