Can you hear the sleigh bells yet? The holidays are right around the corner, and so are all of these holiday light displays happening around New Orleans homes for sale. Our real estate agents always look forward to seeing the latest additions to these beloved seasonal attractions. Come along to these five festive light shows around town and get your dose of holiday cheer.

5 Holiday Light Displays to Ring In the Season in New Orleans

Lights on the Lake

Address: 8001 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124

Lights on the Lake is a special one-night event held in support of the Pontchartrain Conservancy. Head up to the decorated New Canal Lighthouse and enjoy:

• Live music
• Fun games and activities for kids
• Delicious food from local food trucks
• The main attraction – the West End Christmas Boat Parade 

With ample viewing space next to the water, you'll get an incredible look at the fleet of illuminated yachts and motorboats as they cruise by. 

This year's event is scheduled for December 13th from 6 PM to 9 PM. Tickets are $10 per person and are free for kids under 5. 

Christmas in Lafreniere Park

Address: 3000 Downs Boulevard, Metairie, LA 70003

Jefferson Parish's Christmas in Lafreniere Park transforms the popular outdoor recreation spot into a holiday light extravaganza. Starting on November 30th, you can tour the attraction by car or on foot to see your favorite holiday scenes, characters, and iconography lit up in neon lights. Keep an eye out for many fun nods to New Orleans culture in the displays! Kids can also visit Santa's Express Mail Center to watch his team of elves at work or write a letter to him at the Elf Post Office. 

The event runs from 5:30 PM to 9 PM Sunday through Thursday and from 5:30 PM to 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets cost $10 per vehicle if purchased in advance or $15 at the gate. Guests who arrive on foot get in for free.

Caroling in Jackson Square

Address: 701 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA 70181

Not all holiday lights are electric. During Caroling at Jackson Square, hundreds of locals gather in the plaza holding lit candles and singing classic Christmas carols. The soft glow of all those tiny flames provides the perfect backdrop for this beautiful demonstration of the city's signature community spirit. 

Carolers and spectators are encouraged to head down to the square around 6:30 PM on December 21st to pick up their free candles and song sheets and find a spot to stand in the crowd. The singing begins at 7 PM and lasts about an hour. Professional carolers will be leading the group, but everyone is welcome to join in. 

Celebration in the Oaks

Address: 4 Friederichs Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70124

City Park's annual Celebration in the Oaks offers a dazzling holiday light display you can experience on foot or by car. The 45-minute driving tour takes you through two miles of parkland dotted with glowing light displays that flash in time to your favorite holiday music. You'll travel the same route on the walking tour, but you'll also get to visit:

• Storyland, a themed playground with illuminated statues of storybook characters
• The Botanical Garden, 10 acres of lush gardens with paved walkways, fountains, and festive decorations
• The Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, an illuminated wonderland where you can ride all 17 rides as many times as you want

You even get free marshmallows to toast on the park's bonfire and a cup of hot chocolate to warm you up. 

Tickets for the walking tour cost $35 per person on regular nights or $20 on value nights. You'll pay just $25 if you purchase one alongside a driving tour ticket. Driving tour tickets cost $40 per vehicle on regular nights or $25 per vehicle on value nights.

Both tours are open from 6 PM to 10 PM Monday through Thursday, from 5 PM to 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 5 PM to 9 PM on Sundays.

Lighting of Canal Street

Address: 333 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

The Lighting of Canal Street puts a glitzy holiday spin on one of New Orleans' most iconic locations. Organized by the city's Downtown Development District, this year's event begins with a kickoff celebration at Canal Place Plaza on November 25th. Starting at 3:30PM, attendees can listen to live traditional caroling, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, and chat and take pictures with Santa. 

At 5:45 PM, all the palm trees lining the street and the 40-foot Christmas tree at the Spanish Plaza will light up at once, creating a magical moment to mark the start of the city's holiday season. The lights will then turn on every evening around dusk until the start of the new year.  

Light Your Way to a Bright Future in New Orleans

New Orleans's holiday light displays never fail to impress, but they're just one part of what makes this city's festive season shine. Contact us today to kick off your search for a home in the city where every day is a celebration.