Visit Gallier House to view “A 19th-Century Christmas” exhibition, which runs November 15, 2024 until January 6, 2025. Tours are offered six days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tour the private family home of famous New Orleans architect James Gallier, Jr. as it would have looked for Christmas with his family in the mid nineteenth-century. Gallier house is an architectural gem and the perfect example of a French Quarter townhouse. Guests will learn about Christmas customs of the day including holiday décor, religious traditions, reveillon dinners, and the experience of enslaved men and women and later domestic servants who made the such holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

View Hermann-Grima House and Gallier House in holiday dress while learning about 19th-century life from November 13, 2024 - January 6, 2025. Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tours will discuss 19th-century Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans, including gift-giving, holiday meals, seasonal displaying and decorating, and how the season’s activities would impact the lives of the enslaved people laboring on the property.

Discover Creole holiday traditions from the 19th-century while touring the Hermann-Grima house and slave quarters, an example of historic preservation and interpretation in the French Quarter. The culmination of the Creole holiday season was a New Year’s Day celebration, when New Orleanians exchanged gifts and called on one another. While on tour visitors will learn about local methods of holiday decorating, culinary traditions, and the experience of the enslaved men and women who made the fanciful holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

Step into a holiday wonderland this season at “The Spirit of Christmas,” a dazzling family-friendly event and fundraiser benefiting the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (gnotrc.org GNOTRC). Presented in partnership with Destrehan Plantation (destrehanplantation.org), this festive experience lights up the season with fun, food, and holiday cheer for all ages. Held nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 PM, November 29 through December 26 (closed on Christmas Day), the event promises unforgettable memories while supporting a great cause.

Weather Notice: The event will be closed in case of rain.

Named after one of GNOTRC’s cherished therapy horses, Spirit, this event is more than just holiday lights – it’s an enchanting 1/4 mile walking tour through five acres of majestic oak trees, adorned with over 60 illuminated frames, 50 Christmas trees, and a magical lighted tunnel. And don’t miss “The Cajun Night Before Christmas” by Trosclair, adding a unique Southern twist to the festivities!

Activities for All Ages:
Photos with Santa (check gnotrc.org for dates)
Santa’s Workshop
Duck races and holiday games
Christmas caroling and cheerful stand-ins
Light projections and sparkling decorations
Holiday treats and snacks (available for purchase)
Pony rides for the little ones (small fee applies)
Admission is only $5 per person, and children four and under attend free. Plus, free parking makes it easy to bring the whole family.

Supporting GNOTRC’s Mission
All proceeds from “The Spirit of Christmas” benefit GNOTRC, a nonprofit organization in LaPlace, LA, dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities. Through the bond with a horse, riders experience improved balance, muscle control, confidence, and emotional well-being. This event will help sustain a year of programming, allowing GNOTRC to continue its essential work in the community.

Mark your calendar and bring the family to experience the season's joy at “The Spirit of Christmas.” This is a holiday event you don’t want to miss!

Event Details:

When: November 29 – December 26, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM (closed Christmas Day)

Where: Destrehan Plantation, Destrehan, LA, off Exit 6 from I-310

Admission: $5 per person; Free for children four and under. Purchase tickets at the door or ahead of time online at gnotrc.org.

Parking: Free

For additional information, sponsorship opportunities, or directions, please visit gnotrc.org or contact Anita Hefler, Executive Director of GNOTRC, at (504) 453-5509.

Come join “The Spirit of Christmas” and make brighter memories than the lights!

Event's last day is Thursday, December 26th

EVENT DETAILS

Celebration in the Oaks

What is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual festivity consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in New Orleans during the holidays. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, enjoy one of the most spectacular, family-friendly holiday light displays in New Orleans and the country. Watch as the grounds of New Orleans City Park are transformed into 25 acres of dazzling lights and breathtaking, festive displays. The Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are all captured with hundreds of thousands of lights to create a winter wonderland here in the Big Easy. 

Enjoy the scene of illuminated oak trees with a Driving Tour throughout the Park. Over a million lights will be scattered throughout the 2.25-mile drive to set the scene for the holiday season to come. You can also book a Walking Tour, which includes access to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden. 

Adults ages 21+ can get a sneak peek of Celebration in the Oaks at Jingle Bells & Beer.

When is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks goes on for a whole month! This season, the New Orleans holiday tradition will run from November 29 and on select nights through January 3, 2025.

Where is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual holiday event in City Park. Choose from the Driving Tour or Walking Tour through the Garden. Those who arrive by private vehicles will find ample parking on-site to make seeing New Orleans Christmas lights easy. The entrance to the Driving Tour is 4 Frederichs Ave.

When did Celebration in the Oaks start?

Celebration in the Oaks started in the late 1980s at New Orleans City Park, filling the grounds with festive lights and decorations each year. The annual holiday tradition has since become a local favorite, drawing thousands of visitors to stroll through beautiful displays nestled among the Park’s historic oak trees and gardens.

Where can I find tickets to Celebration in the Oaks?

Purchase tickets to Celebration in the Oaks here!

Where can I find more information about Celebration in the Oaks?

More information about Celebration in the Oaks can be found on their website.

Celebration's Preview Party 2024

What is Celebration's Preview Party?

Celebration offers two ticket levels so that you may design your own Preview Party experience!

Garden Party Ticket: Sip on signature cocktails and enjoy an array of bites from local restaurants in the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Tickets are $100.

Jingle Bells & Beer Ticket: Experience the excitement of the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with unlimited rides, beer and merriment. Tickets are $40.

Both events are 21+. Proceeds benefit the continued beautification and preservation of New Orleans City Park’s 1,300 acres.

When is Celebration's Preview Party? 

Celebration's Preview Party is on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Where can I buy tickets for Celebration's Preview Party?

Purchase your tickets for the Garden Party and/or Jingle Bells & Beer here.

Where can I find more information about Celebration's Preview Party?

Looking to learn more about Celebration's Preview Party? Find more information here.

Event's last day is Friday, January 3rd

Visit Gallier House to view “A 19th-Century Christmas” exhibition, which runs November 15, 2024 until January 6, 2025. Tours are offered six days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tour the private family home of famous New Orleans architect James Gallier, Jr. as it would have looked for Christmas with his family in the mid nineteenth-century. Gallier house is an architectural gem and the perfect example of a French Quarter townhouse. Guests will learn about Christmas customs of the day including holiday décor, religious traditions, reveillon dinners, and the experience of enslaved men and women and later domestic servants who made the such holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

View Hermann-Grima House and Gallier House in holiday dress while learning about 19th-century life from November 13, 2024 - January 6, 2025. Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tours will discuss 19th-century Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans, including gift-giving, holiday meals, seasonal displaying and decorating, and how the season’s activities would impact the lives of the enslaved people laboring on the property.

Discover Creole holiday traditions from the 19th-century while touring the Hermann-Grima house and slave quarters, an example of historic preservation and interpretation in the French Quarter. The culmination of the Creole holiday season was a New Year’s Day celebration, when New Orleanians exchanged gifts and called on one another. While on tour visitors will learn about local methods of holiday decorating, culinary traditions, and the experience of the enslaved men and women who made the fanciful holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

Step into a holiday wonderland this season at “The Spirit of Christmas,” a dazzling family-friendly event and fundraiser benefiting the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (gnotrc.org GNOTRC). Presented in partnership with Destrehan Plantation (destrehanplantation.org), this festive experience lights up the season with fun, food, and holiday cheer for all ages. Held nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 PM, November 29 through December 26 (closed on Christmas Day), the event promises unforgettable memories while supporting a great cause.

Weather Notice: The event will be closed in case of rain.

Named after one of GNOTRC’s cherished therapy horses, Spirit, this event is more than just holiday lights – it’s an enchanting 1/4 mile walking tour through five acres of majestic oak trees, adorned with over 60 illuminated frames, 50 Christmas trees, and a magical lighted tunnel. And don’t miss “The Cajun Night Before Christmas” by Trosclair, adding a unique Southern twist to the festivities!

Activities for All Ages:
Photos with Santa (check gnotrc.org for dates)
Santa’s Workshop
Duck races and holiday games
Christmas caroling and cheerful stand-ins
Light projections and sparkling decorations
Holiday treats and snacks (available for purchase)
Pony rides for the little ones (small fee applies)
Admission is only $5 per person, and children four and under attend free. Plus, free parking makes it easy to bring the whole family.

Supporting GNOTRC’s Mission
All proceeds from “The Spirit of Christmas” benefit GNOTRC, a nonprofit organization in LaPlace, LA, dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities. Through the bond with a horse, riders experience improved balance, muscle control, confidence, and emotional well-being. This event will help sustain a year of programming, allowing GNOTRC to continue its essential work in the community.

Mark your calendar and bring the family to experience the season's joy at “The Spirit of Christmas.” This is a holiday event you don’t want to miss!

Event Details:

When: November 29 – December 26, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM (closed Christmas Day)

Where: Destrehan Plantation, Destrehan, LA, off Exit 6 from I-310

Admission: $5 per person; Free for children four and under. Purchase tickets at the door or ahead of time online at gnotrc.org.

Parking: Free

For additional information, sponsorship opportunities, or directions, please visit gnotrc.org or contact Anita Hefler, Executive Director of GNOTRC, at (504) 453-5509.

Come join “The Spirit of Christmas” and make brighter memories than the lights!

Event's last day is Thursday, December 26th

EVENT DETAILS

Celebration in the Oaks

What is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual festivity consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in New Orleans during the holidays. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, enjoy one of the most spectacular, family-friendly holiday light displays in New Orleans and the country. Watch as the grounds of New Orleans City Park are transformed into 25 acres of dazzling lights and breathtaking, festive displays. The Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are all captured with hundreds of thousands of lights to create a winter wonderland here in the Big Easy. 

Enjoy the scene of illuminated oak trees with a Driving Tour throughout the Park. Over a million lights will be scattered throughout the 2.25-mile drive to set the scene for the holiday season to come. You can also book a Walking Tour, which includes access to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden. 

Adults ages 21+ can get a sneak peek of Celebration in the Oaks at Jingle Bells & Beer.

When is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks goes on for a whole month! This season, the New Orleans holiday tradition will run from November 29 and on select nights through January 3, 2025.

Where is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual holiday event in City Park. Choose from the Driving Tour or Walking Tour through the Garden. Those who arrive by private vehicles will find ample parking on-site to make seeing New Orleans Christmas lights easy. The entrance to the Driving Tour is 4 Frederichs Ave.

When did Celebration in the Oaks start?

Celebration in the Oaks started in the late 1980s at New Orleans City Park, filling the grounds with festive lights and decorations each year. The annual holiday tradition has since become a local favorite, drawing thousands of visitors to stroll through beautiful displays nestled among the Park’s historic oak trees and gardens.

Where can I find tickets to Celebration in the Oaks?

Purchase tickets to Celebration in the Oaks here!

Where can I find more information about Celebration in the Oaks?

More information about Celebration in the Oaks can be found on their website.

Celebration's Preview Party 2024

What is Celebration's Preview Party?

Celebration offers two ticket levels so that you may design your own Preview Party experience!

Garden Party Ticket: Sip on signature cocktails and enjoy an array of bites from local restaurants in the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Tickets are $100.

Jingle Bells & Beer Ticket: Experience the excitement of the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with unlimited rides, beer and merriment. Tickets are $40.

Both events are 21+. Proceeds benefit the continued beautification and preservation of New Orleans City Park’s 1,300 acres.

When is Celebration's Preview Party? 

Celebration's Preview Party is on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Where can I buy tickets for Celebration's Preview Party?

Purchase your tickets for the Garden Party and/or Jingle Bells & Beer here.

Where can I find more information about Celebration's Preview Party?

Looking to learn more about Celebration's Preview Party? Find more information here.

Event's last day is Friday, January 3rd

Visit Gallier House to view “A 19th-Century Christmas” exhibition, which runs November 15, 2024 until January 6, 2025. Tours are offered six days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tour the private family home of famous New Orleans architect James Gallier, Jr. as it would have looked for Christmas with his family in the mid nineteenth-century. Gallier house is an architectural gem and the perfect example of a French Quarter townhouse. Guests will learn about Christmas customs of the day including holiday décor, religious traditions, reveillon dinners, and the experience of enslaved men and women and later domestic servants who made the such holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

View Hermann-Grima House and Gallier House in holiday dress while learning about 19th-century life from November 13, 2024 - January 6, 2025. Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tours will discuss 19th-century Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans, including gift-giving, holiday meals, seasonal displaying and decorating, and how the season’s activities would impact the lives of the enslaved people laboring on the property.

Discover Creole holiday traditions from the 19th-century while touring the Hermann-Grima house and slave quarters, an example of historic preservation and interpretation in the French Quarter. The culmination of the Creole holiday season was a New Year’s Day celebration, when New Orleanians exchanged gifts and called on one another. While on tour visitors will learn about local methods of holiday decorating, culinary traditions, and the experience of the enslaved men and women who made the fanciful holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

Step into a holiday wonderland this season at “The Spirit of Christmas,” a dazzling family-friendly event and fundraiser benefiting the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (gnotrc.org GNOTRC). Presented in partnership with Destrehan Plantation (destrehanplantation.org), this festive experience lights up the season with fun, food, and holiday cheer for all ages. Held nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 PM, November 29 through December 26 (closed on Christmas Day), the event promises unforgettable memories while supporting a great cause.

Weather Notice: The event will be closed in case of rain.

Named after one of GNOTRC’s cherished therapy horses, Spirit, this event is more than just holiday lights – it’s an enchanting 1/4 mile walking tour through five acres of majestic oak trees, adorned with over 60 illuminated frames, 50 Christmas trees, and a magical lighted tunnel. And don’t miss “The Cajun Night Before Christmas” by Trosclair, adding a unique Southern twist to the festivities!

Activities for All Ages:
Photos with Santa (check gnotrc.org for dates)
Santa’s Workshop
Duck races and holiday games
Christmas caroling and cheerful stand-ins
Light projections and sparkling decorations
Holiday treats and snacks (available for purchase)
Pony rides for the little ones (small fee applies)
Admission is only $5 per person, and children four and under attend free. Plus, free parking makes it easy to bring the whole family.

Supporting GNOTRC’s Mission
All proceeds from “The Spirit of Christmas” benefit GNOTRC, a nonprofit organization in LaPlace, LA, dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities. Through the bond with a horse, riders experience improved balance, muscle control, confidence, and emotional well-being. This event will help sustain a year of programming, allowing GNOTRC to continue its essential work in the community.

Mark your calendar and bring the family to experience the season's joy at “The Spirit of Christmas.” This is a holiday event you don’t want to miss!

Event Details:

When: November 29 – December 26, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM (closed Christmas Day)

Where: Destrehan Plantation, Destrehan, LA, off Exit 6 from I-310

Admission: $5 per person; Free for children four and under. Purchase tickets at the door or ahead of time online at gnotrc.org.

Parking: Free

For additional information, sponsorship opportunities, or directions, please visit gnotrc.org or contact Anita Hefler, Executive Director of GNOTRC, at (504) 453-5509.

Come join “The Spirit of Christmas” and make brighter memories than the lights!

Event's last day is Thursday, December 26th

EVENT DETAILS

Celebration in the Oaks

What is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual festivity consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in New Orleans during the holidays. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, enjoy one of the most spectacular, family-friendly holiday light displays in New Orleans and the country. Watch as the grounds of New Orleans City Park are transformed into 25 acres of dazzling lights and breathtaking, festive displays. The Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are all captured with hundreds of thousands of lights to create a winter wonderland here in the Big Easy. 

Enjoy the scene of illuminated oak trees with a Driving Tour throughout the Park. Over a million lights will be scattered throughout the 2.25-mile drive to set the scene for the holiday season to come. You can also book a Walking Tour, which includes access to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden. 

Adults ages 21+ can get a sneak peek of Celebration in the Oaks at Jingle Bells & Beer.

When is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks goes on for a whole month! This season, the New Orleans holiday tradition will run from November 29 and on select nights through January 3, 2025.

Where is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual holiday event in City Park. Choose from the Driving Tour or Walking Tour through the Garden. Those who arrive by private vehicles will find ample parking on-site to make seeing New Orleans Christmas lights easy. The entrance to the Driving Tour is 4 Frederichs Ave.

When did Celebration in the Oaks start?

Celebration in the Oaks started in the late 1980s at New Orleans City Park, filling the grounds with festive lights and decorations each year. The annual holiday tradition has since become a local favorite, drawing thousands of visitors to stroll through beautiful displays nestled among the Park’s historic oak trees and gardens.

Where can I find tickets to Celebration in the Oaks?

Purchase tickets to Celebration in the Oaks here!

Where can I find more information about Celebration in the Oaks?

More information about Celebration in the Oaks can be found on their website.

Celebration's Preview Party 2024

What is Celebration's Preview Party?

Celebration offers two ticket levels so that you may design your own Preview Party experience!

Garden Party Ticket: Sip on signature cocktails and enjoy an array of bites from local restaurants in the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Tickets are $100.

Jingle Bells & Beer Ticket: Experience the excitement of the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with unlimited rides, beer and merriment. Tickets are $40.

Both events are 21+. Proceeds benefit the continued beautification and preservation of New Orleans City Park’s 1,300 acres.

When is Celebration's Preview Party? 

Celebration's Preview Party is on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Where can I buy tickets for Celebration's Preview Party?

Purchase your tickets for the Garden Party and/or Jingle Bells & Beer here.

Where can I find more information about Celebration's Preview Party?

Looking to learn more about Celebration's Preview Party? Find more information here.

Event's last day is Friday, January 3rd

Catch a captivating performance from one of New Orleans’ most iconic voices. 

Visit Gallier House to view “A 19th-Century Christmas” exhibition, which runs November 15, 2024 until January 6, 2025. Tours are offered six days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tour the private family home of famous New Orleans architect James Gallier, Jr. as it would have looked for Christmas with his family in the mid nineteenth-century. Gallier house is an architectural gem and the perfect example of a French Quarter townhouse. Guests will learn about Christmas customs of the day including holiday décor, religious traditions, reveillon dinners, and the experience of enslaved men and women and later domestic servants who made the such holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

View Hermann-Grima House and Gallier House in holiday dress while learning about 19th-century life from November 13, 2024 - January 6, 2025. Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tours will discuss 19th-century Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans, including gift-giving, holiday meals, seasonal displaying and decorating, and how the season’s activities would impact the lives of the enslaved people laboring on the property.

Discover Creole holiday traditions from the 19th-century while touring the Hermann-Grima house and slave quarters, an example of historic preservation and interpretation in the French Quarter. The culmination of the Creole holiday season was a New Year’s Day celebration, when New Orleanians exchanged gifts and called on one another. While on tour visitors will learn about local methods of holiday decorating, culinary traditions, and the experience of the enslaved men and women who made the fanciful holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

Step into a holiday wonderland this season at “The Spirit of Christmas,” a dazzling family-friendly event and fundraiser benefiting the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (gnotrc.org GNOTRC). Presented in partnership with Destrehan Plantation (destrehanplantation.org), this festive experience lights up the season with fun, food, and holiday cheer for all ages. Held nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 PM, November 29 through December 26 (closed on Christmas Day), the event promises unforgettable memories while supporting a great cause.

Weather Notice: The event will be closed in case of rain.

Named after one of GNOTRC’s cherished therapy horses, Spirit, this event is more than just holiday lights – it’s an enchanting 1/4 mile walking tour through five acres of majestic oak trees, adorned with over 60 illuminated frames, 50 Christmas trees, and a magical lighted tunnel. And don’t miss “The Cajun Night Before Christmas” by Trosclair, adding a unique Southern twist to the festivities!

Activities for All Ages:
Photos with Santa (check gnotrc.org for dates)
Santa’s Workshop
Duck races and holiday games
Christmas caroling and cheerful stand-ins
Light projections and sparkling decorations
Holiday treats and snacks (available for purchase)
Pony rides for the little ones (small fee applies)
Admission is only $5 per person, and children four and under attend free. Plus, free parking makes it easy to bring the whole family.

Supporting GNOTRC’s Mission
All proceeds from “The Spirit of Christmas” benefit GNOTRC, a nonprofit organization in LaPlace, LA, dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities. Through the bond with a horse, riders experience improved balance, muscle control, confidence, and emotional well-being. This event will help sustain a year of programming, allowing GNOTRC to continue its essential work in the community.

Mark your calendar and bring the family to experience the season's joy at “The Spirit of Christmas.” This is a holiday event you don’t want to miss!

Event Details:

When: November 29 – December 26, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM (closed Christmas Day)

Where: Destrehan Plantation, Destrehan, LA, off Exit 6 from I-310

Admission: $5 per person; Free for children four and under. Purchase tickets at the door or ahead of time online at gnotrc.org.

Parking: Free

For additional information, sponsorship opportunities, or directions, please visit gnotrc.org or contact Anita Hefler, Executive Director of GNOTRC, at (504) 453-5509.

Come join “The Spirit of Christmas” and make brighter memories than the lights!

Event's last day is Thursday, December 26th

EVENT DETAILS

Celebration in the Oaks

What is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual festivity consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in New Orleans during the holidays. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, enjoy one of the most spectacular, family-friendly holiday light displays in New Orleans and the country. Watch as the grounds of New Orleans City Park are transformed into 25 acres of dazzling lights and breathtaking, festive displays. The Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are all captured with hundreds of thousands of lights to create a winter wonderland here in the Big Easy. 

Enjoy the scene of illuminated oak trees with a Driving Tour throughout the Park. Over a million lights will be scattered throughout the 2.25-mile drive to set the scene for the holiday season to come. You can also book a Walking Tour, which includes access to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden. 

Adults ages 21+ can get a sneak peek of Celebration in the Oaks at Jingle Bells & Beer.

When is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks goes on for a whole month! This season, the New Orleans holiday tradition will run from November 29 and on select nights through January 3, 2025.

Where is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual holiday event in City Park. Choose from the Driving Tour or Walking Tour through the Garden. Those who arrive by private vehicles will find ample parking on-site to make seeing New Orleans Christmas lights easy. The entrance to the Driving Tour is 4 Frederichs Ave.

When did Celebration in the Oaks start?

Celebration in the Oaks started in the late 1980s at New Orleans City Park, filling the grounds with festive lights and decorations each year. The annual holiday tradition has since become a local favorite, drawing thousands of visitors to stroll through beautiful displays nestled among the Park’s historic oak trees and gardens.

Where can I find tickets to Celebration in the Oaks?

Purchase tickets to Celebration in the Oaks here!

Where can I find more information about Celebration in the Oaks?

More information about Celebration in the Oaks can be found on their website.

Celebration's Preview Party 2024

What is Celebration's Preview Party?

Celebration offers two ticket levels so that you may design your own Preview Party experience!

Garden Party Ticket: Sip on signature cocktails and enjoy an array of bites from local restaurants in the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Tickets are $100.

Jingle Bells & Beer Ticket: Experience the excitement of the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with unlimited rides, beer and merriment. Tickets are $40.

Both events are 21+. Proceeds benefit the continued beautification and preservation of New Orleans City Park’s 1,300 acres.

When is Celebration's Preview Party? 

Celebration's Preview Party is on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Where can I buy tickets for Celebration's Preview Party?

Purchase your tickets for the Garden Party and/or Jingle Bells & Beer here.

Where can I find more information about Celebration's Preview Party?

Looking to learn more about Celebration's Preview Party? Find more information here.

Event's last day is Friday, January 3rd

For the month of December we feature our Meowy Catmas special - purrformances JUST FOR MEW ORLEANS! Celebrate Christmas (or Catmas) with us by watching cats jump through wreaths, roll an ornament, push a sleigh, and performing an array of other seasonal tricks. Real rescued house cats that delight and amaze audiences of all ages.
There will also be a special appearance by The Rock-Cats (the only cat band in the entire WORLD!) playing seasonal holiday selections such as "A Cat in a Manger," "Catnip Roasting on an Open Fire," and "God Rest Ye Merry Kittens" (songs might not be performed as described).
Our Amazing Acro-Cat bus is also a mobile fostering unit for Rock Cats Rescue, helping cats and kittens across the nation find their furrever homes. Proceeds always benefit our cause of foster and rescue. Rock Cats Rescue has fostered and found homes for over 350 cats and kittens, some of them being from Mew Orleans!
This two-hour show has very limited tickets so we suggest buying online to make sure you get your seats. This show sells out! There is no intermission.
All tickets include the Meet & Greet which occurs immediately AFTER the show!

Event's last day is Sunday, December 22nd

Tis the season once again.
The winter months are full of annual celebrations, and we are here to make a mockery of all of them.
From the horrific to the humorous and everything in between.
We heathens of Gender Bent are bringing you all the holiday themed mischief you can handle this month. With some new faces and old favorites and our dirty Santa Raffle.
Hosted by The Grand MAW and Velvet Spade.
Performances by
Kit Kendal
Dru Cocky
Frankie Fontaine
Lestat Thirst Trap

Visit Gallier House to view “A 19th-Century Christmas” exhibition, which runs November 15, 2024 until January 6, 2025. Tours are offered six days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tour the private family home of famous New Orleans architect James Gallier, Jr. as it would have looked for Christmas with his family in the mid nineteenth-century. Gallier house is an architectural gem and the perfect example of a French Quarter townhouse. Guests will learn about Christmas customs of the day including holiday décor, religious traditions, reveillon dinners, and the experience of enslaved men and women and later domestic servants who made the such holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

View Hermann-Grima House and Gallier House in holiday dress while learning about 19th-century life from November 13, 2024 - January 6, 2025. Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tours will discuss 19th-century Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans, including gift-giving, holiday meals, seasonal displaying and decorating, and how the season’s activities would impact the lives of the enslaved people laboring on the property.

Discover Creole holiday traditions from the 19th-century while touring the Hermann-Grima house and slave quarters, an example of historic preservation and interpretation in the French Quarter. The culmination of the Creole holiday season was a New Year’s Day celebration, when New Orleanians exchanged gifts and called on one another. While on tour visitors will learn about local methods of holiday decorating, culinary traditions, and the experience of the enslaved men and women who made the fanciful holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

Step into a holiday wonderland this season at “The Spirit of Christmas,” a dazzling family-friendly event and fundraiser benefiting the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (gnotrc.org GNOTRC). Presented in partnership with Destrehan Plantation (destrehanplantation.org), this festive experience lights up the season with fun, food, and holiday cheer for all ages. Held nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 PM, November 29 through December 26 (closed on Christmas Day), the event promises unforgettable memories while supporting a great cause.

Weather Notice: The event will be closed in case of rain.

Named after one of GNOTRC’s cherished therapy horses, Spirit, this event is more than just holiday lights – it’s an enchanting 1/4 mile walking tour through five acres of majestic oak trees, adorned with over 60 illuminated frames, 50 Christmas trees, and a magical lighted tunnel. And don’t miss “The Cajun Night Before Christmas” by Trosclair, adding a unique Southern twist to the festivities!

Activities for All Ages:
Photos with Santa (check gnotrc.org for dates)
Santa’s Workshop
Duck races and holiday games
Christmas caroling and cheerful stand-ins
Light projections and sparkling decorations
Holiday treats and snacks (available for purchase)
Pony rides for the little ones (small fee applies)
Admission is only $5 per person, and children four and under attend free. Plus, free parking makes it easy to bring the whole family.

Supporting GNOTRC’s Mission
All proceeds from “The Spirit of Christmas” benefit GNOTRC, a nonprofit organization in LaPlace, LA, dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities. Through the bond with a horse, riders experience improved balance, muscle control, confidence, and emotional well-being. This event will help sustain a year of programming, allowing GNOTRC to continue its essential work in the community.

Mark your calendar and bring the family to experience the season's joy at “The Spirit of Christmas.” This is a holiday event you don’t want to miss!

Event Details:

When: November 29 – December 26, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM (closed Christmas Day)

Where: Destrehan Plantation, Destrehan, LA, off Exit 6 from I-310

Admission: $5 per person; Free for children four and under. Purchase tickets at the door or ahead of time online at gnotrc.org.

Parking: Free

For additional information, sponsorship opportunities, or directions, please visit gnotrc.org or contact Anita Hefler, Executive Director of GNOTRC, at (504) 453-5509.

Come join “The Spirit of Christmas” and make brighter memories than the lights!

Event's last day is Thursday, December 26th

EVENT DETAILS

Celebration in the Oaks

What is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual festivity consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in New Orleans during the holidays. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, enjoy one of the most spectacular, family-friendly holiday light displays in New Orleans and the country. Watch as the grounds of New Orleans City Park are transformed into 25 acres of dazzling lights and breathtaking, festive displays. The Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are all captured with hundreds of thousands of lights to create a winter wonderland here in the Big Easy. 

Enjoy the scene of illuminated oak trees with a Driving Tour throughout the Park. Over a million lights will be scattered throughout the 2.25-mile drive to set the scene for the holiday season to come. You can also book a Walking Tour, which includes access to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden. 

Adults ages 21+ can get a sneak peek of Celebration in the Oaks at Jingle Bells & Beer.

When is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks goes on for a whole month! This season, the New Orleans holiday tradition will run from November 29 and on select nights through January 3, 2025.

Where is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual holiday event in City Park. Choose from the Driving Tour or Walking Tour through the Garden. Those who arrive by private vehicles will find ample parking on-site to make seeing New Orleans Christmas lights easy. The entrance to the Driving Tour is 4 Frederichs Ave.

When did Celebration in the Oaks start?

Celebration in the Oaks started in the late 1980s at New Orleans City Park, filling the grounds with festive lights and decorations each year. The annual holiday tradition has since become a local favorite, drawing thousands of visitors to stroll through beautiful displays nestled among the Park’s historic oak trees and gardens.

Where can I find tickets to Celebration in the Oaks?

Purchase tickets to Celebration in the Oaks here!

Where can I find more information about Celebration in the Oaks?

More information about Celebration in the Oaks can be found on their website.

Celebration's Preview Party 2024

What is Celebration's Preview Party?

Celebration offers two ticket levels so that you may design your own Preview Party experience!

Garden Party Ticket: Sip on signature cocktails and enjoy an array of bites from local restaurants in the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Tickets are $100.

Jingle Bells & Beer Ticket: Experience the excitement of the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with unlimited rides, beer and merriment. Tickets are $40.

Both events are 21+. Proceeds benefit the continued beautification and preservation of New Orleans City Park’s 1,300 acres.

When is Celebration's Preview Party? 

Celebration's Preview Party is on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Where can I buy tickets for Celebration's Preview Party?

Purchase your tickets for the Garden Party and/or Jingle Bells & Beer here.

Where can I find more information about Celebration's Preview Party?

Looking to learn more about Celebration's Preview Party? Find more information here.

Event's last day is Friday, January 3rd

Where holiday magic meets the afterlife…
Festive garlands.
The cheerful glow of twinkling lights.
Even the permanent residents of the French Quarter are a little extra ‘spirited’ over the holidays.

But as joyful lights bring luminance to the city, dark things lurk year round.

Follow our enchanting French Quarter Fairy for a special, holiday-themed ghosts and legends tour. Hear tales of the shape-shifting Rougarou ready to snatch naughty children. Uncover the true crimes committed by evil socialite Madame Lalaurie. And since no holiday experience is complete without mentioning the Big Man himself, learn how Christmas Eve bonfires are used to lure Papa Noel.

This family-friendly excursion will surely become a favorite holiday memory! Limited to just 9 people per group, advanced booking is required.

Event's last day is Sunday, January 5th

For the month of December we feature our Meowy Catmas special - purrformances JUST FOR MEW ORLEANS! Celebrate Christmas (or Catmas) with us by watching cats jump through wreaths, roll an ornament, push a sleigh, and performing an array of other seasonal tricks. Real rescued house cats that delight and amaze audiences of all ages.
There will also be a special appearance by The Rock-Cats (the only cat band in the entire WORLD!) playing seasonal holiday selections such as "A Cat in a Manger," "Catnip Roasting on an Open Fire," and "God Rest Ye Merry Kittens" (songs might not be performed as described).
Our Amazing Acro-Cat bus is also a mobile fostering unit for Rock Cats Rescue, helping cats and kittens across the nation find their furrever homes. Proceeds always benefit our cause of foster and rescue. Rock Cats Rescue has fostered and found homes for over 350 cats and kittens, some of them being from Mew Orleans!
This two-hour show has very limited tickets so we suggest buying online to make sure you get your seats. This show sells out! There is no intermission.
All tickets include the Meet & Greet which occurs immediately AFTER the show!

Event's last day is Sunday, December 22nd

Visit Gallier House to view “A 19th-Century Christmas” exhibition, which runs November 15, 2024 until January 6, 2025. Tours are offered six days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tour the private family home of famous New Orleans architect James Gallier, Jr. as it would have looked for Christmas with his family in the mid nineteenth-century. Gallier house is an architectural gem and the perfect example of a French Quarter townhouse. Guests will learn about Christmas customs of the day including holiday décor, religious traditions, reveillon dinners, and the experience of enslaved men and women and later domestic servants who made the such holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

View Hermann-Grima House and Gallier House in holiday dress while learning about 19th-century life from November 13, 2024 - January 6, 2025. Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tours will discuss 19th-century Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans, including gift-giving, holiday meals, seasonal displaying and decorating, and how the season’s activities would impact the lives of the enslaved people laboring on the property.

Discover Creole holiday traditions from the 19th-century while touring the Hermann-Grima house and slave quarters, an example of historic preservation and interpretation in the French Quarter. The culmination of the Creole holiday season was a New Year’s Day celebration, when New Orleanians exchanged gifts and called on one another. While on tour visitors will learn about local methods of holiday decorating, culinary traditions, and the experience of the enslaved men and women who made the fanciful holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

Step into a holiday wonderland this season at “The Spirit of Christmas,” a dazzling family-friendly event and fundraiser benefiting the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (gnotrc.org GNOTRC). Presented in partnership with Destrehan Plantation (destrehanplantation.org), this festive experience lights up the season with fun, food, and holiday cheer for all ages. Held nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 PM, November 29 through December 26 (closed on Christmas Day), the event promises unforgettable memories while supporting a great cause.

Weather Notice: The event will be closed in case of rain.

Named after one of GNOTRC’s cherished therapy horses, Spirit, this event is more than just holiday lights – it’s an enchanting 1/4 mile walking tour through five acres of majestic oak trees, adorned with over 60 illuminated frames, 50 Christmas trees, and a magical lighted tunnel. And don’t miss “The Cajun Night Before Christmas” by Trosclair, adding a unique Southern twist to the festivities!

Activities for All Ages:
Photos with Santa (check gnotrc.org for dates)
Santa’s Workshop
Duck races and holiday games
Christmas caroling and cheerful stand-ins
Light projections and sparkling decorations
Holiday treats and snacks (available for purchase)
Pony rides for the little ones (small fee applies)
Admission is only $5 per person, and children four and under attend free. Plus, free parking makes it easy to bring the whole family.

Supporting GNOTRC’s Mission
All proceeds from “The Spirit of Christmas” benefit GNOTRC, a nonprofit organization in LaPlace, LA, dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities. Through the bond with a horse, riders experience improved balance, muscle control, confidence, and emotional well-being. This event will help sustain a year of programming, allowing GNOTRC to continue its essential work in the community.

Mark your calendar and bring the family to experience the season's joy at “The Spirit of Christmas.” This is a holiday event you don’t want to miss!

Event Details:

When: November 29 – December 26, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM (closed Christmas Day)

Where: Destrehan Plantation, Destrehan, LA, off Exit 6 from I-310

Admission: $5 per person; Free for children four and under. Purchase tickets at the door or ahead of time online at gnotrc.org.

Parking: Free

For additional information, sponsorship opportunities, or directions, please visit gnotrc.org or contact Anita Hefler, Executive Director of GNOTRC, at (504) 453-5509.

Come join “The Spirit of Christmas” and make brighter memories than the lights!

Event's last day is Thursday, December 26th

EVENT DETAILS

Celebration in the Oaks

What is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual festivity consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in New Orleans during the holidays. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, enjoy one of the most spectacular, family-friendly holiday light displays in New Orleans and the country. Watch as the grounds of New Orleans City Park are transformed into 25 acres of dazzling lights and breathtaking, festive displays. The Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are all captured with hundreds of thousands of lights to create a winter wonderland here in the Big Easy. 

Enjoy the scene of illuminated oak trees with a Driving Tour throughout the Park. Over a million lights will be scattered throughout the 2.25-mile drive to set the scene for the holiday season to come. You can also book a Walking Tour, which includes access to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden. 

Adults ages 21+ can get a sneak peek of Celebration in the Oaks at Jingle Bells & Beer.

When is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks goes on for a whole month! This season, the New Orleans holiday tradition will run from November 29 and on select nights through January 3, 2025.

Where is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual holiday event in City Park. Choose from the Driving Tour or Walking Tour through the Garden. Those who arrive by private vehicles will find ample parking on-site to make seeing New Orleans Christmas lights easy. The entrance to the Driving Tour is 4 Frederichs Ave.

When did Celebration in the Oaks start?

Celebration in the Oaks started in the late 1980s at New Orleans City Park, filling the grounds with festive lights and decorations each year. The annual holiday tradition has since become a local favorite, drawing thousands of visitors to stroll through beautiful displays nestled among the Park’s historic oak trees and gardens.

Where can I find tickets to Celebration in the Oaks?

Purchase tickets to Celebration in the Oaks here!

Where can I find more information about Celebration in the Oaks?

More information about Celebration in the Oaks can be found on their website.

Celebration's Preview Party 2024

What is Celebration's Preview Party?

Celebration offers two ticket levels so that you may design your own Preview Party experience!

Garden Party Ticket: Sip on signature cocktails and enjoy an array of bites from local restaurants in the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Tickets are $100.

Jingle Bells & Beer Ticket: Experience the excitement of the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with unlimited rides, beer and merriment. Tickets are $40.

Both events are 21+. Proceeds benefit the continued beautification and preservation of New Orleans City Park’s 1,300 acres.

When is Celebration's Preview Party? 

Celebration's Preview Party is on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Where can I buy tickets for Celebration's Preview Party?

Purchase your tickets for the Garden Party and/or Jingle Bells & Beer here.

Where can I find more information about Celebration's Preview Party?

Looking to learn more about Celebration's Preview Party? Find more information here.

Event's last day is Friday, January 3rd

Where holiday magic meets the afterlife…
Festive garlands.
The cheerful glow of twinkling lights.
Even the permanent residents of the French Quarter are a little extra ‘spirited’ over the holidays.

But as joyful lights bring luminance to the city, dark things lurk year round.

Follow our enchanting French Quarter Fairy for a special, holiday-themed ghosts and legends tour. Hear tales of the shape-shifting Rougarou ready to snatch naughty children. Uncover the true crimes committed by evil socialite Madame Lalaurie. And since no holiday experience is complete without mentioning the Big Man himself, learn how Christmas Eve bonfires are used to lure Papa Noel.

This family-friendly excursion will surely become a favorite holiday memory! Limited to just 9 people per group, advanced booking is required.

Event's last day is Sunday, January 5th

For the month of December we feature our Meowy Catmas special - purrformances JUST FOR MEW ORLEANS! Celebrate Christmas (or Catmas) with us by watching cats jump through wreaths, roll an ornament, push a sleigh, and performing an array of other seasonal tricks. Real rescued house cats that delight and amaze audiences of all ages.
There will also be a special appearance by The Rock-Cats (the only cat band in the entire WORLD!) playing seasonal holiday selections such as "A Cat in a Manger," "Catnip Roasting on an Open Fire," and "God Rest Ye Merry Kittens" (songs might not be performed as described).
Our Amazing Acro-Cat bus is also a mobile fostering unit for Rock Cats Rescue, helping cats and kittens across the nation find their furrever homes. Proceeds always benefit our cause of foster and rescue. Rock Cats Rescue has fostered and found homes for over 350 cats and kittens, some of them being from Mew Orleans!
This two-hour show has very limited tickets so we suggest buying online to make sure you get your seats. This show sells out! There is no intermission.
All tickets include the Meet & Greet which occurs immediately AFTER the show!

Event's last day is Sunday, December 22nd

Algiers’ biggest annual holiday celebration and New Orleans’ only official holiday bonfire, the Algiers Bonfire is the neighborhood’s largest public event and pays tribute to Louisiana’s river parish bonfire tradition. Listen to musical performances, eat food from local vendors, and shop at the holiday craft market. The star of the event however, is the 30’ sculptural bonfire, designed by NOLA Burners, which is then set ablaze. Easily accessible via the Algiers ferry, and with the New Orleans’ skyline as the perfect backdrop, this event cannot be missed!

Free and open to the public, AEDF hosts this even each year to attract visitors to the Westbank, give local vendors an opportunity to sell their goods to thousands of potential customers, and provide our community with a family friendly holiday event!

Towering bonfires are a Christmas festivity unique to the river communities just outside New Orleans. A Gray Line exclusive, this guided experience brings locals and visitors together for a Cajun dinner and bonfire at St. Joseph Plantation, a working sugar cane farm owned by the same family since 1890. Merriment flows as guests learn about Cajun and Creole holiday traditions, sing carols and tour the plantation by candlelight. Cash bar available for beer & wine. Advance reservations required. (Dec. 14 the house tour will be at the adjacent Felicity Plantation)

Event's last day is Saturday, December 28th

Towering bonfires are a Christmas festivity unique to the river communities just outside New Orleans. A Gray Line exclusive, this guided experience brings locals and visitors together for a Cajun dinner and bonfire at St. Joseph Plantation, a working sugar cane farm owned by the same family since 1890. Merriment flows as guests learn about Cajun and Creole holiday traditions, sing carols and tour the plantation by candlelight. Cash bar available for beer & wine. Advance reservations required. (Dec. 14 the house tour will be at the adjacent Felicity Plantation)

Event's last day is Saturday, December 28th

Join Sheraton New Orleans Hotel for an exclusive experience during the Children’s Hospital Holiday Parade. Families will get to enjoy a pre-parade celebration with cookie and ornament decorating, a glitter bar, food and beverage offerings and private viewing of the parade.

A portion of proceeds from this experience will be donated to the Children’s Miracle Network, and guests will also have the opportunity to donate Marriott Bonvoy Points to support the cause.

Two ticket options are available:
- Holiday Parade Experience: Join an exclusive pre-parade celebration with family-friendly activities and food and beverage offerings at the hotel’s Waterbury Ballroom, then watch floats go by on Canal Street from a private parade viewing area directly outside the hotel’s doors. Experience includes complimentary cookies, Christmas treats, and non-alcoholic drinks; family-friendly activities like cookie and ornament decorating, as well as a Glitter bar experience (for additional cost); complementary Santa hats for kids; access to cash bar with cold food options, fruit cups/skewers, and Christmas King Cake; discounted 5-hour parking add-on for added convenience.

- All-inclusive VIP Option: Enjoy the parade like a true VIP high above the crowds from the 2nd floor Lagniappe Balcony. This all-inclusive ticket will allow guests to enjoy pre-parade festivities, including premium food and beverage offerings and family-friendly activities. The VIP experience includes complimentary hot buffet-style lunch, festive drinks (mimosas and festive holiday cocktails, as well as hot chocolate); family-friendly activities like gingerbread house making and cookie/ornament decorating, as well as a Glitter bar experience; complementary Santa hats for kids; discounted 5-hour parking add-on for added convenience.

Getting ready for the holidays? The world class Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade, presented by the Louisiana Office of Tourism, will take place Saturday, December 7. Thousands of parade-goers will line the streets of downtown New Orleans to enjoy the third annual event, which benefits the vital mission of Children’s Hospital. The parade will feature 30 custom designed, holiday themed floats, high-flying helium balloons, and more than a dozen dancing groups and marching bands to kick off the holiday season in New Orleans.

The Children’s Hospital Holiday Parade will begin at the French Market and roll through the French Quarter before turning on Canal St. The parade continues down Canal St. to Baronne St. before turning around to head back towards Tchoupitoulas. The parade will end on Tchoupitoulas and St. Joseph.

KICK OFF THE HOLIDAYS ON HISTORIC MAGAZINE STREET!

Join us for an evening of after-hours shopping and free champagne for the holidays. Sip some bubbly, stroll, and find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Participating businesses will offer sparkling wine, bites, sales, and holiday cheer. Shop all season long on Magazine!

Enjoy the sweetest season of the year with an immersive tutorial on holiday cookie baking and decorating. Chef Zak Miller will work with you as you roll up your sleeves, don your apron and bake:

• Molasses cookies
• Pecan snowball cookies
• Sugar cookies
• Chocolate peppermint cookies
• Peanut butter blossoms

We'll serve a signature milk punch cocktail with non-alcoholic options for the kids! This is a perfect class to bring your family - grab your crew and get ready to be the MVP of every holiday cookie swap!

Experience a night of musical merriment and culinary delights at a dazzling event that lights the way for Santa as well as music and cultural aficionados from around the world at the 7th annual Improvisations Gala, presented by The Herb Alpert Foundation. The entire 400 block of Esplanade is transformed into an exciting showcase of incredible music, New Orleans cuisine, craft cocktails, exhibitions and more. Dance to the sounds of Cimafunk, Wanda Rouzan, Jon Cleary, Little Freddie King, and other fabulous artists and culture bearers. Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas at this annual fete that supports educational programs and initiatives at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. The exclusive Backstage Experience offers a dedicated viewing area, lounge seating and enhanced food and drink, but the entire Gala makes attendees feel like Christmas came early with the gift of New Orleans culture and food in one amazing evening!

Krewe of Krampus is returning back to a walking parade on the streets of New Orleans after two years of pivoting to a stationary parade, Krampus NOLAuf 2024 is poised to be even bigger than ever.

As the largest Krampus parade in America, the Krewe would like to welcome visitors and performers from across the country and around the world, alongside large local crowds. For an unforgettable experience featuring the most exciting and creative Krampuslauf outside the Alps, join them in New Orleans on December 7th. 

Accessibility

The Krewe of Krampus has created a parade that promotes a more inclusive experience and greater accessibility. An Accessibility Row will be set up on Independence Street between Royal and Burgundy Streets. 

The largest Krampus parade in all of America is here, presented by the one and only Krewe of Krampus! New Orleans knows them for their ingenious events that are nothing short of spectacular. Brace yourself for an unforgettable night where Krampus himself takes center stage, surrounded by a captivating cast of characters inspired by winter tales from around the world.

No need to fear if you have been nice. The jolly Saint Nicholas is here to spread his heartwarming magic, reminding us all that goodwill forever triumphs.

We're rolling out the red carpet of inclusivity. Embracing the spirit of accessibility, the Krampus NOLAuf parade is a trailblazer in New Orleans. For those seeking a seamless experience, our parade route boasts an entire Accessibility Row – two whole blocks dedicated to ensuring that everyone, regardless of circumstance, can revel in the parade's splendor.

Krewe of Krampus will continue to innovate in sustainability to reduce the amount of waste left on the parade route. Check out our website for all the details.

Celebrate the holiday season Louisiana-style with an unforgettable evening of seafood, music, and festive cheer! Join us on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 7-10 PM hosted by Clesi’s at Bottinelli Place for a holiday celebration unlike any other. This year-end event is all about adding a little something extra to make your season bright!

🍤Holiday Feast: Savor a feast of Louisiana’s finest, with access to fiery, fresh seafood dishes, including a special oyster donation by Louisiana Seafood.

🎶Live Music by Dave Jordan and the NIA: Groove to the holiday rhythm as Dave Jordan and the NIA fill the night with soulful tunes that capture the magic of the season.

🔥❄️ Festive Fire & Ice Entertainment by Carl Mack Presents: Delight in holiday-themed entertainment with a thrilling Fire and Ice twist, adding that extra sparkle and sizzle to your evening with Carl Mack’s unique New Orleans flair.

🌙 Street Dancing Under the Winter Moon: Twirl, sway and dance under the moonlight as we bring the joy of a Louisiana street party to your holiday celebration!

🍹 Icy Holiday Cocktails: Your ticket includes two festive drink tickets—enjoy icy cocktails crafted with Who Dat Premium Mixing Spirits and refreshing brews from Urban South Brewery, bringing the holiday spirit to every sip! Cash bar after two tickets.

🎁 Door Prizes & Retail Pop-Ups: Don’t miss your chance to win exciting door prizes and shop unique local offerings at our retail pop-ups!

With every ticket, you’re not only joining a festive evening—you’re supporting coastal restoration projects that keep Louisiana’s coast thriving into the new year and beyond.

📅 Date: December 7, 2024 – 7:00 – 10:00 pm
📍 Location: Bottinelli Place
🎟️ Tickets: Includes food and two holiday drink tickets. Available now!

🎟️ VIP Tickets: Treat yourself to the ultimate holiday experience! VIP tickets include unlimited bar access and food, plus exclusive additional oyster options for an elevated taste of Louisiana's best.

ADMISSION:

VIP - $145.00
+$11.57 Fee / +$14.80 Sales Tax
Sales end on Dec 7, 2024
VIP tickets include: Unlimited bar access and food, plus exclusive additional oyster options.

General Admission - $95.00
+$8.22 Fee / +$9.75 Sales Tax
Sales end on Dec 7, 2024
Ticket includes: 2 drink tickets and food. Additional drinks available for purchase at the cash bar after the initial tickets are used.

Under 21 - General Admission - $50.00
+$5.20 Fee / +$5.22 Sales Tax
Sales end on Dec 7, 2024
Two Non-alcohol beverage tickets and delicious food.

At Door - $115.00
Sales start on Dec 7, 2024
+$9.56 Fee / +$11.77 Sales Tax
Ticket includes: 2 drink tickets and food. Additional drinks available for purchase at the cash bar after the initial tickets are used.

🎉 Voted Best of New Orleans: Hosted at Clesi’s Seafood Restaurant, proudly voted Best Boiled Seafood in New Orleans by Gambit, you’ll indulge in Louisiana’s most flavorful dishes and fresh oysters. Lagniappe is brought to you by the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, staff-picked for Best Fundraiser to Attend with Shell-A-Bration in Gambit's Best of New Orleans 2024!

Put on your party best, bring your holiday cheer and let’s make this season unforgettable together!

About Bottinelli Place

Clesi's at Bottinelli Place is a New Orleans venue like no other, blending the city’s distinctive cultural heritage with a captivating setting.

Nestled on a one-block cobblestone street between two historic cemeteries, Bottinelli Place features a charming two-block compound of mostly brick buildings that extends along the 4900 block of Canal Street. This site is filled with unique architectural details, including salvaged pieces from demolished historic properties across New Orleans, adding layers of character and history to the venue's design.

Under sole ownership since the mid-20th century, Bottinelli Place is steeped in Creole-Italian heritage. Its historical architecture and rich past create an atmosphere that celebrates New Orleans' unique blend of cultures and history, making it a truly remarkable place for gatherings and celebrations.

ABOUT DAVE JORDAN & THE NIA

Dave Jordan and the NIA (Neighborhood Improvement Association) is a New Orleans-based band blending funk, rock, and roots music with soulful lyrics. Known for their high-energy performances, they capture the spirit of New Orleans with groovy, rhythmic sounds that invite audiences to dance and connect with the music. Frontman Dave Jordan, a former leader of the band Juice, brings heartfelt storytelling to the stage, making NIA a staple in the local music scene. Their sound is a vibrant mix of deep grooves, infectious beats, and a love for the rich musical heritage of Louisiana.

QUESTIONS?

Email kellym@crcl.org or call 504.264.6749.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of the holiday season with a special screening of ELF (2003) at the Prytania Theatres at Canal Place. Join Santa Claus himself as he kicks off the movie with a festive introduction, followed by a heartwarming and captivating film that will surely put you in the holiday spirit.

Tickets are only $10 and include a delicious bucket of popcorn and a refreshing soda to enjoy throughout the movie. Don't miss this opportunity to create lasting memories with friends and family as you experience the joy of cinema and the warmth of the holiday season together at Canal Place.

Get ready for a festive afternoon at Canal Place filled with joy and holiday cheer! Santa will make his grand entrance by ringing his reindeer bells and descending the glass elevators, spreading magic and excitement as he takes his seat to greet everyone.
While you wait for your turn 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.
Indulge your sweet tooth with free gourmet cookies and don’t forget to admire our stunning Christmas decorations, including a magnificent giant Christmas tree that will truly light up your day.
Bring your friends and family for an unforgettable, free, holiday experience!

Enjoy family-friendly holiday fun in the French Market District with live music, kid's activities, and more!

Join us for Teddy Bear Tea at BB’s Stage Door Canteen—the perfect holiday experience to share with your children and grandchildren! Featuring delicious food and sweet treats, live music from the Victory Belles, and a special visit with Santa, young guests will leave with a teddy bear and warm memories they’re sure to treasure for years to come.

Pricing:

Members: $77 

Nonmembers: $80

Event's last day is Saturday, December 21st

Join us for Teddy Bear Tea at BB’s Stage Door Canteen—the perfect holiday experience to share with your children and grandchildren! Featuring delicious food and sweet treats, live music from the Victory Belles, and a special visit with Santa, young guests will leave with a teddy bear and warm memories they’re sure to treasure for years to come.
Dates and Times:
• Morning Tea Seating: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (December 7, 14, and 21)
• Afternoon Tea Seating: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (December 14 and 21)
View Menu: https://www.nationalww2museum.org/sites/default/files/2024-08/national-ww2-museum-teddy-bear-tea-1224-menu..pdf

Event's last day is Saturday, December 21st

Visit Gallier House to view “A 19th-Century Christmas” exhibition, which runs November 15, 2024 until January 6, 2025. Tours are offered six days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tour the private family home of famous New Orleans architect James Gallier, Jr. as it would have looked for Christmas with his family in the mid nineteenth-century. Gallier house is an architectural gem and the perfect example of a French Quarter townhouse. Guests will learn about Christmas customs of the day including holiday décor, religious traditions, reveillon dinners, and the experience of enslaved men and women and later domestic servants who made the such holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

View Hermann-Grima House and Gallier House in holiday dress while learning about 19th-century life from November 13, 2024 - January 6, 2025. Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tours will discuss 19th-century Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans, including gift-giving, holiday meals, seasonal displaying and decorating, and how the season’s activities would impact the lives of the enslaved people laboring on the property.

Discover Creole holiday traditions from the 19th-century while touring the Hermann-Grima house and slave quarters, an example of historic preservation and interpretation in the French Quarter. The culmination of the Creole holiday season was a New Year’s Day celebration, when New Orleanians exchanged gifts and called on one another. While on tour visitors will learn about local methods of holiday decorating, culinary traditions, and the experience of the enslaved men and women who made the fanciful holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

Step into a holiday wonderland this season at “The Spirit of Christmas,” a dazzling family-friendly event and fundraiser benefiting the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (gnotrc.org GNOTRC). Presented in partnership with Destrehan Plantation (destrehanplantation.org), this festive experience lights up the season with fun, food, and holiday cheer for all ages. Held nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 PM, November 29 through December 26 (closed on Christmas Day), the event promises unforgettable memories while supporting a great cause.

Weather Notice: The event will be closed in case of rain.

Named after one of GNOTRC’s cherished therapy horses, Spirit, this event is more than just holiday lights – it’s an enchanting 1/4 mile walking tour through five acres of majestic oak trees, adorned with over 60 illuminated frames, 50 Christmas trees, and a magical lighted tunnel. And don’t miss “The Cajun Night Before Christmas” by Trosclair, adding a unique Southern twist to the festivities!

Activities for All Ages:
Photos with Santa (check gnotrc.org for dates)
Santa’s Workshop
Duck races and holiday games
Christmas caroling and cheerful stand-ins
Light projections and sparkling decorations
Holiday treats and snacks (available for purchase)
Pony rides for the little ones (small fee applies)
Admission is only $5 per person, and children four and under attend free. Plus, free parking makes it easy to bring the whole family.

Supporting GNOTRC’s Mission
All proceeds from “The Spirit of Christmas” benefit GNOTRC, a nonprofit organization in LaPlace, LA, dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities. Through the bond with a horse, riders experience improved balance, muscle control, confidence, and emotional well-being. This event will help sustain a year of programming, allowing GNOTRC to continue its essential work in the community.

Mark your calendar and bring the family to experience the season's joy at “The Spirit of Christmas.” This is a holiday event you don’t want to miss!

Event Details:

When: November 29 – December 26, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM (closed Christmas Day)

Where: Destrehan Plantation, Destrehan, LA, off Exit 6 from I-310

Admission: $5 per person; Free for children four and under. Purchase tickets at the door or ahead of time online at gnotrc.org.

Parking: Free

For additional information, sponsorship opportunities, or directions, please visit gnotrc.org or contact Anita Hefler, Executive Director of GNOTRC, at (504) 453-5509.

Come join “The Spirit of Christmas” and make brighter memories than the lights!

Event's last day is Thursday, December 26th

EVENT DETAILS

Celebration in the Oaks

What is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual festivity consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in New Orleans during the holidays. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, enjoy one of the most spectacular, family-friendly holiday light displays in New Orleans and the country. Watch as the grounds of New Orleans City Park are transformed into 25 acres of dazzling lights and breathtaking, festive displays. The Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are all captured with hundreds of thousands of lights to create a winter wonderland here in the Big Easy. 

Enjoy the scene of illuminated oak trees with a Driving Tour throughout the Park. Over a million lights will be scattered throughout the 2.25-mile drive to set the scene for the holiday season to come. You can also book a Walking Tour, which includes access to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden. 

Adults ages 21+ can get a sneak peek of Celebration in the Oaks at Jingle Bells & Beer.

When is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks goes on for a whole month! This season, the New Orleans holiday tradition will run from November 29 and on select nights through January 3, 2025.

Where is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual holiday event in City Park. Choose from the Driving Tour or Walking Tour through the Garden. Those who arrive by private vehicles will find ample parking on-site to make seeing New Orleans Christmas lights easy. The entrance to the Driving Tour is 4 Frederichs Ave.

When did Celebration in the Oaks start?

Celebration in the Oaks started in the late 1980s at New Orleans City Park, filling the grounds with festive lights and decorations each year. The annual holiday tradition has since become a local favorite, drawing thousands of visitors to stroll through beautiful displays nestled among the Park’s historic oak trees and gardens.

Where can I find tickets to Celebration in the Oaks?

Purchase tickets to Celebration in the Oaks here!

Where can I find more information about Celebration in the Oaks?

More information about Celebration in the Oaks can be found on their website.

Celebration's Preview Party 2024

What is Celebration's Preview Party?

Celebration offers two ticket levels so that you may design your own Preview Party experience!

Garden Party Ticket: Sip on signature cocktails and enjoy an array of bites from local restaurants in the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Tickets are $100.

Jingle Bells & Beer Ticket: Experience the excitement of the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with unlimited rides, beer and merriment. Tickets are $40.

Both events are 21+. Proceeds benefit the continued beautification and preservation of New Orleans City Park’s 1,300 acres.

When is Celebration's Preview Party? 

Celebration's Preview Party is on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Where can I buy tickets for Celebration's Preview Party?

Purchase your tickets for the Garden Party and/or Jingle Bells & Beer here.

Where can I find more information about Celebration's Preview Party?

Looking to learn more about Celebration's Preview Party? Find more information here.

Event's last day is Friday, January 3rd

Where holiday magic meets the afterlife…
Festive garlands.
The cheerful glow of twinkling lights.
Even the permanent residents of the French Quarter are a little extra ‘spirited’ over the holidays.

But as joyful lights bring luminance to the city, dark things lurk year round.

Follow our enchanting French Quarter Fairy for a special, holiday-themed ghosts and legends tour. Hear tales of the shape-shifting Rougarou ready to snatch naughty children. Uncover the true crimes committed by evil socialite Madame Lalaurie. And since no holiday experience is complete without mentioning the Big Man himself, learn how Christmas Eve bonfires are used to lure Papa Noel.

This family-friendly excursion will surely become a favorite holiday memory! Limited to just 9 people per group, advanced booking is required.

Event's last day is Sunday, January 5th

For the month of December we feature our Meowy Catmas special - purrformances JUST FOR MEW ORLEANS! Celebrate Christmas (or Catmas) with us by watching cats jump through wreaths, roll an ornament, push a sleigh, and performing an array of other seasonal tricks. Real rescued house cats that delight and amaze audiences of all ages.
There will also be a special appearance by The Rock-Cats (the only cat band in the entire WORLD!) playing seasonal holiday selections such as "A Cat in a Manger," "Catnip Roasting on an Open Fire," and "God Rest Ye Merry Kittens" (songs might not be performed as described).
Our Amazing Acro-Cat bus is also a mobile fostering unit for Rock Cats Rescue, helping cats and kittens across the nation find their furrever homes. Proceeds always benefit our cause of foster and rescue. Rock Cats Rescue has fostered and found homes for over 350 cats and kittens, some of them being from Mew Orleans!
This two-hour show has very limited tickets so we suggest buying online to make sure you get your seats. This show sells out! There is no intermission.
All tickets include the Meet & Greet which occurs immediately AFTER the show!

Event's last day is Sunday, December 22nd

Embrace the magic of the holidays at the Pitot House’s Market and Melodies! On Sunday, December 8, Amanda Shaw will headline the festive market’s music series. With nearly two dozen New Orleans artisans, this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the holiday season and find one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones.

A festive afternoon filled with icing, sprinkles and candy galore! Learn our go-to methods and decorating secrets to create showstopper shotgun-style gingerbread houses guaranteed to jazz up your homes this December.

Visit Gallier House to view “A 19th-Century Christmas” exhibition, which runs November 15, 2024 until January 6, 2025. Tours are offered six days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tour the private family home of famous New Orleans architect James Gallier, Jr. as it would have looked for Christmas with his family in the mid nineteenth-century. Gallier house is an architectural gem and the perfect example of a French Quarter townhouse. Guests will learn about Christmas customs of the day including holiday décor, religious traditions, reveillon dinners, and the experience of enslaved men and women and later domestic servants who made the such holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

View Hermann-Grima House and Gallier House in holiday dress while learning about 19th-century life from November 13, 2024 - January 6, 2025. Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tours will discuss 19th-century Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans, including gift-giving, holiday meals, seasonal displaying and decorating, and how the season’s activities would impact the lives of the enslaved people laboring on the property.

Discover Creole holiday traditions from the 19th-century while touring the Hermann-Grima house and slave quarters, an example of historic preservation and interpretation in the French Quarter. The culmination of the Creole holiday season was a New Year’s Day celebration, when New Orleanians exchanged gifts and called on one another. While on tour visitors will learn about local methods of holiday decorating, culinary traditions, and the experience of the enslaved men and women who made the fanciful holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

Step into a holiday wonderland this season at “The Spirit of Christmas,” a dazzling family-friendly event and fundraiser benefiting the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (gnotrc.org GNOTRC). Presented in partnership with Destrehan Plantation (destrehanplantation.org), this festive experience lights up the season with fun, food, and holiday cheer for all ages. Held nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 PM, November 29 through December 26 (closed on Christmas Day), the event promises unforgettable memories while supporting a great cause.

Weather Notice: The event will be closed in case of rain.

Named after one of GNOTRC’s cherished therapy horses, Spirit, this event is more than just holiday lights – it’s an enchanting 1/4 mile walking tour through five acres of majestic oak trees, adorned with over 60 illuminated frames, 50 Christmas trees, and a magical lighted tunnel. And don’t miss “The Cajun Night Before Christmas” by Trosclair, adding a unique Southern twist to the festivities!

Activities for All Ages:
Photos with Santa (check gnotrc.org for dates)
Santa’s Workshop
Duck races and holiday games
Christmas caroling and cheerful stand-ins
Light projections and sparkling decorations
Holiday treats and snacks (available for purchase)
Pony rides for the little ones (small fee applies)
Admission is only $5 per person, and children four and under attend free. Plus, free parking makes it easy to bring the whole family.

Supporting GNOTRC’s Mission
All proceeds from “The Spirit of Christmas” benefit GNOTRC, a nonprofit organization in LaPlace, LA, dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities. Through the bond with a horse, riders experience improved balance, muscle control, confidence, and emotional well-being. This event will help sustain a year of programming, allowing GNOTRC to continue its essential work in the community.

Mark your calendar and bring the family to experience the season's joy at “The Spirit of Christmas.” This is a holiday event you don’t want to miss!

Event Details:

When: November 29 – December 26, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM (closed Christmas Day)

Where: Destrehan Plantation, Destrehan, LA, off Exit 6 from I-310

Admission: $5 per person; Free for children four and under. Purchase tickets at the door or ahead of time online at gnotrc.org.

Parking: Free

For additional information, sponsorship opportunities, or directions, please visit gnotrc.org or contact Anita Hefler, Executive Director of GNOTRC, at (504) 453-5509.

Come join “The Spirit of Christmas” and make brighter memories than the lights!

Event's last day is Thursday, December 26th

EVENT DETAILS

Celebration in the Oaks

What is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual festivity consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in New Orleans during the holidays. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, enjoy one of the most spectacular, family-friendly holiday light displays in New Orleans and the country. Watch as the grounds of New Orleans City Park are transformed into 25 acres of dazzling lights and breathtaking, festive displays. The Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are all captured with hundreds of thousands of lights to create a winter wonderland here in the Big Easy. 

Enjoy the scene of illuminated oak trees with a Driving Tour throughout the Park. Over a million lights will be scattered throughout the 2.25-mile drive to set the scene for the holiday season to come. You can also book a Walking Tour, which includes access to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden. 

Adults ages 21+ can get a sneak peek of Celebration in the Oaks at Jingle Bells & Beer.

When is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks goes on for a whole month! This season, the New Orleans holiday tradition will run from November 29 and on select nights through January 3, 2025.

Where is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual holiday event in City Park. Choose from the Driving Tour or Walking Tour through the Garden. Those who arrive by private vehicles will find ample parking on-site to make seeing New Orleans Christmas lights easy. The entrance to the Driving Tour is 4 Frederichs Ave.

When did Celebration in the Oaks start?

Celebration in the Oaks started in the late 1980s at New Orleans City Park, filling the grounds with festive lights and decorations each year. The annual holiday tradition has since become a local favorite, drawing thousands of visitors to stroll through beautiful displays nestled among the Park’s historic oak trees and gardens.

Where can I find tickets to Celebration in the Oaks?

Purchase tickets to Celebration in the Oaks here!

Where can I find more information about Celebration in the Oaks?

More information about Celebration in the Oaks can be found on their website.

Celebration's Preview Party 2024

What is Celebration's Preview Party?

Celebration offers two ticket levels so that you may design your own Preview Party experience!

Garden Party Ticket: Sip on signature cocktails and enjoy an array of bites from local restaurants in the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Tickets are $100.

Jingle Bells & Beer Ticket: Experience the excitement of the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with unlimited rides, beer and merriment. Tickets are $40.

Both events are 21+. Proceeds benefit the continued beautification and preservation of New Orleans City Park’s 1,300 acres.

When is Celebration's Preview Party? 

Celebration's Preview Party is on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Where can I buy tickets for Celebration's Preview Party?

Purchase your tickets for the Garden Party and/or Jingle Bells & Beer here.

Where can I find more information about Celebration's Preview Party?

Looking to learn more about Celebration's Preview Party? Find more information here.

Event's last day is Friday, January 3rd

Visit Gallier House to view “A 19th-Century Christmas” exhibition, which runs November 15, 2024 until January 6, 2025. Tours are offered six days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tour the private family home of famous New Orleans architect James Gallier, Jr. as it would have looked for Christmas with his family in the mid nineteenth-century. Gallier house is an architectural gem and the perfect example of a French Quarter townhouse. Guests will learn about Christmas customs of the day including holiday décor, religious traditions, reveillon dinners, and the experience of enslaved men and women and later domestic servants who made the such holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

View Hermann-Grima House and Gallier House in holiday dress while learning about 19th-century life from November 13, 2024 - January 6, 2025. Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tours will discuss 19th-century Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans, including gift-giving, holiday meals, seasonal displaying and decorating, and how the season’s activities would impact the lives of the enslaved people laboring on the property.

Discover Creole holiday traditions from the 19th-century while touring the Hermann-Grima house and slave quarters, an example of historic preservation and interpretation in the French Quarter. The culmination of the Creole holiday season was a New Year’s Day celebration, when New Orleanians exchanged gifts and called on one another. While on tour visitors will learn about local methods of holiday decorating, culinary traditions, and the experience of the enslaved men and women who made the fanciful holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

Step into a holiday wonderland this season at “The Spirit of Christmas,” a dazzling family-friendly event and fundraiser benefiting the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (gnotrc.org GNOTRC). Presented in partnership with Destrehan Plantation (destrehanplantation.org), this festive experience lights up the season with fun, food, and holiday cheer for all ages. Held nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 PM, November 29 through December 26 (closed on Christmas Day), the event promises unforgettable memories while supporting a great cause.

Weather Notice: The event will be closed in case of rain.

Named after one of GNOTRC’s cherished therapy horses, Spirit, this event is more than just holiday lights – it’s an enchanting 1/4 mile walking tour through five acres of majestic oak trees, adorned with over 60 illuminated frames, 50 Christmas trees, and a magical lighted tunnel. And don’t miss “The Cajun Night Before Christmas” by Trosclair, adding a unique Southern twist to the festivities!

Activities for All Ages:
Photos with Santa (check gnotrc.org for dates)
Santa’s Workshop
Duck races and holiday games
Christmas caroling and cheerful stand-ins
Light projections and sparkling decorations
Holiday treats and snacks (available for purchase)
Pony rides for the little ones (small fee applies)
Admission is only $5 per person, and children four and under attend free. Plus, free parking makes it easy to bring the whole family.

Supporting GNOTRC’s Mission
All proceeds from “The Spirit of Christmas” benefit GNOTRC, a nonprofit organization in LaPlace, LA, dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities. Through the bond with a horse, riders experience improved balance, muscle control, confidence, and emotional well-being. This event will help sustain a year of programming, allowing GNOTRC to continue its essential work in the community.

Mark your calendar and bring the family to experience the season's joy at “The Spirit of Christmas.” This is a holiday event you don’t want to miss!

Event Details:

When: November 29 – December 26, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM (closed Christmas Day)

Where: Destrehan Plantation, Destrehan, LA, off Exit 6 from I-310

Admission: $5 per person; Free for children four and under. Purchase tickets at the door or ahead of time online at gnotrc.org.

Parking: Free

For additional information, sponsorship opportunities, or directions, please visit gnotrc.org or contact Anita Hefler, Executive Director of GNOTRC, at (504) 453-5509.

Come join “The Spirit of Christmas” and make brighter memories than the lights!

Event's last day is Thursday, December 26th

EVENT DETAILS

Celebration in the Oaks

What is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual festivity consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in New Orleans during the holidays. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, enjoy one of the most spectacular, family-friendly holiday light displays in New Orleans and the country. Watch as the grounds of New Orleans City Park are transformed into 25 acres of dazzling lights and breathtaking, festive displays. The Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are all captured with hundreds of thousands of lights to create a winter wonderland here in the Big Easy. 

Enjoy the scene of illuminated oak trees with a Driving Tour throughout the Park. Over a million lights will be scattered throughout the 2.25-mile drive to set the scene for the holiday season to come. You can also book a Walking Tour, which includes access to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden. 

Adults ages 21+ can get a sneak peek of Celebration in the Oaks at Jingle Bells & Beer.

When is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks goes on for a whole month! This season, the New Orleans holiday tradition will run from November 29 and on select nights through January 3, 2025.

Where is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual holiday event in City Park. Choose from the Driving Tour or Walking Tour through the Garden. Those who arrive by private vehicles will find ample parking on-site to make seeing New Orleans Christmas lights easy. The entrance to the Driving Tour is 4 Frederichs Ave.

When did Celebration in the Oaks start?

Celebration in the Oaks started in the late 1980s at New Orleans City Park, filling the grounds with festive lights and decorations each year. The annual holiday tradition has since become a local favorite, drawing thousands of visitors to stroll through beautiful displays nestled among the Park’s historic oak trees and gardens.

Where can I find tickets to Celebration in the Oaks?

Purchase tickets to Celebration in the Oaks here!

Where can I find more information about Celebration in the Oaks?

More information about Celebration in the Oaks can be found on their website.

Celebration's Preview Party 2024

What is Celebration's Preview Party?

Celebration offers two ticket levels so that you may design your own Preview Party experience!

Garden Party Ticket: Sip on signature cocktails and enjoy an array of bites from local restaurants in the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Tickets are $100.

Jingle Bells & Beer Ticket: Experience the excitement of the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with unlimited rides, beer and merriment. Tickets are $40.

Both events are 21+. Proceeds benefit the continued beautification and preservation of New Orleans City Park’s 1,300 acres.

When is Celebration's Preview Party? 

Celebration's Preview Party is on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Where can I buy tickets for Celebration's Preview Party?

Purchase your tickets for the Garden Party and/or Jingle Bells & Beer here.

Where can I find more information about Celebration's Preview Party?

Looking to learn more about Celebration's Preview Party? Find more information here.

Event's last day is Friday, January 3rd

The New Orleans Polar Express Train Ride will take you to relive the magic of the famous movie through a one hour journey from the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Enjoy the soundtrack and transport yourself into the magic. Hot chocolate, cookies, and characters fill the train.

During the trip, you can expect to be greeted by Santa and his helpers while enjoying live entertainment. All guests will receive a silver sleigh bell as the first gift of Christmas and will be able to keep their bell after the trip is over.

All guests are expected to arrive 60 minutes before the departure time. The train departs and returns to New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Multiple rides will take place daily from December 10- January 1, with the exception of Christmas Day (closed).  

The pricing tiers go as followed:

Value: $50 Adult, $42 Child (2-11)
Standard: $65 Adult, $57 Child (2-11)
Premium: $78 Adult, $70 Child (2-11)

The only differences between Value, Standard, and Premium departures are the dates and/or times of the rides. Children under two years of age may ride for free with adult guardian.

Sensory-friendly rides will be held on December 17.

An ASL interpretation of the show is on December 20 at 3 p.m. A block of seats has been designated for the best viewing of the show and interpretation. Call 504-930-4408 or fill out the contact form here to book the ASL interpreted show. See the official website for tickets and more details. 

Event's last day is Wednesday, January 1st

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story led by a cast of talented actors on board a real train. Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor! Passengers are served hot chocolate and Walker’s Shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book by Chris Van Allsburg, and receive the First Gift of Christmas after Santa boards the train to greet families. Performers engage passengers in caroling and fun holiday activities on the heartwarming trip back to the station.

Event's last day is Wednesday, January 1st

Visit Gallier House to view “A 19th-Century Christmas” exhibition, which runs November 15, 2024 until January 6, 2025. Tours are offered six days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tour the private family home of famous New Orleans architect James Gallier, Jr. as it would have looked for Christmas with his family in the mid nineteenth-century. Gallier house is an architectural gem and the perfect example of a French Quarter townhouse. Guests will learn about Christmas customs of the day including holiday décor, religious traditions, reveillon dinners, and the experience of enslaved men and women and later domestic servants who made the such holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

View Hermann-Grima House and Gallier House in holiday dress while learning about 19th-century life from November 13, 2024 - January 6, 2025. Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tours will discuss 19th-century Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans, including gift-giving, holiday meals, seasonal displaying and decorating, and how the season’s activities would impact the lives of the enslaved people laboring on the property.

Discover Creole holiday traditions from the 19th-century while touring the Hermann-Grima house and slave quarters, an example of historic preservation and interpretation in the French Quarter. The culmination of the Creole holiday season was a New Year’s Day celebration, when New Orleanians exchanged gifts and called on one another. While on tour visitors will learn about local methods of holiday decorating, culinary traditions, and the experience of the enslaved men and women who made the fanciful holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

Step into a holiday wonderland this season at “The Spirit of Christmas,” a dazzling family-friendly event and fundraiser benefiting the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (gnotrc.org GNOTRC). Presented in partnership with Destrehan Plantation (destrehanplantation.org), this festive experience lights up the season with fun, food, and holiday cheer for all ages. Held nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 PM, November 29 through December 26 (closed on Christmas Day), the event promises unforgettable memories while supporting a great cause.

Weather Notice: The event will be closed in case of rain.

Named after one of GNOTRC’s cherished therapy horses, Spirit, this event is more than just holiday lights – it’s an enchanting 1/4 mile walking tour through five acres of majestic oak trees, adorned with over 60 illuminated frames, 50 Christmas trees, and a magical lighted tunnel. And don’t miss “The Cajun Night Before Christmas” by Trosclair, adding a unique Southern twist to the festivities!

Activities for All Ages:
Photos with Santa (check gnotrc.org for dates)
Santa’s Workshop
Duck races and holiday games
Christmas caroling and cheerful stand-ins
Light projections and sparkling decorations
Holiday treats and snacks (available for purchase)
Pony rides for the little ones (small fee applies)
Admission is only $5 per person, and children four and under attend free. Plus, free parking makes it easy to bring the whole family.

Supporting GNOTRC’s Mission
All proceeds from “The Spirit of Christmas” benefit GNOTRC, a nonprofit organization in LaPlace, LA, dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities. Through the bond with a horse, riders experience improved balance, muscle control, confidence, and emotional well-being. This event will help sustain a year of programming, allowing GNOTRC to continue its essential work in the community.

Mark your calendar and bring the family to experience the season's joy at “The Spirit of Christmas.” This is a holiday event you don’t want to miss!

Event Details:

When: November 29 – December 26, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM (closed Christmas Day)

Where: Destrehan Plantation, Destrehan, LA, off Exit 6 from I-310

Admission: $5 per person; Free for children four and under. Purchase tickets at the door or ahead of time online at gnotrc.org.

Parking: Free

For additional information, sponsorship opportunities, or directions, please visit gnotrc.org or contact Anita Hefler, Executive Director of GNOTRC, at (504) 453-5509.

Come join “The Spirit of Christmas” and make brighter memories than the lights!

Event's last day is Thursday, December 26th

EVENT DETAILS

Celebration in the Oaks

What is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual festivity consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in New Orleans during the holidays. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, enjoy one of the most spectacular, family-friendly holiday light displays in New Orleans and the country. Watch as the grounds of New Orleans City Park are transformed into 25 acres of dazzling lights and breathtaking, festive displays. The Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are all captured with hundreds of thousands of lights to create a winter wonderland here in the Big Easy. 

Enjoy the scene of illuminated oak trees with a Driving Tour throughout the Park. Over a million lights will be scattered throughout the 2.25-mile drive to set the scene for the holiday season to come. You can also book a Walking Tour, which includes access to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden. 

Adults ages 21+ can get a sneak peek of Celebration in the Oaks at Jingle Bells & Beer.

When is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks goes on for a whole month! This season, the New Orleans holiday tradition will run from November 29 and on select nights through January 3, 2025.

Where is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual holiday event in City Park. Choose from the Driving Tour or Walking Tour through the Garden. Those who arrive by private vehicles will find ample parking on-site to make seeing New Orleans Christmas lights easy. The entrance to the Driving Tour is 4 Frederichs Ave.

When did Celebration in the Oaks start?

Celebration in the Oaks started in the late 1980s at New Orleans City Park, filling the grounds with festive lights and decorations each year. The annual holiday tradition has since become a local favorite, drawing thousands of visitors to stroll through beautiful displays nestled among the Park’s historic oak trees and gardens.

Where can I find tickets to Celebration in the Oaks?

Purchase tickets to Celebration in the Oaks here!

Where can I find more information about Celebration in the Oaks?

More information about Celebration in the Oaks can be found on their website.

Celebration's Preview Party 2024

What is Celebration's Preview Party?

Celebration offers two ticket levels so that you may design your own Preview Party experience!

Garden Party Ticket: Sip on signature cocktails and enjoy an array of bites from local restaurants in the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Tickets are $100.

Jingle Bells & Beer Ticket: Experience the excitement of the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with unlimited rides, beer and merriment. Tickets are $40.

Both events are 21+. Proceeds benefit the continued beautification and preservation of New Orleans City Park’s 1,300 acres.

When is Celebration's Preview Party? 

Celebration's Preview Party is on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Where can I buy tickets for Celebration's Preview Party?

Purchase your tickets for the Garden Party and/or Jingle Bells & Beer here.

Where can I find more information about Celebration's Preview Party?

Looking to learn more about Celebration's Preview Party? Find more information here.

Event's last day is Friday, January 3rd

The New Orleans Polar Express Train Ride will take you to relive the magic of the famous movie through a one hour journey from the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Enjoy the soundtrack and transport yourself into the magic. Hot chocolate, cookies, and characters fill the train.

During the trip, you can expect to be greeted by Santa and his helpers while enjoying live entertainment. All guests will receive a silver sleigh bell as the first gift of Christmas and will be able to keep their bell after the trip is over.

All guests are expected to arrive 60 minutes before the departure time. The train departs and returns to New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Multiple rides will take place daily from December 10- January 1, with the exception of Christmas Day (closed).  

The pricing tiers go as followed:

Value: $50 Adult, $42 Child (2-11)
Standard: $65 Adult, $57 Child (2-11)
Premium: $78 Adult, $70 Child (2-11)

The only differences between Value, Standard, and Premium departures are the dates and/or times of the rides. Children under two years of age may ride for free with adult guardian.

Sensory-friendly rides will be held on December 17.

An ASL interpretation of the show is on December 20 at 3 p.m. A block of seats has been designated for the best viewing of the show and interpretation. Call 504-930-4408 or fill out the contact form here to book the ASL interpreted show. See the official website for tickets and more details. 

Event's last day is Wednesday, January 1st

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story led by a cast of talented actors on board a real train. Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor! Passengers are served hot chocolate and Walker’s Shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book by Chris Van Allsburg, and receive the First Gift of Christmas after Santa boards the train to greet families. Performers engage passengers in caroling and fun holiday activities on the heartwarming trip back to the station.

Event's last day is Wednesday, January 1st

Celebrate the season with a Cajun twist from the Grammy-winning BeauSoleil.

Celebrate the holidays at BB’s Stage Door Canteen with a brand-new musical revue from the Victory Belles! Backed by the Museum’s own Victory Six band, the Belles will perform yuletide favorites in their timeless signature three-part harmony. Matinee luncheon available on select dates.

Pricing:

Members: $65

Nonmembers: $68

Show Only: $22

For group rates, call 504-528-1943.

Event's last day is Monday, December 23rd

Celebrate the holidays at BB’s Stage Door Canteen with a brand-new musical revue from the Victory Belles! Backed by the Museum’s own Victory Six band, the Belles will perform yuletide favorites in their timeless signature three-part harmony. Matinee luncheon available on select dates.
View Menu: https://www.nationalww2museum.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/national-ww2-museum-holiday-matinee-buffet-2024-menu-.pdf
12/11, 12/13, 12/17, 12/18, 12/19, 12/23: 11:45am - 2:00pm
12/15, 12/22: 2:00pm - 3:30pm
12/20, 12/21: 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Event's last day is Monday, December 23rd

Visit Gallier House to view “A 19th-Century Christmas” exhibition, which runs November 15, 2024 until January 6, 2025. Tours are offered six days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tour the private family home of famous New Orleans architect James Gallier, Jr. as it would have looked for Christmas with his family in the mid nineteenth-century. Gallier house is an architectural gem and the perfect example of a French Quarter townhouse. Guests will learn about Christmas customs of the day including holiday décor, religious traditions, reveillon dinners, and the experience of enslaved men and women and later domestic servants who made the such holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

View Hermann-Grima House and Gallier House in holiday dress while learning about 19th-century life from November 13, 2024 - January 6, 2025. Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tours will discuss 19th-century Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans, including gift-giving, holiday meals, seasonal displaying and decorating, and how the season’s activities would impact the lives of the enslaved people laboring on the property.

Discover Creole holiday traditions from the 19th-century while touring the Hermann-Grima house and slave quarters, an example of historic preservation and interpretation in the French Quarter. The culmination of the Creole holiday season was a New Year’s Day celebration, when New Orleanians exchanged gifts and called on one another. While on tour visitors will learn about local methods of holiday decorating, culinary traditions, and the experience of the enslaved men and women who made the fanciful holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

Step into a holiday wonderland this season at “The Spirit of Christmas,” a dazzling family-friendly event and fundraiser benefiting the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (gnotrc.org GNOTRC). Presented in partnership with Destrehan Plantation (destrehanplantation.org), this festive experience lights up the season with fun, food, and holiday cheer for all ages. Held nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 PM, November 29 through December 26 (closed on Christmas Day), the event promises unforgettable memories while supporting a great cause.

Weather Notice: The event will be closed in case of rain.

Named after one of GNOTRC’s cherished therapy horses, Spirit, this event is more than just holiday lights – it’s an enchanting 1/4 mile walking tour through five acres of majestic oak trees, adorned with over 60 illuminated frames, 50 Christmas trees, and a magical lighted tunnel. And don’t miss “The Cajun Night Before Christmas” by Trosclair, adding a unique Southern twist to the festivities!

Activities for All Ages:
Photos with Santa (check gnotrc.org for dates)
Santa’s Workshop
Duck races and holiday games
Christmas caroling and cheerful stand-ins
Light projections and sparkling decorations
Holiday treats and snacks (available for purchase)
Pony rides for the little ones (small fee applies)
Admission is only $5 per person, and children four and under attend free. Plus, free parking makes it easy to bring the whole family.

Supporting GNOTRC’s Mission
All proceeds from “The Spirit of Christmas” benefit GNOTRC, a nonprofit organization in LaPlace, LA, dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities. Through the bond with a horse, riders experience improved balance, muscle control, confidence, and emotional well-being. This event will help sustain a year of programming, allowing GNOTRC to continue its essential work in the community.

Mark your calendar and bring the family to experience the season's joy at “The Spirit of Christmas.” This is a holiday event you don’t want to miss!

Event Details:

When: November 29 – December 26, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM (closed Christmas Day)

Where: Destrehan Plantation, Destrehan, LA, off Exit 6 from I-310

Admission: $5 per person; Free for children four and under. Purchase tickets at the door or ahead of time online at gnotrc.org.

Parking: Free

For additional information, sponsorship opportunities, or directions, please visit gnotrc.org or contact Anita Hefler, Executive Director of GNOTRC, at (504) 453-5509.

Come join “The Spirit of Christmas” and make brighter memories than the lights!

Event's last day is Thursday, December 26th

EVENT DETAILS

Celebration in the Oaks

What is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual festivity consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in New Orleans during the holidays. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, enjoy one of the most spectacular, family-friendly holiday light displays in New Orleans and the country. Watch as the grounds of New Orleans City Park are transformed into 25 acres of dazzling lights and breathtaking, festive displays. The Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are all captured with hundreds of thousands of lights to create a winter wonderland here in the Big Easy. 

Enjoy the scene of illuminated oak trees with a Driving Tour throughout the Park. Over a million lights will be scattered throughout the 2.25-mile drive to set the scene for the holiday season to come. You can also book a Walking Tour, which includes access to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden. 

Adults ages 21+ can get a sneak peek of Celebration in the Oaks at Jingle Bells & Beer.

When is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks goes on for a whole month! This season, the New Orleans holiday tradition will run from November 29 and on select nights through January 3, 2025.

Where is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual holiday event in City Park. Choose from the Driving Tour or Walking Tour through the Garden. Those who arrive by private vehicles will find ample parking on-site to make seeing New Orleans Christmas lights easy. The entrance to the Driving Tour is 4 Frederichs Ave.

When did Celebration in the Oaks start?

Celebration in the Oaks started in the late 1980s at New Orleans City Park, filling the grounds with festive lights and decorations each year. The annual holiday tradition has since become a local favorite, drawing thousands of visitors to stroll through beautiful displays nestled among the Park’s historic oak trees and gardens.

Where can I find tickets to Celebration in the Oaks?

Purchase tickets to Celebration in the Oaks here!

Where can I find more information about Celebration in the Oaks?

More information about Celebration in the Oaks can be found on their website.

Celebration's Preview Party 2024

What is Celebration's Preview Party?

Celebration offers two ticket levels so that you may design your own Preview Party experience!

Garden Party Ticket: Sip on signature cocktails and enjoy an array of bites from local restaurants in the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Tickets are $100.

Jingle Bells & Beer Ticket: Experience the excitement of the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with unlimited rides, beer and merriment. Tickets are $40.

Both events are 21+. Proceeds benefit the continued beautification and preservation of New Orleans City Park’s 1,300 acres.

When is Celebration's Preview Party? 

Celebration's Preview Party is on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Where can I buy tickets for Celebration's Preview Party?

Purchase your tickets for the Garden Party and/or Jingle Bells & Beer here.

Where can I find more information about Celebration's Preview Party?

Looking to learn more about Celebration's Preview Party? Find more information here.

Event's last day is Friday, January 3rd

For the month of December we feature our Meowy Catmas special - purrformances JUST FOR MEW ORLEANS! Celebrate Christmas (or Catmas) with us by watching cats jump through wreaths, roll an ornament, push a sleigh, and performing an array of other seasonal tricks. Real rescued house cats that delight and amaze audiences of all ages.
There will also be a special appearance by The Rock-Cats (the only cat band in the entire WORLD!) playing seasonal holiday selections such as "A Cat in a Manger," "Catnip Roasting on an Open Fire," and "God Rest Ye Merry Kittens" (songs might not be performed as described).
Our Amazing Acro-Cat bus is also a mobile fostering unit for Rock Cats Rescue, helping cats and kittens across the nation find their furrever homes. Proceeds always benefit our cause of foster and rescue. Rock Cats Rescue has fostered and found homes for over 350 cats and kittens, some of them being from Mew Orleans!
This two-hour show has very limited tickets so we suggest buying online to make sure you get your seats. This show sells out! There is no intermission.
All tickets include the Meet & Greet which occurs immediately AFTER the show!

Event's last day is Sunday, December 22nd

The New Orleans Polar Express Train Ride will take you to relive the magic of the famous movie through a one hour journey from the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Enjoy the soundtrack and transport yourself into the magic. Hot chocolate, cookies, and characters fill the train.

During the trip, you can expect to be greeted by Santa and his helpers while enjoying live entertainment. All guests will receive a silver sleigh bell as the first gift of Christmas and will be able to keep their bell after the trip is over.

All guests are expected to arrive 60 minutes before the departure time. The train departs and returns to New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Multiple rides will take place daily from December 10- January 1, with the exception of Christmas Day (closed).  

The pricing tiers go as followed:

Value: $50 Adult, $42 Child (2-11)
Standard: $65 Adult, $57 Child (2-11)
Premium: $78 Adult, $70 Child (2-11)

The only differences between Value, Standard, and Premium departures are the dates and/or times of the rides. Children under two years of age may ride for free with adult guardian.

Sensory-friendly rides will be held on December 17.

An ASL interpretation of the show is on December 20 at 3 p.m. A block of seats has been designated for the best viewing of the show and interpretation. Call 504-930-4408 or fill out the contact form here to book the ASL interpreted show. See the official website for tickets and more details. 

Event's last day is Wednesday, January 1st

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story led by a cast of talented actors on board a real train. Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor! Passengers are served hot chocolate and Walker’s Shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book by Chris Van Allsburg, and receive the First Gift of Christmas after Santa boards the train to greet families. Performers engage passengers in caroling and fun holiday activities on the heartwarming trip back to the station.

Event's last day is Wednesday, January 1st

Get ready to toast the season at a fabulous evening featuring a selection of sparkling wines and culinary delights designed to please the most discriminating palates, curated by Sommelier Wes Kohler-Bergene paired with creations from Chef Glen Hogh. The festive affair takes place in the beautifully-appointed Ballroom at one of the Vieux Carre's cultural treasurers -- The Historic BK House & Gardens. Gather your friends for a memorable Christmas experience that even the Grinch would enjoy! Doors open at 5:30 for the 6 o'clock wine and food pairing, accessible by steps.

Greenway Supernova is an annual holiday lights exhibit on the Lafitte Greenway. Featuring collaborations with several artists, plus food and music, the Greenway transforms into a winter wonderland in this free-to-attend family-friendly festival.

When is Greenway Supernova?

Greenway Supernova returns December 12-14, 2024.

Where is Greenway Supernova?

The Lafitte Greenway is a public linear park connecting the French Quarter to Bayou St. John and Mid-City. Find Greenway Supernova at 3200 Lafitte Avenue.

How much is Greenway Supernova?

Greenway Supernova is free and open to the public.

Photo credit: LazyEye Photography

Event's last day is Saturday, December 14th

Join us for the latest installment of the "Culture & Heritage Series," a collaborative program from the Tulane Grant Center for the American Jewish Experience, that aims to explore the rich and complex history of New Orleans through the lens of Jewish cuisine. Through a diverse range of academic lectures and hands-on cooking demonstrations, participants will have the opportunity to delve into the culinary traditions that have shaped the cultural landscape of the city. From the fusion of flavors to the historical significance of certain dishes, this program series offers a deep dive into the intersection of food, culture, and heritage in New Orleans.

Step back in time and savor the flavors of the 19th century at the Hermann-Grima House! Discover the unique experience of watching traditional latkes being crafted in the only open-hearth kitchen still in operation in the area. The knowledgeable docents will demonstrate historic cooking techniques using authentic tools on an open flame, bringing history to life before your eyes. Delight in live 19th-century Jewish music performed by talented local New Orleans musicians as you explore the beautifully preserved Hermann-Grima House. Enjoy delicious bites, sip on fine wine, and embrace the festive spirit at our Hanukkah mixer—an unforgettable way to kick off the holiday season. This event is in partnership with Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses, the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, and the Southern Food and Beverage Museum.

Visit Gallier House to view “A 19th-Century Christmas” exhibition, which runs November 15, 2024 until January 6, 2025. Tours are offered six days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tour the private family home of famous New Orleans architect James Gallier, Jr. as it would have looked for Christmas with his family in the mid nineteenth-century. Gallier house is an architectural gem and the perfect example of a French Quarter townhouse. Guests will learn about Christmas customs of the day including holiday décor, religious traditions, reveillon dinners, and the experience of enslaved men and women and later domestic servants who made the such holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

View Hermann-Grima House and Gallier House in holiday dress while learning about 19th-century life from November 13, 2024 - January 6, 2025. Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tours will discuss 19th-century Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans, including gift-giving, holiday meals, seasonal displaying and decorating, and how the season’s activities would impact the lives of the enslaved people laboring on the property.

Discover Creole holiday traditions from the 19th-century while touring the Hermann-Grima house and slave quarters, an example of historic preservation and interpretation in the French Quarter. The culmination of the Creole holiday season was a New Year’s Day celebration, when New Orleanians exchanged gifts and called on one another. While on tour visitors will learn about local methods of holiday decorating, culinary traditions, and the experience of the enslaved men and women who made the fanciful holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

Step into a holiday wonderland this season at “The Spirit of Christmas,” a dazzling family-friendly event and fundraiser benefiting the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (gnotrc.org GNOTRC). Presented in partnership with Destrehan Plantation (destrehanplantation.org), this festive experience lights up the season with fun, food, and holiday cheer for all ages. Held nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 PM, November 29 through December 26 (closed on Christmas Day), the event promises unforgettable memories while supporting a great cause.

Weather Notice: The event will be closed in case of rain.

Named after one of GNOTRC’s cherished therapy horses, Spirit, this event is more than just holiday lights – it’s an enchanting 1/4 mile walking tour through five acres of majestic oak trees, adorned with over 60 illuminated frames, 50 Christmas trees, and a magical lighted tunnel. And don’t miss “The Cajun Night Before Christmas” by Trosclair, adding a unique Southern twist to the festivities!

Activities for All Ages:
Photos with Santa (check gnotrc.org for dates)
Santa’s Workshop
Duck races and holiday games
Christmas caroling and cheerful stand-ins
Light projections and sparkling decorations
Holiday treats and snacks (available for purchase)
Pony rides for the little ones (small fee applies)
Admission is only $5 per person, and children four and under attend free. Plus, free parking makes it easy to bring the whole family.

Supporting GNOTRC’s Mission
All proceeds from “The Spirit of Christmas” benefit GNOTRC, a nonprofit organization in LaPlace, LA, dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities. Through the bond with a horse, riders experience improved balance, muscle control, confidence, and emotional well-being. This event will help sustain a year of programming, allowing GNOTRC to continue its essential work in the community.

Mark your calendar and bring the family to experience the season's joy at “The Spirit of Christmas.” This is a holiday event you don’t want to miss!

Event Details:

When: November 29 – December 26, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM (closed Christmas Day)

Where: Destrehan Plantation, Destrehan, LA, off Exit 6 from I-310

Admission: $5 per person; Free for children four and under. Purchase tickets at the door or ahead of time online at gnotrc.org.

Parking: Free

For additional information, sponsorship opportunities, or directions, please visit gnotrc.org or contact Anita Hefler, Executive Director of GNOTRC, at (504) 453-5509.

Come join “The Spirit of Christmas” and make brighter memories than the lights!

Event's last day is Thursday, December 26th

EVENT DETAILS

Celebration in the Oaks

What is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual festivity consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in New Orleans during the holidays. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, enjoy one of the most spectacular, family-friendly holiday light displays in New Orleans and the country. Watch as the grounds of New Orleans City Park are transformed into 25 acres of dazzling lights and breathtaking, festive displays. The Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are all captured with hundreds of thousands of lights to create a winter wonderland here in the Big Easy. 

Enjoy the scene of illuminated oak trees with a Driving Tour throughout the Park. Over a million lights will be scattered throughout the 2.25-mile drive to set the scene for the holiday season to come. You can also book a Walking Tour, which includes access to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden. 

Adults ages 21+ can get a sneak peek of Celebration in the Oaks at Jingle Bells & Beer.

When is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks goes on for a whole month! This season, the New Orleans holiday tradition will run from November 29 and on select nights through January 3, 2025.

Where is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual holiday event in City Park. Choose from the Driving Tour or Walking Tour through the Garden. Those who arrive by private vehicles will find ample parking on-site to make seeing New Orleans Christmas lights easy. The entrance to the Driving Tour is 4 Frederichs Ave.

When did Celebration in the Oaks start?

Celebration in the Oaks started in the late 1980s at New Orleans City Park, filling the grounds with festive lights and decorations each year. The annual holiday tradition has since become a local favorite, drawing thousands of visitors to stroll through beautiful displays nestled among the Park’s historic oak trees and gardens.

Where can I find tickets to Celebration in the Oaks?

Purchase tickets to Celebration in the Oaks here!

Where can I find more information about Celebration in the Oaks?

More information about Celebration in the Oaks can be found on their website.

Celebration's Preview Party 2024

What is Celebration's Preview Party?

Celebration offers two ticket levels so that you may design your own Preview Party experience!

Garden Party Ticket: Sip on signature cocktails and enjoy an array of bites from local restaurants in the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Tickets are $100.

Jingle Bells & Beer Ticket: Experience the excitement of the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with unlimited rides, beer and merriment. Tickets are $40.

Both events are 21+. Proceeds benefit the continued beautification and preservation of New Orleans City Park’s 1,300 acres.

When is Celebration's Preview Party? 

Celebration's Preview Party is on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Where can I buy tickets for Celebration's Preview Party?

Purchase your tickets for the Garden Party and/or Jingle Bells & Beer here.

Where can I find more information about Celebration's Preview Party?

Looking to learn more about Celebration's Preview Party? Find more information here.

Event's last day is Friday, January 3rd

Where holiday magic meets the afterlife…
Festive garlands.
The cheerful glow of twinkling lights.
Even the permanent residents of the French Quarter are a little extra ‘spirited’ over the holidays.

But as joyful lights bring luminance to the city, dark things lurk year round.

Follow our enchanting French Quarter Fairy for a special, holiday-themed ghosts and legends tour. Hear tales of the shape-shifting Rougarou ready to snatch naughty children. Uncover the true crimes committed by evil socialite Madame Lalaurie. And since no holiday experience is complete without mentioning the Big Man himself, learn how Christmas Eve bonfires are used to lure Papa Noel.

This family-friendly excursion will surely become a favorite holiday memory! Limited to just 9 people per group, advanced booking is required.

Event's last day is Sunday, January 5th

For the month of December we feature our Meowy Catmas special - purrformances JUST FOR MEW ORLEANS! Celebrate Christmas (or Catmas) with us by watching cats jump through wreaths, roll an ornament, push a sleigh, and performing an array of other seasonal tricks. Real rescued house cats that delight and amaze audiences of all ages.
There will also be a special appearance by The Rock-Cats (the only cat band in the entire WORLD!) playing seasonal holiday selections such as "A Cat in a Manger," "Catnip Roasting on an Open Fire," and "God Rest Ye Merry Kittens" (songs might not be performed as described).
Our Amazing Acro-Cat bus is also a mobile fostering unit for Rock Cats Rescue, helping cats and kittens across the nation find their furrever homes. Proceeds always benefit our cause of foster and rescue. Rock Cats Rescue has fostered and found homes for over 350 cats and kittens, some of them being from Mew Orleans!
This two-hour show has very limited tickets so we suggest buying online to make sure you get your seats. This show sells out! There is no intermission.
All tickets include the Meet & Greet which occurs immediately AFTER the show!

Event's last day is Sunday, December 22nd

The New Orleans Polar Express Train Ride will take you to relive the magic of the famous movie through a one hour journey from the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Enjoy the soundtrack and transport yourself into the magic. Hot chocolate, cookies, and characters fill the train.

During the trip, you can expect to be greeted by Santa and his helpers while enjoying live entertainment. All guests will receive a silver sleigh bell as the first gift of Christmas and will be able to keep their bell after the trip is over.

All guests are expected to arrive 60 minutes before the departure time. The train departs and returns to New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Multiple rides will take place daily from December 10- January 1, with the exception of Christmas Day (closed).  

The pricing tiers go as followed:

Value: $50 Adult, $42 Child (2-11)
Standard: $65 Adult, $57 Child (2-11)
Premium: $78 Adult, $70 Child (2-11)

The only differences between Value, Standard, and Premium departures are the dates and/or times of the rides. Children under two years of age may ride for free with adult guardian.

Sensory-friendly rides will be held on December 17.

An ASL interpretation of the show is on December 20 at 3 p.m. A block of seats has been designated for the best viewing of the show and interpretation. Call 504-930-4408 or fill out the contact form here to book the ASL interpreted show. See the official website for tickets and more details. 

Event's last day is Wednesday, January 1st

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story led by a cast of talented actors on board a real train. Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor! Passengers are served hot chocolate and Walker’s Shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book by Chris Van Allsburg, and receive the First Gift of Christmas after Santa boards the train to greet families. Performers engage passengers in caroling and fun holiday activities on the heartwarming trip back to the station.

Event's last day is Wednesday, January 1st

Celebrate the holidays at BB’s Stage Door Canteen with a brand-new musical revue from the Victory Belles! Backed by the Museum’s own Victory Six band, the Belles will perform yuletide favorites in their timeless signature three-part harmony. Matinee luncheon available on select dates.

Pricing:

Members: $65

Nonmembers: $68

Show Only: $22

For group rates, call 504-528-1943.

Event's last day is Monday, December 23rd

Celebrate the holidays at BB’s Stage Door Canteen with a brand-new musical revue from the Victory Belles! Backed by the Museum’s own Victory Six band, the Belles will perform yuletide favorites in their timeless signature three-part harmony. Matinee luncheon available on select dates.
View Menu: https://www.nationalww2museum.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/national-ww2-museum-holiday-matinee-buffet-2024-menu-.pdf
12/11, 12/13, 12/17, 12/18, 12/19, 12/23: 11:45am - 2:00pm
12/15, 12/22: 2:00pm - 3:30pm
12/20, 12/21: 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Event's last day is Monday, December 23rd

Greenway Supernova is an annual holiday lights exhibit on the Lafitte Greenway. Featuring collaborations with several artists, plus food and music, the Greenway transforms into a winter wonderland in this free-to-attend family-friendly festival.

When is Greenway Supernova?

Greenway Supernova returns December 12-14, 2024.

Where is Greenway Supernova?

The Lafitte Greenway is a public linear park connecting the French Quarter to Bayou St. John and Mid-City. Find Greenway Supernova at 3200 Lafitte Avenue.

How much is Greenway Supernova?

Greenway Supernova is free and open to the public.

Photo credit: LazyEye Photography

Event's last day is Saturday, December 14th

The weather outside may be frightful but it’s going to be delightful at Enchantress. Join us for a Holiday-Themed Couples Night Out. Grab your partner or come alone and head over for a fun night full of holiday-themed games, contests, dancing, and of course dressing up. Wear your sexiest or maybe naughtiest holiday attire and be part of our costume fun. Registration is per person, both participants must register and pay. See you there!

New Orleans Ballet Theatre is thrilled to be bringing The Nutcracker back to its home at the Orpheum Theater in New Orleans this December. With nine performances in New Orleans, this beloved two-act ballet will be performed by the professional company and the charming addition of over 120 local children.

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. The holiday season isn’t complete without The Nutcracker, and NOBT’s production is not one to be missed!

Performance dates are:

Friday, Dec. 13th: 7:00pm
Saturday, Dec. 14th: 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, Dec. 15th: 2:00pm
Friday, Dec. 20th: 7:00pm
Saturday, Dec. 21st: 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, Dec. 22nd: 2:00pm
Monday, Dec. 23rd: 2:00pm

Event's last day is Monday, December 23rd

Visit Gallier House to view “A 19th-Century Christmas” exhibition, which runs November 15, 2024 until January 6, 2025. Tours are offered six days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tour the private family home of famous New Orleans architect James Gallier, Jr. as it would have looked for Christmas with his family in the mid nineteenth-century. Gallier house is an architectural gem and the perfect example of a French Quarter townhouse. Guests will learn about Christmas customs of the day including holiday décor, religious traditions, reveillon dinners, and the experience of enslaved men and women and later domestic servants who made the such holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

View Hermann-Grima House and Gallier House in holiday dress while learning about 19th-century life from November 13, 2024 - January 6, 2025. Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tours will discuss 19th-century Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans, including gift-giving, holiday meals, seasonal displaying and decorating, and how the season’s activities would impact the lives of the enslaved people laboring on the property.

Discover Creole holiday traditions from the 19th-century while touring the Hermann-Grima house and slave quarters, an example of historic preservation and interpretation in the French Quarter. The culmination of the Creole holiday season was a New Year’s Day celebration, when New Orleanians exchanged gifts and called on one another. While on tour visitors will learn about local methods of holiday decorating, culinary traditions, and the experience of the enslaved men and women who made the fanciful holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

Step into a holiday wonderland this season at “The Spirit of Christmas,” a dazzling family-friendly event and fundraiser benefiting the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (gnotrc.org GNOTRC). Presented in partnership with Destrehan Plantation (destrehanplantation.org), this festive experience lights up the season with fun, food, and holiday cheer for all ages. Held nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 PM, November 29 through December 26 (closed on Christmas Day), the event promises unforgettable memories while supporting a great cause.

Weather Notice: The event will be closed in case of rain.

Named after one of GNOTRC’s cherished therapy horses, Spirit, this event is more than just holiday lights – it’s an enchanting 1/4 mile walking tour through five acres of majestic oak trees, adorned with over 60 illuminated frames, 50 Christmas trees, and a magical lighted tunnel. And don’t miss “The Cajun Night Before Christmas” by Trosclair, adding a unique Southern twist to the festivities!

Activities for All Ages:
Photos with Santa (check gnotrc.org for dates)
Santa’s Workshop
Duck races and holiday games
Christmas caroling and cheerful stand-ins
Light projections and sparkling decorations
Holiday treats and snacks (available for purchase)
Pony rides for the little ones (small fee applies)
Admission is only $5 per person, and children four and under attend free. Plus, free parking makes it easy to bring the whole family.

Supporting GNOTRC’s Mission
All proceeds from “The Spirit of Christmas” benefit GNOTRC, a nonprofit organization in LaPlace, LA, dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities. Through the bond with a horse, riders experience improved balance, muscle control, confidence, and emotional well-being. This event will help sustain a year of programming, allowing GNOTRC to continue its essential work in the community.

Mark your calendar and bring the family to experience the season's joy at “The Spirit of Christmas.” This is a holiday event you don’t want to miss!

Event Details:

When: November 29 – December 26, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM (closed Christmas Day)

Where: Destrehan Plantation, Destrehan, LA, off Exit 6 from I-310

Admission: $5 per person; Free for children four and under. Purchase tickets at the door or ahead of time online at gnotrc.org.

Parking: Free

For additional information, sponsorship opportunities, or directions, please visit gnotrc.org or contact Anita Hefler, Executive Director of GNOTRC, at (504) 453-5509.

Come join “The Spirit of Christmas” and make brighter memories than the lights!

Event's last day is Thursday, December 26th

EVENT DETAILS

Celebration in the Oaks

What is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual festivity consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in New Orleans during the holidays. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, enjoy one of the most spectacular, family-friendly holiday light displays in New Orleans and the country. Watch as the grounds of New Orleans City Park are transformed into 25 acres of dazzling lights and breathtaking, festive displays. The Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are all captured with hundreds of thousands of lights to create a winter wonderland here in the Big Easy. 

Enjoy the scene of illuminated oak trees with a Driving Tour throughout the Park. Over a million lights will be scattered throughout the 2.25-mile drive to set the scene for the holiday season to come. You can also book a Walking Tour, which includes access to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden. 

Adults ages 21+ can get a sneak peek of Celebration in the Oaks at Jingle Bells & Beer.

When is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks goes on for a whole month! This season, the New Orleans holiday tradition will run from November 29 and on select nights through January 3, 2025.

Where is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual holiday event in City Park. Choose from the Driving Tour or Walking Tour through the Garden. Those who arrive by private vehicles will find ample parking on-site to make seeing New Orleans Christmas lights easy. The entrance to the Driving Tour is 4 Frederichs Ave.

When did Celebration in the Oaks start?

Celebration in the Oaks started in the late 1980s at New Orleans City Park, filling the grounds with festive lights and decorations each year. The annual holiday tradition has since become a local favorite, drawing thousands of visitors to stroll through beautiful displays nestled among the Park’s historic oak trees and gardens.

Where can I find tickets to Celebration in the Oaks?

Purchase tickets to Celebration in the Oaks here!

Where can I find more information about Celebration in the Oaks?

More information about Celebration in the Oaks can be found on their website.

Celebration's Preview Party 2024

What is Celebration's Preview Party?

Celebration offers two ticket levels so that you may design your own Preview Party experience!

Garden Party Ticket: Sip on signature cocktails and enjoy an array of bites from local restaurants in the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Tickets are $100.

Jingle Bells & Beer Ticket: Experience the excitement of the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with unlimited rides, beer and merriment. Tickets are $40.

Both events are 21+. Proceeds benefit the continued beautification and preservation of New Orleans City Park’s 1,300 acres.

When is Celebration's Preview Party? 

Celebration's Preview Party is on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Where can I buy tickets for Celebration's Preview Party?

Purchase your tickets for the Garden Party and/or Jingle Bells & Beer here.

Where can I find more information about Celebration's Preview Party?

Looking to learn more about Celebration's Preview Party? Find more information here.

Event's last day is Friday, January 3rd

Where holiday magic meets the afterlife…
Festive garlands.
The cheerful glow of twinkling lights.
Even the permanent residents of the French Quarter are a little extra ‘spirited’ over the holidays.

But as joyful lights bring luminance to the city, dark things lurk year round.

Follow our enchanting French Quarter Fairy for a special, holiday-themed ghosts and legends tour. Hear tales of the shape-shifting Rougarou ready to snatch naughty children. Uncover the true crimes committed by evil socialite Madame Lalaurie. And since no holiday experience is complete without mentioning the Big Man himself, learn how Christmas Eve bonfires are used to lure Papa Noel.

This family-friendly excursion will surely become a favorite holiday memory! Limited to just 9 people per group, advanced booking is required.

Event's last day is Sunday, January 5th

For the month of December we feature our Meowy Catmas special - purrformances JUST FOR MEW ORLEANS! Celebrate Christmas (or Catmas) with us by watching cats jump through wreaths, roll an ornament, push a sleigh, and performing an array of other seasonal tricks. Real rescued house cats that delight and amaze audiences of all ages.
There will also be a special appearance by The Rock-Cats (the only cat band in the entire WORLD!) playing seasonal holiday selections such as "A Cat in a Manger," "Catnip Roasting on an Open Fire," and "God Rest Ye Merry Kittens" (songs might not be performed as described).
Our Amazing Acro-Cat bus is also a mobile fostering unit for Rock Cats Rescue, helping cats and kittens across the nation find their furrever homes. Proceeds always benefit our cause of foster and rescue. Rock Cats Rescue has fostered and found homes for over 350 cats and kittens, some of them being from Mew Orleans!
This two-hour show has very limited tickets so we suggest buying online to make sure you get your seats. This show sells out! There is no intermission.
All tickets include the Meet & Greet which occurs immediately AFTER the show!

Event's last day is Sunday, December 22nd

Towering bonfires are a Christmas festivity unique to the river communities just outside New Orleans. A Gray Line exclusive, this guided experience brings locals and visitors together for a Cajun dinner and bonfire at St. Joseph Plantation, a working sugar cane farm owned by the same family since 1890. Merriment flows as guests learn about Cajun and Creole holiday traditions, sing carols and tour the plantation by candlelight. Cash bar available for beer & wine. Advance reservations required. (Dec. 14 the house tour will be at the adjacent Felicity Plantation)

Event's last day is Saturday, December 28th

Towering bonfires are a Christmas festivity unique to the river communities just outside New Orleans. A Gray Line exclusive, this guided experience brings locals and visitors together for a Cajun dinner and bonfire at St. Joseph Plantation, a working sugar cane farm owned by the same family since 1890. Merriment flows as guests learn about Cajun and Creole holiday traditions, sing carols and tour the plantation by candlelight. Cash bar available for beer & wine. Advance reservations required. (Dec. 14 the house tour will be at the adjacent Felicity Plantation)

Event's last day is Saturday, December 28th

Join us for Teddy Bear Tea at BB’s Stage Door Canteen—the perfect holiday experience to share with your children and grandchildren! Featuring delicious food and sweet treats, live music from the Victory Belles, and a special visit with Santa, young guests will leave with a teddy bear and warm memories they’re sure to treasure for years to come.

Pricing:

Members: $77 

Nonmembers: $80

Event's last day is Saturday, December 21st

Join us for Teddy Bear Tea at BB’s Stage Door Canteen—the perfect holiday experience to share with your children and grandchildren! Featuring delicious food and sweet treats, live music from the Victory Belles, and a special visit with Santa, young guests will leave with a teddy bear and warm memories they’re sure to treasure for years to come.
Dates and Times:
• Morning Tea Seating: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (December 7, 14, and 21)
• Afternoon Tea Seating: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (December 14 and 21)
View Menu: https://www.nationalww2museum.org/sites/default/files/2024-08/national-ww2-museum-teddy-bear-tea-1224-menu..pdf

Event's last day is Saturday, December 21st

The New Orleans Polar Express Train Ride will take you to relive the magic of the famous movie through a one hour journey from the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Enjoy the soundtrack and transport yourself into the magic. Hot chocolate, cookies, and characters fill the train.

During the trip, you can expect to be greeted by Santa and his helpers while enjoying live entertainment. All guests will receive a silver sleigh bell as the first gift of Christmas and will be able to keep their bell after the trip is over.

All guests are expected to arrive 60 minutes before the departure time. The train departs and returns to New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Multiple rides will take place daily from December 10- January 1, with the exception of Christmas Day (closed).  

The pricing tiers go as followed:

Value: $50 Adult, $42 Child (2-11)
Standard: $65 Adult, $57 Child (2-11)
Premium: $78 Adult, $70 Child (2-11)

The only differences between Value, Standard, and Premium departures are the dates and/or times of the rides. Children under two years of age may ride for free with adult guardian.

Sensory-friendly rides will be held on December 17.

An ASL interpretation of the show is on December 20 at 3 p.m. A block of seats has been designated for the best viewing of the show and interpretation. Call 504-930-4408 or fill out the contact form here to book the ASL interpreted show. See the official website for tickets and more details. 

Event's last day is Wednesday, January 1st

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story led by a cast of talented actors on board a real train. Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor! Passengers are served hot chocolate and Walker’s Shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book by Chris Van Allsburg, and receive the First Gift of Christmas after Santa boards the train to greet families. Performers engage passengers in caroling and fun holiday activities on the heartwarming trip back to the station.

Event's last day is Wednesday, January 1st

Greenway Supernova is an annual holiday lights exhibit on the Lafitte Greenway. Featuring collaborations with several artists, plus food and music, the Greenway transforms into a winter wonderland in this free-to-attend family-friendly festival.

When is Greenway Supernova?

Greenway Supernova returns December 12-14, 2024.

Where is Greenway Supernova?

The Lafitte Greenway is a public linear park connecting the French Quarter to Bayou St. John and Mid-City. Find Greenway Supernova at 3200 Lafitte Avenue.

How much is Greenway Supernova?

Greenway Supernova is free and open to the public.

Photo credit: LazyEye Photography

Event's last day is Saturday, December 14th

New Orleans Ballet Theatre is thrilled to be bringing The Nutcracker back to its home at the Orpheum Theater in New Orleans this December. With nine performances in New Orleans, this beloved two-act ballet will be performed by the professional company and the charming addition of over 120 local children.

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. The holiday season isn’t complete without The Nutcracker, and NOBT’s production is not one to be missed!

Performance dates are:

Friday, Dec. 13th: 7:00pm
Saturday, Dec. 14th: 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, Dec. 15th: 2:00pm
Friday, Dec. 20th: 7:00pm
Saturday, Dec. 21st: 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, Dec. 22nd: 2:00pm
Monday, Dec. 23rd: 2:00pm

Event's last day is Monday, December 23rd

Tour the interiors and grounds of several stunning homes in the historic Garden District. Festivities also include live music, a boutique and more! 

For almost 50 years the Preservation Resource Center’s Holiday Home tour has opened the doors to beautiful Garden District homes during the heart of the holiday season. The tour has grown over the years to include live musical performances, a festive boutique and more! The Holiday Home Tour is held the second weekend in December and draws delighted attendees from across the country.

The Holiday Home Tour is one of the largest fundraisers for the Preservation Resource Center, and money raised helps protect the historic architecture, neighborhoods and cultural identity of New Orleans.

Event's last day is Sunday, December 15th

Pontchartrain Conservancy is hosting its 11th annual Lights on the Lake holiday celebration. The family-friendly holiday event provides the best view for the annual West End Boat Parade. The event is tentatively set for December 14.

More details to come!

Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of the holiday season with a special screening of Polar Express (2004) at the Prytania Theatres at Canal Place. Join Santa Claus himself as he kicks off the movie with a festive introduction, followed by a heartwarming and captivating film that will surely put you in the holiday spirit.
 
Tickets are only $10 and include a delicious bucket of popcorn and a refreshing soda to enjoy throughout the movie. Don't miss this opportunity to create lasting memories with friends and family as you experience the joy of cinema and the warmth of the holiday season together at Canal Place.

Boat Parade featuring over forty boats with beautiful Christmas light displays and costumed crews. Santa will be on the lead boat with elves and Christmas music. The Boat Parade is part of the Lights on the Lake festival which is located at and near the New Canal Lighthouse.

Visit Gallier House to view “A 19th-Century Christmas” exhibition, which runs November 15, 2024 until January 6, 2025. Tours are offered six days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tour the private family home of famous New Orleans architect James Gallier, Jr. as it would have looked for Christmas with his family in the mid nineteenth-century. Gallier house is an architectural gem and the perfect example of a French Quarter townhouse. Guests will learn about Christmas customs of the day including holiday décor, religious traditions, reveillon dinners, and the experience of enslaved men and women and later domestic servants who made the such holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

View Hermann-Grima House and Gallier House in holiday dress while learning about 19th-century life from November 13, 2024 - January 6, 2025. Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tours will discuss 19th-century Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans, including gift-giving, holiday meals, seasonal displaying and decorating, and how the season’s activities would impact the lives of the enslaved people laboring on the property.

Discover Creole holiday traditions from the 19th-century while touring the Hermann-Grima house and slave quarters, an example of historic preservation and interpretation in the French Quarter. The culmination of the Creole holiday season was a New Year’s Day celebration, when New Orleanians exchanged gifts and called on one another. While on tour visitors will learn about local methods of holiday decorating, culinary traditions, and the experience of the enslaved men and women who made the fanciful holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

Step into a holiday wonderland this season at “The Spirit of Christmas,” a dazzling family-friendly event and fundraiser benefiting the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (gnotrc.org GNOTRC). Presented in partnership with Destrehan Plantation (destrehanplantation.org), this festive experience lights up the season with fun, food, and holiday cheer for all ages. Held nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 PM, November 29 through December 26 (closed on Christmas Day), the event promises unforgettable memories while supporting a great cause.

Weather Notice: The event will be closed in case of rain.

Named after one of GNOTRC’s cherished therapy horses, Spirit, this event is more than just holiday lights – it’s an enchanting 1/4 mile walking tour through five acres of majestic oak trees, adorned with over 60 illuminated frames, 50 Christmas trees, and a magical lighted tunnel. And don’t miss “The Cajun Night Before Christmas” by Trosclair, adding a unique Southern twist to the festivities!

Activities for All Ages:
Photos with Santa (check gnotrc.org for dates)
Santa’s Workshop
Duck races and holiday games
Christmas caroling and cheerful stand-ins
Light projections and sparkling decorations
Holiday treats and snacks (available for purchase)
Pony rides for the little ones (small fee applies)
Admission is only $5 per person, and children four and under attend free. Plus, free parking makes it easy to bring the whole family.

Supporting GNOTRC’s Mission
All proceeds from “The Spirit of Christmas” benefit GNOTRC, a nonprofit organization in LaPlace, LA, dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities. Through the bond with a horse, riders experience improved balance, muscle control, confidence, and emotional well-being. This event will help sustain a year of programming, allowing GNOTRC to continue its essential work in the community.

Mark your calendar and bring the family to experience the season's joy at “The Spirit of Christmas.” This is a holiday event you don’t want to miss!

Event Details:

When: November 29 – December 26, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM (closed Christmas Day)

Where: Destrehan Plantation, Destrehan, LA, off Exit 6 from I-310

Admission: $5 per person; Free for children four and under. Purchase tickets at the door or ahead of time online at gnotrc.org.

Parking: Free

For additional information, sponsorship opportunities, or directions, please visit gnotrc.org or contact Anita Hefler, Executive Director of GNOTRC, at (504) 453-5509.

Come join “The Spirit of Christmas” and make brighter memories than the lights!

Event's last day is Thursday, December 26th

EVENT DETAILS

Celebration in the Oaks

What is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual festivity consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in New Orleans during the holidays. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, enjoy one of the most spectacular, family-friendly holiday light displays in New Orleans and the country. Watch as the grounds of New Orleans City Park are transformed into 25 acres of dazzling lights and breathtaking, festive displays. The Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are all captured with hundreds of thousands of lights to create a winter wonderland here in the Big Easy. 

Enjoy the scene of illuminated oak trees with a Driving Tour throughout the Park. Over a million lights will be scattered throughout the 2.25-mile drive to set the scene for the holiday season to come. You can also book a Walking Tour, which includes access to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden. 

Adults ages 21+ can get a sneak peek of Celebration in the Oaks at Jingle Bells & Beer.

When is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks goes on for a whole month! This season, the New Orleans holiday tradition will run from November 29 and on select nights through January 3, 2025.

Where is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual holiday event in City Park. Choose from the Driving Tour or Walking Tour through the Garden. Those who arrive by private vehicles will find ample parking on-site to make seeing New Orleans Christmas lights easy. The entrance to the Driving Tour is 4 Frederichs Ave.

When did Celebration in the Oaks start?

Celebration in the Oaks started in the late 1980s at New Orleans City Park, filling the grounds with festive lights and decorations each year. The annual holiday tradition has since become a local favorite, drawing thousands of visitors to stroll through beautiful displays nestled among the Park’s historic oak trees and gardens.

Where can I find tickets to Celebration in the Oaks?

Purchase tickets to Celebration in the Oaks here!

Where can I find more information about Celebration in the Oaks?

More information about Celebration in the Oaks can be found on their website.

Celebration's Preview Party 2024

What is Celebration's Preview Party?

Celebration offers two ticket levels so that you may design your own Preview Party experience!

Garden Party Ticket: Sip on signature cocktails and enjoy an array of bites from local restaurants in the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Tickets are $100.

Jingle Bells & Beer Ticket: Experience the excitement of the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with unlimited rides, beer and merriment. Tickets are $40.

Both events are 21+. Proceeds benefit the continued beautification and preservation of New Orleans City Park’s 1,300 acres.

When is Celebration's Preview Party? 

Celebration's Preview Party is on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Where can I buy tickets for Celebration's Preview Party?

Purchase your tickets for the Garden Party and/or Jingle Bells & Beer here.

Where can I find more information about Celebration's Preview Party?

Looking to learn more about Celebration's Preview Party? Find more information here.

Event's last day is Friday, January 3rd

Where holiday magic meets the afterlife…
Festive garlands.
The cheerful glow of twinkling lights.
Even the permanent residents of the French Quarter are a little extra ‘spirited’ over the holidays.

But as joyful lights bring luminance to the city, dark things lurk year round.

Follow our enchanting French Quarter Fairy for a special, holiday-themed ghosts and legends tour. Hear tales of the shape-shifting Rougarou ready to snatch naughty children. Uncover the true crimes committed by evil socialite Madame Lalaurie. And since no holiday experience is complete without mentioning the Big Man himself, learn how Christmas Eve bonfires are used to lure Papa Noel.

This family-friendly excursion will surely become a favorite holiday memory! Limited to just 9 people per group, advanced booking is required.

Event's last day is Sunday, January 5th

For the month of December we feature our Meowy Catmas special - purrformances JUST FOR MEW ORLEANS! Celebrate Christmas (or Catmas) with us by watching cats jump through wreaths, roll an ornament, push a sleigh, and performing an array of other seasonal tricks. Real rescued house cats that delight and amaze audiences of all ages.
There will also be a special appearance by The Rock-Cats (the only cat band in the entire WORLD!) playing seasonal holiday selections such as "A Cat in a Manger," "Catnip Roasting on an Open Fire," and "God Rest Ye Merry Kittens" (songs might not be performed as described).
Our Amazing Acro-Cat bus is also a mobile fostering unit for Rock Cats Rescue, helping cats and kittens across the nation find their furrever homes. Proceeds always benefit our cause of foster and rescue. Rock Cats Rescue has fostered and found homes for over 350 cats and kittens, some of them being from Mew Orleans!
This two-hour show has very limited tickets so we suggest buying online to make sure you get your seats. This show sells out! There is no intermission.
All tickets include the Meet & Greet which occurs immediately AFTER the show!

Event's last day is Sunday, December 22nd

The New Orleans Polar Express Train Ride will take you to relive the magic of the famous movie through a one hour journey from the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Enjoy the soundtrack and transport yourself into the magic. Hot chocolate, cookies, and characters fill the train.

During the trip, you can expect to be greeted by Santa and his helpers while enjoying live entertainment. All guests will receive a silver sleigh bell as the first gift of Christmas and will be able to keep their bell after the trip is over.

All guests are expected to arrive 60 minutes before the departure time. The train departs and returns to New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Multiple rides will take place daily from December 10- January 1, with the exception of Christmas Day (closed).  

The pricing tiers go as followed:

Value: $50 Adult, $42 Child (2-11)
Standard: $65 Adult, $57 Child (2-11)
Premium: $78 Adult, $70 Child (2-11)

The only differences between Value, Standard, and Premium departures are the dates and/or times of the rides. Children under two years of age may ride for free with adult guardian.

Sensory-friendly rides will be held on December 17.

An ASL interpretation of the show is on December 20 at 3 p.m. A block of seats has been designated for the best viewing of the show and interpretation. Call 504-930-4408 or fill out the contact form here to book the ASL interpreted show. See the official website for tickets and more details. 

Event's last day is Wednesday, January 1st

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story led by a cast of talented actors on board a real train. Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor! Passengers are served hot chocolate and Walker’s Shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book by Chris Van Allsburg, and receive the First Gift of Christmas after Santa boards the train to greet families. Performers engage passengers in caroling and fun holiday activities on the heartwarming trip back to the station.

Event's last day is Wednesday, January 1st

Celebrate the holidays at BB’s Stage Door Canteen with a brand-new musical revue from the Victory Belles! Backed by the Museum’s own Victory Six band, the Belles will perform yuletide favorites in their timeless signature three-part harmony. Matinee luncheon available on select dates.
View Menu: https://www.nationalww2museum.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/national-ww2-museum-holiday-matinee-buffet-2024-menu-.pdf
12/11, 12/13, 12/17, 12/18, 12/19, 12/23: 11:45am - 2:00pm
12/15, 12/22: 2:00pm - 3:30pm
12/20, 12/21: 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Event's last day is Monday, December 23rd

New Orleans Ballet Theatre is thrilled to be bringing The Nutcracker back to its home at the Orpheum Theater in New Orleans this December. With nine performances in New Orleans, this beloved two-act ballet will be performed by the professional company and the charming addition of over 120 local children.

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. The holiday season isn’t complete without The Nutcracker, and NOBT’s production is not one to be missed!

Performance dates are:

Friday, Dec. 13th: 7:00pm
Saturday, Dec. 14th: 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, Dec. 15th: 2:00pm
Friday, Dec. 20th: 7:00pm
Saturday, Dec. 21st: 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, Dec. 22nd: 2:00pm
Monday, Dec. 23rd: 2:00pm

Event's last day is Monday, December 23rd

Tour the interiors and grounds of several stunning homes in the historic Garden District. Festivities also include live music, a boutique and more! 

For almost 50 years the Preservation Resource Center’s Holiday Home tour has opened the doors to beautiful Garden District homes during the heart of the holiday season. The tour has grown over the years to include live musical performances, a festive boutique and more! The Holiday Home Tour is held the second weekend in December and draws delighted attendees from across the country.

The Holiday Home Tour is one of the largest fundraisers for the Preservation Resource Center, and money raised helps protect the historic architecture, neighborhoods and cultural identity of New Orleans.

Event's last day is Sunday, December 15th

On December 15th, join us in the Pharmacy Museum's courtyard for our annual winter market. This year, the market will feature 12 local vendors selling art, jewelry, baked goods, and other giftable goodies! Enjoy the first floor of museum exhibits with no admission fee and support local artists at the same time. With a small donation to the Pharmacy Museum at the soda fountain, you can have your purchases gift-wrapped for you.

The Pharmacy Museum will also be accepting donations for New Orleans Community Fridges, a local community aid effort providing an opportunity for community members to access free food from community fridges. NOCF donations can be unopened perishables, canned goods, or unopened drinks (non-alcoholic).

Photo courtesy of Ashley Biltz Photography.

For a true holiday treat, spend a delightful evening at The Historic BK House & Gardens. The 19th Century house, once home to noted author Frances Parkinson Keyes, will be decked in holiday finery reminiscent of Christmas past and will feature the harmonic sounds of The Big Easy Boys singing holiday tunes in the beautifully restored grand ballroom. Refreshments will be served. 5:30-7:30 pm. Tickets are $30 for nonmembers and $25 for members and may be purchased at www.bkhouse.org.

Visit Gallier House to view “A 19th-Century Christmas” exhibition, which runs November 15, 2024 until January 6, 2025. Tours are offered six days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tour the private family home of famous New Orleans architect James Gallier, Jr. as it would have looked for Christmas with his family in the mid nineteenth-century. Gallier house is an architectural gem and the perfect example of a French Quarter townhouse. Guests will learn about Christmas customs of the day including holiday décor, religious traditions, reveillon dinners, and the experience of enslaved men and women and later domestic servants who made the such holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

View Hermann-Grima House and Gallier House in holiday dress while learning about 19th-century life from November 13, 2024 - January 6, 2025. Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tours will discuss 19th-century Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans, including gift-giving, holiday meals, seasonal displaying and decorating, and how the season’s activities would impact the lives of the enslaved people laboring on the property.

Discover Creole holiday traditions from the 19th-century while touring the Hermann-Grima house and slave quarters, an example of historic preservation and interpretation in the French Quarter. The culmination of the Creole holiday season was a New Year’s Day celebration, when New Orleanians exchanged gifts and called on one another. While on tour visitors will learn about local methods of holiday decorating, culinary traditions, and the experience of the enslaved men and women who made the fanciful holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

Step into a holiday wonderland this season at “The Spirit of Christmas,” a dazzling family-friendly event and fundraiser benefiting the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (gnotrc.org GNOTRC). Presented in partnership with Destrehan Plantation (destrehanplantation.org), this festive experience lights up the season with fun, food, and holiday cheer for all ages. Held nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 PM, November 29 through December 26 (closed on Christmas Day), the event promises unforgettable memories while supporting a great cause.

Weather Notice: The event will be closed in case of rain.

Named after one of GNOTRC’s cherished therapy horses, Spirit, this event is more than just holiday lights – it’s an enchanting 1/4 mile walking tour through five acres of majestic oak trees, adorned with over 60 illuminated frames, 50 Christmas trees, and a magical lighted tunnel. And don’t miss “The Cajun Night Before Christmas” by Trosclair, adding a unique Southern twist to the festivities!

Activities for All Ages:
Photos with Santa (check gnotrc.org for dates)
Santa’s Workshop
Duck races and holiday games
Christmas caroling and cheerful stand-ins
Light projections and sparkling decorations
Holiday treats and snacks (available for purchase)
Pony rides for the little ones (small fee applies)
Admission is only $5 per person, and children four and under attend free. Plus, free parking makes it easy to bring the whole family.

Supporting GNOTRC’s Mission
All proceeds from “The Spirit of Christmas” benefit GNOTRC, a nonprofit organization in LaPlace, LA, dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities. Through the bond with a horse, riders experience improved balance, muscle control, confidence, and emotional well-being. This event will help sustain a year of programming, allowing GNOTRC to continue its essential work in the community.

Mark your calendar and bring the family to experience the season's joy at “The Spirit of Christmas.” This is a holiday event you don’t want to miss!

Event Details:

When: November 29 – December 26, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM (closed Christmas Day)

Where: Destrehan Plantation, Destrehan, LA, off Exit 6 from I-310

Admission: $5 per person; Free for children four and under. Purchase tickets at the door or ahead of time online at gnotrc.org.

Parking: Free

For additional information, sponsorship opportunities, or directions, please visit gnotrc.org or contact Anita Hefler, Executive Director of GNOTRC, at (504) 453-5509.

Come join “The Spirit of Christmas” and make brighter memories than the lights!

Event's last day is Thursday, December 26th

EVENT DETAILS

Celebration in the Oaks

What is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual festivity consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in New Orleans during the holidays. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, enjoy one of the most spectacular, family-friendly holiday light displays in New Orleans and the country. Watch as the grounds of New Orleans City Park are transformed into 25 acres of dazzling lights and breathtaking, festive displays. The Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are all captured with hundreds of thousands of lights to create a winter wonderland here in the Big Easy. 

Enjoy the scene of illuminated oak trees with a Driving Tour throughout the Park. Over a million lights will be scattered throughout the 2.25-mile drive to set the scene for the holiday season to come. You can also book a Walking Tour, which includes access to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden. 

Adults ages 21+ can get a sneak peek of Celebration in the Oaks at Jingle Bells & Beer.

When is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks goes on for a whole month! This season, the New Orleans holiday tradition will run from November 29 and on select nights through January 3, 2025.

Where is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual holiday event in City Park. Choose from the Driving Tour or Walking Tour through the Garden. Those who arrive by private vehicles will find ample parking on-site to make seeing New Orleans Christmas lights easy. The entrance to the Driving Tour is 4 Frederichs Ave.

When did Celebration in the Oaks start?

Celebration in the Oaks started in the late 1980s at New Orleans City Park, filling the grounds with festive lights and decorations each year. The annual holiday tradition has since become a local favorite, drawing thousands of visitors to stroll through beautiful displays nestled among the Park’s historic oak trees and gardens.

Where can I find tickets to Celebration in the Oaks?

Purchase tickets to Celebration in the Oaks here!

Where can I find more information about Celebration in the Oaks?

More information about Celebration in the Oaks can be found on their website.

Celebration's Preview Party 2024

What is Celebration's Preview Party?

Celebration offers two ticket levels so that you may design your own Preview Party experience!

Garden Party Ticket: Sip on signature cocktails and enjoy an array of bites from local restaurants in the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Tickets are $100.

Jingle Bells & Beer Ticket: Experience the excitement of the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with unlimited rides, beer and merriment. Tickets are $40.

Both events are 21+. Proceeds benefit the continued beautification and preservation of New Orleans City Park’s 1,300 acres.

When is Celebration's Preview Party? 

Celebration's Preview Party is on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Where can I buy tickets for Celebration's Preview Party?

Purchase your tickets for the Garden Party and/or Jingle Bells & Beer here.

Where can I find more information about Celebration's Preview Party?

Looking to learn more about Celebration's Preview Party? Find more information here.

Event's last day is Friday, January 3rd

The New Orleans Polar Express Train Ride will take you to relive the magic of the famous movie through a one hour journey from the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Enjoy the soundtrack and transport yourself into the magic. Hot chocolate, cookies, and characters fill the train.

During the trip, you can expect to be greeted by Santa and his helpers while enjoying live entertainment. All guests will receive a silver sleigh bell as the first gift of Christmas and will be able to keep their bell after the trip is over.

All guests are expected to arrive 60 minutes before the departure time. The train departs and returns to New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Multiple rides will take place daily from December 10- January 1, with the exception of Christmas Day (closed).  

The pricing tiers go as followed:

Value: $50 Adult, $42 Child (2-11)
Standard: $65 Adult, $57 Child (2-11)
Premium: $78 Adult, $70 Child (2-11)

The only differences between Value, Standard, and Premium departures are the dates and/or times of the rides. Children under two years of age may ride for free with adult guardian.

Sensory-friendly rides will be held on December 17.

An ASL interpretation of the show is on December 20 at 3 p.m. A block of seats has been designated for the best viewing of the show and interpretation. Call 504-930-4408 or fill out the contact form here to book the ASL interpreted show. See the official website for tickets and more details. 

Event's last day is Wednesday, January 1st

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story led by a cast of talented actors on board a real train. Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor! Passengers are served hot chocolate and Walker’s Shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book by Chris Van Allsburg, and receive the First Gift of Christmas after Santa boards the train to greet families. Performers engage passengers in caroling and fun holiday activities on the heartwarming trip back to the station.

Event's last day is Wednesday, January 1st

Visit Gallier House to view “A 19th-Century Christmas” exhibition, which runs November 15, 2024 until January 6, 2025. Tours are offered six days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tour the private family home of famous New Orleans architect James Gallier, Jr. as it would have looked for Christmas with his family in the mid nineteenth-century. Gallier house is an architectural gem and the perfect example of a French Quarter townhouse. Guests will learn about Christmas customs of the day including holiday décor, religious traditions, reveillon dinners, and the experience of enslaved men and women and later domestic servants who made the such holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

View Hermann-Grima House and Gallier House in holiday dress while learning about 19th-century life from November 13, 2024 - January 6, 2025. Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tours will discuss 19th-century Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans, including gift-giving, holiday meals, seasonal displaying and decorating, and how the season’s activities would impact the lives of the enslaved people laboring on the property.

Discover Creole holiday traditions from the 19th-century while touring the Hermann-Grima house and slave quarters, an example of historic preservation and interpretation in the French Quarter. The culmination of the Creole holiday season was a New Year’s Day celebration, when New Orleanians exchanged gifts and called on one another. While on tour visitors will learn about local methods of holiday decorating, culinary traditions, and the experience of the enslaved men and women who made the fanciful holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

Step into a holiday wonderland this season at “The Spirit of Christmas,” a dazzling family-friendly event and fundraiser benefiting the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (gnotrc.org GNOTRC). Presented in partnership with Destrehan Plantation (destrehanplantation.org), this festive experience lights up the season with fun, food, and holiday cheer for all ages. Held nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 PM, November 29 through December 26 (closed on Christmas Day), the event promises unforgettable memories while supporting a great cause.

Weather Notice: The event will be closed in case of rain.

Named after one of GNOTRC’s cherished therapy horses, Spirit, this event is more than just holiday lights – it’s an enchanting 1/4 mile walking tour through five acres of majestic oak trees, adorned with over 60 illuminated frames, 50 Christmas trees, and a magical lighted tunnel. And don’t miss “The Cajun Night Before Christmas” by Trosclair, adding a unique Southern twist to the festivities!

Activities for All Ages:
Photos with Santa (check gnotrc.org for dates)
Santa’s Workshop
Duck races and holiday games
Christmas caroling and cheerful stand-ins
Light projections and sparkling decorations
Holiday treats and snacks (available for purchase)
Pony rides for the little ones (small fee applies)
Admission is only $5 per person, and children four and under attend free. Plus, free parking makes it easy to bring the whole family.

Supporting GNOTRC’s Mission
All proceeds from “The Spirit of Christmas” benefit GNOTRC, a nonprofit organization in LaPlace, LA, dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities. Through the bond with a horse, riders experience improved balance, muscle control, confidence, and emotional well-being. This event will help sustain a year of programming, allowing GNOTRC to continue its essential work in the community.

Mark your calendar and bring the family to experience the season's joy at “The Spirit of Christmas.” This is a holiday event you don’t want to miss!

Event Details:

When: November 29 – December 26, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM (closed Christmas Day)

Where: Destrehan Plantation, Destrehan, LA, off Exit 6 from I-310

Admission: $5 per person; Free for children four and under. Purchase tickets at the door or ahead of time online at gnotrc.org.

Parking: Free

For additional information, sponsorship opportunities, or directions, please visit gnotrc.org or contact Anita Hefler, Executive Director of GNOTRC, at (504) 453-5509.

Come join “The Spirit of Christmas” and make brighter memories than the lights!

Event's last day is Thursday, December 26th

EVENT DETAILS

Celebration in the Oaks

What is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual festivity consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in New Orleans during the holidays. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, enjoy one of the most spectacular, family-friendly holiday light displays in New Orleans and the country. Watch as the grounds of New Orleans City Park are transformed into 25 acres of dazzling lights and breathtaking, festive displays. The Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are all captured with hundreds of thousands of lights to create a winter wonderland here in the Big Easy. 

Enjoy the scene of illuminated oak trees with a Driving Tour throughout the Park. Over a million lights will be scattered throughout the 2.25-mile drive to set the scene for the holiday season to come. You can also book a Walking Tour, which includes access to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden. 

Adults ages 21+ can get a sneak peek of Celebration in the Oaks at Jingle Bells & Beer.

When is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks goes on for a whole month! This season, the New Orleans holiday tradition will run from November 29 and on select nights through January 3, 2025.

Where is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual holiday event in City Park. Choose from the Driving Tour or Walking Tour through the Garden. Those who arrive by private vehicles will find ample parking on-site to make seeing New Orleans Christmas lights easy. The entrance to the Driving Tour is 4 Frederichs Ave.

When did Celebration in the Oaks start?

Celebration in the Oaks started in the late 1980s at New Orleans City Park, filling the grounds with festive lights and decorations each year. The annual holiday tradition has since become a local favorite, drawing thousands of visitors to stroll through beautiful displays nestled among the Park’s historic oak trees and gardens.

Where can I find tickets to Celebration in the Oaks?

Purchase tickets to Celebration in the Oaks here!

Where can I find more information about Celebration in the Oaks?

More information about Celebration in the Oaks can be found on their website.

Celebration's Preview Party 2024

What is Celebration's Preview Party?

Celebration offers two ticket levels so that you may design your own Preview Party experience!

Garden Party Ticket: Sip on signature cocktails and enjoy an array of bites from local restaurants in the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Tickets are $100.

Jingle Bells & Beer Ticket: Experience the excitement of the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with unlimited rides, beer and merriment. Tickets are $40.

Both events are 21+. Proceeds benefit the continued beautification and preservation of New Orleans City Park’s 1,300 acres.

When is Celebration's Preview Party? 

Celebration's Preview Party is on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Where can I buy tickets for Celebration's Preview Party?

Purchase your tickets for the Garden Party and/or Jingle Bells & Beer here.

Where can I find more information about Celebration's Preview Party?

Looking to learn more about Celebration's Preview Party? Find more information here.

Event's last day is Friday, January 3rd

The New Orleans Polar Express Train Ride will take you to relive the magic of the famous movie through a one hour journey from the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Enjoy the soundtrack and transport yourself into the magic. Hot chocolate, cookies, and characters fill the train.

During the trip, you can expect to be greeted by Santa and his helpers while enjoying live entertainment. All guests will receive a silver sleigh bell as the first gift of Christmas and will be able to keep their bell after the trip is over.

All guests are expected to arrive 60 minutes before the departure time. The train departs and returns to New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Multiple rides will take place daily from December 10- January 1, with the exception of Christmas Day (closed).  

The pricing tiers go as followed:

Value: $50 Adult, $42 Child (2-11)
Standard: $65 Adult, $57 Child (2-11)
Premium: $78 Adult, $70 Child (2-11)

The only differences between Value, Standard, and Premium departures are the dates and/or times of the rides. Children under two years of age may ride for free with adult guardian.

Sensory-friendly rides will be held on December 17.

An ASL interpretation of the show is on December 20 at 3 p.m. A block of seats has been designated for the best viewing of the show and interpretation. Call 504-930-4408 or fill out the contact form here to book the ASL interpreted show. See the official website for tickets and more details. 

Event's last day is Wednesday, January 1st

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story led by a cast of talented actors on board a real train. Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor! Passengers are served hot chocolate and Walker’s Shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book by Chris Van Allsburg, and receive the First Gift of Christmas after Santa boards the train to greet families. Performers engage passengers in caroling and fun holiday activities on the heartwarming trip back to the station.

Event's last day is Wednesday, January 1st

Celebrate the holidays at BB’s Stage Door Canteen with a brand-new musical revue from the Victory Belles! Backed by the Museum’s own Victory Six band, the Belles will perform yuletide favorites in their timeless signature three-part harmony. Matinee luncheon available on select dates.

Pricing:

Members: $65

Nonmembers: $68

Show Only: $22

For group rates, call 504-528-1943.

Event's last day is Monday, December 23rd

Celebrate the holidays at BB’s Stage Door Canteen with a brand-new musical revue from the Victory Belles! Backed by the Museum’s own Victory Six band, the Belles will perform yuletide favorites in their timeless signature three-part harmony. Matinee luncheon available on select dates.
View Menu: https://www.nationalww2museum.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/national-ww2-museum-holiday-matinee-buffet-2024-menu-.pdf
12/11, 12/13, 12/17, 12/18, 12/19, 12/23: 11:45am - 2:00pm
12/15, 12/22: 2:00pm - 3:30pm
12/20, 12/21: 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Event's last day is Monday, December 23rd

The hottest holiday show around returns to Le Petit Theatre for the 3rd year! Join The Skivvies and local special guests as they strip down classic Christmas tunes, comedic mashups, nostalgic medleys, and wildly absurd musical theatre moments sure to bring joy and laughter through the holiday season. They do all this while playing live and stripping down to their Skivvies.

Event's last day is Wednesday, December 18th

Visit Gallier House to view “A 19th-Century Christmas” exhibition, which runs November 15, 2024 until January 6, 2025. Tours are offered six days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tour the private family home of famous New Orleans architect James Gallier, Jr. as it would have looked for Christmas with his family in the mid nineteenth-century. Gallier house is an architectural gem and the perfect example of a French Quarter townhouse. Guests will learn about Christmas customs of the day including holiday décor, religious traditions, reveillon dinners, and the experience of enslaved men and women and later domestic servants who made the such holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

View Hermann-Grima House and Gallier House in holiday dress while learning about 19th-century life from November 13, 2024 - January 6, 2025. Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tours will discuss 19th-century Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans, including gift-giving, holiday meals, seasonal displaying and decorating, and how the season’s activities would impact the lives of the enslaved people laboring on the property.

Discover Creole holiday traditions from the 19th-century while touring the Hermann-Grima house and slave quarters, an example of historic preservation and interpretation in the French Quarter. The culmination of the Creole holiday season was a New Year’s Day celebration, when New Orleanians exchanged gifts and called on one another. While on tour visitors will learn about local methods of holiday decorating, culinary traditions, and the experience of the enslaved men and women who made the fanciful holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

Step into a holiday wonderland this season at “The Spirit of Christmas,” a dazzling family-friendly event and fundraiser benefiting the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (gnotrc.org GNOTRC). Presented in partnership with Destrehan Plantation (destrehanplantation.org), this festive experience lights up the season with fun, food, and holiday cheer for all ages. Held nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 PM, November 29 through December 26 (closed on Christmas Day), the event promises unforgettable memories while supporting a great cause.

Weather Notice: The event will be closed in case of rain.

Named after one of GNOTRC’s cherished therapy horses, Spirit, this event is more than just holiday lights – it’s an enchanting 1/4 mile walking tour through five acres of majestic oak trees, adorned with over 60 illuminated frames, 50 Christmas trees, and a magical lighted tunnel. And don’t miss “The Cajun Night Before Christmas” by Trosclair, adding a unique Southern twist to the festivities!

Activities for All Ages:
Photos with Santa (check gnotrc.org for dates)
Santa’s Workshop
Duck races and holiday games
Christmas caroling and cheerful stand-ins
Light projections and sparkling decorations
Holiday treats and snacks (available for purchase)
Pony rides for the little ones (small fee applies)
Admission is only $5 per person, and children four and under attend free. Plus, free parking makes it easy to bring the whole family.

Supporting GNOTRC’s Mission
All proceeds from “The Spirit of Christmas” benefit GNOTRC, a nonprofit organization in LaPlace, LA, dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities. Through the bond with a horse, riders experience improved balance, muscle control, confidence, and emotional well-being. This event will help sustain a year of programming, allowing GNOTRC to continue its essential work in the community.

Mark your calendar and bring the family to experience the season's joy at “The Spirit of Christmas.” This is a holiday event you don’t want to miss!

Event Details:

When: November 29 – December 26, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM (closed Christmas Day)

Where: Destrehan Plantation, Destrehan, LA, off Exit 6 from I-310

Admission: $5 per person; Free for children four and under. Purchase tickets at the door or ahead of time online at gnotrc.org.

Parking: Free

For additional information, sponsorship opportunities, or directions, please visit gnotrc.org or contact Anita Hefler, Executive Director of GNOTRC, at (504) 453-5509.

Come join “The Spirit of Christmas” and make brighter memories than the lights!

Event's last day is Thursday, December 26th

EVENT DETAILS

Celebration in the Oaks

What is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual festivity consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in New Orleans during the holidays. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, enjoy one of the most spectacular, family-friendly holiday light displays in New Orleans and the country. Watch as the grounds of New Orleans City Park are transformed into 25 acres of dazzling lights and breathtaking, festive displays. The Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are all captured with hundreds of thousands of lights to create a winter wonderland here in the Big Easy. 

Enjoy the scene of illuminated oak trees with a Driving Tour throughout the Park. Over a million lights will be scattered throughout the 2.25-mile drive to set the scene for the holiday season to come. You can also book a Walking Tour, which includes access to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden. 

Adults ages 21+ can get a sneak peek of Celebration in the Oaks at Jingle Bells & Beer.

When is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks goes on for a whole month! This season, the New Orleans holiday tradition will run from November 29 and on select nights through January 3, 2025.

Where is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual holiday event in City Park. Choose from the Driving Tour or Walking Tour through the Garden. Those who arrive by private vehicles will find ample parking on-site to make seeing New Orleans Christmas lights easy. The entrance to the Driving Tour is 4 Frederichs Ave.

When did Celebration in the Oaks start?

Celebration in the Oaks started in the late 1980s at New Orleans City Park, filling the grounds with festive lights and decorations each year. The annual holiday tradition has since become a local favorite, drawing thousands of visitors to stroll through beautiful displays nestled among the Park’s historic oak trees and gardens.

Where can I find tickets to Celebration in the Oaks?

Purchase tickets to Celebration in the Oaks here!

Where can I find more information about Celebration in the Oaks?

More information about Celebration in the Oaks can be found on their website.

Celebration's Preview Party 2024

What is Celebration's Preview Party?

Celebration offers two ticket levels so that you may design your own Preview Party experience!

Garden Party Ticket: Sip on signature cocktails and enjoy an array of bites from local restaurants in the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Tickets are $100.

Jingle Bells & Beer Ticket: Experience the excitement of the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with unlimited rides, beer and merriment. Tickets are $40.

Both events are 21+. Proceeds benefit the continued beautification and preservation of New Orleans City Park’s 1,300 acres.

When is Celebration's Preview Party? 

Celebration's Preview Party is on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Where can I buy tickets for Celebration's Preview Party?

Purchase your tickets for the Garden Party and/or Jingle Bells & Beer here.

Where can I find more information about Celebration's Preview Party?

Looking to learn more about Celebration's Preview Party? Find more information here.

Event's last day is Friday, January 3rd

For the month of December we feature our Meowy Catmas special - purrformances JUST FOR MEW ORLEANS! Celebrate Christmas (or Catmas) with us by watching cats jump through wreaths, roll an ornament, push a sleigh, and performing an array of other seasonal tricks. Real rescued house cats that delight and amaze audiences of all ages.
There will also be a special appearance by The Rock-Cats (the only cat band in the entire WORLD!) playing seasonal holiday selections such as "A Cat in a Manger," "Catnip Roasting on an Open Fire," and "God Rest Ye Merry Kittens" (songs might not be performed as described).
Our Amazing Acro-Cat bus is also a mobile fostering unit for Rock Cats Rescue, helping cats and kittens across the nation find their furrever homes. Proceeds always benefit our cause of foster and rescue. Rock Cats Rescue has fostered and found homes for over 350 cats and kittens, some of them being from Mew Orleans!
This two-hour show has very limited tickets so we suggest buying online to make sure you get your seats. This show sells out! There is no intermission.
All tickets include the Meet & Greet which occurs immediately AFTER the show!

Event's last day is Sunday, December 22nd

The New Orleans Polar Express Train Ride will take you to relive the magic of the famous movie through a one hour journey from the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Enjoy the soundtrack and transport yourself into the magic. Hot chocolate, cookies, and characters fill the train.

During the trip, you can expect to be greeted by Santa and his helpers while enjoying live entertainment. All guests will receive a silver sleigh bell as the first gift of Christmas and will be able to keep their bell after the trip is over.

All guests are expected to arrive 60 minutes before the departure time. The train departs and returns to New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Multiple rides will take place daily from December 10- January 1, with the exception of Christmas Day (closed).  

The pricing tiers go as followed:

Value: $50 Adult, $42 Child (2-11)
Standard: $65 Adult, $57 Child (2-11)
Premium: $78 Adult, $70 Child (2-11)

The only differences between Value, Standard, and Premium departures are the dates and/or times of the rides. Children under two years of age may ride for free with adult guardian.

Sensory-friendly rides will be held on December 17.

An ASL interpretation of the show is on December 20 at 3 p.m. A block of seats has been designated for the best viewing of the show and interpretation. Call 504-930-4408 or fill out the contact form here to book the ASL interpreted show. See the official website for tickets and more details. 

Event's last day is Wednesday, January 1st

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story led by a cast of talented actors on board a real train. Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor! Passengers are served hot chocolate and Walker’s Shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book by Chris Van Allsburg, and receive the First Gift of Christmas after Santa boards the train to greet families. Performers engage passengers in caroling and fun holiday activities on the heartwarming trip back to the station.

Event's last day is Wednesday, January 1st

Celebrate the holidays at BB’s Stage Door Canteen with a brand-new musical revue from the Victory Belles! Backed by the Museum’s own Victory Six band, the Belles will perform yuletide favorites in their timeless signature three-part harmony. Matinee luncheon available on select dates.

Pricing:

Members: $65

Nonmembers: $68

Show Only: $22

For group rates, call 504-528-1943.

Event's last day is Monday, December 23rd

Celebrate the holidays at BB’s Stage Door Canteen with a brand-new musical revue from the Victory Belles! Backed by the Museum’s own Victory Six band, the Belles will perform yuletide favorites in their timeless signature three-part harmony. Matinee luncheon available on select dates.
View Menu: https://www.nationalww2museum.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/national-ww2-museum-holiday-matinee-buffet-2024-menu-.pdf
12/11, 12/13, 12/17, 12/18, 12/19, 12/23: 11:45am - 2:00pm
12/15, 12/22: 2:00pm - 3:30pm
12/20, 12/21: 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Event's last day is Monday, December 23rd

The hottest holiday show around returns to Le Petit Theatre for the 3rd year! Join The Skivvies and local special guests as they strip down classic Christmas tunes, comedic mashups, nostalgic medleys, and wildly absurd musical theatre moments sure to bring joy and laughter through the holiday season. They do all this while playing live and stripping down to their Skivvies.

Event's last day is Wednesday, December 18th

The New Orleans show is being held on Wednesday, December 18th at 6:30pm. Tickets are $35 with free admission for children ages 12 and under. The event is being held at Jesuit High School Auditorium (4133 Banks Street, New Orleans, LA). Tickets can be purchased at pauline.org/concert.
The Daughters of St. Paul Choir has been sharing the message of God’s love through live concerts and choral recordings for over forty years. Their annual Christmas concert tour is one expression of the wider mission of the Daughters of St. Paul, a religious community founded to proclaim the Gospel through all forms of media: from books, videos, and podcasts to music, speaking events, and Pauline Books & Media centers across the country.
The 2024 “Come to Bethlehem” tour features seven Daughters of St. Paul and an upbeat mix of contemporary and traditional Christmas carols. “Music has a way of opening us up to what our hearts desire most deeply: to know that we are loved by God,” said Sr. Margaret Timothy Sato, Choir Director. “Our Christmas concerts celebrate this love and invite people into it, no matter where they are or what their story is. Our upbeat program—which features music, choreography, stories, props, and a video wall—springs from the joy of the Gospel that characterizes our lives as Daughters of St. Paul. We pray that all who attend our concerts will experience this joy as well and leave with a deeper sense of God’s love for them.”

Sip Local! Shop Local! Support Local!

Beets & Brine brings together creativity and community for a unique evening of all things local.

This month Cerina Waterstone (Sylvain) will be tasked with creating a one of a kind cocktail menu using locally ingredients from the Once Around The Kitchen pantry and locally distilled spirits from Porchjam Distillery. DJ P.Filthy will be spinning holiday records while you shop the work of over 15 local artists for the perfect holiday gift.

Eat Oscar by Chef Melissa Araujo has Oyster Happy Hour from 5-7pm featuring $1 RAW & $1.50 CHARBROILED.

Experience a unique fusion of global sounds that will transport you.  

Visit Gallier House to view “A 19th-Century Christmas” exhibition, which runs November 15, 2024 until January 6, 2025. Tours are offered six days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tour the private family home of famous New Orleans architect James Gallier, Jr. as it would have looked for Christmas with his family in the mid nineteenth-century. Gallier house is an architectural gem and the perfect example of a French Quarter townhouse. Guests will learn about Christmas customs of the day including holiday décor, religious traditions, reveillon dinners, and the experience of enslaved men and women and later domestic servants who made the such holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

View Hermann-Grima House and Gallier House in holiday dress while learning about 19th-century life from November 13, 2024 - January 6, 2025. Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tours will discuss 19th-century Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans, including gift-giving, holiday meals, seasonal displaying and decorating, and how the season’s activities would impact the lives of the enslaved people laboring on the property.

Discover Creole holiday traditions from the 19th-century while touring the Hermann-Grima house and slave quarters, an example of historic preservation and interpretation in the French Quarter. The culmination of the Creole holiday season was a New Year’s Day celebration, when New Orleanians exchanged gifts and called on one another. While on tour visitors will learn about local methods of holiday decorating, culinary traditions, and the experience of the enslaved men and women who made the fanciful holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

Step into a holiday wonderland this season at “The Spirit of Christmas,” a dazzling family-friendly event and fundraiser benefiting the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (gnotrc.org GNOTRC). Presented in partnership with Destrehan Plantation (destrehanplantation.org), this festive experience lights up the season with fun, food, and holiday cheer for all ages. Held nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 PM, November 29 through December 26 (closed on Christmas Day), the event promises unforgettable memories while supporting a great cause.

Weather Notice: The event will be closed in case of rain.

Named after one of GNOTRC’s cherished therapy horses, Spirit, this event is more than just holiday lights – it’s an enchanting 1/4 mile walking tour through five acres of majestic oak trees, adorned with over 60 illuminated frames, 50 Christmas trees, and a magical lighted tunnel. And don’t miss “The Cajun Night Before Christmas” by Trosclair, adding a unique Southern twist to the festivities!

Activities for All Ages:
Photos with Santa (check gnotrc.org for dates)
Santa’s Workshop
Duck races and holiday games
Christmas caroling and cheerful stand-ins
Light projections and sparkling decorations
Holiday treats and snacks (available for purchase)
Pony rides for the little ones (small fee applies)
Admission is only $5 per person, and children four and under attend free. Plus, free parking makes it easy to bring the whole family.

Supporting GNOTRC’s Mission
All proceeds from “The Spirit of Christmas” benefit GNOTRC, a nonprofit organization in LaPlace, LA, dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities. Through the bond with a horse, riders experience improved balance, muscle control, confidence, and emotional well-being. This event will help sustain a year of programming, allowing GNOTRC to continue its essential work in the community.

Mark your calendar and bring the family to experience the season's joy at “The Spirit of Christmas.” This is a holiday event you don’t want to miss!

Event Details:

When: November 29 – December 26, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM (closed Christmas Day)

Where: Destrehan Plantation, Destrehan, LA, off Exit 6 from I-310

Admission: $5 per person; Free for children four and under. Purchase tickets at the door or ahead of time online at gnotrc.org.

Parking: Free

For additional information, sponsorship opportunities, or directions, please visit gnotrc.org or contact Anita Hefler, Executive Director of GNOTRC, at (504) 453-5509.

Come join “The Spirit of Christmas” and make brighter memories than the lights!

Event's last day is Thursday, December 26th

EVENT DETAILS

Celebration in the Oaks

What is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual festivity consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in New Orleans during the holidays. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, enjoy one of the most spectacular, family-friendly holiday light displays in New Orleans and the country. Watch as the grounds of New Orleans City Park are transformed into 25 acres of dazzling lights and breathtaking, festive displays. The Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are all captured with hundreds of thousands of lights to create a winter wonderland here in the Big Easy. 

Enjoy the scene of illuminated oak trees with a Driving Tour throughout the Park. Over a million lights will be scattered throughout the 2.25-mile drive to set the scene for the holiday season to come. You can also book a Walking Tour, which includes access to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden. 

Adults ages 21+ can get a sneak peek of Celebration in the Oaks at Jingle Bells & Beer.

When is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks goes on for a whole month! This season, the New Orleans holiday tradition will run from November 29 and on select nights through January 3, 2025.

Where is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual holiday event in City Park. Choose from the Driving Tour or Walking Tour through the Garden. Those who arrive by private vehicles will find ample parking on-site to make seeing New Orleans Christmas lights easy. The entrance to the Driving Tour is 4 Frederichs Ave.

When did Celebration in the Oaks start?

Celebration in the Oaks started in the late 1980s at New Orleans City Park, filling the grounds with festive lights and decorations each year. The annual holiday tradition has since become a local favorite, drawing thousands of visitors to stroll through beautiful displays nestled among the Park’s historic oak trees and gardens.

Where can I find tickets to Celebration in the Oaks?

Purchase tickets to Celebration in the Oaks here!

Where can I find more information about Celebration in the Oaks?

More information about Celebration in the Oaks can be found on their website.

Celebration's Preview Party 2024

What is Celebration's Preview Party?

Celebration offers two ticket levels so that you may design your own Preview Party experience!

Garden Party Ticket: Sip on signature cocktails and enjoy an array of bites from local restaurants in the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Tickets are $100.

Jingle Bells & Beer Ticket: Experience the excitement of the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with unlimited rides, beer and merriment. Tickets are $40.

Both events are 21+. Proceeds benefit the continued beautification and preservation of New Orleans City Park’s 1,300 acres.

When is Celebration's Preview Party? 

Celebration's Preview Party is on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Where can I buy tickets for Celebration's Preview Party?

Purchase your tickets for the Garden Party and/or Jingle Bells & Beer here.

Where can I find more information about Celebration's Preview Party?

Looking to learn more about Celebration's Preview Party? Find more information here.

Event's last day is Friday, January 3rd

For the month of December we feature our Meowy Catmas special - purrformances JUST FOR MEW ORLEANS! Celebrate Christmas (or Catmas) with us by watching cats jump through wreaths, roll an ornament, push a sleigh, and performing an array of other seasonal tricks. Real rescued house cats that delight and amaze audiences of all ages.
There will also be a special appearance by The Rock-Cats (the only cat band in the entire WORLD!) playing seasonal holiday selections such as "A Cat in a Manger," "Catnip Roasting on an Open Fire," and "God Rest Ye Merry Kittens" (songs might not be performed as described).
Our Amazing Acro-Cat bus is also a mobile fostering unit for Rock Cats Rescue, helping cats and kittens across the nation find their furrever homes. Proceeds always benefit our cause of foster and rescue. Rock Cats Rescue has fostered and found homes for over 350 cats and kittens, some of them being from Mew Orleans!
This two-hour show has very limited tickets so we suggest buying online to make sure you get your seats. This show sells out! There is no intermission.
All tickets include the Meet & Greet which occurs immediately AFTER the show!

Event's last day is Sunday, December 22nd

The New Orleans Polar Express Train Ride will take you to relive the magic of the famous movie through a one hour journey from the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Enjoy the soundtrack and transport yourself into the magic. Hot chocolate, cookies, and characters fill the train.

During the trip, you can expect to be greeted by Santa and his helpers while enjoying live entertainment. All guests will receive a silver sleigh bell as the first gift of Christmas and will be able to keep their bell after the trip is over.

All guests are expected to arrive 60 minutes before the departure time. The train departs and returns to New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Multiple rides will take place daily from December 10- January 1, with the exception of Christmas Day (closed).  

The pricing tiers go as followed:

Value: $50 Adult, $42 Child (2-11)
Standard: $65 Adult, $57 Child (2-11)
Premium: $78 Adult, $70 Child (2-11)

The only differences between Value, Standard, and Premium departures are the dates and/or times of the rides. Children under two years of age may ride for free with adult guardian.

Sensory-friendly rides will be held on December 17.

An ASL interpretation of the show is on December 20 at 3 p.m. A block of seats has been designated for the best viewing of the show and interpretation. Call 504-930-4408 or fill out the contact form here to book the ASL interpreted show. See the official website for tickets and more details. 

Event's last day is Wednesday, January 1st

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story led by a cast of talented actors on board a real train. Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor! Passengers are served hot chocolate and Walker’s Shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book by Chris Van Allsburg, and receive the First Gift of Christmas after Santa boards the train to greet families. Performers engage passengers in caroling and fun holiday activities on the heartwarming trip back to the station.

Event's last day is Wednesday, January 1st

Celebrate the holidays at BB’s Stage Door Canteen with a brand-new musical revue from the Victory Belles! Backed by the Museum’s own Victory Six band, the Belles will perform yuletide favorites in their timeless signature three-part harmony. Matinee luncheon available on select dates.

Pricing:

Members: $65

Nonmembers: $68

Show Only: $22

For group rates, call 504-528-1943.

Event's last day is Monday, December 23rd

Celebrate the holidays at BB’s Stage Door Canteen with a brand-new musical revue from the Victory Belles! Backed by the Museum’s own Victory Six band, the Belles will perform yuletide favorites in their timeless signature three-part harmony. Matinee luncheon available on select dates.
View Menu: https://www.nationalww2museum.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/national-ww2-museum-holiday-matinee-buffet-2024-menu-.pdf
12/11, 12/13, 12/17, 12/18, 12/19, 12/23: 11:45am - 2:00pm
12/15, 12/22: 2:00pm - 3:30pm
12/20, 12/21: 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Event's last day is Monday, December 23rd

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in New Orleans. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Holiday Pop Classics and Modern Favorites at The Sazerac House under the gentle glow of candlelight.

Consider treating your friends and family to a Candlelight experience with our gift card! Check it out here

General Info
Venue: The Sazerac House
Dates and times: select your dates/times directly in the ticket selector
Duration: 60 minutes (doors open 45 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted)
Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Accessibility: this venue is ADA compliant
View the FAQs for this event here
Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone
If you would like to book a private concert or buy regular tickets for a large group (+30 people), click here
Check out all the Candlelight concerts in New Orleans
To treat your friends and family to a Candlelight gift card, click here

Tentative Program

Santa Tell Me - Ariana Grande
Wonderful Christmastime - Paul McCartney
Happy Xmas (War Is Over) - John Lennon and Yoko Ono
Mistletoe - Justin Bieber
I Need You Christmas - Jonas Brothers
Christmas Tree Farm - Taylor Swift
Little Saint Nick - Beach Boys
Do They Know It’s Christmas - Band Aid
Underneath the Tree - Kelly Clarkson
Glittery - Kacey Musgraves, Troye Sivan
Snowman - Sia
What Christmas Means to Me - Stevie Wonder
Merry Christmas Darling - Carpenters
Last Christmas - Wham!
All I Want for Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey

Performers

Listeso String Quartet
Seating Map

Visit Gallier House to view “A 19th-Century Christmas” exhibition, which runs November 15, 2024 until January 6, 2025. Tours are offered six days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tour the private family home of famous New Orleans architect James Gallier, Jr. as it would have looked for Christmas with his family in the mid nineteenth-century. Gallier house is an architectural gem and the perfect example of a French Quarter townhouse. Guests will learn about Christmas customs of the day including holiday décor, religious traditions, reveillon dinners, and the experience of enslaved men and women and later domestic servants who made the such holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

View Hermann-Grima House and Gallier House in holiday dress while learning about 19th-century life from November 13, 2024 - January 6, 2025. Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tours will discuss 19th-century Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans, including gift-giving, holiday meals, seasonal displaying and decorating, and how the season’s activities would impact the lives of the enslaved people laboring on the property.

Discover Creole holiday traditions from the 19th-century while touring the Hermann-Grima house and slave quarters, an example of historic preservation and interpretation in the French Quarter. The culmination of the Creole holiday season was a New Year’s Day celebration, when New Orleanians exchanged gifts and called on one another. While on tour visitors will learn about local methods of holiday decorating, culinary traditions, and the experience of the enslaved men and women who made the fanciful holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

Step into a holiday wonderland this season at “The Spirit of Christmas,” a dazzling family-friendly event and fundraiser benefiting the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (gnotrc.org GNOTRC). Presented in partnership with Destrehan Plantation (destrehanplantation.org), this festive experience lights up the season with fun, food, and holiday cheer for all ages. Held nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 PM, November 29 through December 26 (closed on Christmas Day), the event promises unforgettable memories while supporting a great cause.

Weather Notice: The event will be closed in case of rain.

Named after one of GNOTRC’s cherished therapy horses, Spirit, this event is more than just holiday lights – it’s an enchanting 1/4 mile walking tour through five acres of majestic oak trees, adorned with over 60 illuminated frames, 50 Christmas trees, and a magical lighted tunnel. And don’t miss “The Cajun Night Before Christmas” by Trosclair, adding a unique Southern twist to the festivities!

Activities for All Ages:
Photos with Santa (check gnotrc.org for dates)
Santa’s Workshop
Duck races and holiday games
Christmas caroling and cheerful stand-ins
Light projections and sparkling decorations
Holiday treats and snacks (available for purchase)
Pony rides for the little ones (small fee applies)
Admission is only $5 per person, and children four and under attend free. Plus, free parking makes it easy to bring the whole family.

Supporting GNOTRC’s Mission
All proceeds from “The Spirit of Christmas” benefit GNOTRC, a nonprofit organization in LaPlace, LA, dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities. Through the bond with a horse, riders experience improved balance, muscle control, confidence, and emotional well-being. This event will help sustain a year of programming, allowing GNOTRC to continue its essential work in the community.

Mark your calendar and bring the family to experience the season's joy at “The Spirit of Christmas.” This is a holiday event you don’t want to miss!

Event Details:

When: November 29 – December 26, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM (closed Christmas Day)

Where: Destrehan Plantation, Destrehan, LA, off Exit 6 from I-310

Admission: $5 per person; Free for children four and under. Purchase tickets at the door or ahead of time online at gnotrc.org.

Parking: Free

For additional information, sponsorship opportunities, or directions, please visit gnotrc.org or contact Anita Hefler, Executive Director of GNOTRC, at (504) 453-5509.

Come join “The Spirit of Christmas” and make brighter memories than the lights!

Event's last day is Thursday, December 26th

EVENT DETAILS

Celebration in the Oaks

What is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual festivity consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in New Orleans during the holidays. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, enjoy one of the most spectacular, family-friendly holiday light displays in New Orleans and the country. Watch as the grounds of New Orleans City Park are transformed into 25 acres of dazzling lights and breathtaking, festive displays. The Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are all captured with hundreds of thousands of lights to create a winter wonderland here in the Big Easy. 

Enjoy the scene of illuminated oak trees with a Driving Tour throughout the Park. Over a million lights will be scattered throughout the 2.25-mile drive to set the scene for the holiday season to come. You can also book a Walking Tour, which includes access to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden. 

Adults ages 21+ can get a sneak peek of Celebration in the Oaks at Jingle Bells & Beer.

When is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks goes on for a whole month! This season, the New Orleans holiday tradition will run from November 29 and on select nights through January 3, 2025.

Where is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual holiday event in City Park. Choose from the Driving Tour or Walking Tour through the Garden. Those who arrive by private vehicles will find ample parking on-site to make seeing New Orleans Christmas lights easy. The entrance to the Driving Tour is 4 Frederichs Ave.

When did Celebration in the Oaks start?

Celebration in the Oaks started in the late 1980s at New Orleans City Park, filling the grounds with festive lights and decorations each year. The annual holiday tradition has since become a local favorite, drawing thousands of visitors to stroll through beautiful displays nestled among the Park’s historic oak trees and gardens.

Where can I find tickets to Celebration in the Oaks?

Purchase tickets to Celebration in the Oaks here!

Where can I find more information about Celebration in the Oaks?

More information about Celebration in the Oaks can be found on their website.

Celebration's Preview Party 2024

What is Celebration's Preview Party?

Celebration offers two ticket levels so that you may design your own Preview Party experience!

Garden Party Ticket: Sip on signature cocktails and enjoy an array of bites from local restaurants in the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Tickets are $100.

Jingle Bells & Beer Ticket: Experience the excitement of the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with unlimited rides, beer and merriment. Tickets are $40.

Both events are 21+. Proceeds benefit the continued beautification and preservation of New Orleans City Park’s 1,300 acres.

When is Celebration's Preview Party? 

Celebration's Preview Party is on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Where can I buy tickets for Celebration's Preview Party?

Purchase your tickets for the Garden Party and/or Jingle Bells & Beer here.

Where can I find more information about Celebration's Preview Party?

Looking to learn more about Celebration's Preview Party? Find more information here.

Event's last day is Friday, January 3rd

Where holiday magic meets the afterlife…
Festive garlands.
The cheerful glow of twinkling lights.
Even the permanent residents of the French Quarter are a little extra ‘spirited’ over the holidays.

But as joyful lights bring luminance to the city, dark things lurk year round.

Follow our enchanting French Quarter Fairy for a special, holiday-themed ghosts and legends tour. Hear tales of the shape-shifting Rougarou ready to snatch naughty children. Uncover the true crimes committed by evil socialite Madame Lalaurie. And since no holiday experience is complete without mentioning the Big Man himself, learn how Christmas Eve bonfires are used to lure Papa Noel.

This family-friendly excursion will surely become a favorite holiday memory! Limited to just 9 people per group, advanced booking is required.

Event's last day is Sunday, January 5th

For the month of December we feature our Meowy Catmas special - purrformances JUST FOR MEW ORLEANS! Celebrate Christmas (or Catmas) with us by watching cats jump through wreaths, roll an ornament, push a sleigh, and performing an array of other seasonal tricks. Real rescued house cats that delight and amaze audiences of all ages.
There will also be a special appearance by The Rock-Cats (the only cat band in the entire WORLD!) playing seasonal holiday selections such as "A Cat in a Manger," "Catnip Roasting on an Open Fire," and "God Rest Ye Merry Kittens" (songs might not be performed as described).
Our Amazing Acro-Cat bus is also a mobile fostering unit for Rock Cats Rescue, helping cats and kittens across the nation find their furrever homes. Proceeds always benefit our cause of foster and rescue. Rock Cats Rescue has fostered and found homes for over 350 cats and kittens, some of them being from Mew Orleans!
This two-hour show has very limited tickets so we suggest buying online to make sure you get your seats. This show sells out! There is no intermission.
All tickets include the Meet & Greet which occurs immediately AFTER the show!

Event's last day is Sunday, December 22nd

The New Orleans Polar Express Train Ride will take you to relive the magic of the famous movie through a one hour journey from the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Enjoy the soundtrack and transport yourself into the magic. Hot chocolate, cookies, and characters fill the train.

During the trip, you can expect to be greeted by Santa and his helpers while enjoying live entertainment. All guests will receive a silver sleigh bell as the first gift of Christmas and will be able to keep their bell after the trip is over.

All guests are expected to arrive 60 minutes before the departure time. The train departs and returns to New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Multiple rides will take place daily from December 10- January 1, with the exception of Christmas Day (closed).  

The pricing tiers go as followed:

Value: $50 Adult, $42 Child (2-11)
Standard: $65 Adult, $57 Child (2-11)
Premium: $78 Adult, $70 Child (2-11)

The only differences between Value, Standard, and Premium departures are the dates and/or times of the rides. Children under two years of age may ride for free with adult guardian.

Sensory-friendly rides will be held on December 17.

An ASL interpretation of the show is on December 20 at 3 p.m. A block of seats has been designated for the best viewing of the show and interpretation. Call 504-930-4408 or fill out the contact form here to book the ASL interpreted show. See the official website for tickets and more details. 

Event's last day is Wednesday, January 1st

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story led by a cast of talented actors on board a real train. Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor! Passengers are served hot chocolate and Walker’s Shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book by Chris Van Allsburg, and receive the First Gift of Christmas after Santa boards the train to greet families. Performers engage passengers in caroling and fun holiday activities on the heartwarming trip back to the station.

Event's last day is Wednesday, January 1st

Celebrate the holidays at BB’s Stage Door Canteen with a brand-new musical revue from the Victory Belles! Backed by the Museum’s own Victory Six band, the Belles will perform yuletide favorites in their timeless signature three-part harmony. Matinee luncheon available on select dates.
View Menu: https://www.nationalww2museum.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/national-ww2-museum-holiday-matinee-buffet-2024-menu-.pdf
12/11, 12/13, 12/17, 12/18, 12/19, 12/23: 11:45am - 2:00pm
12/15, 12/22: 2:00pm - 3:30pm
12/20, 12/21: 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Event's last day is Monday, December 23rd

New Orleans Ballet Theatre is thrilled to be bringing The Nutcracker back to its home at the Orpheum Theater in New Orleans this December. With nine performances in New Orleans, this beloved two-act ballet will be performed by the professional company and the charming addition of over 120 local children.

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. The holiday season isn’t complete without The Nutcracker, and NOBT’s production is not one to be missed!

Performance dates are:

Friday, Dec. 13th: 7:00pm
Saturday, Dec. 14th: 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, Dec. 15th: 2:00pm
Friday, Dec. 20th: 7:00pm
Saturday, Dec. 21st: 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, Dec. 22nd: 2:00pm
Monday, Dec. 23rd: 2:00pm

Event's last day is Monday, December 23rd

Get in the spirit of the Holidays and come and sing your favorite Christmas Carols at Rosella. This is a family-friendly event with fun for everyone. Hot Chocolate, cocktails, wine and dinner will be available for purchase.

From December 20 - 30, experience NOLA ChristmasFest - the Crescent City's signature holiday celebration. Hosted by the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, this indoor holiday celebration is fun for the whole family.

Returning with the theme “Best in Snow,” the Convention Center invites locals and visitors to enjoy a variety of festive attractions including fan favorites the Big Blizzard Blast, the Kringle Carousel and the life-sized Gingerbread House. There will be live music, concessions, visits with Santa and his friends and more. New Orleans’ only ice-skating rink returns along with ice bocce and, new this year, a FOURTH ice slide! Also added this year, Merry Mini Golf and the Yuletide YoYo ride will enhance the enchantment of NOLA ChristmasFest’s 300,000 square feet of indoor holiday fun.

The ice skating rink is fun for all. Made of real ice, the wintery wonderland extends 52 feet by 140 feet. While skaters are welcome to bring their own skates, a range of sizes will available onsite. This new attraction is sure to brighten up holiday plans for visitors and locals alike. Get ready to bring the entire family to show their best camel spins, cross strokes and more ice skating moves, while enjoying the Crescent City at its finest holiday event.

Additional Entertainment

This family-friendly celebration in the Crescent City’s Warehouse/Arts District will also feature two miles of lights (both indoors and outdoors!) and indoor Christmas activities. Kids of all ages will have a chance to meet special Christmas characters such as Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, and all their friends. Professional photographers will be on hand to capture your special holiday memories and autographs will be available from all characters throughout the event.

The Kringle Carousel, Winter Whirl, Amazing Funhouse Maze, Snowy Summit Climbing Wall and other carnival rides and inflatables are just a few of the many attractions that await children out of school for the holidays.

NOLA ChristmasFest Tickets 

Ticket prices are $25 during weekdays and $30 on Saturday/Sunday (plus ticketing fees). Tickets are non-refundable and good for a single admission at the specific timeframe AND the specific day you choose.

General admission tickets include access to all rides and activities within the festival. Add-ons such as images with Santa Claus can be purchased at an additional cost. Individual ticket purchase is required on those ages 2 and up.

In 2024, there will be timed entries (most days will include a morning session and an afternoon session). Each session is 4.5 hours in length (except for Christmas Day). Book your timed entry slot here. To maximize your time slot, please come on time. Each time slot has a limited capacity and some popular time slots will sell out. Please make your plans early to receive your desired date and time.

Locals and visitors alike are invited to celebrate the Christmas season in New Orleans at NOLA ChristmasFest. Reserve parking in advance via ParkMobile. For details about ticket prices and festival hours/dates, visit NOLAChristmasFest.com.

Event's last day is Monday, December 30th

Visit Gallier House to view “A 19th-Century Christmas” exhibition, which runs November 15, 2024 until January 6, 2025. Tours are offered six days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tour the private family home of famous New Orleans architect James Gallier, Jr. as it would have looked for Christmas with his family in the mid nineteenth-century. Gallier house is an architectural gem and the perfect example of a French Quarter townhouse. Guests will learn about Christmas customs of the day including holiday décor, religious traditions, reveillon dinners, and the experience of enslaved men and women and later domestic servants who made the such holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

View Hermann-Grima House and Gallier House in holiday dress while learning about 19th-century life from November 13, 2024 - January 6, 2025. Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays).

Tours will discuss 19th-century Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans, including gift-giving, holiday meals, seasonal displaying and decorating, and how the season’s activities would impact the lives of the enslaved people laboring on the property.

Discover Creole holiday traditions from the 19th-century while touring the Hermann-Grima house and slave quarters, an example of historic preservation and interpretation in the French Quarter. The culmination of the Creole holiday season was a New Year’s Day celebration, when New Orleanians exchanged gifts and called on one another. While on tour visitors will learn about local methods of holiday decorating, culinary traditions, and the experience of the enslaved men and women who made the fanciful holiday celebrations possible.

Event's last day is Monday, January 6th

Step into a holiday wonderland this season at “The Spirit of Christmas,” a dazzling family-friendly event and fundraiser benefiting the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (gnotrc.org GNOTRC). Presented in partnership with Destrehan Plantation (destrehanplantation.org), this festive experience lights up the season with fun, food, and holiday cheer for all ages. Held nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 PM, November 29 through December 26 (closed on Christmas Day), the event promises unforgettable memories while supporting a great cause.

Weather Notice: The event will be closed in case of rain.

Named after one of GNOTRC’s cherished therapy horses, Spirit, this event is more than just holiday lights – it’s an enchanting 1/4 mile walking tour through five acres of majestic oak trees, adorned with over 60 illuminated frames, 50 Christmas trees, and a magical lighted tunnel. And don’t miss “The Cajun Night Before Christmas” by Trosclair, adding a unique Southern twist to the festivities!

Activities for All Ages:
Photos with Santa (check gnotrc.org for dates)
Santa’s Workshop
Duck races and holiday games
Christmas caroling and cheerful stand-ins
Light projections and sparkling decorations
Holiday treats and snacks (available for purchase)
Pony rides for the little ones (small fee applies)
Admission is only $5 per person, and children four and under attend free. Plus, free parking makes it easy to bring the whole family.

Supporting GNOTRC’s Mission
All proceeds from “The Spirit of Christmas” benefit GNOTRC, a nonprofit organization in LaPlace, LA, dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities. Through the bond with a horse, riders experience improved balance, muscle control, confidence, and emotional well-being. This event will help sustain a year of programming, allowing GNOTRC to continue its essential work in the community.

Mark your calendar and bring the family to experience the season's joy at “The Spirit of Christmas.” This is a holiday event you don’t want to miss!

Event Details:

When: November 29 – December 26, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM (closed Christmas Day)

Where: Destrehan Plantation, Destrehan, LA, off Exit 6 from I-310

Admission: $5 per person; Free for children four and under. Purchase tickets at the door or ahead of time online at gnotrc.org.

Parking: Free

For additional information, sponsorship opportunities, or directions, please visit gnotrc.org or contact Anita Hefler, Executive Director of GNOTRC, at (504) 453-5509.

Come join “The Spirit of Christmas” and make brighter memories than the lights!

Event's last day is Thursday, December 26th

EVENT DETAILS

Celebration in the Oaks

What is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual festivity consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in New Orleans during the holidays. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, enjoy one of the most spectacular, family-friendly holiday light displays in New Orleans and the country. Watch as the grounds of New Orleans City Park are transformed into 25 acres of dazzling lights and breathtaking, festive displays. The Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are all captured with hundreds of thousands of lights to create a winter wonderland here in the Big Easy. 

Enjoy the scene of illuminated oak trees with a Driving Tour throughout the Park. Over a million lights will be scattered throughout the 2.25-mile drive to set the scene for the holiday season to come. You can also book a Walking Tour, which includes access to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden. 

Adults ages 21+ can get a sneak peek of Celebration in the Oaks at Jingle Bells & Beer.

When is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks goes on for a whole month! This season, the New Orleans holiday tradition will run from November 29 and on select nights through January 3, 2025.

Where is Celebration in the Oaks?

Celebration in the Oaks is an annual holiday event in City Park. Choose from the Driving Tour or Walking Tour through the Garden. Those who arrive by private vehicles will find ample parking on-site to make seeing New Orleans Christmas lights easy. The entrance to the Driving Tour is 4 Frederichs Ave.

When did Celebration in the Oaks start?

Celebration in the Oaks started in the late 1980s at New Orleans City Park, filling the grounds with festive lights and decorations each year. The annual holiday tradition has since become a local favorite, drawing thousands of visitors to stroll through beautiful displays nestled among the Park’s historic oak trees and gardens.

Where can I find tickets to Celebration in the Oaks?

Purchase tickets to Celebration in the Oaks here!

Where can I find more information about Celebration in the Oaks?

More information about Celebration in the Oaks can be found on their website.

Celebration's Preview Party 2024

What is Celebration's Preview Party?

Celebration offers two ticket levels so that you may design your own Preview Party experience!

Garden Party Ticket: Sip on signature cocktails and enjoy an array of bites from local restaurants in the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Tickets are $100.

Jingle Bells & Beer Ticket: Experience the excitement of the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with unlimited rides, beer and merriment. Tickets are $40.

Both events are 21+. Proceeds benefit the continued beautification and preservation of New Orleans City Park’s 1,300 acres.

When is Celebration's Preview Party? 

Celebration's Preview Party is on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Where can I buy tickets for Celebration's Preview Party?

Purchase your tickets for the Garden Party and/or Jingle Bells & Beer here.

Where can I find more information about Celebration's Preview Party?

Looking to learn more about Celebration's Preview Party? Find more information here.

Event's last day is Friday, January 3rd

Where holiday magic meets the afterlife…
Festive garlands.
The cheerful glow of twinkling lights.
Even the permanent residents of the French Quarter are a little extra ‘spirited’ over the holidays.

But as joyful lights bring luminance to the city, dark things lurk year round.

Follow our enchanting French Quarter Fairy for a special, holiday-themed ghosts and legends tour. Hear tales of the shape-shifting Rougarou ready to snatch naughty children. Uncover the true crimes committed by evil socialite Madame Lalaurie. And since no holiday experience is complete without mentioning the Big Man himself, learn how Christmas Eve bonfires are used to lure Papa Noel.

This family-friendly excursion will surely become a favorite holiday memory! Limited to just 9 people per group, advanced booking is required.

Event's last day is Sunday, January 5th

For the month of December we feature our Meowy Catmas special - purrformances JUST FOR MEW ORLEANS! Celebrate Christmas (or Catmas) with us by watching cats jump through wreaths, roll an ornament, push a sleigh, and performing an array of other seasonal tricks. Real rescued house cats that delight and amaze audiences of all ages.
There will also be a special appearance by The Rock-Cats (the only cat band in the entire WORLD!) playing seasonal holiday selections such as "A Cat in a Manger," "Catnip Roasting on an Open Fire," and "God Rest Ye Merry Kittens" (songs might not be performed as described).
Our Amazing Acro-Cat bus is also a mobile fostering unit for Rock Cats Rescue, helping cats and kittens across the nation find their furrever homes. Proceeds always benefit our cause of foster and rescue. Rock Cats Rescue has fostered and found homes for over 350 cats and kittens, some of them being from Mew Orleans!
This two-hour show has very limited tickets so we suggest buying online to make sure you get your seats. This show sells out! There is no intermission.
All tickets include the Meet & Greet which occurs immediately AFTER the show!

Event's last day is Sunday, December 22nd

Towering bonfires are a Christmas festivity unique to the river communities just outside New Orleans. A Gray Line exclusive, this guided experience brings locals and visitors together for a Cajun dinner and bonfire at St. Joseph Plantation, a working sugar cane farm owned by the same family since 1890. Merriment flows as guests learn about Cajun and Creole holiday traditions, sing carols and tour the plantation by candlelight. Cash bar available for beer & wine. Advance reservations required. (Dec. 14 the house tour will be at the adjacent Felicity Plantation)

Event's last day is Saturday, December 28th

Towering bonfires are a Christmas festivity unique to the river communities just outside New Orleans. A Gray Line exclusive, this guided experience brings locals and visitors together for a Cajun dinner and bonfire at St. Joseph Plantation, a working sugar cane farm owned by the same family since 1890. Merriment flows as guests learn about Cajun and Creole holiday traditions, sing carols and tour the plantation by candlelight. Cash bar available for beer & wine. Advance reservations required. (Dec. 14 the house tour will be at the adjacent Felicity Plantation)

Event's last day is Saturday, December 28th

Join us for Teddy Bear Tea at BB’s Stage Door Canteen—the perfect holiday experience to share with your children and grandchildren! Featuring delicious food and sweet treats, live music from the Victory Belles, and a special visit with Santa, young guests will leave with a teddy bear and warm memories they’re sure to treasure for years to come.

Pricing:

Members: $77 

Nonmembers: $80

Event's last day is Saturday, December 21st

Join us for Teddy Bear Tea at BB’s Stage Door Canteen—the perfect holiday experience to share with your children and grandchildren! Featuring delicious food and sweet treats, live music from the Victory Belles, and a special visit with Santa, young guests will leave with a teddy bear and warm memories they’re sure to treasure for years to come.
Dates and Times:
• Morning Tea Seating: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (December 7, 14, and 21)
• Afternoon Tea Seating: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (December 14 and 21)
View Menu: https://www.nationalww2museum.org/sites/default/files/2024-08/national-ww2-museum-teddy-bear-tea-1224-menu..pdf

Event's last day is Saturday, December 21st

The New Orleans Polar Express Train Ride will take you to relive the magic of the famous movie through a one hour journey from the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Enjoy the soundtrack and transport yourself into the magic. Hot chocolate, cookies, and characters fill the train.

During the trip, you can expect to be greeted by Santa and his helpers while enjoying live entertainment. All guests will receive a silver sleigh bell as the first gift of Christmas and will be able to keep their bell after the trip is over.

All guests are expected to arrive 60 minutes before the departure time. The train departs and returns to New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Multiple rides will take place daily from December 10- January 1, with the exception of Christmas Day (closed).  

The pricing tiers go as followed:

Value: $50 Adult, $42 Child (2-11)
Standard: $65 Adult, $57 Child (2-11)
Premium: $78 Adult, $70 Child (2-11)

The only differences between Value, Standard, and Premium departures are the dates and/or times of the rides. Children under two years of age may ride for free with adult guardian.

Sensory-friendly rides will be held on December 17.

An ASL interpretation of the show is on December 20 at 3 p.m. A block of seats has been designated for the best viewing of the show and interpretation. Call 504-930-4408 or fill out the contact form here to book the ASL interpreted show. See the official website for tickets and more details. 

Event's last day is Wednesday, January 1st

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story led by a cast of talented actors on board a real train. Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor! Passengers are served hot chocolate and Walker’s Shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book by Chris Van Allsburg, and receive the First Gift of Christmas after Santa boards the train to greet families. Performers engage passengers in caroling and fun holiday activities on the heartwarming trip back to the station.

Event's last day is Wednesday, January 1st

Celebrate the holidays at BB’s Stage Door Canteen with a brand-new musical revue from the Victory Belles! Backed by the Museum’s own Victory Six band, the Belles will perform yuletide favorites in their timeless signature three-part harmony. Matinee luncheon available on select dates.
View Menu: https://www.nationalww2museum.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/national-ww2-museum-holiday-matinee-buffet-2024-menu-.pdf
12/11, 12/13, 12/17, 12/18, 12/19, 12/23: 11:45am - 2:00pm
12/15, 12/22: 2:00pm - 3:30pm
12/20, 12/21: 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Event's last day is Monday, December 23rd

New Orleans Ballet Theatre is thrilled to be bringing The Nutcracker back to its home at the Orpheum Theater in New Orleans this December. With nine performances in New Orleans, this beloved two-act ballet will be performed by the professional company and the charming addition of over 120 local children.

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. The holiday season isn’t complete without The Nutcracker, and NOBT’s production is not one to be missed!

Performance dates are:

Friday, Dec. 13th: 7:00pm
Saturday, Dec. 14th: 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, Dec. 15th: 2:00pm
Friday, Dec. 20th: 7:00pm
Saturday, Dec. 21st: 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, Dec. 22nd: 2:00pm
Monday, Dec. 23rd: 2:00pm

Event's last day is Monday, December 23rd

From December 20 - 30, experience NOLA ChristmasFest - the Crescent City's signature holiday celebration. Hosted by the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, this indoor holiday celebration is fun for the whole family.

Returning with the theme “Best in Snow,” the Convention Center invites locals and visitors to enjoy a variety of festive attractions including fan favorites the Big Blizzard Blast, the Kringle Carousel and the life-sized Gingerbread House. There will be live music, concessions, visits with Santa and his friends and more. New Orleans’ only ice-skating rink returns along with ice bocce and, new this year, a FOURTH ice slide! Also added this year, Merry Mini Golf and the Yuletide YoYo ride will enhance the enchantment of NOLA ChristmasFest’s 300,000 square feet of indoor holiday fun.

The ice skating rink is fun for all. Made of real ice, the wintery wonderland extends 52 feet by 140 feet. While skaters are welcome to bring their own skates, a range of sizes will available onsite. This new attraction is sure to brighten up holiday plans for visitors and locals alike. Get ready to bring the entire family to show their best camel spins, cross strokes and more ice skating moves, while enjoying the Crescent City at its finest holiday event.

Additional Entertainment

This family-friendly celebration in the Crescent City’s Warehouse/Arts District will also feature two miles of lights (both indoors and outdoors!) and indoor Christmas activities. Kids of all ages will have a chance to meet special Christmas characters such as Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, and all their friends. Professional photographers will be on hand to capture your special holiday memories and autographs will be available from all characters throughout the event.

The Kringle Carousel, Winter Whirl, Amazing Funhouse Maze, Snowy Summit Climbing Wall and other carnival rides and inflatables are just a few of the many attractions that await children out of school for the holidays.

NOLA ChristmasFest Tickets 

Ticket prices are $25 during weekdays and $30 on Saturday/Sunday (plus ticketing fees). Tickets are non-refundable and good for a single admission at the specific timeframe AND the specific day you choose.

General admission tickets include access to all rides and activities within the festival. Add-ons such as images with Santa Claus can be purchased at an additional cost. Individual ticket purchase is required on those ages 2 and up.

In 2024, there will be timed entries (most days will include a morning session and an afternoon session). Each session is 4.5 hours in length (except for Christmas Day). Book your timed entry slot here. To maximize your time slot, please come on time. Each time slot has a limited capacity and some popular time slots will sell out. Please make your plans early to receive your desired date and time.

Locals and visitors alike are invited to celebrate the Christmas season in New Orleans at NOLA ChristmasFest. Reserve parking in advance via ParkMobile. For details about ticket prices and festival hours/dates, visit NOLAChristmasFest.com.

Event's last day is Monday, December 30th