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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Eager for holiday festivities in New Orleans? Check out our guide for the best events! From New Orleans natives to seasonal visitors, our guide ensures you don't miss a moment of yuletide joy.

Popular events during the holiday season include the enchanting Celebration in the Oaks, where City Park transforms into a winter wonderland with dazzling light displays. Another highlight is the Windsor Court Holiday Tea, where guests can indulge in a delightful selection of teas and pastries in a festive setting. And the Teddy Bear Tea at The Roosevelt is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it offers a charming experience for families, complete with iced tea and delicious treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

New Orleans Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Over a million twinkling lights and unlimited amusement park rides.

Description:

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. This event has been a New Orleans family tradition since the late 1980s and is vital to the park's maintenance and beautification.

Where: New Orleans | More Info: Celebration in the Oaks

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

2-mile run/walk through a park with over 10 million LED lights.

Description:

Join the Christmas in Lafreniere Park Run/Walk for a 2-mile course through beautifully decorated Lafreniere Park, featuring over 10 million LED lights, traditional Christmas figures, and a 60-foot Sea Serpent. Enjoy hot cocoa, visit Santa, and participate in a holiday costume contest. This untimed race is open to all ages and includes free refreshments and early entry into the park's lights display.

Where: Metairie | More Info: Christmas in Lafreniere Run/Walk

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

"Over 10 million LED lights in elaborate holiday displays."

Description:

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 lagoon, an elegant princess in her illuminated castle, and a New Orleans Saints players display with the Lombardi Trophy. The event also includes a walk-through exhibit.

Where: Metairie | More Info: Christmas Tea at Lafreniere Park

Event Organizer?

New Orleans Holiday Markets and Shopping

New Orleans Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.

Description:

New Orleans Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker, a two-act ballet featuring professional dancers and over 120 local children. The performance includes stunning sets and costumes, set to the iconic score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

Where: New Orleans | More Info: NOBT: The Nutcracker

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Soulful jazz performance with special guest appearances.

Description:

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Gregory Porter brings his soulful jazz to the Orpheum Theater in New Orleans with his 2024 Holiday Tour, featuring inspired interpretations of Christmas classics and original tracks.

Where: New Orleans | More Info: Gregory Porter Holiday Tour

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Heartwarming story of self-discovery and family.

Description:

Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. Raised as an elf, he discovers his human identity and embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with harsh realities, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Where: New Orleans | More Info: Elf in Concert

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What to Expect:

Dazzling multimedia effects and classic holiday songs.

Description:

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas features Grammy Award-winning Chip Davis performing classic holiday songs with dazzling multimedia effects in an intimate setting, perfect for the entire family.

Where: New Orleans | More Info: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

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What to Expect:

World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.

Description:

The Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet features a world-class ballet performance with an international all-star cast, blending world-class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics. Celebrate America's favorite Christmas tradition with Tchaikovsky's timeless score, perfect for all ages.

Where: New Orleans | More Info: Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Unique sculptural bonfire design with live music and local vendors.

Description:

The Algiers Holiday Bonfire & Concert is a free, family-friendly event that celebrates Louisiana's river parish bonfire tradition. It features live music, local vendors, and a 30-foot sculptural bonfire designed by NOLA Burners, set ablaze after darkness falls. The event is easily accessible via the Algiers ferry and offers a unique blend of Louisiana culture and New Orleans flair.

Where: Algiers | More Info: Algiers Bonfire

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

World-class parade with local and national television coverage.

Description:

The Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade is a family-centered event featuring 30 holiday-themed floats, high flying helium balloons, and over a dozen dancing groups and marching bands. It benefits the vital mission of Children’s Hospital and kicks off the holiday season in New Orleans.

Where: New Orleans | More Info: Children’s Hospital Holiday Parade

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What to Expect:

Holiday celebration with cookie decorating and Papa Noel's appearance.

Description:

Join Papa Noel at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, for a special holiday celebration featuring cookie decorating and holiday surprises.

Where: New Orleans | More Info: Papa Noel Tea

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Non-denominational candlelight caroling event.

Description:

Thousands gather in Jackson Square for a free community sing-along, led by local dignitaries and clergy, with complimentary song books and candles provided.

Where: New Orleans | More Info: Caroling In Jackson Square

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What to Expect:

Live music and fireworks celebration on a historic riverboat.

Description:

Celebrate New Year's Eve aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen with a front-row seat to the Mississippi River fireworks, enjoying a variety of hors d'oeuvres, a tasty buffet, and call-brand drinks at the open bar. Live bands and a DJ play an assortment of musical styles on each of the three levels, and you can toast the New Year with Champagne and festive party favors.

Where: New Orleans | More Info: New Years Eve Cruise

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What to Expect:

World-class choral performances in a historic cathedral setting.

Description:

The St. Louis Cathedral Concert Series features world-class musicians performing a diverse repertoire of sacred and classical music in the grand Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, enriching the cultural and educational experience of the region.

Where: New Orleans | More Info: St. Louis Cathedral Concert Series

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Traditional holiday music performed by a world-class orchestra.

Description:

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents a festive holiday concert featuring traditional and popular tunes, conducted by Matthew Kraemer, with narration by Mark Romig and performances by Doreen Ketchens on clarinet and Robin Barnes as vocalist.

Where: New Orleans | More Info: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Matthew Kraemer - Holiday Spectacular

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What to Expect:

Luxurious holiday dining with live jazz and unlimited champagne.

Description:

Celebrate Christmas Day with an enhanced four-course menu featuring a seafood buffet, dessert station, and unlimited champagne at M Bistro, accompanied by live entertainment.

Where: New Orleans | More Info: Christmas Day Jubilee at the Ritz

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Unique Louisiana cultural tradition with a 30-foot sculptural bonfire.

Description:

The 2024 Algiers Holiday Bonfire & Concert is a free, family-friendly event featuring a 30-foot sculptural bonfire, live musical performances, local vendors, and artisans. It celebrates Louisiana's river parish bonfire tradition with a New Orleans twist.

Where: Algiers | More Info: 2024 Algiers Holiday Bonfire & Concert

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Large-scale holiday parade with local and national television coverage.

Description:

The NOLA Holiday Parade is a family-centered event featuring 30 holiday-themed floats, high flying helium balloons, and over a dozen dancing groups and marching bands. It benefits the vital mission of Children's Hospital and kicks off the holiday season in New Orleans.

Where: New Orleans | More Info: NOLA Holiday Parade

Event Organizer?

New Orleans Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Welcoming new board and awarding scholarships during a festive tea event.

Description:

Join the South Louisiana Holiday Tea at Windsor Court Hotel for a celebration of new beginnings, scholarship awards, and seasonal camaraderie. Enjoy a champagne hour followed by a sit-down tea with hors d'oeuvres.

Where: New Orleans | More Info: Windsor Court Holiday Tea

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Indoor ice-skating rink and festive holiday displays.

Description:

NOLA ChristmasFest is an indoor family-friendly holiday attraction featuring an ice-skating rink, carnival rides, a Gingerbread Village, and delightful holiday entertainment.

Where: New Orleans | More Info: NOLA ChristmasFest

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Charitable donation to support families and U.S. Air Force Rescue Heroes.

Description:

Running of the Santas is a festive event featuring live entertainment, outstanding drink specials, and charitable donations to support families and U.S. Air Force Rescue Heroes. Participants enjoy free beer, live music, and costume contests at multiple venues.

Where: New Orleans | More Info: Running of the Santas

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Interactive gingerbread house building with holiday treats.

Description:

At the Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, children and adults of all ages can build their own festive gingerbread house with all the decorating essentials and holiday treats. Each house can accommodate up to four guests, and adult supervision is required.

Where: New Orleans | More Info: Build Your Own Gingerbread House at the Ritz

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Self-guided walking tour with live music and a festive boutique.

Description:

The Holiday Home Tour showcases the interiors and grounds of several stunning homes in the historic Garden District, featuring live music and a boutique.

Where: New Orleans | More Info: Holiday Home Tour

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Patriotic music synchronized with fireworks and water show.

Description:

On July 4th, the Mississippi Riverfront in Historic Downtown New Orleans hosts a spectacular fireworks display choreographed to passionately patriotic music. The event features a water show by the General Roy S. Kelley fireboat, showcasing plumes of red, white, and blue fountains from 6:30 to 7 pm.

Where: New Orleans | More Info: Fireworks on the River

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Unique bonfire lighting tradition along the River Road.

Description:

The Annual Festival of the Bonfires in Lutcher, Louisiana, features great food, live entertainment, crafts, Santa's Very Merry Forest, and carnival rides. Each night is highlighted by a single bonfire lighting, showcasing a unique tradition unique to St. James Parish.

Where: Lutcher | More Info: Annual Festival of the Bonfires

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Holiday cruise with live alligator and special child gifts.

Description:

Join Papa Noel, Mrs. Noel, and Gaston the Gator for a delightful holiday cruise aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen. Enjoy classic holiday tea, tempting treats, storytelling, face painting, magic tricks, and children's activities while cruising the mighty Mississippi. Each child receives a special present, and adults can enjoy bottomless mimosas.

Where: New Orleans | More Info: Cajun Holiday Tea Cruise with Papa Noel

Event Organizer?

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