'Tis the weekend before Christmas and all through the land,
there's plenty to do, right here, close at hand.
As the corporate types are likely to exclaim,
plan your work — and work your plan.
Dillon Dean of Birmingham, Alabama, left, takes in the scene as fireworks and bonfires warm a chilly night on Christmas Eve Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, on the Mississippi River levee in Gramercy. Dozens of bonfires in St. John the Baptist and St. James parishes lit the way for Papa Noel, the Cajun Santa Claus, as he flew across south Louisiana to bring toys to boys and girls. The Christmas Eve tradition dates to the 1700s. (Photo by Scott Threlkeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
It's something that cannot be found anywhere else: BONFIRES ON THE LEVEE. But predictions of a wet Christmas Eve have prompted officials to move the annual pyrotechnical show to Saturday, the eve of Christmas Eve. From the Crescent City to Baton Rouge, the skies will be bright with the fires from hundreds of the pyrotechnic constructs put together by friends, families and communities. Theories about the origins of the fires vary, but the most commonly held concept is that the fires light the way for Pere Noël and his skiff pulled by gators to bring toys to all the children. The largest concentration is usually in St. James Parish and the towns of Lutcher and Gramercy, and the crowds can be plentiful. The fires start at 7 p.m. Get more details here.
People ice skate in circles during the first day of NOLA ChristmasFest at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022. (Photo by Sophia Germer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
NOLA CHRISTMASFEST kicks into high holiday gear at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center this weekend as the festival celebrates its 10th anniversary at the 900 Convention Center Blvd. location. The indoor spectacle of seasonal sensations includes ice skating on a real rink, ice slides, carnival rides, visits from characters, mini parades and a sleigh full of fun for all ages. There are special performances (the Victory Belles ring in Sunday at 12:30 p.m.) plus much more merriment. Tickets start at $25 and are for specific times. The fest opens daily at 11 a.m. Glide on the ice over here for more information.
Charlie Guidry, 6, of Lafayette, La. visits with a scuba diving Santa at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in the Great Maya Reef tunnel in New Orleans, La. Friday, Dec. 20, 2019. You can visit feeding and posing with pictures through Monday starting at 10 a.m. each day. (Staff photo by David Grunfeld, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com) ORG XMIT: BAT1912201541024027
Take the plunge Friday and Saturday when SCUBA CLAUS VISITS THE AQUARIUM at 10 a.m. at the Audubon Aquarium at the foot of Canal Street. In a special wet suit, the holly-jolly one dives into the Maya Reef tunnel exhibit to swim with the fishes. Tickets start at $35. Get wet and wild with Santa here.
New Orleans Ballet Theatre will present 'The Nutcracker' at the Orpheum Theater.
There are just three more chances to see "THE NUTCRACKER" at the Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way, before Clara and her magical memories are put aside until next holiday season. New Orleans Ballet Theatre's productions, at 2 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, feature more than 120 local children in the classic yuletide production with dancing mice, sweet treats, a mystical toymaker and Tchaikovsky's immortal melodies. Tickets start at $19. Get on your toes and get to the theater here.
Will Ferrell stars in the neo-Christmas-classic 'Elf.'
Enjoy the holiday antics of Buddy, Santa, the elves and more madcap merriment, all played by a live orchestra to accompany the film when "ELF IN CONCERT" plays at the Saenger Theatre Friday and Saturday. The 2003 Will Ferrell movie features the boy raised by elves who travels to New York during the holidays to find his real family. There's music, magic, the Central Park mounted police and spaghetti with syrup — oh, how sweet it is. The film runs at 7 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday at the 1111 Canal St. auditorium. Tickets start at $25. Get the info on the flick and sounds here.
Rosie Tran performs at Comedy House NOLA.
For one night only, there's a bunch of funny business happening at the Comedy Club when funny lady ROSIE TRAN & FRIENDS make merry mirth for two shows at the 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the 609 Fulton St. spot. Joining the New Orleans native (who now calls Hollywood home) will be Brandon Haynes, Jennifer Turbo, Amy Collins, Tina McCrory, Carin Chapman and more. Aidan Park hosts. Tickets start $20. Let Tran tickle your funny bone here.
Movie - How the Grinch Stole Christmas stars Jim Carrey Keyword Arts
Grab the kids and head to the Prytania Theatres at Canal Place at 10 a.m. Saturday for the final "Movies With Santa" flick. "HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS" is the Jim Carrey-starring live action film of Dr. Seuss' classic Grinch, complete with Whos down in the Whoville, Max the dog and a great feast with roast beast. The $10 ticket includes popcorn and a soft drink to enjoy with the movie. Check out more on the movie and the theater here.
Contributed photo by Erin Hogan -- Smooth jazz singer Phillip Manuel.
Take time to get into some festive tunes by jazz vocalist Phillip Manuel for SWINGIN' IN THE HOLIDAYS Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, 626 Frenchmen St. The baritone's annual Christmas concert and birthday celebration also features pianist Michael Pellera, guitarist Steve Masakowski, bassist Max More and Simon Lott on drums. Tickets start at $35. Get the info on Manuel here.
Comedian Sean Patton.
Laugh it up Saturday at 8 p.m. when New Orleans native SEAN PATTON pops in to The Howlin' Wolf for some holiday ha-has. The globe-trotting comedian, who now calls the Big Apple home, has made folks laugh in Australia, Ireland, Scotland, Canada and appeared on television with Jimmy Fallon, Conan and has his own special streaming on Peacock. Tickets start at $20 at the 907 S. Peters St. location. Get more information and tickets for Patton's performance here.
Flow Tribe performs during Beignet Fest at City ParkÕs Festival Grounds in New Orleans, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. (Photo by Sophia Germer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune)
Take a break from rushing around getting everything perfect for Christmas and head over to Tipitina's at the corner of Tchoupitoulas Street and Napoleon Avenue for FLOW TRIBE'S CHRISTMAS CRUNKTACULAR, a chance to jam and listen to the popular party band's hip holiday sounds. Joining the "Tribe" will be Quarx and Valerie Sassyfras for the show that starts at 9 p.m. Saturday. Tickets start at $18 for those 18 and up. Get crunky with it here.