Here are 10 holiday happenings to enjoy in New Orleans this weekend

And suddenly there was host of holiday happenings. It's December, dearies, and the days are shorter but the nights are packed with plenty.

The lights go on Friday for CHRISTMAS IN LAFRENIERE PARK, the annual illumination with millions (yes, millions) of lights throughout the green spaces and even the lagoon at 3000 Downs Blvd. in Metairie. There are decorations and holiday displays that appeal to all ages. In addition to the drive through aspect, there's also a walking section for those inclined to hoof it like Rudolph. The lights come on at 5:30 p.m. daily, until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, until 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, through Dec. 30. Tickets start at $10 and enter the park on W. Napoleon Avenue. Get in on the glow here.

Outdoor markets in Germany started in the Middle Ages and New Orleans is fortunate to enjoy one in Mid-City — at Deutsches Haus, that is, 1500 Moss St. CHRISTKINDLMARKT is a three-day event that features food, drink, seasonal items and handmade gifts and crafts at open-air stalls. And there will be holiday music, singing and a hearty dose of the spirit of the season, plus visits by St. Nicholas and the Christkind. Handbells are promised. The market hours are Friday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.,  Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The market is free, parking is only $5. Komm und genieße.

The legendary BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA come to the Jefferson Performing Arts Center for a Christmas gospel concert to set the seasonal style. The vocal ensemble will be perform Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the theater at 6400 Airline Drive, Metairie. Expect such holiday favorites as "Got Tell It On The Mountain," "Joy to the World" and "O Come All Ye Faithful" as well as some newer tunes like "Born In Bethlehem" and "Talkin' Christmas." Tickets start at $55. Get into the spirit of the singing here.

Like New Orleans needs another reason for parade? Of course we do. Get out the holly and the jolly and head downtown and the French Quarter for the Children's Hospital HOLIDAY PARADE Saturday at 11 a.m. Santa and his krazed krewe hits the streets at the French Market, rolls down to Canal Street, makes a loop, heads onto Tchoupitoulas infor the CBD to Julia Street, books it to Camp Street and then stops at Lafayette Square (across from Gallier Hall) for a post-parade shindig with music and vendors. Watch for floats, balloons, marching groups, bands and you-know-who. Check this list twice if you want to be nice.

Five French Quarter homes and courtyards have donned their gay apparel for the season and visitors get a chance to see inside at the SPRING FIESTA HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING, HOME & COURTYARD TOUR Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Starting at the fiesta's Townhouse at 826 St. Ann St., the self-guided tour includes holiday pastries and Christmas punch at one of the houses, plus a chance to meet Papa Noël. Tickets for the tour start at $35. Look inside for more information here.

Lace up those toe shoes and head over to the auditorium at Jesuit High School, 310 S. Solomon St., for the first of the season's many productions of "THE NUTCRACKER." The perennial December danceathon of E.T.A. Hoffman's story about a young girl, a wondrous gift of a toy nutcracker, some crazy dreams and wonderful music by Tchaikovsky has all the elements of a tall tale indeed: pirouetting sugarplums, rampaging rodents and delicious dancing from Ballet Louisiane and Hysell Ballet Arts. The productions will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets start at $20. Make like a snowflake and twirl here for details. 

Don't sit "Home Alone" and be "Frozen" with seasonal solitude. The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is having a throw-down at the Orpheum Saturday at 7:30 p.m. for the symphony's annual HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR, a big batch of musical merriment that includes the Newman School Chorus and Matthew Kraemer at the podium. Hear yuletide classics like "Carol of the Bell," "The Little Drummer Boy," "White Christmas" and "Hanukkah Festival Overture," plus music from the afore mentioned moves and more. There's also a sing-along at the 129 Roosevelt Way auditorium. Tickets start at $28. Get into the tuneful spirit here.

Speaking of parades, the Krewe of Krampus rolls Saturday at 7:30 p.m. for the KRAMPUS NOLAUF with a new route through the Bywater and Marigny that includes an accessibility row. Based on an Alpine fable of what happens to bad kids during Christmas, the walking parade will start on Royal Street near France Street, turn right onto Independence Street for the section designed to be an inclusive experience that includes audio descriptions for the blind and an ASL interpreter, plus a quiet zone for those with sensory processing needs. The roving band will turn left onto Burgundy Street, then left again on Piety Street to end at Royal. Check here for route details (on accessibility row) and more.

Saturday at 4:30 p.m., things get roasty-toasty on the Best Bank when the Algiers Economic Development Foundation lights up the night with the HOLIDAY BONFIRE AND CONCERT at 200 Morgan St., with downtown New Orleans as the backdrop for an evening of music, fun and fire. The free fest celebrates the Bayou State tradition of blazing on the levee with a singular sensational 30-foot sculptural bonfire. And hear music by Kermit Ruffins and the Barbeque Swingers, the Shades of Praise Gospel Choir and more. Plus, there's a holiday market and vendors. Get lit here.

There's storms abrewin' in the French Quarter — a hurricane and a cyclone to be exact, and it's all happening for PAT O'BRIEN'S 90TH ANNIVERSARY Sunday. The 718 St. Peter St. hotspot will be offering specials on the wind-themed beverages all day, with the Groovy 7 Band providing tunes on the patio from 4 p.m. along with Santa. There's also a chance to win a three-hour private party for 50 in the upstairs suite: a sweet deal indeed. Tickets are $10 for the raffle. Entrance to the libation institution is free. Check out the fun here.