Every year, the holiday season in New Orleans is filled with many highlights – and it should come as no surprise that in a city known for Mardi Gras celebrations, over-the-top festive holiday parades are part of the fun.
Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade – Photo credit: Hartley Wasser
The over 20 custom-designed, holiday-themed floats will include animatronic props, intelligent lighting systems, special effects, and audio systems, along with traditional rider floats. The parade will also include high-flying helium balloons along with marching groups and bands, and of course, Santa himself with his special holiday characters.
Krewe of Krampus
Doesn’t matter if you’ve been naughty or nice – Krampus is coming to town. Every year the krewe parades in the streets at an unknown location. You’ll get a lump of coal if you’re lucky.
Mobile Menorah Parade
Celebrate the season with the Mobile Menorah Parade, a fun-filled, family-friendly car parade that falls annually during Hanukkah.
West End Christmas Boat Parade
Every December, the West End Christmas Boat Parade is a fun opportunity to come down to the New Orleans Lakefront and watch the boats sail by, all decked out in holiday fashion. At the New Canal Lighthouse, the Pontchartrain Conservancy hosts Lights on the Lake, which provides the best view for the parade and other family-friendly activities.
Getting ready for the holidays? Partnering with Downtown Development District and Kern Studios, the third annual Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade will take place the first Saturday of December (Dec. 7). There will be more than 20 custom designed, holiday themed floats. The floats will include animatronic props, intelligent lighting systems, special effects and audio systems, along with traditional rider floats. The parade will also include high-flying helium balloons along with marching bands, and of course, Santa himself with his special holiday characters.
The Children's Hospital parade will begin at the French Market. It will then roll through the French Quarter and downtown before ending at Lafayette Square.
There will be a post-parade celebration with music, food, and holiday magic at Lafayette Square.
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.
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.
Children's Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade
Krampus NOLAuf
Krampus NOLAuf Parade
Lights on the Lake