There’s No Place Like My Hometown of New Orleans for the Holidays

There’s no place like New Orleans for the holidays. From festive holiday events like LUNA Fête to the incredible holiday display that takes place at City Park, the Crescent City really transforms for the holidays. Whether you’re just visiting or a lifetime resident, here are some of the best things to do at Christmas in New Orleans. 

I always like to carve out some time to see some of the main holiday displays in New Orleans and the surrounding areas. 

If you’ve never visited Celebration in the Oaks, make this the year. From November 29, 2024, until January 3, 2025, City Park transforms into a magical light festival that’s just too good to pass up. The holiday light show has been a tradition for nearly forty years, and it’s City Park’s largest fundraiser.  

Over a million twinkling lights, holiday displays, and animations light up the park, and there are a few different ways to see it. Traditionally, Celebration in the Oaks has been a walkable attraction, and it still is, but a drive-thru experience has been added in recent years. I think this is one light show you have to get out of the car for—it’s tradition! 

Spend an evening strolling through the Botanical Gardens and enjoying some of the amusement park rides while sipping hot chocolate. It’s one of the most magical holiday displays in Louisiana!

Of course, Christmas in New Orleans isn’t complete without paying a visit to The Roosevelt. Every year, the lobby at The Roosevelt transforms into a holiday wonderland with dozens of illuminated birch trees, 1,600 feet of garland, and thousands of glass ornaments. It’s the most iconic spot to take your family Christmas photos in New Orleans by far. The lobby lighting ceremony at The Roosevelt takes place Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 5 p.m. This has been a tradition since the 1930s, and it’s one holiday event in New Orleans you won’t want to miss. 

For a truly New Orleans experience, take the streetcar! Our streetcars also get into the holiday spirit and are always decorated for the season. 

While you’re downtown, be sure to snag some tickets to Nola ChristmasFest in the Convention Center. This awesome event takes place from December 20-30, 2024, and it’s one of the most family-friendly holiday events in New Orleans. There are several attractions here, but the main attraction is the ice skating rink! Rent a pair of skates and spend an afternoon ice skating in New Orleans—you don’t get this opportunity very often! Tickets to NOLA ChristmasFest go fast, so snag yours early!

What are your holiday traditions in New Orleans? Do you find yourself over at Lafreniere Park in Metairie to stroll through that awesome show? Share this article with someone you want to enjoy Christmas in New Orleans with. 

If you think Christmas in New Orleans is enchanting, just wait until you see what Natchitoches does for the holidays.