NOLA Holiday Lights 2024-2025 in New Orleans

The holiday season in New Orleans is a time of vibrant cheer and celebration. Christmas festivals and dazzling holiday light shows infuse the city with festive spirit and brighten the short winter days. Typically, New Orleans' Christmas lights are illuminated just before or after Thanksgiving in late November, marking the beginning of a joyous season.

LUNA Fête (November 14–17, 2024)

Combining dynamic contemporary art, film, and technology, LUNA Fête is a multi-day public art festival that offers innovative and exciting fun for all ages. The LUNA Fête interactive light display is one of the most spectacular Christmas shows in New Orleans. Held at Lafayette Square, this free and open-to-the-public festival celebrates the city’s creative industries with an array of carols and holiday performances. LUNA Fête highlights the talents of over 250 New Orleans artists and 60 youth who have honed their skills through this unique educational opportunity. Most installations are available continuously throughout the festival, except for the premiere projection, which runs nightly from 6 to 10 pm, with shows every hour on the hour.

Lighting of Canal Street (late November 2024)

The Downtown Development District features a stunning two-mile stretch of illumination along Canal Street, highlighted by a large Christmas tree at the Astor Crowne Plaza. Attendees are invited to witness the Canal Street Lighting Ceremony at 739 Canal St., starting at 5:30 pm. Over one million twinkling lights will illuminate Canal Street and various corners of Downtown New Orleans. This year, the holiday lights at Riverwalk Outlets' Spanish Plaza—including a giant 30-foot tree—will be synchronized with displays at Harrah's New Orleans and the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, creating a magical atmosphere across Downtown NOLA.

Christmas in Lafreniere Park (December 1–30, 2024)

Lafreniere Park becomes a dazzling holiday spectacle with millions of twinkling lights and festive displays. As dusk falls, visitors can drive through the park to enjoy the LED-lit exhibits, which include a 60-foot sea serpent in the lagoon, a magical castle with an illuminated princess, and New Orleans Saints players with the Lombardi Trophy. Additional attractions feature a teddy bear factory, a snowman island, and a gingerbread man, while children can enjoy carousel rides for $1 each.

The Christmas lights display is open from 5:30 pm to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday, and from 5:30 pm to 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The park will be closed on December 25th. Admission is $10 per car if purchased in advance and $15 per car at the park. Please note that only card payments are accepted, and no refunds are provided. The event is weather permitting.

Celebration in the Oaks (November 29, 2025–January 3, 2025)

The Celebration in the Oaks transforms the 10-hectare (25-acre) City Park into a magical holiday wonderland. The event features the enchanting Botanical Garden, the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, and Storyland, all adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. Highlights include a Santa Claus train and festive amusement rides.

The park is typically closed on December 24th and 31st. Admission options include a Driving Tour starting at $25, a Walking Tour priced at $25 per person when combined with the Driving Tour, or $35 per person for standalone access. The pass provides unlimited rides, including the City Park Train, marshmallow roasting, a cup of hot chocolate, and photo opportunities. It also includes access to the iconic Botanical Garden and the option to purchase food and beverages.

Waldorf Wonderland Lobby in Roosevelt Hotel (Lightning ceremony: December 3, 2024)

Every holiday season, The Roosevelt New Orleans transforms into the dazzling Waldorf Wonderland, showcasing its breathtaking lobby for everyone in New Orleans to enjoy. The hotel's grand lobby becomes one of the city's most photographed locations during the holidays, illuminated by over 112,000 twinkling lights, 1,600 feet of garland, and 4,000 glass ornaments. This festive display captures the beauty and spirit of the season, making it a must-see attraction in the Big Easy. The Lobby Lighting Ceremony is planned for 5 pm.

Kenner Christmas Village (December 1–30, 2024)

Each December, Rivertown transforms into a dazzling holiday wonderland, with streets and buildings from the railroad tracks to the river adorned in festive lights and displays. The celebrations center around Kenner's Heritage Park, open every day and evening throughout the season. The light display is open nightly from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, and admission is free.

Visitors can stroll through the park to admire the festival displays, shop for local food and craft vendors, find unique gifts, and take photos with Santa. Community churches and school groups also contribute to song and dance performances. Children will enjoy the “snow” that blankets the park, and a special holiday-themed musical laser light show plays in the Kenner Planetarium theater just across the street.

Krampus Parade in New Orleans (December 7, 2024)

Besides stunning Christmas lights, the city of New Orleans celebrates the Alpine legend of Krampus, a mythical figure who travels with St. Nicholas and punishes misbehaving children. The main event is the NOLauf Krampus Parade, held by Krewe of Krampus in the French Quarter.