There is never a shortage of things to do in New Orleans with kids, but we are oh-so-excited that this year we are adding a holiday parade to the mix! If you are looking for the ultimate guide to family-friendly events in New Orleans, we have you covered!
Win a Spot to Ride in the Inaugural Holiday Parade!
What would be more festive than winning a spot to ride in the inaugural Children’s Hospital Parade? Please be sure to read the fine print before entering. ALL riders
must be at least 8 years old, and ALL minor riders MUST have an adult with them. The winner will be chosen on Thursday, December 1 at 5:00pm and will have until Noon on Friday to reply (at which time another winner will be selected).
THE PRIZE :: The grand prize is 4 spots to ride In the parade on Saturday, December 3, 2022. All riders must be at least 8 years old. Snacks, drinks and throws are included. Riders will appear together on one of the two Children’s Hospital floats; the order of floats is not available at this time. The spots are good for the December 3, 2022 parade specifically and may not be transferred or used in future years.
Children’s Hospital Holiday Parade in Downtown New Orleans
Here comes Santa Claus, here comes…a new parade! Downtown New Orleans is going to feature all of the merry this season now that the city has a holiday parade (and yes, throws are part of the fun)!
In true New Orleans fashion, we are kicking off the holiday season with a brand new holiday parade from Children’s Hospital! All the sparkling details were unveiled at Mardi Gras World in early November, with Barry Kern introducing the parade that is set to roll Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. (so that you can get home in time to cheer for both the LSU Tigers AND Tulane Green Wave). The floats are magnificent, and the event will truly be one of a kind. Not to mention, how fun is it to tell your grandchildren one day that you were present at the very first holiday parade in New Orleans?!
More than 20 custom designed floats with animatronic props, lighting systems and special effects will be showcased in the holiday parade, along with traditional rider floats and “Macy’s-style” high flying helium balloons. And of course, a kid-friendly parade in New Orleans wouldn’t be complete without our marching groups, bands and the big man himself, Santa Claus. You can expect a similar quality of revelry, merriment and music with this holiday parade as Mardi Gras itself … but just don’t eat king cake until it’s time, ya hear us?!
Similar to Endymion, this parade WILL be broadcast on TV so if you can’t make it to the parade in person, you can at least tune in from home (on WDSU Channel 6). And like Mardi Gras, New Orleans families are encouraged to set-up along the holiday parade route to experience the joy and magic of the New Orleans holidays. Family set up is recommended anywhere from the French Market parade starting point through the parade’s end point at Lafayette Square. Of course, no New Orleans party ends without continued food and music!
“Children’s Hospital is excited to bring a world-class, family centered holiday parade to the city of New Orleans,” said John Nickens, Children’s President and CEO.
The brand new holiday parade in New Orleans will begin at the corner of Esplanade Avenue and North Peters, traveling to Decatur through the French Market. The parade will then head down Canal Street, turn left on Baronne to parade through downtown to Julia Street and end on St. Charles Avenue in front of Lafayette Square. The holiday festivities will continue there at Lafayette Square from 1:00-3:00pm with music from Rebirth Brass Band, food and more.
Learn more at nolaholidayparade.com
