There’s something about light shows that gets us in the holiday spirit. And while New Orleans may not have the winter weather charm of other cities, our oaks and palm trees can become magical when they glow with twinkling lights.
Here’s our list of Christmas lights in New Orleans that you can’t miss:
1. Celebration in the Oaks at City Park
Celebration in the Oaks is the New Orleans holiday tradition. It is one of the most spectacular holiday lights festivals in the country, with more than 135,000 visitors from around the world coming to the Park to see the magical winter spectacle.
When: November 24 – January 1
Where: New Orleans City Park
2. Christmas in the Park at Lafreniere Park
This famous Metairie Park turns into an illuminated winter wonderland decorated with thousands of LED lights. Adults and kids alike can also watch for appearances by Santa, Rudolph, Frosty, Grinch, and Elf.
When: December 2 – December 30
Where: Lafreniere Park, Metairie
3. Jackson Square
Jackson Square is decorated yearly with holiday lights and a huge Christmas tree. Throughout the month of December, there is free caroling, Christmas concerts, and other amazing events that will get you into the right spirit.
4. The Roosevelt New Orleans
Every year, The Roosevelt Hotel decorates its lobby. “Waldorf Wonderland” is one of the most beautiful places to take some pictures during the holiday season. Enjoy more than 112,000 twinkling lights, 1,600 feet of garland, and 4,000 glass ornaments.
5. Luna Fête
LUNA Fête, created by Arts Council New Orleans, is a festival of light, art, and technology. Launched in 2014 as part of their mission to demonstrate the power of art to transform the community, LUNA Fete is a spectacle of light and creativity that utilizes New Orleans’ historic architecture as a backdrop. It’s free and open to the public!
When: December 15 – December 18, 2022
Hours: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm nightly
Where: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Pedestrian Park.
Featured image by The Roosevelt New Orleans @theroosevelt_no