Experience the magic of the holiday season in Metairie, LA, where festive cheer and local traditions come alive. From the breathtaking lights of Celebration in the Oaks to the enchanting Christmas in the Park at Lafreniere, families can immerse themselves in a winter wonderland of joy. Meanwhile, the centuries-old tradition of Bonfires on the Levee lights up the Mississippi River, creating unforgettable memories.
Whether you're a local or visiting, Metairie offers a delightful array of activities to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Join in the festivities and create lasting holiday memories in this vibrant Louisiana community.
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The Top Christmas Events in Metairie
See these and even more events listed below!Nearby Events
Celebration in the Oaks (New Orleans)
What to Expect:
Massive light display in historic City Park
Description:
New Orleans' City Park transforms into a dazzling spectacle during Celebration in the Oaks. This beloved tradition illuminates the 25-acre park with over one million twinkling lights. Visitors can ride the miniature train through the glowing oak trees, a highlight unique to this event. Established in 1986, Celebration in the Oaks has become a cherished part of New Orleans' holiday season, blending the park's natural beauty with festive illuminations. The event showcases the city's rich cultural heritage, featuring displays that honor local traditions and landmarks.
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Christmas in the Park (Kenner)
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday village in Lafreniere Park
Description:
Lafreniere Park bursts with holiday cheer during Christmas in the Park. This annual event creates an interactive holiday village where families can immerse themselves in seasonal joy. Children delight in writing letters to Santa at the North Pole Post Office, a charming activity exclusive to this celebration. The park's transformation pays homage to Metairie's community spirit, bringing neighbors together since its inception. As you stroll through the decorated paths, the crisp winter air carries the sweet aroma of freshly roasted chestnuts, evoking nostalgic memories of holidays past.
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Bonfires on the Levee (Lutcher)
What to Expect:
Traditional Cajun Christmas Eve bonfires
Description:
Bonfires on the Levee ignites a centuries-old Cajun tradition along the Mississippi River. Towering wooden structures, carefully crafted by local families, blaze against the night sky on Christmas Eve. This unique custom, believed to guide Papa Noel to Louisiana, dates back to the early settlers of the region. Visitors can witness the spectacular ignition of these pyramidal bonfires, a sight unlike any other holiday celebration. The crackling flames and smoky scent create an unforgettable sensory experience, connecting participants to the rich cultural heritage of the area.
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Reveillon Dinners (New Orleans)
What to Expect:
Revival of 19th-century Creole holiday feast tradition
Description:
Reveillon Dinners revive a cherished 19th-century Creole tradition in New Orleans. These elaborate multi-course feasts, originally served after midnight mass, now grace the tables of the city's finest restaurants throughout December. Diners savor modern interpretations of classic Creole dishes, expertly prepared by renowned chefs. This culinary celebration honors the city's French roots, offering a taste of history with each carefully crafted bite. You'll find yourself transported to another era as you indulge in this gastronomic journey, surrounded by the elegant ambiance of historic dining rooms.
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NOLA ChristmasFest (New Orleans)
What to Expect:
Indoor winter playground with ice skating and snow tubing
Description:
NOLA ChristmasFest brings winter wonderland activities to the heart of the Big Easy. This unique indoor extravaganza features New Orleans' only ice skating rink and thrilling snow tubing slopes, defying the city's typically mild climate. Visitors can glide across the ice or zoom down snowy hills, experiences rarely found in the South. The festival, housed in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, pays homage to New Orleans' love for grand celebrations, transforming a summer-centric city into a cool holiday escape. The laughter of children echoes through the hall as families create frosty memories in this unexpected winter oasis.
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St. Louis Cathedral Christmas Concerts (New Orleans)
What to Expect:
Holiday concerts in the oldest cathedral in North America
Description:
St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in North America, resonates with heavenly melodies during its Christmas concert series. These performances blend sacred and secular holiday music within the cathedral's awe-inspiring Baroque architecture. Attendees bask in the glow of candlelight as world-class musicians fill the historic space with harmonious sounds. The cathedral, a symbol of New Orleans' spiritual heritage since 1720, provides an unparalleled backdrop for these musical celebrations. Concertgoers can admire the intricate details of the building's interior while being serenaded by angelic voices and masterful instrumentalists.
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St. Louis Cathedral Christmas Concerts
Holiday of Lights (Mandeville)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display in Lafreniere Park
Description:
Holiday of Lights transforms Lafreniere Park into a drive-through wonderland of illumination. This unique experience allows visitors to enjoy dazzling light displays from the comfort of their own vehicles. As you cruise through the park, animated scenes and twinkling lights create a captivating visual journey. The event, which began as a small community project, has grown into a beloved Metairie tradition. Families can tune their car radios to a special station broadcasting holiday music synchronized with the light show, adding an auditory dimension to the experience.
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Caroling in Jackson Square (New Orleans)
What to Expect:
Massive community carol sing in historic French Quarter
Description:
Caroling in Jackson Square unites thousands of voices in a harmonious celebration of the season. This beloved tradition transforms the heart of the French Quarter into an open-air concert hall, where locals and visitors alike join in song. Participants hold flickering candles, illuminating the square with a warm glow as they sing classic carols. The event, dating back to 1946, embodies the communal spirit of New Orleans. You'll find yourself swept up in the joyous atmosphere as the melodies rise above the iconic St. Louis Cathedral, creating an unforgettable auditory tapestry.
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Algiers Bonfire & Concert (New Orleans)
What to Expect:
Riverside bonfire and music festival
Description:
The Algiers Bonfire Concert ignites the holiday spirit with a unique blend of fire and music on the banks of the Mississippi. This event features a towering bonfire, echoing the traditional river parish custom, accompanied by live performances from local musicians. Attendees gather along the levee, warmed by the crackling flames as they sway to the rhythm of New Orleans' diverse musical heritage. The concert, set against the backdrop of the illuminated city skyline, offers a distinctly local twist on holiday celebrations. Visitors can sample traditional Creole dishes while enjoying the eclectic mix of jazz, blues, and holiday tunes.
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Miracle on Fulton Street (New Orleans)
What to Expect:
Pedestrian holiday street fair with faux snow
Description:
Miracle on Fulton Street brings a touch of winter whimsy to the heart of New Orleans. This pedestrian-friendly celebration transforms Fulton Street into a holiday haven, complete with falling faux snow – a rare sight in the Big Easy. Visitors stroll beneath twinkling lights and festive decorations, enjoying the novelty of "snow" in a city known for its mild winters. The event pays homage to New Orleans' love for street celebrations, creating a joyful atmosphere reminiscent of the city's famous festivals. You can sip on seasonal cocktails while admiring the elaborate window displays of surrounding businesses, each competing for the most creative holiday design.
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Holiday Home Tours (New Orleans)
What to Expect:
Self-guided tours of historic homes decorated for the holidays
Description:
Holiday Home Tours offer a glimpse into the private world of New Orleans' most elegant historic residences. These self-guided excursions showcase stunning holiday decorations within the context of the city's unique architectural heritage. Visitors meander through lavishly adorned rooms, each home telling its own story of Crescent City history. The tours, which began as a way to fund preservation efforts, now serve as a celebration of New Orleans' diverse architectural styles. You'll marvel at the intricate details of these grand homes, from Creole cottages to Greek Revival mansions, all bedecked in their holiday finest.
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Kenner Christmas Village (Kenner)
What to Expect:
Small-town holiday celebration with local flair
Description:
Kenner Christmas Village captures the essence of a small-town holiday celebration with a distinct Louisiana twist. This charming event transforms Kenner's Heritage Park into a cozy holiday hamlet, complete with local artisans, food vendors, and live entertainment. Visitors can ice skate on a synthetic rink, a novel experience in the subtropical climate. The village pays homage to Kenner's rich history, incorporating elements that reflect the area's cultural heritage. Children delight in riding the holiday express train, which winds through displays showcasing Kenner's evolution from a 19th-century plantation to a vibrant suburban community.
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Lantern Light Festival (Kenner)
What to Expect:
Chinese-inspired lantern display and cultural celebration
Description:
The Lantern Light Festival illuminates the night with a breathtaking display of Chinese-inspired lanterns. This unique event blends Eastern traditions with Western holiday celebrations, creating a cultural bridge through light and art. Massive illuminated sculptures, some towering over 30 feet high, transform the landscape into a glowing gallery. Visitors can wander through themed zones, each telling a different story through intricate lantern designs. The festival also showcases Chinese acrobats and dancers, offering a glimpse into centuries-old traditions. You'll find yourself captivated by the delicate artistry of the lanterns, each one a testament to the skill of master craftsmen.
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Jingle Bells & Beer (New Orleans)
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed craft beer festival
Description:
Jingle Bells Beer puts a spirited spin on holiday celebrations with its focus on seasonal craft brews. This unique festival brings together local and regional breweries, each offering their take on holiday-inspired beers. Attendees can sample a wide array of festive flavors, from spiced ales to rich stouts infused with seasonal ingredients. The event pays homage to New Orleans' burgeoning craft beer scene, showcasing the creativity of local brewmasters. Live music fills the air as you explore the various booths, each offering a different interpretation of holiday cheer in liquid form. Visitors can vote for their favorite holiday brew, adding a competitive edge to the merry-making.
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West Bank Lighted Boat Parade (Lafitte)
What to Expect:
Illuminated boat procession on the Mississippi River
Description:
The West Bank Lighted Boat Parade dazzles spectators with a flotilla of illuminated vessels gliding down the Mississippi River. This unique aquatic procession features boats of all sizes adorned with thousands of twinkling lights and holiday decorations. Viewers line the levees, watching in awe as the glowing fleet reflects off the river's surface, creating a mesmerizing display. The parade, which began as a small community event, now attracts boaters from across the region. You can enjoy live music and local cuisine as you await the arrival of the sparkling armada, a true testament to the area's maritime heritage.
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Covington Christmas Extravaganza (Covington)
What to Expect:
Small-town holiday celebration with Victorian flair
Description:
Covington Christmas Extravaganza transports visitors to a bygone era with its Victorian-inspired holiday celebration. This charming event transforms the historic downtown into a 19th-century Christmas card come to life. Horse-drawn carriage rides clip-clop through streets lined with gas lamps and evergreen garlands. The extravaganza pays homage to Covington's rich history, showcasing the town's well-preserved architecture and small-town charm. Visitors can participate in traditional Victorian games and crafts, offering a hands-on connection to holiday celebrations of the past. The aroma of roasting chestnuts and mulled cider wafts through the air, completing the immersive historical experience.
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Covington Christmas Extravaganza
French Quarter Winter Markets (New Orleans)
What to Expect:
Open-air holiday markets with local artisans and Creole flair
Description:
French Quarter Winter Markets infuse holiday shopping with New Orleans' unique cultural flavor. These open-air bazaars showcase local artisans and craftspeople, offering one-of-a-kind gifts that capture the essence of the Crescent City. Visitors can browse stalls filled with handcrafted jewelry, local art, and Creole-inspired holiday decorations. The markets pay homage to New Orleans' rich history as a trading hub, blending French, Spanish, and African influences in their offerings. Live jazz performances create a festive soundtrack as you explore the various vendors. You'll discover treasures that reflect the city's vibrant artistic community, from hand-painted Mardi Gras masks to locally-made pralines.
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Papa Noël Tea at The Roosevelt (New Orleans)
What to Expect:
Elegant holiday tea service with Cajun Santa
Description:
Papa Noel Tea at The Roosevelt offers a refined holiday experience with a distinctly Louisiana twist. This elegant affair takes place in the historic Roosevelt Hotel, known for its stunning holiday decorations. Guests indulge in a traditional high tea service, complete with delicate pastries and savory bites, while enjoying visits from Papa Noel – the Cajun version of Santa Claus. The event honors New Orleans' unique holiday traditions, blending sophisticated Southern hospitality with playful local folklore. Children can listen to Cajun Christmas stories told by Papa Noel himself, creating magical memories in the opulent surroundings of this landmark hotel.
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Papa Noël Tea at The Roosevelt