While the cool weather may have taken its sweet time to get here, it’s finally beginning to feel a lot like Christmas — which is a good thing, since the holiday season is in full swing. And this year we could all definitely use a little bit of good cheer and joy.
New Orleans has plenty of holiday traditions. Once again Celebration in the Oaks returns to City Park, which kicks off Nov. 29 and runs through Jan. 3. This year features more than a million lights in a driving and walking tour through the park.
Jackson Square caroling is also a beloved tradition for many. Hosted by the Patio Planters, the free mass sing-along will happen Dec. 22 starting at 7 p.m. Meanwhile over at the convention center, NOLA Christmasfest will run from Dec. 20 to Dec. 30, and features an ice-skating rink, a gingerbread village and appearances from Santa Claus.
Over in Bywater, the Krewe of Krampus’ annual holiday parade rolls starting Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. featuring some of the city’s most creative costumers, DIY float builders and giant puppet makers.
There’s also tons of music and theater happening this season. The New Orleans Ballet Theatre’s annual production of the Nutcracker runs Dec. 13 through Dec. 23 at the Orpheum, and the Amazing Acro Cats are back at Allways for their annual Meowy Catmas Special Dec. 5 through Dec. 22. All that doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of everything happening in town this holiday season. To help you sort it all out, check out our round up of holiday events below, and be sure to check back online for updates.
Celebration in the Oaks
City Park’s trees and attractions are decorated with more than a million lights and holiday scenes and other spectacles for walking and driving viewers.
New Orleans City Park
Tuesday, Nov. 29 – Friday, Jan. 3
Caroling in Jackson Square
Patio Planters provides song sheets and candles for the free annual sing-along.
Jackson Square
7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22
Christmas in Lafreniere Park
The park and lagoon are decorated with holiday lights and scenes of everything from mermaids to the New Orleans Saints.
Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie
Sunday, Dec. 1 – Monday, Dec. 30 (closed Dec. 25); 5:30-9 p.m. Sun.-Thu., 5:30-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat.
Greenway Supernova Lights Walk
There are light and art displays, live music, food vendors and more at the Lafitte Greenway at Hagan Avenue.
Lafitte Greenway
5-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 – Saturday, Dec. 14
Free admission
Krampus: The Fright Before Christmas
New Orleans Nightmare Haunted House reopens for a terror-filled trip into the lair of Krampus, who emerges before the holidays to punish the naughty.
319 Butterworth St.
Friday, Dec. 13 & Saturday, Dec. 14
NOLA ChristmasFest
The holiday festival features rides, ice skating, mini golf, games, food, a market and more.
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd.
11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20 – Monday, Dec. 30
Theater / Concerts
The touring musical version of the popular holiday movie about Buddy the Elf seeking his non-elf family.
Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St.
Tuesday, Dec. 3 – Sunday, Dec. 8
St. Louis Cathedral Christmas Concert Series
The series features John Boutte, BeauSoleil, Yusa and Mahmoud Chouki and the cathedral choir.
St. Louis Cathedral, 615 Pere Antoine Alley
Dec. 4, 11, 18 & 22
Lauren Daigle
Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St.
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11 & Thursday, Dec. 12
New Orleans Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker
Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way
Friday, Dec. 13 – Monday, Dec. 23
Flow Tribe’s Christmas Crunktacular
Tipitina’s, 501 Napoleon Ave.
7:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19
Levee Bonfires
Annual Algiers Holiday Bonfire and Concert
Algiers Point Batture, 200 Morgan St., Algiers
4-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7