
The holiday season is fast approaching, and there's no place like NOLA to spend the holidays this year. There are so many great holiday events for all ages on the calendar near New Orleans homes for sale, whether you're looking for a magical, family-friendly holiday event or the perfect place to shop local for everyone on your list. Our real estate agents have more on holiday events for you to look forward to near New Orleans in 2025.
Experience the magic of a winter wonderland in New Orleans with the popular annual NOLA Christmasfest, which returns to the New Orleans Convention Center from December 20-29, 2025. Glide around the indoor ice skating rink, experience the thrill of the ice sliding zone, or enjoy the entertaining chaos of ice bumper cars. There's plenty more to see here, including spectacular holiday displays, exciting carnival rides, and a packed schedule of live entertainment each day. You can purchase your tickets online, with discounts available if you visit on a weekday.
Holidays at Audubon Zoo & Aquarium is the perfect event for families, with special, holiday-themed activities at both locations. The Aquarium will feature photos with Santa, the Snowflake Lobby decorated with a dazzling winter display, delicious holiday beverages, and chances to spot Santa scuba diving among the fish. At the Zoo, you can watch holiday-themed animal enrichment, stroll through a candy cane palm tree forest, sip on holiday drinks, and get special photos with Papa Noel. Holiday activities at both locations are available from November 28, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
If you love holiday lights, you won't want to miss the chance to visit Celebration in the Oaks, which you can experience from November 28, 2025, to January 1, 2026, at City Park. See your favorite NOLA park transformed with twinkling lights, holiday displays, and unlimited amusement rides for the kids. Drive through the 2-mile holiday light experience, then visit the amusement rides and Botanical Garden. In addition to being a great holiday tradition for families, this event is also an important annual fundraiser for City Park.
The Holly Jolly Market is an annual event from the Junior League of New Orleans, and an excellent place to shop local for the holidays. Shop from dozens of local vendors offering holiday decorations, handmade gifts, delicious food, and much more. The market will be open December 3-4, 2025, with a special Preview Party on the evening of December 3.
From December 6-21, 2025, the National WWII Museum will be hosting Teddy Bear Tea daily at BB's Stage Door Canteen. This family-friendly event features delicious holiday meals, sweet desserts, visits with Santa, performances from the Victory Belles, and a teddy bear for every child as a parting gift. Tickets are available online, with discounts offered for museum members.
Searching for a New Orleans home where you can make holiday memories for years to come? Start your search with our New Orleans open houses, and a helping hand from our local team. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the New Orleans, LA area.