Classic holiday fun along with some only-in-New-Orleans experiences combine at NOLA Christmas Fest, celebrating its 10th year this December. It’s one of the few holiday attractions that remain open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Sarah Zanolli ice skates during the first day of NOLA ChristmasFest at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022. (Photo by Sophia Germer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
Christmas Fest includes a gingerbread village, ice-skating rink and holiday entertainment. The ice is real, so dress appropriately. Ice skating lessons are available, and visitors can rent skates (but not helmets). Go to the fest website FAQ page for details on skating.
Families will look for photo ops among the twinkling lights of the Peppermint Path entrance or around the giant tree. Professional photos with Santa are also available for an extra fee. Check times here.
Twins Coi Guidry, 5, and Cai Guidry, 5, pose during the first day of NOLA ChristmasFest at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022. (Photo by Sophia Germer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
Kids will head straight for the carnival rides, like the Jolly Jingler, Blizzard or a classic carousel.
Shoot down a Big Freezy ice flume or Santa’s Sleigh ride. And then there’s the Big Freezy bocce court, which has two lanes this year. It’s bocce … on ice.
The NOLA Christmas Fest will take place Dec. 21-30 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd. in New Orleans. Timed entries are for 4½-hour sessions.
Tickets are $25 on weekdays and $30 on Saturday and Sunday. The festival is cashless; only credit cards will be accepted.
Visit nolachristmasfest.com for more information.