This week brings the last chilly blast of spirited activities before Christmas. Make sure you experience some of the lights, bonfires, carols and harmonies that mark the most wonderful time of the year.
LIGHTING THE WAY
CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS: City Park’s fundraiser features more than a million lights, running to Jan. 1. The 2-mile driving tour starts at 4 Friederichs Ave. in New Orleans, and the walking tour, starting at 7 Victory Ave., includes unlimited amusement park rides and access to the Botanical Garden. Tickets start at $7. celebrationintheoaks.com.
KENNER’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS VILLAGE: The free holiday experience at Heritage Park in Rivertown, 2015 Fourth St., Kenner, will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to Dec. 31. Activities include lights, snow, music, food, arts and crafts, weekend vendors, live entertainment and a special appearance from Santa Claus. kenner.la.us.
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK: The 39th annual light exhibit kicked off Dec. 1 in Lafreniere Park’s South Mall parking lot, 3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie, located closest to the West Napoleon Avenue entrance. The lights will remain open from 5:30-9 p.m. weeknights and 5:30-10 p.m. weekends through Dec. 30, with more than 40 new displays with more than 10 million LED lights. Driving and walking tours are available. Admission is $20 per vehicle in advance, $25 at the gate. lafrenierepark.org.
Destrehan Plantation’s Creole Christmas celebration runs through Dec. 30, with house tour and a lighted walk.
CREOLE CHRISTMAS: Destrehan Plantation will offer an evening tour of the house and a walking tour of the Spirit of Christmas Lighting in the Alley of Oaks through Dec. 30, with tours starting at 6, 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. The light show features more than 100 lighted frames and 50 Christmas trees, along with a lighted tunnel. $5, 2 and under free. Destrehan Plantation is located in St. Charles Parish at 13034 River Road in Destrehan. www.destrehanplantation.org.
LIGHTING OF THE BONFIRES: Each Dec. 24, the east and west banks of St. John the Baptist and St. James parishes are lined with hand-built bonfires that light the way for Santa Claus. The bonfires start at 7 p.m. Most are concentrated in Gramercy, Lutcher, Paulina and Garyville along La. 44. Organizers recommend arriving in the area before 6 p.m. More at festivalofthebonfires.org.
DON’T MISS
CAJUN HOLIDAY BONFIRE CELEBRATION: A plantation tour, a private bonfire viewing and a Cajun-style dinner are included in the motorcoach tour of Destrehan Plantation on selected dates Dec. 19-30. The bonfire viewing is a preview of the Christmas Eve bonfires on the Mississippi River levee. The Gray Line package starts at $150. www.graylineneworleans.com
Imani Dance Academy performs during last year’s Jingle On The Boulevard Parade in New Orleans East. This year’s parade will be Dec. 20.
JINGLE ON THE BOULEVARD PARADE: The Jingle On The Boulevard Parade will be held Dec. 20, starting at noon in New Orleans East. The parade lines up on Crowder Boulevard and Morrison Road and heads down Crowder to Hayne Boulevard, Read Boulevard, then disbanding at Lake Forest Boulevard. www.jingleontheboulevard.com
NOLA CHRISTMASFEST: The holiday wonderland will take place from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and 4:30-9 p.m. Dec. 20-29 (with other hours Dec. 24-25) Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans. Activities include live music, visits with Santa, rides, and the Big Freezy, the city’s only ice-skating rink with real ice. Skating with Santa is from 9:30-11 a.m. Dec. 21; special tickets are required. Tickets are $25 for weekdays and $30 for Saturdays and Sundays. Guests under 18 need a parent or guardian for admission. nolachristmasfest.com.
The Amazing Acro-Cats at The Marigny Theatre. Saturday, February 28, 2015. (Josh Brasted Photo)
MEOWY CATMAS 2025: The Amazing Acro-Cats will present a holiday special through Dec. 21 at the AllWays Lounge & Cabaret, 2240 St. Claude Ave., New Orleans. In addition to the cats performing tricks, there will be an appearance by The Rock Cats, the only cat band in the world, playing seasonal holiday selections. Performances start at 7 p.m., with weekend matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $48.74. A portion of ticket sales will go to local rescue partner Big Easy Animal Rescue (B.E.A.R.). theallwayslounge.net.
People lift their voices in song during the Caroling in Jackson Square holiday singalong in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024.(Staff photo by Scott Threlkeld, The Times-Picayune)
CAROLING IN JACKSON SQUARE: Patio Planters of the Vieux Carre will present its annual holiday singalong Dec. 21 from 7-8 p.m. Gates open at 6:30. Song books and candles will be provided. Mark Romig will serve as master of ceremonies, with local musicians Harry Mayronne, Chris Wecklein and Amy Alvarez leading carols. patioplanters.net.
HOLIDAYS AT AUDUBON: New Orleans’ Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Zoo will offer special holiday activities through Jan. 4. The aquarium, 1 Canal St., will feature Santa photos, a snowflake lobby, Scuba Santa and story time. Activities at the zoo, 6500 Magazine St., will include Papa Noel, animal enrichments, kid crafts and holiday beverages. Admission starts at $25. audubonnatureinstitute.org/holidays.
Judith Owen breaks the crowd into 12 parts and encourages them to sing and act out “The Twelve Days of Christmas” song during her annual ‘Christmas Without Tears’ charitable variety show at the Orpheum Theater in New Orleans, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022. The show benefited the Innocence Project New Orleans. (Photo by Sophia Germer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
SOUNDS LIKE CHRISTMAS
HOLIDAYS IN HARMONY: The Victory Belles bring the sounds of the season to life in a musical review through Dec. 23 at BB’s Stage Door Canteen inside The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St., New Orleans. A buffet-style lunch is included with the matinee luncheon ticket. Tickets start at $22, with luncheon and show tickets starting at $65. nationalww2museum.org.
HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR: The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Peter Rubhardt, will perform holiday favorites like “March of the Toys” from “Babes in Toyland” and Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans. Special guest appearances include vocalist Alexis Marceaux on “Merry Christmas, Darling” and trumpeter Kermit Ruffins on “Let It Snow.” Tickets start at $13. lpomusic.com.
ALGIERS POINT CHRISTMAS CAROLING: Algiers United Methodist Church, 637 Opelousas Ave. in New Orleans, will host the event on Dec. 17, 6-7:30 p.m. The Confetti Park Players will sing some special Christmas carols with friends, family and neighbors. www.algiersumc.com
CLASSICAL CHRISTMAS: The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Matthew Kraemer, will present Handel’s “Messiah” and other classical Christmas music on Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m., at the Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way in New Orleans. Doors open at 6 p.m. Meg Frazier will conduct the chorus. Tickets start at $25. lpomusic.com
WINTER CONCERT: Lyrica Baroque Chamber Music will hold the culminating performance of its 10th anniversary year with an evening of Baroque and early classical repertoire for voice, winds and strings. The concert is Dec. 19, 7 p.m., at Christ Church Cathedral, 2919 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans. Free; suggested donation of $25. lyricabaroque.com/winter-concert/
AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS: The Viennese Operetta Ensemble will perform Gian Carlo Menotti’s one-act opera Dec. 19-21. The Friday night concert, at 7:30 p.m., will be held at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 775 Harrison Ave. in New Orleans. The Saturday concert, at 7 p.m., will be held at St. Angeli Merici Catholic Church, 901 Beverly Garden in Metairie. The Sunday performance, at 4 p.m. will be held at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 7100 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans. Donations welcome.
BELA FLECK & THE FLECKSTONES: The band’s reunion tour will make a stop at the Joy Theater, 1200 Canal St. in New Orleans, on Dec. 20, 8 p.m. They will perform their well-known tunes, along with reinvented, jazz-infused holiday classics from their Grammy-winning album. Tickets start at $37.30 via Ticketmaster. www.flecktones.com
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS: The classical-rock fusion group known for four decades of holiday music will perform Dec. 28, 8 p.m., at the Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal Blvd. in New Orleans. Tickets start at $113. www.mannheimsteamroller.com
THEATER & DANCE
“IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, Y’ALL”: Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts, 325 Minor St. in Kenner, will present a Ricky Graham original take on the James Stewart holiday classic, running Dec. 6-22. Curtain times vary by date. Tickets start at $43. www.rivertowntheaters.com.
New Orleans Ballet Theatre will present ‘The Nutcracker’ at the Orpheum Theater.
“THE NUTCRACKER”: New Orleans Ballet Theatre will perform Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic Dec. 13-23 at the Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way in New Orleans. Evening performances are at 7 p.m., with matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $51.55. www.neworleansballettheatre.com.
“IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE”: The National WWII Museum will present a 1940s radio play, with voice actors and live Foley sound effects bringing this classic Christmas film to life, Dec. 19, 6-8:30 p.m., in BB’s Stage Door Canteen, 945 Magazine St. in New Orleans. Tickets start at $27. www.nationalww2museum.org
“THE NUTCRACKER”: The Jefferson Ballet Theatre presents the ballet based on Hoffmann’s “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” Dec. 19-21 at Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Drive in Metairie. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. for weekend matinees. The performances will feature the JPA Symphony Orchestra. Tickets start at $38.75 via Ticketmaster. www.jeffersonpac.com
“THE NUTCRACKER”: Delta Festival Ballet, with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, will present the story on Dec. 20-21 at the Mahalia Jackson Theater, 1419 Basin St. in New Orleans. Performances are at 6 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets start at $54.90. www.mahaliajacksontheater.com
NUTCRACKER! MAGICAL CHRISTMAS BALLET: The tour of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Christmas fantasy will be performed Dec. 26, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St. in New Orleans. Performing alongside members of the touring company will be New Orleans children from Arabesque Ballet Theater International. Tickets start at $42. www.saengernola.com
Mike Bruce dresses as Santa, and Darla Pastorek as Mrs. Claus during the Caroling in Jackson Square holiday singalong in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (Staff photo by Scott Threlkeld, The Times-Picayune)
COMMUNITY CONCERTS
HOLIDAY CONCERTS: French Quarter Festivals Inc. and St. Louis Cathedral will host a free holiday concert at 615 Pere Antoine Alley, New Orleans. The St. Louis Cathedral Christmas Concert is from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 21. holiday.neworleans.com.
The Big Easy Boys will perform in concert.
BIG EASY BOYS HOLIDAY SHOW: The New Orleans-based quartet presents a holiday concert with their unique take on seasonal classics from 6-7 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Historic BK House & Gardens, 1113 Chartres St., New Orleans. Tickets start at $30 for members and $35 for nonmembers. bkhouse.org.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT: The Jefferson Community Band will hold a holiday concert Dec. 18, 7 p.m., at First English Lutheran Church, 3701 Cleary Ave. in Metairie. $10, kids 12 and under free. All proceeds benefit Second Harvest Food Bank. www.jeffersoncommunityband.org.
DANNY AND PATRICK O’FLAHERTY’S CELTIC CHRISTMAS: Patrick and Danny O’Flaherty will perform their first concert of Celtic Christmas music together since 1995 at 2 p.m. Dec. 21 at Deutsches Haus, 1700 Moss St., New Orleans. Tickets are $20 for Deutsches Haus members, $25 nonmembers. dannyoflaherty.com.
CLARINET QUACKS: East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave. in Metairie, will host a holiday concert for the whole family by the Clarinet Quacks on Dec. 22, 1 p.m. www.jplibrary.net
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM JOSE JAMES: The Jazz & Blues Market, 1436 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. in New Orleans, will host vocalist Jose James on Dec. 23, 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $31.45 via Ticketmaster. www.wwoz.org
HOME TOURS
FRENCH QUARTER HOLIDAY HOME TOUR: The Patio Planters holiday tour of the French Quarter will be from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 21 starting at Jackson Square, 700 Decatur St., New Orleans. The self-guided walking tour features private residences with varying architectural styles and home furnishings, decorated for the season. Tickets to the tour, which supports the annual Caroling in Jackson Square, are $35 each if preordered online and $40 the day of the event. Children 12 and under are free. patioplanters.net.
2025 CREOLE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY HOME TOUR: The Friends of the Cabildo will host its annual home tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 27-28. Historic buildings include the BK House, Gallier House, Hermann-Grima House, 1850 House, Historic New Orleans Collection and Spring Fiesta. All houses will have their courtyards open to enjoy on the tour as well. Tickets will be limited daily. Tickets start at $44.52 via Eventbrite. friendsofthecabildo.org.
RELIGIOUS
LESSONS AND CAROLS: St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church will host an evening of music featuring its choirs and scripture on Dec. 17, 6:30 p.m., at the church, 105 Bonnabel Blvd. in Metairie. Free. scschurch.com/.
WALK TO BETHLEHEM: A JOURNEY OF LIGHT: The Center of Jesus the Lord at Our Lady of Good Counsel will host a candlelit Christmas processional down Magazine Street on Dec. 20, starting at 5 p.m. The processional starts at St. Henry Catholic Church, 801 Gen. Pershing St., and continues down Magazine, ending at Our Lady of Good Counsel, 1307 Lousiana Ave. The event will include live scenes, choirs and student participants. mycjl.com/christmas.
CHRISTMAS EVE WITH CANDLELIGHT AND COMMUNION: Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5800 Canal Blvd. in New Orleans, will hold a Dec. 24 event starting at 7 p.m. The service will also be available via livestream. www.gracenola.org/.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.nola.com ’
