NOLA Christmas Fest is an indoor Christmas carnival held inside the New Orleans Convention Center from December 21-30, 2022, with ice skating, rides & more.

ALL THE REASONS YOU WILL LOVE NOLA CHRISTMAS FEST IN 2024

This New Orleans Christmas tradition is back again in 2024!

NOLA Christmas Fest is an indoor Christmas carnival held inside the New Orleans Convention Center from December 21-30, 2024. Full of fun for all ages, NOLA Christmas Fest is a MUST-do for every family, and here’s why!

NOLA Christmas Fest is Handicap Accessible

A friend’s oldest child has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair for mobility. For her family, NOLA Christmas Fest is as close to perfect as it can possibly get as it is fully handicap accessible and climate-controlled, which is great.

NOLA Christmas Fest is Beautifully Put Together

There are several beautiful light displays outside on Convention Center Boulevard.

Inside NOLA Christmas Fest, attendants are working everywhere–all friendly. As we entered, we were treated by the Grinch and an elf for pictures!

Once inside, they have a beautiful area of Christmas trees. The sponsors definitely went all out in their decorating. 

Christmas Tress sponsored by local New Orleans Businesses at NOLA Christmas Fest
Christmas Trees from NOLA Christmas Fest Sponsors

Right across from the trees are some adorable Gingerbread houses created by local artists and chefs.

Gingerbread Houses from New Orleans Chefs at NOLA Christmas Fest
Gingerbread Houses at NOLA Christmas Fest are decorated by local artists and chefs.

NOLA Christmas Fest has RIDES AND ACTIVITIES THE WHOLE FAMILY CAN ENJOY

NOLA Christmas Fest has rides and activities for all ages. I brought my teenager and a friend, and they had a blast. The best part – all of the rides and activities are included in the cost of admission!

For little ones, there were flying elephants and carousels to ride.

Jolly Jumbos Flying Elephant Ride at NOLA Christmas Fest
Jolly Jumbos Flying Elephant Ride
Kringle Carousel at NOLA Christmas Fest
Kringle Carousel is perfect for little ones!

For older kids, there were three rides that my teen and her friend went on over and over again – the Jolly Jingler, the Sizzilin Sleigh Ride, and the Big Blizzard Blast.

Jolly Jingler Hot Air Balloon at NOLA Christmas Fest
Jolly Jingler Hot Air Balloon Ride
Sizzlin Sleigh Ride at NOLA Christmas Fest
Sizzlin Sleigh Ride
Big Blizzard Blast at NOLA Christmas Fest
Big Blizzard Blast

The rest of the activities and rides at NOLA Christmas Fest are perfect for the whole family to enjoy together! There is a Ferris wheel, a rock climbing wall, and the Peppermint Path with an area for selfies and coloring. Oh, and there is an ice slide, an ice bocce game, and ice skating! The last time I went ice skating was at the Plaza in New Orleans East (I may have dated myself there).

Rock Climbing Wall at NOLA Christmas Fest
Rock Climbing Wall
Vixen View Ferris Wheel at NOLA Christmas Fest
Vixen View Ferris Wheel
Peppermint Path at NOLA Christmas Fest
Follow the Peppermint Path at NOLA Christmas Fest to take a selfie and color on a giant coloring wall!
Ice Bocce Game at NOLA Christmas Fest
Ice Bocce – I’m still not 100% sure what this game is but the girls liked it!
Ice Slides at NOLA Christmas Fest
Ice Slides – the closest thing to sledding New Orleans Kids will get!
Ice Skating at the Big Freezy at NOLA Christmas Fest
Ice Skating at Big Freezy Ice Rink

About NOLA Christmas FEST

The cost for NOLA Christmas Fest is $25/person Monday – Friday and $30 on Saturday and Sunday. Cost includes unlimited ice skating, ice slide, and all rides and activities.

Santa pictures and food are available for an additional price.

Discounts are available for active-duty military and first responders (must have ID to qualify)

NOLA Christmas will be at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center starting December 20, 2024, through December 30, 2024. And they are even open on Christmas Day! Hours vary, so check the website for those and purchase your tickets. Tickets are for timed sessions and can only be purchased online.

You can also check them out on FacebookInstagramand Twitter to see all the fun.

This event is great for the whole family, so don’t miss it!