Halloween Events
Sensory Sensitive Halloween @ Chuck E. Cheese
October 17, 2024
All Locations
9:00am-11:00am
Come for a sensory sensitive Halloween event that includes: dimmed lighting, reduced noise, and trained staff. Opens 2 hours earlier for a sensory-friendly arcade and dining experience. Any child in costume will receive 100 free E-tickets!
Autism Society of Greater New Orleans Inclusive Halloween Party
October 19, 2024
11:00am-2:00pm
Westwego Farmer’s Market 484 Sala Ave, Westwego, LA
This is a free event hosted by the Autism Society of Greater New Orleans. Open to all ages for trick-or-treating and Halloween fun, including free family photos! Costumes are not required, but are encouraged. This event is inclusive of sensory needs and dietary restrictions.
Boo at the Zoo
October 18-20, 2024
10:00am-5:00pm
Audubon Zoo 6500 Magazine Street New Orleans, LA 70118
Guests of all ages are invited to dress up in their favorite costumes to enjoy some daytime Halloween fun, including but not limited to: trick or treating, crafts, a haunted house, themed photos, air tattoos, and an A-MAZE-ing Maze.
Krewe of Boo
October 19, 2024
6:30 PM
check out link below for Parade Route
For more information, check out the link below. General Admission Cost is $38 for adults and kids, $10 for members (kids and adults). https://rb.gy/vo617
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Christmas Events
NOLA Christmasfest
Tuesday, December 21-Thursday, December 30. 2023
See tickets for timeframes (tickets are for 4.5-hour visits)
900 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130
Come for the 10th anniversary of NOLA’s Christmas fest (check website for special anniversary activities)! This indoor, family-friendly event is filled with holiday displays ranging from “a Gingerbread Village, Giant Wreath and Tree, to a newly designed ice skating rink, exciting Carnival rides, and delightful holiday entertainment.” See link below to purchase tickets ($25 for weekdays/$30 on weekends)
Harahan Christmas Parade
December 9, 2023
12:00 PM
Parade route starts at the intersection of Hord Street and Jefferson Highway
Parade route starts at the intersection of Hord Street and Jefferson Highway and proceeds through westbound lanes of Jefferson Highway. The parade route finishes at the intersection of Folse Street and Jefferson Highway.
Autism Society of Greater New Orleans’ 2nd Annual Sensory Friendly Santa
December 9, 2023
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Bad Wolf Game Store 1650 Gretna Blvd, Harvey, LA 70058
Come and join for: photos with Santa, sensory activities, crafts, and snacks (snack and crafts are provided). Tickets are $3/participant, $1/caregiver (Tickets on sale Monday, November 27, 2023) – spots are limited.
Santa Cares Day at Oakwood Mall (sensory friendly)
December 3, 2023
10:30-11:30 am
Oakwood Mall 197 Westbank Expressway, Suite 33, Gretna LA 70053 (JCPenney Wing)
Come and get your photo taken with Santa during this sensory-friendly visit – their website (Where is Santa?) notes the following accommodations: no purchase for reservation; occurs outside of normal shopping hours; advanced registration to limit the number of guests and wait time; reduced lighting and music; and a sensory-friendly trained Santa who is there to support those with special needs and their families. Walk-ups are welcome or click the link below to reserve a time.
Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Holiday Spectacular
December 2, 2023
7:30 PM
Orpheum Theater 129 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112
Hear all your favorite holiday tunes with a live orchestra to put you in the holiday spirit such as: “music from Home Alone, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and Hanukkah Festival Overture.” Click on the link below to access the full program list and to purchase tickets.
Nola Holiday Parade
December 2, 2023
11:00 AM
Starts at the French Market and makes its way through Downtown
Making its debut last year, come for the 2nd annual Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade! The parade will feature “30 holiday-themed floats, high flying helium balloons, more than a dozen dancing groups and marching bands, and a post-parade After Party with live entertainment in Lafayette Square to kick off the holiday season!”
Teddy Bear Tea at the Roosevelt
Sunday, November 26 – Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Select tickets for timeframe
130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112
Enjoy the festivities featuring “singing, dancing, story-telling, and appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus!” Includes pastries and hot chocolate, as well as champagne for the adults.
Santa Photos & North Pole Express Train at Lakeside Shopping Center
Saturday, November 18 - Sunday, December 24 2023 (train runs through 1/7/24)
Lakeside Shopping Center (Café Du Monde in Center Court)
10:00 am-7:00 pm (Mon-Saturday); 12:00 pm-6:00 pm (Sundays)
Walkups are welcome for Santa pictures or click on the link below to reserve a time.
Celebration in the Oaks
Thursday, November 23 – Saturday, December 30, 2023 (closed 12/24)
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
1 Palm Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124
Come experience this incredible light festival that has been a New Orleans tradition since the 1980s. Experience the “over a million twinkling lights through the 2.25 Driving Tour or the re-imagined Walking Tour, featuring unlimited Amusement Parke rides as well as access to the elegant Botanical Garden, or a combination of both!”
Mardi Gras Events
Marid Gras Masquerade Party
January 20, 2024
2:00 pm
The Children’s Museum. 15 Henry Thomas Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124
Come and make your own Marid Gras mask during the week of Tuesday, January 17-Sunday, January 21 at the Studio in the Park. Come on Saturday, January 20th to the Mardi Gras Masquerade (described as a wiggle part on their website) to show it off
Chewbacchus
January 20, 2024
7:00 pm
Marigny (parade starts at Franklin and St. Claude)
The Krewe of Chewbacchus features a Sci-Fi themed parade ranging from Star Wars, Doctor Who, Star Trek, aliens, STOMP Troopers (a marching krewe of neurodivergent youth), and more!
Magical Krewe of Mad Hatters
February 3, 2024
5:00 pm
Metairie (begins at intersection of Bonnabel Blvd. and Nero Street)
Bringing Alice in Wonderland to life with 26 floats with a focus on “magical entertainment”
Family Gras
Friday, February 2- Sunday, February 4, 2024
Check the parade schedule for times
Mardi Gras Plaza, 3300 block of Veterans Memorial Blvd. (across from Lakeside Mall)
Family Gras is a free celebration in Metairie to come enjoy outdoor concerts, face painting, food vendors, and games. Parades roll directly next to Family Gras activities such as: Krewe of Excalibur, Magical Krewe of Mad Hatters, Krewe of Atlas, and the Krewe of Caerus.