Christmas in the Crescent City
Celebrations and festivals are an indispensable part of New Orleans’ world-famous local culture, making the city an enchanting place to be at any time of year. For visitors and residents alike, Christmas is a particularly wonderful time to enjoy the city’s magical ambiance.
While New Orleanians have been celebrating Christmas for centuries, new holiday traditions are born with each passing decade. A sweeping variety of New Orleans Christmas events lie in store for anyone lucky enough to be in town this holiday season.
NOLA Christmas Fest
NOLA Christmas Fest has quickly become one of New Orleans’ most exciting holiday experiences. Now in its ninth year, Christmas Fest offers a spectacular assortment of family-friendly attractions, including New Orleans’ only REAL ice-skating rink (access to all the rides is included in the price of admission). Other attractions include sliding down an ice flume, seven thrilling carnival rides including the Kringle Carousel, a snowball fight area, a polar golf course, holiday photo booths, and much more. Children can even expect magical encounters with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, and their friends.
NOLA Christmas Fest’s indoor climate is carefully regulated to ensure a comfortable experience no matter how frightful it ends up being outside. Guests will find a delicious array of food, beverage, and dessert choices in between attractions, which are provided by local vendors. Shoppers of all ages can explore the Yuletide Market in search of a few extra presents, as long as they’ve been extra nice this year. Outside the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center where the festival is held, over two miles of dazzling holiday lights will be lining the streets of the Warehouse District, creating a radiantly joyous atmosphere as guests come and go.
New Orleans Christmas Fest — Date & Time
The main attractions for NOLA Christmas Fest, including the ice-skating rink, are located within the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center at 900 Convention Center Blvd., easily accessible from most major downtown hotels. Nearby parking will also be discounted for the event. The festival will be held daily from December 21st-30th, with morning time slots that are open from 11 am – 3:30 pm and evening time slots that are open from 4:30 pm – 9 pm. Certain time slots are unavailable on opening day and Christmas Eve.
Tickets are $25 per person on weekdays and $30 per person on Saturday and Sunday. All attendees older than two years must have a ticket, and children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or adult escort. Please be sure to note that tickets can only be purchased online. Popular time slots are likely to sell out, so NOLA Christmas Fest highly recommends purchasing tickets in advance.
See More of the New Orleans Christmas Spirit
NOLA Christmas Festival attendees who want a closer look into how the locals enjoy their holiday season should book a walking tour of one of the city’s famous neighborhoods. Both a French Quarter walking tour and a Garden District walking tour will familiarize customers with New Orleans’ beautifully ornate architectural traditions.
These regal homes in the historic neighborhoods will be sparkling with festive décor, creating an authentically local companion experience to the indoor adventures found at Christmas Fest. Additionally, these tours provide a wealth of educational background on the Crescent City’s storied history, allowing visitors to feel just a little more at home for their Christmas in New Orleans. Book your French Quarter or Garden District walking tour today with New Orleans Legendary Walking Tours!
