It's beginning to look a lot like hectic — holiday happenings are hopping and there are lights, cameras and plenty of action.
Scenes from Luna Fete 2021 at the Morial Convention Center, New Orleans
It's perfectly acceptable to be a "Luna-tic" this weekend for the annual light-tastic LUNA FÊTE X and the LUNA BALL. The free festival of art, tech and light fills the promenade at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center with expansive collaborations and even runs to the West Bank city of Gretna with projections, interactive elements and more. The glow gets the go from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday to Sunday. The ball features colorful couture by Vanshawn Branch and Renée Johnson, a fashion show and more Saturday at 6 p.m. in the convention center's atrium. Tickets for the ball start at $150. Light it up here for more details on both.
Visitors experience the Gaia Trail crystals installation created by Breanna Thompson and Gabrielle Tolliver at the Greenway Supernova light-based art exhibit on the Lafitte Greenway in 2020.
Downtown is the only space to glow as Mid-City lights up the night at the Lafitte Greenway for SUPERNOVA, a weekend light show billed as "a cosmic community celebration" with art installations, music and food vendors, plus a holiday art market. The Friday and Saturday event, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 436 N. Norman C. Francis Parkway will feature such talents as Saxkixave, Bon Bon Vivant, Sierra Greet and the Giants and a silent auction. Light up the night here.
The Marine Forces Reserve Band plays at the Goldring/Woldenberg Great Lawn in New Orleans City Park for the 3rd of July celebration in New Orleans on Monday, July 3, 2023. (Photo by Chris Granger | The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com)
Danny O'Flaherty holds holly with a wren.
It's a big weekend at Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Drive in Metairie, for two days of holiday happenings and good deeds sure to make even a "scrooge" smile. THE MARINE FORCES RESERVE BAND CONCERT Friday gets started at 5:30 p.m. when the arts center gets its halls decked with hot chocolate, cookies, carols and a visit from Santa. Then at 7 p.m., the military musicmakers take the stage for a free holiday concert. On Saturday DANNY O'FLAHERTY'S CELTIC CHRISTMAS looks at the holidays at 2 p.m. with emphasis on music, stories and dancing from the Celtic regions of Scotland, Ireland, Wales and more. Tickets for the show start at $27. There's also information on donations for coats, food and toys. Get more information on both here.
Hanukkah is observed with gifts for children and the lighting of the candles in the ceremonial lamp call a menorah.
Celebrate the season of light with festive fun Friday at 6 p.m. when Temple Sinai, 6227 St. Charles Ave., hosts CHANUKAH ON THE AVENUE. The Jewish eight-night celebration begins with a lighting of the menorah followed by a latke and brisket dinner. Shabbat of Chanukah service starts at 7 p.m. RSVP for the evening of fun and worship here.
Medalists from the 2022 Jingle Bell Run.
Bucktown Marina in Metairie will be the spot for the JINGLE BELL RUN, a benefit for the Arthritis Foundation at 9 a.m. Saturday at 1628 Carrollton Ave. in Jefferson Parish. The 5K, which awards medals in each age group, is a festive gathering that supports research for treatments and cures. A kids' fun run for a mile starts at 9:45 a.m. A costume contest is planned at 10:15 a.m. with awards to follow. Participation starts at $30. Dickie Longo, winner from 2022, will be the ambassador. Jingle over here for more jangle.
The Tea Party is a tradition at the French Quarter's Historic BK House.
A special friend will make an appearance at the BK House Tea Party Saturday.
The Historic BK House at 1113 Chartres St. in the French Quarter gets in on the holiday hoopla with a couple of days of dazzling dos. The TEA PARTY Saturday at 10 a.m. is a time to doll up the tots and enjoy storytelling, holiday crafts, activities, a "visit from a special friend" and, of course, treats. Tickets start at $15 and are required for all. Then at 6 p.m. Sunday, Tim Laughlin and Yolanda Robinson lead a sleigh-full of entertainers for the MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS CONCERT with Ed Wise, Eric Merchant and more more. Tickets start at $40. Plenty more happening so check it all out here.
Participants take off during the 11th Annual Running of the Santas in New Orleans, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022. The annual boozy run/walk through the Warehouse District started at the Mannings and ended at Generations Hall. A portion of the funds goes to That Other May Live Foundation. (Photo by Sophia Germer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
Head out for the RUNNING OF THE SANTAS Saturday starting at 2 p.m. The pub prowl of plural Papa Noëls starts at Mannings, 519 Fulton St. (the South Pole) and promenades to Generations Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd. (the North Pole) for a party. The day begins with food and beverages and a costume contest at 5 p.m.; Santas "take flight" at 5:45 p.m. using S. Peters Street to traverse the Warehouse District. The Bucktown All Stars will be waiting at the North Pole for good times and more. Tickets start at $30. Check out the up-to-date information here.
The Uptown Lady decorated for the West End Christmas Boat Parade. The boat has been a winner in the static light category for a number of years. The owner only uses waterproof LED lights.
Arrrgh, mateys. There be reindeer on the waves at West End and lots of lights and fun when the WEST END BOAT PARADE sets sail Saturday at 5:30 p.m. along the Lake Pontchartrain waves around the New Canal Lighthouse at 8001 Lakeshore Drive. The parade bobs along with illumination and imagination, while the Pontchartrain Conservancy hosts its annual LIGHTS ON THE LAKE event to watch, with crafts, treats, performances and concessions. Admission is $10 to the lighthouse for the fun. Set sail for Santa sightings here.
Members of the 17th Hard Hitters join the Women of Class Social Aid & Pleasure Club's second-line in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023. (Photo by Scott Threlkeld, The Times-Picayune)
Rolling through neighborhoods Saturday at 6 p.m. will be the annual GERT TOWN COMMUNITY WINTER FEST CHRISTMAS PARADE AND TOY GIVEAWAY, a combination fun and feel-good opportunity. The pre-parade fun at 4 p.m. at 2977 Audubon St. includes arts and crafts, a toy and coat giveaway, a holiday meal and "snow." The parade, which may roll early for weather, will feature the Free Agents Brass band, the 17th Hard Hitters, mini-floats and the Clauses. On Sunday, household items will be distributed at the same spot. Check out the route and more here.
In this film publicity image released by Warner Bros. Pictures, from left, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and Daniel Radcliffe are shown in a scene from 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.'
Any Potterphile will know this is the time of year to celebrate in style and the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, has just the magical moment: HARRY POTTER YULE FESTIVAL Sunday at noon. The program for all ages is based on the series by J.K. Rowling and will offer both magical and muggle the chance to enjoy crafts and activities, a scavenger hunt, sweets from the Treat Trolley, a magic show by Winston Helling Jr. and a sewing demo for making house crest quilted ornaments. Wingardium leviosa, indeed.