As Thanksgiving celebrations draw near, so do the holiday celebrations. OffBeat compiled a list of upcoming holiday events in New Orleans ushering in the first week of December, from Christmas lights to parades to concerts, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season.
The Roosevelt New Orleans unveils decor with Irma Thomas (November 29)
One of the most famous and beloved traditions in New Orleans during the holidays, Roosevelt New Orleans has become an annual destination for tourists and locals thanks to its extravagant decor and lighting in its lobby, which runs from Baronne all the way through to O’Keefe Avenue. On Tuesday, November 29, New Orleans’ own Irma Thomas will do the honors of opening the display of more than 112,000 lights, 1,600 feet of garland and 4,000 glass ornaments. After taking in the sights, fill up on specialty teas and pastries with Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the Teddy Bear Tea, on select dates.
The Children’s Hospital Holiday Parade (December 3)
The first-of-its-kind Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade will take place in downtown New Orleans Saturday, December 3, starting at 3 p.m. More than 20 custom-designed holiday floats will roll through the French Market toward Jackson Square and to Lafayette Square. The parade will also feature high-flying helium balloons along with marching groups and bands—and of course, Santa with a cast of holiday characters.
The Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade begins at the corner of Esplanade Avenue and North Peters Street, traveling North Peters to Decatur Street through the French Market toward Jackson Square and Oscar Dunn Park, then make its way back to North Peters, turning right on Canal Street, left on Baronne Street, traveling through downtown to Julia Street and ending along St. Charles Avenue in front of Lafayette Square. The holiday festivities will continue at the end of the route from 5 – 7 p.m. with music from Rebirth Brass Band, food and more.
The parade route, courtesy of neworleans.com
Celebrate Christmas at Loyola (December 4)
The annual “Christmas at Loyola” event will feature students and faculty in the university’s College of Music and Media program, celebrating the holidays. Performing this year will be the Loyola Chorale and Chamber Singers led by Dr. Meg Frazier, Loyola Strings led by violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, Brass Ensemble directed by Dr. Nick Volz, Jazz Ensemble led by Dr. Gordon Towell and Dr. Marcus St. Julien on the organ.
The concert will occur at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 4, in the Holy Name of Jesus Church, 6363 St. Charles Avenue. Free parking is available in Loyola’s West Road garage, located on West Road and accessible from St. Charles Ave. Call 504-865-2105 for more information.
Free Garden District Christmas Concerts (December 6 and 9)
Two free Garden District Christmas Concerts will be presented at the Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel, 1307 Louisiana Avenue, on December 6 and 9, at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served following each concert. Both concerts are free and open to the public.
On Tuesday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m., the Marine Forces Reserve Band’s Brass Quintet will perform traditional Christmas carols and collect unwrapped Toys for Tots. Refreshments will be served following the concert.
On Friday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m., New Orleans Opera performer and Tenor Casey Candebat will perform a variety of holiday selections. Donations will benefit the OLGC Building Fund.
Other upcoming Holiday events in New Orleans
Celebration in the Oaks returns to City Park starting November 24, including plans to expand both driving and walking tours. The month-long fundraiser attracts over 135,000 visitors each year who can see City Park’s famous live oak trees covered in over a million twinkling lights and discover hundreds of lighted displays throughout the park. Learn about what’s new here.
Holidays New Orleans Style‘s free concert series will return to the St. Louis Cathedral and St. Anna’s Episcopal Church to continue the tradition of highlighting local talent this holiday season. To learn more, visit our full story.
