Throw Me Something, Santa!: 15 holiday parades to catch this season in and around New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS (NOLA WEEKEND) - This holiday season, Santa will hit parade routes all around the New Orleans metro area.

This year, New Orleans gets a brand new holiday parade. The inaugural Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade promises the “first-of-its-kind” high-flying helium balloons in the city when it rolls through downtown New Orleans on Dec. 3.

The event kicks off more than a dozen parades celebrating Christmas, with many of them returning for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

After a two-year absence, the Norco Christmas Parade returns to the River Parishes. Plus, the Krewe of Krampus announced plans to bring their creepy spectacle back to the streets as a walking parade with changes to be more inclusive and address accessibility needs.

Here’s a list of holiday parades scheduled to roll this season around the greater New Orleans metro area. Check back for updates as we get them. Contact us if there are changes in schedule.

Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade

Dec. 3

The inaugural Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade will roll through the streets of New Orleans on Dec. 3.

Organizers call the new parade the “first-of-its-kind for New Orleans” and will feature several high-flying helium balloons for the first time in the city. The parade, produced by Kern Studios, will also feature custom-designed holiday-themed floats that include animatronic props, intelligent lighting systems, special effects and audio systems.

Organizers say beloved marching groups and bands will also join the lineup. The parade will roll starting at 11 a.m. The route stars at the corner of Esplanade Avenue and N. Peters Street and ends along St. Charles Avenue in front of Lafayette Square. After the parade, a holiday concert and village experience will take place in Lafayette Square with music from Rebirth Brass Band, food and more activities from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

See more details about the parade and the parade route here.

Winter on the Water Santa Street and Boat Parade

Dec. 3

The City of Mandeville welcomes Santa and Mrs. Claus into town with the Winter on the Water Santa Street and Boat Parade along the Mandeville lakefront on Dec. 3.

The Santa Street Parade starts at Pontchartrain Yacht Club, 140 Jackson Ave. (Lakeshore Drive & Jackson St.), and rolls to the Gazebo at 2623 Lakeshore Drive with a program on the lakefront (between Carroll and Carroll Streets). The street parade starts at 4 p.m. Then, a boat parade follows at 5:20 p.m.

For more information, visit www.cityofmandeville.com.

Krewe of Krampus NOLAuf Parade

Dec. 3

After two years as a drive-through parade, the Krewe of Krampus returns to the streets as a walking parade for 2022. The unique holiday parade, known as the Krampus NOLAuf, will creep through the Bywater on Dec. 3.

Organizers boast this year is “poised to be even bigger than ever.” The route starts at Parleaux Bear Lab and ends at Bratz Y’all on Royal Street.

The parade is based on the ancient Alpine tradition called Krampusnacht, or Krampus night, which is when the king of Christmas nightmares reigns. This year, the krewe welcomes welcome visitors and performers from all over the country and abroad in addition to local crowds.

Parade-goers can expect plenty of unique throws including bells, ornaments, Krampus cups and the coveted lumps of coal. The parade is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.

For more information, visit the Krewe of Krampus website.

Gretna Christmas Parade & Christmas Tree Lighting

Dec. 4

Santa will parade on Huey P. Long Avenue in Gretna to help make spirits merry. Santa will light the Christmas tree, and family-friendly festivities and refreshments will be available. The German-American Cultural Center will have pretzels, brats and beer for purchase. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Organizers say the parade route will be announced later.

See more details via the City of Gretna website.

Norco Christmas Parade

Dec. 4

After a two-year absence, the Norco Christmas Parade will roll again at 1 p.m. on Dec. 4.

The parade features Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Destrehan High School band, the Riverside Academy Band, the 610 Stompers and other marching groups.

The Norco Christmas Parade is River Parishes staple that began in the 1950s and ran through the early 1980s before being discontinued. A group of local citizens, including Weber, helped revive the parade in 2001. The annual tradition ushers in the Christmas Season for the River Parishes and the surrounding New Orleans area.

Visit the Norco Civic Association Christmas Parade Facebook page for updates.

Olde Towne Slidell Community Christmas Parade

Dec. 4

The Olde Towne Slidell Community Christmas Parade rolls on Dec. 4.

The old-fashioned parade of decorated golf carts, holiday costumes and Santa & Mrs. Claus starts in front of Slidell City Hall, 2055 Second Street, and travels to Griffith Park, 333 Erlanger Street, for the annual lighting of the Christmas trees and Christmas under the Stars.

The event happens from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Streets will begin to close to the public for the parade at 6 a.m.

More information at MySlidell.com and on the City of Slidell Facebook page.

Merry Madisonville

Dec. 4

Ring in the holiday season with the 14th annual Merry Madisonville Parade and Celebration on Dec. 4.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will help kick off a day of fun with a Christmas Parade rolling at 2 p.m. The parade begins at the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum, 133 Mabel Drive, and ends at Madisonville Park and Playground, 1007 Pine Street.

After the parade, festivities continue at Madisonville Park and Playground with light displays, entertainment, kids activities, hot cocoa and photos with Santa.

Find more details here.

Lights on the Lake Celebration and Boat Parade

Dec. 10

The Pontchartrain Conservancy hosts the annual Lights on the Lake Celebration and Boat Parade at the New Canal Lighthouse on Dec. 10.

It’s a great spot to view the West End Boat Parade. This year, free parking will be available for attendees at the Robért Fresh Market parking lot in Lakeview with a free shuttle bus to the event.

In addition to the parade, the event will provide food from local food trucks, refreshments, kids’ crafts, educational activities and pictures with Santa.

Head to the website for more event details.

Ponchatoula Christmas Parade

Dec. 10

The Ponchatoula Chamber of Commerce hosts the 2022 Ponchatoula Christmas Parade on Dec. 10. The parade will start at Memorial Park and will travel through Downtown Ponchatoula, ending at the Ponchatoula Junior High School. The parade rolls starting at 5 p.m.

Lollipops Christmas Parade

Dec. 10

The Lollipops marching group throws its inaugural Christmas parade in downtown Covington at 4 p.m. on Dec. 10.

The parade route starts on N. Jefferson Avenue near the Covington Courthouse, turns right on N. Columbia Street, right on E. Gibson Street and right on N. New Hampshire Street before ending back at the courthouse. The Covington Fire Department will bring Santa to the Trailhead to meet with the kids. The Northshore Food Bank will have its van in the parade accepting donations along the route.

Folsom Horse and Wagon Christmas Parade

Dec. 10

In the heart of St. Tammany Parish, Santa arrives by horse-drawn wagon in the Folsom Horse and Wagon Christmas Parade on Dec. 10.

Organizers say this year’s theme is “Jingle Bell Rock,” and participants riding in the parade compete for awards, such as “Best Themed Wagon.”

The parade starts at 1 p.m. on Highway 40 West, just outside of Folsom, turns left on Austin Street, right on Canton Street, right on Olive Street, right on Railroad Avenue, right on Rosa Cryer Street, right on Wes Burris and right on Broadway Street, before ending back at Highway 40 West.

For updates, visit the Facebook page.

Hammond Christmas Parade

Dec. 16

The Rotary Club of Hammond 64th annual Christmas Parade rolls in Hammond at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 16.

Organizers says this year’s theme is “Lion Up! Christmas!” The lineup is at Southeastern’s University Center parking area, and the parade disbands at the parking lot adjacent to the University Center on University Avenue.

Harahan Christmas Parade

Dec. 17

The Harahan Christmas Parade will roll with floats, trucks and marching groups at noon on Dec. 17. The parade starts at Oasis Truck Stop at 6025 Jefferson Highway and follows the traditional westbound route on Jefferson Highway and disbands after turning onto Folse Avenue.

Jingle on the Boulevard

Dec. 17

First launched in 2018, the Jingle on the Boulevard Parade returns to New Orleans East at noon on Dec. 17.

Organizers say this year’s parade will feature floats, Santa, dance groups, bands, the Krewe of Nefertiti Queen and Miss Black Louisiana USA 2023.

The parade starts on Crowder Boulevard at Morrison Road, turns right on Hayne Boulevard, turns right on Read Boulevard and right and Lake Forest Boulevard, before ending at Lake Forest Plaza.

Eden Isles Christmas Boat Parade

Dec. 17

The annual Eden Isles Christmas Boat Parade is a longtime community tradition and features lighted boats The parade is annually held on the third Saturday of December. A costume contest starts at 4 p.m. at Phil’s Marina cafe, with the parade starting afterward at dusk.

Visit the website and Facebook page for more information.

*All dates and information are subject to change.

Contact us if there are changes in your parade schedule.

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