The Holiday season is here which means Santa is in town visiting from the North Pole! He’ll be all around town, in malls, and everywhere spreading Christmas cheer and joy to children of all ages. We can’t wait to visit him and make sure we are on the nice list. If you’re looking for Santa Claus in New Orleans, we know where to find him!
Dates, times, and Santa appearances are subject to change, please check with the event before attending.
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Holiday Events In New Orleans With Santa
These unique holiday traditions are at the heart of every New Orleanian! These holiday events are full of festive fun for the whole family!
Celebration In the Oaks
Santa can be seen during the driving tour and will have a special interactive surprise for guests in New Orleans City Park through January 1, 2023. Open Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6-10 pm and Friday and Saturday from 5-11 pm. The cost is $40 per vehicle. Closed on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Purchase tickets.
You can also do the walking tour through the Botanical Garden at City Park and ride the rides in the Carousel Gardens amusement park.
Christmas In Lafreniere Park
Santa and other holiday characters visit Lafreniere Park on weekends from December 2, 2022, through December 30, 2022, Sunday through Thursday from 5:30-9 pm, and Friday and Saturday Night from 5:30-10 pm. The cost is $10 per car for the drive-through light show. There are also holiday entertainment and holiday refreshments to purchase.
Kenner Christmas Village
Santa, arts and crafts, holiday performances, live music, snow, lights, and more at Heritage Park in Rivertown. Every weekend from December 2 – December 18, 2022, from 5:30-8:30 pm.
Santa’s Workship
Music, holiday refreshments, holiday crafts and pictures with Santa plus do some holiday shipping at the Book Fair and Christmas Boutique on Saturday, December 3, 2022, from 10 am to 12:30 pm at Ursuline Academy. The cost is $5 per person, children under 1 are FREE. Purhcase tickets here.
St. Nick Celebration
Live music, kids’ activities, Santa second line, and more at the French Market in the French Quarter on December 10, 2022, from 10 am – 3 pm.
Cookies with Santa
Have cookies with Santa, take pictures and make a holiday craft in the The Gibbs Family Center for Innovation + Design at St. Martin’s Episcopal School on December 10, 2022 from 10 am – NOON. The cost is $20 per family. Purchase tickets here.
Lights on the Lake
Annual Christmas event at the New Canal Lighthouse (8001 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans, LA) on December 10, 2022, from 5 – 8 pm. The event starts off with the West End Boat Parade at 5:30 pm. There will also be local food trucks, holiday refreshments, live entertainment, pictures with Papa Noel, crafts, and more. This year you can park at the Robert Shopping Center behind Walgreens and take the shuttle to the lighthouse. The cost is $5 per person (children under 5 are free) and proceeds from the event benefit the Pontchartrain Conservancy. No chairs or pets are allowed.
Winter Wonder Glam
Little ones can get their hair styled with hair tinsel, get made up with glitter makeup, enjoy yummy treats and take picture with Santa at Dazzle Doll Salon & Glam Bar (2324 Barataria Boulevard #Suite 11 Marrero) on Sunday, December 11, 2022 from 10 am – 2 pm. The cost is $70 per child. Purchase tickets here.
Sensory Friendly Santa
Join the Austim Society for Greater New Orleans for Sensory Friendly Santa on Saturday, December 11, 2022 from 11:30 am – 3pm at Bad Wolf (1454 Woodland Hwy, Belle Chasse, LA). Register here for a 10 minute time slot and create winder crafts, enjoy a snack and get a picture with Santa. Each particpant will recieve a free gift and a free digital photo with Santa. Tickets are $3 for participants and $1 for caregivers (no more than 3 caregivers per family).
Milk and Cookies with Santa
Have milk and cookies with Santa and the Grinch, listen to a story, and make holiday crafts at French Press Coffee (4205 Airline Drive Metairie, LA) on Sunday, December 11, 2022 from 1-3 pm. Tickets are $10 for children (includes one milk or hot cocoa and one cookie) and $13 for one and adult and one child (includes one milk or hot cocoa and one cookie for the child and small coffee -any flavor on the menu either hot, iced, or La Freeze – for the adult.
Cookie Decorating with Santa
Sunday, December 11, 2022, from 2-3 pm at Empty Next Cafe and Bar. The cost is $15 per child and reservations are required by emailing Emptynest5050@gmail.com.
Holiday Movie Nights
Watch The Polar Express, get a picture with Santa, make holiday crafts on Friday, December 16, 2022 at 6:30 pm at the Westwego Community Center. The cost is $10 per person. Purchase tickets here.
FREE Train Rides with Santa
Ride on an open-air gondola or caboose pulled by a historic diesel locomotive on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at the Louisiana Steam Train Association (LASTA) train yard (1501 Jefferson Hwy, Jefferson, LA), Gates open at 10 am, Santa arrives at 10:30 am and free train rides will be from 11 am – 4 pm. There will also be food, drinks, and merchandise to purchase!
NOLA ChristmasFest
NOLA ChristmasFest is an indoor Christmas carnival held inside the New Orleans Convention Center from December 21-30, 2022. There are carnival rides, ice skating, ice sliding, and more. Plus Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for pictures from December 21- December 23rd from 11 am – 3:30 pm and 4:20-9 pm. Tickets also include Holiday entertainment with local musicians, dance teams, schools, etc and there is a holiday market where you can purchase gifts from local artists.
You can also Skate with Santa on December 23 from 9:30 – 11 am. Tickets include skating with Santa, holiday refreshments such as decorated donuts, festive fruits, a hot chocolate bar, and more, and entrance into the morning session of NOLA ChristmasFest.
Holiday Parades in New Orleans With Santa
Catch beads, and candy and say hi to Santa at these New Orleans Christmas Parades!
Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade
The first annual Chidlren’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade rolls on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 11am. The first of it’s kind holiday parade will include more than 20 holiday themed floats, balloons and of course Santa! The parades start in the French Market and ends at Lafayette Square with a holiday concert and family friendly fun from 1-3pm.
Norco Christmas Parade
The Norco Christmas Parade is back after a two-year absence. The parade rolls on December 4, 2022, at 1 pm and will feature the 610 Stompers, local marching bands, and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Westwego Santa Parade
Santa parades through Westwego handing out treat bags during the The Westwego Volunteer Fire Co. #1 Annual Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at 3pm.
Gretna Christmas Parade
The parade rolls on Sunday, December 4, 2022, from 5:30-7:30 pm along 5th St from Fried St. to Huey P. Long Ave than along Huey P. Long Ave between 1st and 10th Sts with Santa and local dance teams, bands and marching group.
Harahan Christmas Parade
Catch beats and candy and see Santa at the Harahana Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 12 pm. The parade starts at the Oasis Truck stop on Jefferson Hwy and ends at the Winn Dixie on Jefferson Hwy.
Jingle on the Boulevard
The fifth annual Jingle on the Boulevard rolls on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at NOON. The parade includes local marching bands, dance groups, floats and of course Santa and rolls down Crowder Blvd to Haynes Boulevard, making its way to Read Boulevard and strolling all the way to Lake Forest Plaza.
Holiday Markets in New Orleans With Santa
Get some of your Christmas shopping done with local crafters, shops, and artists, and don’t forget to say hi to Santa while you are there!
DEUTSCHES HAUS Christkindlmarket
German Christmas market with shopping, food, live entertainment, and St. Nichols with the Christkind. The market is open Friday, December 2, 2022, from 4-8 pm, Saturday, December 3, 2022, from 11 am – 8 pm, and Sunday, December 4, 2022, from 11 am.- 4 pm.
Christmas at Blossom
Meet Santa, create personalized ornaments, enjoy holiday refreshments and get 25% off your purchases at Blossom Boutique (714 Lafayette St, Gretna, LA) on Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 10 am – 3 pm.
Old Metairie Christmas Market
Christmas shopping with over 100 vendors, face painting, prizes, kids’ crafts, pictures with Santa, and more at St. Francis Xavier School on Metairie Rd. on December 3, 2022, from 9 am – 2 pm.
German Coast Farmers Market
Santa will be visitng the German Coast Farmers Market at the St. Charles Parish East Regional Library on Saturday, December 10 and 17, 2022, from 8 am – NOON.
Santa at the Market
Santa will be at the Grenta Farmer’s Market (Huey P. Long Ave between 3rd and 4th Strees) to take pictures on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 10:30 am.
Christmas at the Market
See holiday performances, visit with Santa and more at the Westwego Farmers and Fisheries on December 17, 2022 from 11 am – 4 pm.
Holiday Teas New Orleans with Santa
These elegant holiday traditions create treasured memories for children of all ages.
Teddy Bear Teas at the Roosevelt New Orleans
Christmas Tea with Santa and his elves at the Teddy Bear Tea at the Roosevelt Hotel on Canal St. at various times from December 1, 2019, through Christmas Eve. General Reserved Seating is $91 for ages 11 and up, $69 for ages 3-10, and free for children 2 and under. There is also VIP Seating available. Reserve your seating here.
Teddy Bear Tea Santa and the talented Victory Belles
Visit the National WWII Museum for this holiday treat that includes music from Victory Belles, a teddy bear gift, sweet treats, and a visit with Santa. The cost is $66 for ages 2 and up on December 10, 2022, at 10 am. Purchase tickets.
Holiday Tea Party
Snacks, storytelling, festive fun for the whole family, holiday crafts and a surprise guest (obviously Santa) at The Historic BK House & Gardens on Saturday, December 10, 2022 from 10 am – 1 pm. The cost is $25 per person for non-members and $15 per person for members. Purchase tickets here.
Papa Noel Tea
Special holiday celebration with Papa Noel at 11 am and 2:30 pm on December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17-21, 2022 at 11 a.m. or 2:30 p.m at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The cost is $75 for adulrs and $55 for children 12 and under. Reserve your seat here.
Cajun Holiday Tea With Papa Noel
Take a cruise on the Creole Queen with Papa Noel on Sunday, December 11, 2022, at 10 am and 1:30 pm! The cost is $69 for adults, $49 for children 3-12, and $15 for children 0-2. Purchase tickets here.
Free Photos With Santa
Nothing beats FREE! Here are some Christmas events in the Greater New Orleans Area where you can get your picture with Santa for free!
Pictures with Mrs. Claus
Visit 5813 Flagler St, Metairie, LA every Saturday and Sunday in December from 5-8 pm. Mrs. Claus will be on the porch waving to cars and taking pictures. You can also give her your letter to Santa!
The Cringles at Second Line Brewing
The entire family (including furbabies) is invited to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Second Line Brewing on Sunday, December 4, 2022, and Sunday, December 18, 2022, from 1-4 pm.
Photos with Santa Holiday Event
Get a free 5×7 picture plus a digital copy with Santa on Saturday, December 10, 2022, from 9 am – 1 pm at 913 Williams Blvd, Kenner, La. There will also be door prizes, holiday crafts, letters to Santa, cookies, hot chocolate, and more!
Movies Under the Stars at Spanish Plaza
Enjoy a move outside at Spanish Plaza, enjoy Christmas Treats and take pictures with Santa under the Riverwalk Christmas Tree on December 10 and 17, 2022 from 5-7:30 pm.
Movies:
- Arthur Christmas on December 10, 2022
- The Grinch on December 17, 2022
Christmas On the Bayou
Gather on Moss St. at Cabrini High School at 6 pm on December 10, 2022, for a living nativity, performances by the Cabrini Cheerleaders and Eclipse Dance Team, and candlelight caroling from the Cabrini Chamber Ensemble to welcome Santa who will arrive by boat on Bayou St. John. After Santa arrives there will be hot chocolate, treats, and Santa pictures in the cafeteria.
Christmas Fest
Free Christmas Event at St. Charles UMC in Destrehan, LA on December 16, 2022, from 5-7 pm. Live Nativity with a petting zoo, pony rides, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Christmas crafts, and more.
Photos with Santa at Don’s Seafood Hut
Have lunch or dinner at Don’s Seafood Hut on Saturday, December 17 from 2-5 pm and on Wednesday, December 21 from 6-9 pm, and take a free picture with St. Nick!
Christmas Tree Lightings with Santa
Help Santa light Chritmas Trees around the Greater New Orleans Area.
Gretna Tree Lighting
Santa lights the tree on the Huey P. Long Avenue median at 6th Street after the Gretna Christmas Parade on December 4, 2022 at 6 pm.
Wego Winter Wonderland Christmas Tree Lighting
Santa will be at Catfish Bourgeois Park on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at 6pm for the Wego Winter Wonderland tree lighting.
Santa Claus At New Orleans Area Malls
Area shopping malls are some of the best places to see Santa and get a professional picture with him!
Lakeside Shopping Center
Santa will be available for pictures through Christmas Eve in the mall’s center court. Appointments are required for pictures with Santa.
Selfies with Santa at Canal Place
Take a selfie with Santa from 11 am – 3 pm on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at Canal Place. Meet Santa, have a cookie and watch a puppet show from Calliope Puppets at 11 am and 12:15 pm.
Oakwood Shopping Center
Santa arrives at his workshop near JC Penny for pictures from December 1- 24, 2022. Reservations are encouraged.
The Esplanade Mall
The Esplanade Mall is still closed due to damage from Hurricane Ida.
Clearview City Center
Clearview Mall is currently closed due to damage from Hurricane Ida.
Breakfast with Santa Claus in New Orleans
Have breakfast or brunch (with bottomless mimosas please!) and get a picture with Santa all at the same time! It’s a great way to start the day!
Breakfast with Santa
Enjoy breakfast, crafts, and get a picture with Santa at the Harahan Lions Club on Saturday, December 3, 2022, from 9-11 am. The cost is $10 per child, adults are free.
Breakfast with St. Nick
Enjoy a hot breakfast, play games, make Christmas crafts, and get a picture with Santa (available to purchase from Loupe Photography) at Mount Carmel Academy on Saturday, December 3, 2022, from 9:30 – 11:30 am. The cost is $10 in advanced, $15 at the door, and children under one are FREE. Purchase tickets here through Friday, December 2, 2022, at 2 pm.
Teddy Bear Brunch
Have breakfast with Santa and get a teddy bear at Legacy Kitchen in Gretna (91 Westbank Expressway #51) on Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 10 am – noon and Sunday, December 4, 2022 from 9:30-11:30 am. The cost per person is determined by your breakfast order and reservations are required. Call Call (504)513-2606 for reservations.
Santa Pajama Party at the Royal Sonesta
Wear your favorite holiday pajamas while you sip on hot chocolate or warm apple cider, eat delicious food, decorate your own cookies and visit with Santa and the Sugarplum Fairy Primcess on December 3,4,10,11,17 and 18, 2022 from 9:30-11 am or 12:30-2 pm at at Restaurant R’evolution within Royal Snownesta! The cost is $80 for ages 12 and up, $55 for ages 2-12 and children under 2 are FREE. Purchase tickets here.
Pére Noël Brunch
Take a selfie with Santa, write a letter to the North Pole and have a jazz brunch with festive food and specialty cocktails at Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard (819 Conti St.) on December 10,11,17 and 18, 2022, from 10 am – 3 pm. Make reservations here!
Breakfast with Santa at the Bad Wolf
2nd Annual Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 17, 2022, and Sunday, December 18, 2022, from 9:30 am – NOON. The cost is $15 per child and includes pancakes, a drink, hot chocolate, a holiday craft, and a picture with Santa (bring your own camera). There will be a special brunch menu for adults! Reservations required! Call (504) 613-4887 to make reservations.
Jazz Brunch with Santa
Listen to a live Holiday jazz trio, enjoy a brunch buffet, visit Santa and get a special gift at the Court of Two Sisters at 10 am and 1 pm on December 19-December 22, 2022. The price is $52 for ages 13 and up, $32 for ages 5-12, and $15 for ages 0-4. Tax and gratuity are added and prepaid and reservations are required. Purchase tickets here or call 504-522-7261 ext. 24.
Did we miss any places where you can find Santa Claus in New Orleans this year? Let us know in the comments!
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