Where to See Christmas Lights in New Orleans

If you are looking for things to do in New Orleans with kids, you have come to the right place. New Orleans Mom is the city’s premier website for living in New Orleans with kids, and the holiday season is no exception! Here is a comprehensive list of where to see Christmas lights in New Orleans – Happy Holidays!

Where to See Christmas Lights in New Orleans

This 2025 Christmas season in New Orleans is sure to be in full swing, with tons of family-friendly activities, traditions, and LIGHTS! I think we can all probably agree that we are all in need of some serious Christmas cheer! Whether you get that cheer from Christmas shopping, hosting a  social, or decorating your own home, we invite you to explore our list of cheerful Christmas light displays in and around New Orleans.

Pro-Tip :: Worried about where to park to see some of these featured holiday events? Check out our guide to parking in and around New Orleans.

Special thanks to our title sponsor: Ochsner Children’s Hospital!

Hot Spots for New Orleans Christmas lights (Businesses) ::

Celebration in the Oaks – It wouldn’t be a Christmas lights guide without mentioning the long-time traditional experience of Celebration in the Oaks. With over a million gleaming lights to get lost in, this brightly lit event offers so many kid-friendly opportunities to both view and interact with Christmas lights. City Park is still offering their 2.25-mile driving tour option that allows families to take a (warm & comfortable) 30 – 47 minute drive through millions of dazzling and dancing lights. Make sure to tune into 103.7 upon arrival for your Christmas classics. Your tickets must be purchased online in advance for both the walking & driving tours. For the walking tour, enjoy unlimited rides, roasting marshmallows, hot chocolate, the decked-out Botanical Gardens, and a festive train ride. There will be lots of photo opportunities, a “snowy” area, and the Dancing Light Show in the Carousel Gardens are all of which are also returning. CITO will begin on November 28th and last until January 1st this year. Tickets go on sale on November 1st!

Waldorf Wonderland – A classic New Orleans tradition and one of the most beautifully photographed is the Waldorf Wonderland Lobby in the historic New Orleans Roosevelt Hotel. With bright white lights covering an entire city block’s length of the lobby, this White Winter Wonderland is definitely a sight to see and photograph. In 2021, The Roosevelt added even more magic to their display, featuring double the amount of bows, garlands, and 20,000 additional lights than what we’ve seen in previous years. A definite crowd-favorite, this downtown lobby is a fun walk for children and a gorgeous photo op for you and yours!

New Orleans Hotel Lobbies – Many of the hotels in New Orleans get in the holiday spirit from Christmas Tree Land at the Royal Sonesta to one of the biggest trees in the city at the Windsor Court! Other hotels, such as Hotel Monteleone and Le Pavillon, have traditional Christmas decor as well.

Greenway Supernova – Enjoy the Greenway Supernova on Lafitte Street in New Orleans. This free light walk is held on the Lafitte Greenway in Mid-City and is home to art installations from local artists. Save the date for December 11th – 13th!

Christmas in the Park (Lafreniere Park) – This particular event seems to get bigger and better each year. Lafreniere Park has over 10 million dazzling lights displayed through an array of themes ranging from Disney to Marvel, to Star Wars, and much more! With a driving tour available for purchase or the choice of a walking tour, the 39^th annual event will take place November 30th through December 29th (closed Christmas Day). Families have plenty of photo opportunities as well as elaborate scenes to view showcasing elves working in Santa’s workshop, artificial snow to play in, and special appearances on weekends by Frosty, Rudolph, the Grinch, Elf, and even Santa himself! Tickets are $10 per car in advance or $15 at the gate. No cash! Purchase here to save!

Kenner’s Heritage Park Christmas Village – Historic Rivertown is embellished with thousands of twinkling lights stretching from the railroad tracks all the way to the river. Families can stroll through the festive displays, enjoy nightly “snowfall”, and shop with the unique Christmas vendors set up nightly. The Planetarium theater puts on a holiday laser light show sure to wow the kiddos right across the street. This event is free and happens daily from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm between november 30th to December 31st, but vendors and entertainment areon  Fridays and Saturdays only.

Lights on the Lake – This holiday celebration is back for its 12th year! Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and bring your family to enjoy a magical evening filled with festive lights and holiday cheer. This event promises the best view of the annual West End Boat Parade, a stunning display of beautifully decorated boats lighting up the lake. Admission for all is $15 (free for children five and under), and tickets to the event will be sold at the door and online. No pets or chairs are allowed.

Winter Lantern Festival :: Celebrate the cold season like never before at Winter Lantern Festival in Westwego, starting November 14th through January 5th — a limited-time event where art, tradition, and technology light up the night. Set in a charming outdoor space, it’s perfect for cozy evening strolls and unforgettable memories. Tickets are limited — don’t miss the magic! Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on October 16th!

Northshore Christmas Events

Eden Isles Christmas Boat Parade – Come see Santa on a Sailboat! This traditional boat parade will showcase boats “decked” out with Christmas lights on the water! The parade is set to sail in St. Tammany on December 20th for this season and starts at Dusk. You can sign yourself up to participate on their website or check their Facebook page for updates on viewing.

Slidell’s Bayou Christmas – Slidell’s Bayou Christmas returns to Heritage Park! Come enjoy the festivities on Friday, 12/12 through Sunday, 12/14 and on Friday, 12/19 through Tuesday, 12/23. This annual holiday event, sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club of Slidell and the City of Slidell, features live entertainment, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, an ice skating rink, kiddie rides, food and craft vendors, narrated Nativity scene created by artist Lori Anselmo, plus other special holiday surprises. Admission is free, but donations to the Boys and Girls Club are welcomed. The lights will be on each night in Heritage Park.

Lollipops Christmas Parade – On Saturday, December 13th at 3 pm in Downtown Covington, experience the Christmas Parade. Bring a food item for the Northshore Food Bank, and Santa’s elves will collect your canned goods on the parade route.

26th Annual Holiday of Lights – Parish President Mike Cooper and the Tammany Trace Foundation present the 26th annual Holiday of Lights in all its glittering glory, with free fun for children and families. The event features performances by local school children on December 5th – 6th and 12th – 13th from 6 pm – 8:30 p.m. Lighted displays continue as a drive-thru experience from dusk ’til dawn through December 31. Sing along with carolers, visit with Santa, ride the kiddie rides, enjoy fare from local food truck vendors, and get a photo with Santa for a small fee. All food trucks will be located directly behind the Holiday of Lights stage on Koop Drive. Performances will be held on Fridays and Saturdays of the first two weekends in December. The daily schedule of events will be announced as the event nears so make sure you check the website.

Northshore Christmas Lights (Residential) ::

42620 Sac Au Lait Drive – This house puts on a great Halloween display, but an even better Christmas display that actually goes across several yards next to it. It features a full-sized sleigh with a giant Santa Claus that makes for a great photo opportunity. Everything from the roof to the ground is decorated, as well as lights that dance to your favorite Christmas tunes! Peek below for a picture from a previous year’s display.

Behind Perlis on Causeway Approach – In Mandeville, many residents have told us about a huge Christmas lights display that can’t be missed! Check it out!

Hot Spots for New Orleans Christmas lights (Residential) ::

Grandlake Estates in Kenner – This neighborhood typically has some great houses decorated for the holidays. Make sure to drive through with the kids on your Christmas lights tour. The Grinch will make an appearance on December 20th from 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. at 3261 Grandlake Blvd. Stop by for a picture, candy, and Christmas fun!

Corrine Street in Chalmette – Another crowd favorite to drive by and see some festive sights, Corrine Street is one of New Orleans Moms’ favorite streets in the Parish for holiday lights.

4 Keplar Court, Kenner – Beginning on Black Friday, this particular home will not only put on its traditional magical display of lights and figurines but will incorporate classic Christmas movie displays projected on the large roof for all to pass by and enjoy. The owner will have a 15-minute Christmas “projection” display! It will include two separate movie scenes, one from How the Grinch Stole Christmas and another from Nightmare Before Christmas of Jack Skeleton singing “What’s This?” This idea was a big hit for his Halloween displays; you’re in for a treat this Christmas.

3257 E Lafourche Ct, Kenner – Another fun show of dancing lights, this home will have you pulling over and rolling the windows down to hear movie scenes and enjoy music.

4916 James Drive, Metairie – This house in Metairie is amazing once again! From its very own display to the synchronized candy canes going down the block, be sure not to miss this display!

3805 Palmisano St, Chalmette – Multiple tall LED-lit trees, flashing lights scattered about the lawn, and Christmas displays projected onto the front of the house. This family goes all out to put on a show for anyone driving by. They even encourage you to park in front of the house, tune into 103.5 FM, and enjoy the synced light show for a lively display of Christmas fun.

2505 Riverland Street – This residence, just two streets from Chalmette High School’s main campus, took Christmas décor to a whole new level. Not only are there life-sized Disney and Classic Christmas figurines as well as a nativity scene, but the entire lot is “fenced” in with endless strands of colorful lights designating the property lines but also adding to the rainbow of lights and incredibly bright display.

4521 Alexander Street – This house north of W Esplanade has a synchronized light show featuring 9 different songs. Be sure to tune your radios to 90.3 FM.

4444 Chalfant Dr – This year’s theme is “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and lights will be shining bright from 12/1 – 12/29 from 5 pm – 10 pm. Come kick off the holiday season on December 7th from 6 pm – 9 pm as Santa will make an appearance along with other special guests like Minnie Mouse, Frosty, Rudolph, Snow White, and Buddy the Elf!

Holiday House of Destrehan, Devereaux Drive – Up for a little drive? Head over to the Holiday House of Destrehan. They had an amazing Halloween display and plan to make their Christmas display just as great! Santa will also be coming to town from 5 pm – 7 pm on 12/14! Stop by to get your picture taken and you might get a little treat! There is even a mailbox to use for mailing those lists to Santa!

4032 Lake Trail Drive, Kenner – Come see Boudreaux and Marie, the talking snowmen! Starting November 29th, Boudreaux and Marie will make their appearance after being brought to life by Santa so they can talk with all of their friends.

Other residential blocks with homes traditionally decorated, worth adding to your lights list – This list started in 2020, so please check back with the Jefferson Holiday Display Facebook Group Page for updates and more fabulous homes to check out this season!

• 900 block of Carnation Ave, Metairie 70001
• 1600 & 4500 block of Transcontinental Dr, Metairie, 70003
• 2500 block of Selles St, Metairie 70003
• 3700 block and 4000 block of Neyrey Dr, Metairie 70002
• 4600 block of Beau Lac Ln, Metairie, 70002
• 4700 block of Lorino St, Metairie, 70006
• 4808 Marseilles Place, Metairie 70002
• 3900 block of Green Acres Rd, Metairie, 70003
• 4600 block of Wade Dr, Metairie, 70003
• 3400 block of Maine Ave, Kenner, 70065
• 4300 block of David Dr, Metairie, 70003
• 3000 block of Texas Ave, Kenner, 70065
• 3200 block of Grandlake Blvd, Kenner, 70065
• First block of Dauterive Ct, Kenner, 70065
• 20 block of Grandbay Ct, Kenner, 70065
• 3000 block of E Louisiana State Dr, Kenner, 70065
• 3300 block of Continental Dr, Kenner, 70065
• 30 block of Clevner St, Kenner, 70065
• 3900 block of Lake Trail Dr, Kenner, 70065
• 60 block of Monterrey Ave, Kenner, 70065
• 1900 block of Indiana Ave, Kenner, 70062
• 2000 block of Maryland Ave, Kenner, 70062
• 1700 block of Mason Smith Ave, Metairie, 70003
• 800 block of Airline Park Blvd, Metairie, 70003
• 500 block of Little Farms Ave, New Orleans, 70123
• 100 block of Normandy Ave, New Orleans, 70123
• 5017 Elmwood Pkwy, Metairie, LA 70003
• 4700 block of Barnett St, Metairie, LA 70006
• 4800-5000 block of Folse Drive, Metairie, LA 70006
• 4600-4800 block of Lake Vista Drive, Metairie, LA 70006
• Corner of Sauve Rd & Jefferson Hwy, River Ridge, LA 70123
• Norton Avenue in Harahan
• Corner of Canal Street & South Murat
• 248 Citrus Rd, River Ridge, LA 70123

Up for a drive?! We encourage you to visit our neighbors out West to see all of the amazing light displays in the Baton Rouge area and Lafayette area and even take part in some fun holiday activities as well.

The Merriest Mile – This is Livingston Parish’s premier drive-through Christmas light spectacular! Located at the Livingston Parish Fairgrounds, they offer a magical, memorable holiday experience for the whole family running from November 28th – December 28th. Enjoy the magic from your car and see if you can spot the hidden red crawfish and green alligators! More information about this event. including times and ticket prices, can be found here.

Holly Jolly Holidays :: Take a ride to Holly Jolly Holidays in Oxford, MS, for family-friendly fun from November 22 to January 4. Enjoy Oxford on Ice and the Walk of Lights!

Get your shine on and be the LIGHT this Christmas season to spread the cheer we all need this year!

(Did we miss a display?! Please let us know, and we can add it to our list! May your days be merry and BRIGHT!)