Now that the turkey has been put away, it's time to really get geared up for the holiday season, starting for some with hectic shopping and for others with football and fun. There's also plenty of sparkly stuff to get the heaux, heaux, holidays happening. Ready, set, December!
Grambling's Tiger Marching Band performs during halftime of the 49th Bayou Classic against Southern Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Southern won 34-17. (Photo by Scott Threlkeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
It's time for the?BAYOU CLASSIC, with a?weekend of events surrounding the gridiron match of Southern and Grambling State universities, kicking off at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Caesars Superdome. But the Crescent City will be filled with parties, gatherings and more including the?BATTLE OF THE BANDS AND GREEK SHOW?at 6 p.m. Friday in the dome, a?WELCOME GALA?at 8 p.m. Friday in Generations Hall in the Warehouse District, and the?FAN FESTIVAL?from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday in Champions Square. Tickets for events vary. Score on the information about all the happenings here.
Meet Toasty the Snowman a new Celebration in the Oaks character
CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS,?City Park's annual illuminated fantasy world, opens to the public Friday and runs through Jan. 3. Take driving or walking tours to see millions of lights in a variety of displays on the 2.25-mile route through the park starting on Wisner Boulevard at Friedrichs Avenue. Tours can be combined to enjoy the ride and the stroll through the Carousel Gardens and Botanical Garden. The park is open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. weekends and Sundays, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets must be purchased in advance, starting at $20 for vehicles and walking. Get the lowdown on the lights here.
Sebastian Gross, 3, gets an up close look at the holiday lights during the 35th annual Christmas in the Park at Lafreniere Park in Metairie on Sunday, December 5, 2021. The event includes over 10 million LED lights along with elaborate decorations and festive lighted displays. Driving and walking tours through the exhibit are available Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Admission is $10 dollars per vehicle for the event that runs through Thursday, Dec. 30th. Credit and debit cards only. No cash will be taken at the gate. (Photo by Brett Duke, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
Starting Sunday, Metairie's urban green space at 3000 Downs Blvd. becomes a winter wonderland of lights and displays that set the season ablaze with color and wonder for CHRISTMAS IN LAFRENIERE PARK. Throughout December, the twinkling sights will be alight, ranging from Saint-sational sights to Imperial walkers from "Star Wars," from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturday. Remember to enter the park on the West Napoleon Avenue side. Tickets start at $10. Get jolly with it here.
Kenner Christmas Village runs through December.
KENNER'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS VILLAGE gets the lights going in this Jefferson Parish city at Heritage Park in Rivertown, 2015 Fourth St. The annual display opens Sunday and runs through December from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. nightly. Fridays and Saturdays will see vendors and live entertainment but opening night (Sunday) will feature an "Elvis My Way" concert with Brandon Bennett. During the season, there's also snow, music, food, arts and crafts and, of course, Santa. Get in on the Kenner lights here.
Destrehan Plantation house on Friday, Oct. 21, 2016.
The season celebration in the River Parishes adds some twinkle to the air when?THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS?at Destrehan Plantation opening Friday and running through Dec. 26. The event is a benefit for the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center?and is a family-friendly Christmas tour held in the alley of the oaks at the historic home. Held nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the quarter-mile walking tour through the oaks includes 60 illuminated frames, 50 Christmas trees and a lighted tunnel. There are also activities for all ages, including an option for pony rides. Admission is $5 and the home is located at 13034 River Road in Destrehan, just off exit 6 on I-310. Saddle up for some holiday fun here.
The Old Algiers Main Street Corporation gets into the swing of the season with a?HOLIDAY ART MARKET AND SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY as part of the Home Grown Holidays in Old Algiers. The market will be held in Delcazal Park at the corner of Seguin Street and Opelousas Avenue from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A variety of local artisans and merchants will be on hand with holiday gifting ideas. Check out more here.
The third annual Olde Towne Slidell Community Christmas Golf Cart Parade rolled on Dec. 4.
The northshore gets festive with a unique twist Saturday for the?OLDE TOWNE SLIDELL COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS GOLF CART PARADE? from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Decorated golf carts, riders in holiday costumes and even Santa and Mrs. Claus will start in front of City Hall, 2055 Second St. and head to Griffith Park for the annual lighting of the Christmas trees. The at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Auditorium, its Mayor Cromer's?UGLY SWEATER CHARITY GALA with live music, and (of course) a sweater competition, plus the Grinch's Giving Tree and more to benefit Peggy's Playground to add equipment for children differing abilities. Tickets for the gala are $50.?
On Sunday, there will be a light in the east for sure — New Orleans East when?GREATER LIGHTS ON READ BOULEVARD?illuminates the area at 5600 Read Blvd. at 5:30 p.m. The inaugural event, by the Greater St. Stephen Ministries, will feature hot chocolate, carol singing and a light display, plus giveaways and more. Get more information about the event and sponsor here.
Santa waits for photos with children at the annual Gretna Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade Sunday on Huey P. Long at the arch. (Dinah Rogers Photo)
The holiday spirit gets going in Gretna Sunday for the?GRETNA CHRISTMAS PARADE AND TREE LIGHTING?starting at 5 p.m. along Huey P. Long Avenue. Santa lights the Christmas tree, and the majestic oaks will be ablaze with lights as well, heralding the season where folks can rent some of the tents for holiday picnics under the glittering greenery. There will be family activities and refreshments; the German-American Culture Center will have concessions. You'd certainly re-GRETNA missing this!