Welcome to the most magical time of the year! We have compiled a list of activities for you and your loved ones to enjoy this holiday season in New Orleans!
Chanukah Events
Latkes with a Twist December 12; Jewish Children’s Regional Service (JCRS) will host its 10th Annual Latkes with a Twist featuring Chef Alon Shaya at Press St. Station.
Hanukkah Mixer at Hermann-Grima House December 12; Hanukkah mixer and latke demonstration in an open-hearth kitchen
Community Chanukah Celebration December 19; This year we will enjoy a concert by a new local Jewish band called “The Hebrew Hammers”. Enjoy festive celebrations and delicious Chanukah treats. It’s an event for all ages, and we look forward to seeing you there!
Things To Watch
Tree Lighting Ceremony November 26: Riverwalk Outlets annual tree lighting ceremony.
Ribbon Cutting at The Ritz November 26: Join us as we unveil the hotel’s ornate holiday decorations with a ribbon-cutting reception in our festive lobby. Enjoy holiday refreshments and appearances from Papa Noel and the Victory Belles.
Windsor Court Tree Lighting December 2; 5 pm The holiday spirit comes alive as the hotel’s décor, led by the designers at Dunn and Sonnier, takes on the seasonal splendor, featuring a 19 1/2-foot Christmas tree boasting more than 25,000 white lights and a classic toy train around the base. A Letters for Santa mailbox will once again complement the lobby décor, and the hotel is encouraging guests and locals of all ages to visit the hotel to drop off their gift wish lists and messages for the North Pole.
Elf the Broadway Musical December 3-8
Rock Cats Rescue presents The Meowy Catmas Special from December 5 to 22. Celebrate Christmas with us by watching cats jump through wreaths, ride in Santa’s sleigh, and perform an array of other seasonal tricks. Our real rescued house cats delight and amaze audiences of all ages!
LPO: Classic Christmas December 5: This special holiday program begins with Italian composer Gian Carlo Menotti’s music from an opera inspired by the story of the Three Kings. The performance continues with Romantic-era composer Felix Mendelssohn’s reverent Christmas cantata and concludes with traditional excerpts of Handel’s glorious work Messiah.
Movies Under the Stars: The Polar Express December 7: Grab your cozy blankets, pack some popcorn, and settle in for a night of festive fun! There’s no better way to kick off the holiday season than watching this beloved movie with your loved ones.
NOBT: The Nutcracker December 13-23: 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!
Lights on the Lake, December 14: This family-friendly holiday event provides the best view of the annual West End Boat Parade.
Movies Under the Stars: Elf December 16: Grab your cozy blankets, pack some popcorn, and settle in for a night of festive fun! There’s no better way to kick off the holiday season than watching this beloved movie with your loved ones.
Gregory Porter Holiday Tour December 18
LPO: Holiday Spectacular December 19: Celebrate the magic of the season with this exciting annual performance of everyone’s favorite holiday tunes.
Big Freedia: Christmas with The Queen Diva December 21
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet December 30: Celebrate America’s favorite Christmas tradition with an international all-star cast that blends world-class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics!
Juvenile & Mannie Fresh and The 400 Degreez Band 2nd Annual New Years Eve Celebration December 31: The NYE celebration will once again feature the full sound of an incredible live band and highlight hits from Juvenile’s best-selling quadruple platinum album 400 Degreez, produced by the incomparable and greatest producer of all time, Mannie Fresh.
Things To Do
Bargeboard’s Holiday Bazaar November 22: From handcrafted jewelry and stylish clothing to delicious food and festive decorations, our vendors have everything you need for a memorable holiday season. Shop local and support your community at this festive event.
St. Matthew the Apostle Holiday Market November 23: Local artists and vendors with crafts and goodies to purchase!
Jingle Bells & Beer November 23: Experience the excitement of the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with unlimited rides, beer, and merriment!
Old Algiers Holiday Art Market November 30
Celebration in the Oaks November 29-Jan 3: City Park’s largest fundraiser, Celebration in the Oaks, is THE New Orleans holiday family tradition. This incredible light festival has enchanted Park visitors since the 1980s and is vital to the Park’s maintenance, care, and beautification year-round.
Free Family Sunday: Merry Market December 1; Shop from various local vendors at Longue Vue House and Gardens, and find unique holiday gifts for your loved ones. It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with community, creativity, and festive cheer!
Teddy Bear Tea Weekends in December: Children of all ages have experienced the magic of the yuletide season in our beautifully assembled North Pole for decades. This year, the time-honored celebration will feature singing, dancing, story-telling, and appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus! Indulge in decadent pastries and hot chocolate, or sip on champagne as you pass on this tradition from one generation to the next!
Pet Photos with Santa December 2-10; Mondays + Tuesdays at Oakwood Mall
Christkindlmarkt December 6-8; Join us for the 7th Annual Christkindlmarkt at Deutsches Haus! Explore a vibrant marketplace featuring local and regional artists and crafters—perfect for finding unique gifts! Indulge in delicious German foods and sweet treats, and warm up with a cup of Glühwein (mulled wine) as you soak in the holiday spirit.
Fourth Annual Pothole Christmas Tree Lighting Party and Local Artist Popup December 6: We’ll have crafts to make your own ornaments to add to the tree, and Say Cheese by Zog will be popping up!
Ringing in the Arts December 7: An evening with fine art, live music, and refreshments in an outdoor gallery against the backdrop of historic Gretna! It’s a great event with all local artists with various mediums and styles!
Holiday Freret Market December 7: Come enjoy over 75 art and food vendors, live music, and plenty of cold Abita Amber. Admission is free!
Old Metairie Christmas Market December 7: Free Admission, 100+ Vendors, Santa Pictures, Parade of Prizes
Algiers Holiday Bonfire & Concert December 7: Join us in paying tribute to Louisiana’s River Parish bonfire tradition while listening to musical performances, eating food from local vendors, and shopping from local artisans at the holiday market.
Saint Nick Celebration December 7; Join a festive celebration in Dutch Ally featuring live music, kid’s activities, and holiday characters. The St. Nick Celebration is free and open to the public.
Santa’s PJ Party at Royal Sonesta December 7; A holiday high tea experience for the entire family! Sip on champagne as you indulge in an assortment of savory scones, tea sandwiches, and sweets.
Children’s Hospital Holiday Parade December 7;
Krewe of Krampus December 7
Train Rides with Santa December 7-8: Bring your family and friends to enjoy the magic of our Christmas event at the train yard.
Tea with Papa Noel December 7-22; Join us in The Davenport Lounge for a special holiday celebration featuring an appearance by Papa Noel. Children will enjoy cookie decorating, viewing The Ritz-Carlton’s one of a kind gingerbread display, and other holiday surprises. Reservations required.
Gingerbread House Building December 7+8, 14-22: Children of all ages are invited to build a festive gingerbread house. Price includes one gingerbread house with all of the decorating essentials and holiday refreshments. Each house can accommodate up to four guests. Adult supervision and reservations are required.
Holiday Market & Melodies at Pitot House December 8:Get into the festive spirit with music by Amanda Shaw, a string trio from LPO, NOLA Hummingbirds and more! Refreshments for sale by Le Ponce Cafe. Free to attend!
The Polar Express Train Ride December 10-31; Dancing chefs serve passengers hot chocolate and Walker’s Shortbread, 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.
Running of the Santas December 14
Wreath Making December 14: Join an expert member of our Longue Vue Gardens team for one of our signature garden workshops! This month’s workshop is wreath-making- just in time for the holidays! Open to all ages, children must be accompanied by a ticketed adult.
FRERETstivus Holiday Market December 14: There will be feats of strength, the traditional Festivus Pole, the Airing of Grievances and a gift wrapping booth with the Big Easy Roller derby!
Pancakes with Santa, December 14: Bring the whole family for a morning of hot pancakes straight from the griddle, cold beer and kid-friendly beers, Santa photo opportunities, and more fun activities!
Garden District Holiday Home Tour December 14-15: Tour the interiors and grounds of several stunning homes in the historic Garden District. Festivities also include live music, a boutique, and more!
NOLA Christmasfest is December 20-30. From the awe-inspiring holiday displays, including a Gingerbread Village, Giant Wreath, and Tree, to an expanded ice slide section, a magical ice-skating rink, exciting Carnival rides, and delightful holiday entertainment, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Gingerbread Lane: Boozy After Dark Bash December 22; Join the incomparable Chef Jon Lovitch for a night of UNFORGETTABLE fun! Bring your favorite drink and your crew, and unleash your inner cookie connoisseur as we transform the evening into a holiday wonderland! We’ll supply everything you need to craft your gingerbread masterpiece, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and DJ Polo spinning festive tunes to keep the party vibe alive!
French Quarter Holiday Home Tour December 22: The self-guided walking tour includes interesting architectural styles, home furnishings, and a variety of collections of Christmas decorations.
Caroling in Jackson Square December 22: The free community sing-along gathers thousands of people for a festive hour of holiday merriment, with carols led by local dignitaries and clergy.
Things To Eat
Christmas Day Jubilee, December 25: Let the culinary experts at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, remove the hassle from your holiday season. Enjoy an enhanced four-course menu featuring a seafood buffet, dessert station, unlimited champagne, and live entertainment.
New Year’s Eve Celebration December 31: Let M Bistro dazzle you with a five-course dinner perfectly paired with exquisite wines. Jeremy Davenport begins performing at 8:30 PM and will host the countdown to a Champagne toast at midnight.
On The Mississippi
Sailing with Santa on November 30: All participants, regardless of age, must bring a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to a local charity. Holiday entertainment will be provided on board, and Santa Claus himself will visit!
Cajun Holiday Tea with Papa Noel December 8: Come pass a good time aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen with Papa Noel, Mrs. Noel, Gaston the Gator, and other jolly Cajun characters during this enchanting family festivity. Enjoy a classic holiday tea with tempting treats, storytelling, face painting, magic tricks, children’s activities, and merriment while cruising the mighty Mississippi. Hold a real live alligator, and, as Lagniappe, each child gets a special present.
Christmas Eve Cruise December 24: Take in the beauty of the New Orleans skyline as you enjoy live jazz music and holiday tunes by the Dukes of Dixieland. Indulge in a special Creole-style Christmas Eve Dinner Menu, or try a delicious beverage from our Holiday Cocktail Menu.
Christmas Eve Dinner Jazz Cruise December 24; Enjoy unparalleled views of the city from our elegant, garland-adorned dining rooms or from the open air of our upper deck. Have a true Christmas, New Orleans style experience with a delicious Creole dinner and a live jazz band playing New Orleans and holiday favorites. After dinner, enjoy your favorite cocktails and sweet Mississippi River breezes on the promenade deck as the city skyline slips by under a canopy of stars.
New Year’s Eve Celebration December 31: Celebrate with our NYE Late Night Menu that includes an array of hand-passed hors d’oeuvres and buffet stations. You’ll also enjoy a premium open bar and live entertainment. Catch the spectacular midnight fireworks display from one of our three spacious decks and grab a cocktail from one of our three bars onboard. All decks and bars will be open for the duration of the event.
New Year’s Eve Cruise December 31: Enjoy a variety of scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, a tasty buffet, and call-brand drinks at the open bar.
Enjoy the holidays, y’all!