New Orleans Christmas Fest
New Orleans Christmas Fest is back with a 12-day event Dec. 17-22 and 25-30 at the New Orleans Convention Center. There will be two sessions per day with a timed entry for each session. The tentative timetables will be 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m. each day except Christmas Day, which will have a single 2 p.m.-7 p.m. window. Space will be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The festival will once again feature a real indoor ice-skating rink, ice slides, carnival rides, Santa and his friends, gingerbread houses, decorated trees, and more. Special events will include a nightly story time, skating with Santa on Dec. 18, and live broadcasts of the Saints’ games vs. the Buccaneers and the Dolphins on, respectively, Dec. 19 and 27. There will also be a virtual meet-and-greet on Dec. 20 and 27 where children can ask one of Santa’s elves questions.
For the most up-to-date information about the festival and to purchase tickets, visit NOLAChristmasFest.com.
TRY THIS
2021 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
On Dec. 18, football fans should check out the 2021 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl at the Caesars Superdome. The matchup will feature leading teams from the Sun Belt Conference vs. Conference USA. NewOrleansBowl.org.
Teddy Bear Tea at the National WWII Museum
It’s tea time at the museum. December 4, 11, and 18, the National WWII Museum’s BB’s Stage Door Canteen is hosting Teddy Bear Tea, with delicious treats, live music from the Victory Belles and visits with Santa. NationalWW2Museum.org.
“The Flight: A Father’s War, A Son’s Search”
Louisiana journalist and author Tyler Bridges tells the story of Bridges’ father, Richard, a WWII pilot who survived a German attack on his plane by parachuting out shortly before it exploded. He was later captured behind enemy lines and became the first American prisoner of war in Hungary. After being transferred to a different POW camp in Yugoslavia, he was able to escape and hid with local rebels before being taken to safety in Italy by British troops.
Richard’s story was untold until after his death in 2003. Tyler’s research led him to the families of Richard’s other crewmates. The subsequent narrative is both a fascinating real-life historical thriller and a touching memoir about fathers and sons.
Listen to This
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Get yourself into the holiday mood with Mannheim Steamroller, playing Christmas favorites for one night only at the Saenger Theater on Dec. 23. SaengerNOLA.com
Celebration in the Oaks
City Park’s largest fundraiser is back this year Nov. 25-Jan. 2. Visitors can drive the tour experience (30-45 minutes), visit the Carousel Gardens experience, or both. More than 1 million twinkling lights will be scattered throughout the park. The Carousel Gardens will feature 18 rides, plus a festive outdoor bar in the Botanical Garden.
Driving tours will be limited to eight guests per vehicle in sedans and SUVs, $39.99. Carousel Gardens passes can be added to a driving tour purchase for $25, or purchased on its own for $35, and includes unlimited rides, marshmallow roasting, a cup of hot chocolate, and a new festive train experience with on-board entertainment.
Visit NewOrleansCityPark.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
