Rudolph Guides Santa. Let Us Guide You.
Whether you’re a child or just feel like one during the holidays, festive fun awaits in New Orleans. Enjoy parades, traditional Réveillon dinners at your favorite restaurants, light displays, and the Fleur de Lis Drop at the stroke of midnight in the French Quarter on New Year’s Eve. And as far as shopping goes, Santa’s most unique workshop is right here in New Orleans where hundreds of artists create gifts in all price ranges. Shop, eat and get in the holiday spirit this year in NOLA.
Manning Family Children’s Holiday Parade
– December 7 starting at 11 a.m.
The 4th Annual Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade will roll Saturday, December 6 starting at 11 a.m. with more than 30 floats from Kern Studios, including holiday-themed floats with animatronic props, intelligent lighting systems, special effects and audio systems. The parade will also feature high-flying helium balloons, and some of our city’s most beloved marching groups and bands. Santa and his krewe from the North Pole will be tossing beads as well.
Jazz Brunch with Santa at The Court of Two Sisters
– December 19, 22 & 23
Santa is holding court this December at one of New Orleans’ favorite restaurants, The Court of Two Sisters in the French Quarter. Dash to Royal Street for brunch, live jazz, a visit with Santa, and a gift for every child (naughty or nice, we’re told). Reservations are required and space will fill up quickly.
The Cajun Christmas Express
– Multiple dates in December
Hop aboard the Cajun Christmas Express Pontoon Boat for a festive adventure like no other! This lively nighttime tour will guide guests through the enchanting Bayou Bienvenue, where the Cajun Christmas spirit comes alive with a fun, local twist! Along the way, passengers will be treated to a blend of heartwarming storytelling, hilarious Cajun comedy, and classic Christmas caroling, making it the perfect family-friendly holiday outing. Grab your loved ones and get ready for a merry ride through the bayou!
Gray Line Holiday Adventures
– Select Dates in December
Make Louisiana-style memories this year with a “Christmas Eve Bonfire Adventure” with Gray Line. Includes motor coach transportation, a tour of Destrehan Plantation, a holiday meal and a trip to see the bonfires that light the way for Papa Noel (our Santa Clause). Gray Line is also offering a “Cajun Holiday Bonfire Celebration with Dinner” which includes a tour of Destrehan Plantation, a Cajun dinner and the bonfires. Or take the “Christmas Eve Bonfire Express.” Tour includes round-trip narrated motor coach transportation to view the bonfires. And, finally, you can make merry on a Christmas Eve “Jingling Through the Crescent Tour.”
Photo by: Tyler Scheuemann
Candlelight Caroling in Jackson Square
– December 21
This year, the Patio Planters will once again be presenting Candlelight Caroling in Jackson Square on December 21 at 7 p.m. (Gates open at 6:30 p.m.) This is truly a moving experience. Come be part of it! To help underwrite the event, Patio Planters also offers a French Quarter Holiday Home Tour featuring 7 homes in their holiday best.
NOLA ChristmasFest
– December 20-29
Join the festive fun at Convention Center’s annual NOLA ChristmasFest indoor festival. Come experience almost 300,000 square feet of rides, giant ice slides, an ice skating rink, Santa and friends, gingerbread houses, decorated trees and more!
Celebration in the Oaks
– November 28-January 1
For more than 30 years, New Orleans has been heading out to City Park for one of the most popular holiday displays in America. Experience ancient live oak trees dripping in hundreds of thousands of lights and 25 acres of holiday displays. Enjoy unlimited rides at the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the outdoor bar at the Botanical Garden.
Christmas Eve Jazz Cruise on the Steamboat NATCHEZ
– December 24
Spend a glittering Christmas Eve with live music, festive cuisine and a sunset on the Mississippi River.
New Year’s Eve Gala on the Steamboat NATCHEZ
– December 31
Greet Baby New Year on Old Man River from the decks of the Steamboat NATCHEZ. Along with the best seat in town for the fireworks show, there will be live entertainment and a NYE Late-Night Menu.
Fleur de Lis Drop
– December 31
At the stroke of midnight, the Fleur de Lis will drop atop Jax Brewery in French Quarter, welcoming in the New Year. Come see the fireworks and join the fun at the river.
Allstate Sugar Bowl and New Year’s Parade
– December 31 & January 1
On New Year’s Day, the Allstate Sugar Bowl will kickoff in the Superdome. It’s the second-oldest bowl game in the country (since 1935) and we think it’s the most fun! Activities around the event include a Sugar Bowl Parade on New Year’s Eve at 2 p.m.
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