Last updated: November 11, 2024
Experience the festive wonders of Metairie with our comprehensive guide. From Metairie aficionados to curious travelers, our guide unlocks the city's holiday magic.
One highlight of the season is the Celebration in the Oaks, where the beautiful City Park transforms into a winter wonderland adorned with dazzling light displays. The event features enchanting pathways and festive activities that capture the spirit of the holidays. Bonfires on the Levee offers a unique experience, where friends and families gather along the levee to enjoy the warmth of bonfires, savor seasonal treats, and celebrate Cajun traditions. And the NOLA ChristmasFest is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing a range of family-friendly activities, including ice skating and festive crafts. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Holiday light festival with extensive light displays and amusement park rides.
Celebration in the Oaks is a spectacular holiday light festival in New Orleans City Park, featuring over a million twinkling lights, unlimited amusement park rides, and access to the elegant Botanical Garden.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: Celebration in the Oaks
"Millions of twinkling lights and festive displays."
Lafreniere Park transforms into a dazzling spectacle with over 10 million LED lights, featuring elaborate decorations and festive lighted displays. Highlights include a 60-foot Sea Serpent in the lagoon, an elegant princess in her illuminated castle, and New Orleans Saints players with the Lombardi Trophy. The event offers a walk-through exhibit and is open daily from dusk until 9:00 PM on Sundays through Thursdays and until 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Where: Metairie | More Info: Holiday of Lights
Collaborative art and food event on a public linear park.
The Lafitte Greenway Holiday Lights exhibit features collaborations with several artists, food, and music, transforming the Greenway into a vibrant winter display.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: Lafitte Greenway Holiday Lights
Outdoor celebration featuring impressive light displays and local live entertainment.
This seasonal celebration transforms parks into areas filled with stunning light displays and holiday decorations. Visitors can stroll through beautifully illuminated paths while enjoying live entertainment, food vendors, and various family-friendly activities. The atmosphere is vibrant, with local performances adding to the joy of the season.
Where: Kenner | More Info: Christmas in the Park
Seasonal brunch event with diverse food options.
Paradigm Gardens Holiday Brunch Market offers a delightful gathering with a variety of food, drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for socializing and enjoying the season.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: Paradigm Gardens Holiday Brunch Market
Exclusive discounts for museum members.
The Member Sale at the NOMA Museum Shop offers exclusive discounts to members, including 20% off all regularly priced items and first access to 70% markdowns. Members can also shop online and enjoy 20% off NOMA merchandise and 50% off catalogues.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: Member Sale at the NOMA Museum Shop
Unique 30-foot sculptural bonfire designed by NOLA Burners.
The Holiday Craft Market at Algiers Point offers a variety of local artisans selling handmade goods and seasonal items, complemented by musical performances and delicious food from local vendors.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: Holiday Craft Market at Algiers Point
Annual holiday concert with a mix of popular and traditional tunes.
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra's Holiday Spectacular, conducted by Matthew Kraemer, features a mix of popular and traditional holiday favorites. Narrated by Mark Romig, the program includes performances by Doreen Ketchens on clarinet and Robin Barnes as vocalist. This annual event has become a holiday tradition for the LPO audience.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Matthew Kraemer - Holiday Spectacular
Unique 30-foot sculptural bonfire designed by NOLA Burners.
The Algiers Holiday Bonfire & Concert is a free, family-friendly event celebrating Louisiana's river parish bonfire tradition. It features musical performances, local vendors, and a 30-foot sculptural bonfire designed by NOLA Burners. The event is easily accessible via the Algiers ferry and offers a unique holiday experience with the New Orleans skyline as its backdrop.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: Algiers Holiday Bonfire & Concert
Light-based public art exhibit with live music performances.
Greenway Supernova is a free annual light-based public art exhibit and music event on the Lafitte Greenway, designed to inspire and spark joy for the New Orleans community. It features light art installations and live music performances, fostering the growth of emerging visual and performing artists.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: Greenway Supernova
Free outdoor holiday movie screening with cozy blankets and popcorn.
Join Riverwalk Outlets for a free outdoor screening of the beloved holiday movie "Elf" at Spanish Plaza. Bring your family and friends to enjoy a cozy evening under the stars.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: MOVIES UNDER THE STARS at RIVERWALK OUTLETS SPANISH PLAZA
Interactive burlesque show with local and national award-winning performers.
Secrets of the Sea - Unholy Holidays is an interactive cabaret experience featuring award-winning performers, including The Golden God of Burlesque and The Maze Odessy Queen. Enjoy unique acts, drink specials, and great entertainment in an unforgettable setting.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: Secrets of the Sea - Unholy Holidays
Highly theatrical adaptation using five actors and minimal props.
Witness Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation from a stingy miser to a generous man in this thrilling adaptation of Charles Dickens' holiday classic, featuring only five actors and simple yet powerful storytelling.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: A Christmas Carol
Annual bonfire lighting with free bus shuttle and annual firework show.
The Festival of the Bonfires in Lutcher features great food, live entertainment, crafts, and carnival rides, with each night highlighted by a single bonfire lighting. This event serves as a prelude to the famous Christmas Eve Bonfires, a unique tradition in St. James Parish.
Where: Lutcher | More Info: Bonfires on the Levee
Indoor ice-skating rink and festive holiday displays.
NOLA ChristmasFest is an indoor family-friendly holiday attraction featuring an ice-skating rink, carnival rides, inflatables, a Gingerbread Village, and delightful holiday entertainment.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: NOLA ChristmasFest
Custom-designed holiday floats with animatronic props and intelligent lighting systems.
The Children's Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade is a family-centered event featuring over 20 custom-designed holiday floats with animatronic props, intelligent lighting systems, and special effects. The parade includes high-flying helium balloons, marching bands, and Santa with his holiday characters. It begins at the French Market and winds through downtown New Orleans before ending at Lafayette Square.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: Children's Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade
Vibrant local music and diverse culinary offerings.
The French Quarter Festival is a four-day celebration of local music, food, and culture in the historic French Quarter of New Orleans. With 1,700 musicians performing on 25 stages, it features a diverse range of musical genres and culinary delights from local restaurants.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: French Quarter Holiday Celebration
