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 3rd; Jewish Children’s Regional Service (JCRS) will host its 9th annual community-wide Hanukkah party, “Latkes with a Twist,” at Press Street Station in the historic Faubourg Marigny. The Washington Post has listed the event as one of the Top 10 Hanukkah parties in the US!
Chanukah Menorah Lighting December 7th; Celebrate the first night of Chanukah with the lighting of a giant menorah on Spanish Plaza! In partnership with Chabad-Lubavitch of Louisiana, Riverwalk Outlets is hosting this free event featuring live traditional Jewish music, kosher cuisine, latkes, Chanukah gelt (chocolate candy), dreidels, crafts and more for the whole family.
First Night of Hanukkah Party December 7th; Indulge in the crispy delights of Latke Daddy’s latkes, witness the glow of the menorah, and get ready for the sweet showdown in our Babka Bake-Off competition judged by local personalities and experts!
Challah Day Party December 9th; JNOLA brings together the vibrant Jewish NextGen community for a night of celebration and connection. A DJ, open bar, and chanukah noshes!
Community Chanukah Celebration December 10; Celebrate the fourth night of Chanukah at the JCC with a holiday dinner and live concert by Matisyahu!
Jewish Community Night with The Pelicans December 11th; Join the Jewish community, Federation and Chabad in lighting the Menorah at halftime!
Things To Watch
Ribbon Cutting at the Ritz November 21
Roosevelt Lobby Lighting November 28th
Meowy Catmas, November 30- December 17
Holiday Spectacular December 2nd; All of your favorite Holiday tunes will be played live on the Orpheum Theater stage by your LPO, including music from Home Alone, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and Hanukkah Festival Overture.
A Charlie Brown Christmas December 3rd; The critically acclaimed holiday celebration that the whole family can enjoy brings Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the Peanuts gang together live on stage as they uncover the true meaning of Christmas and perform songs from the unforgettable musical score in a tribute to the legendary composer Vince Guaraldi.
Movies Under the Stars: Elf December 9th; Bring the entire family out for a special holiday movie under the stars on Spanish Plaza! Watch Elf and enjoy complimentary holiday treats provided by Riverwalk Outlets.
NOBT: The Nutcracker December 15-23rd; Come see this classic Christmas tale and experience the incredible talent that is New Orleans Ballet Theatre’s company of dancers (with the addition of over 120 local children), stunning sets and costumes, and the iconic score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
Movies Under the Stars: Polar Express December 16th; Watch The Polar Express and enjoy complimentary holiday treats provided by Riverwalk Outlets.
Gregory Porter Holiday Tour December 20th. The Saenger Theatre
Elf in Concert December 22 + 23rd; Relive this heartwarming holiday classic on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live to picture in: Elf™ in Concert!
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas December 27th; Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Grammy Award-winner Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for over 35 years! The show encompasses all of your favorite classic holiday songs with dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting and is a perfect night out to celebrate the season with the entire family!
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet December 30th. Experience the extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists performing at the peak of classical European Ballet. Be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger than life puppets and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes.
Things To Do
Celebration in the Oaks November 23rd – December 30
Windsor Court Holiday Tea November 24- December 31st
Algiers Bonfire December 2nd
Children’s Hospital Holiday Parade December 2nd
Papa Noel Tea December 2-21st. Join us in The Davenport Lounge for a special holiday tea celebration featuring Papa Noel and a cookie decorating station for children.
Luna Fête December 7-10th
Christmas in Lafreniere Run/Walk December 9th; The 2-mile course takes you through Lafreniere Park during their annual Christmas in the Park Lights Display, which is decorated with over 10 million LED lights!
Running of the Santas December 9th
Build Your Own Gingerbread House at the Ritz December 9-10th, 16-21st
Train Rides with Santa, December 16
Holiday Home Tour Savor the holiday spirit as Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré presents French Quarter residences dressed for the season on December 17, 2023. The tour includes interesting architectural styles and home furnishings, as well as a variety of collections of Christmas decorations.
Caroling In Jackson Square December 17th
NOLA Christmas Fest December 21-30th
Christmas Eve Réveillon Dinner at the Ritz December 24th
Christmas Day Jubilee at the Ritz December 25th; Join us at the Ritz-Carlton on Christmas Day and enjoy an enhanced four-course menu featuring a seafood starter, dessert station, champagne and live entertainment.
On The Mississippi
Sailing with Santa November 25th; Entertainment will be provided on board and there will be a special visit from Santa Claus himself!
Cajun Holiday Tea Cruise with Papa Noel December 10th; Enjoy a classic holiday tea with tempting treats, storytelling, face painting, magic tricks, children’s activities, and merriment while cruising the mighty Mississippi. Come hold a real live alligator and, as lagniappe, each child gets a special present.
Steamboat Natchez Christmas Eve Jazz Cruise December 24th; Take in the breathtaking views of New Orleans from our spacious outdoor decks or from our elegantly appointed dining room. Enjoy live music featuring traditional New Orleans jazz and classic holiday tunes. Indulge in a delicious Creole style menu with delightful selections prepared by our Chef Steve Wells and Sous Chef Albert Paul.
Christmas Eve Dinner Jazz Cruise December 24th; Have a true Christmas, New Orleans style experience with a delicious Creole dinner and a live jazz band playing New Orleans and holiday favorites.
New Years Eve Cruise December 31st; Ring in the New Year with a front row seat to the Mississippi River. Enjoy a variety of scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, a tasty buffet, and call-brand drinks at the open bar. 21+
Natchez New Years Eve Celebration December 31st; Celebrate with an array of hand passed hors d’ouvres and buffet stations, a premium open bar, and live entertainment provided by local favorite “Lil Red and Big Bad.” Catch the spectacular midnight fireworks display from the best seat in New Orleans – on the Mighty Mississippi River. 21+
Fireworks on the River – December 31st
Enjoy the holidays, y’all!