Each year, the 30-foot glittering holiday tree outside of Poydras Home beckons all — including Santa Claus — to get in the mood for the holidays.
And despite the rain on Nov. 30 giving the city a soggy ambiance, the fifth annual Poydras Home Holiday Tree Lighting and Music Festival delivered cheer.
The aforementioned tree, located on the corner of Magazine Street and Jefferson Avenue, is officially lit on this night, signifying the start of the holiday season for Poydras Home residents and their families.
The party was moved indoors to the newly renovated historic 1857 Hall, part of the Poydras Home Reimagined project, now called the Center For Healthy Living. This new space encompasses a wide variety of amenities designed to benefit all Poydras Home residents.
Residents and their families, including children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were joined by patrons and supporters to enjoy music from Thais Clark and Her Jazzsters, followed by the Shades of Praise gospel choir. Photos could be taken with Santa in front of another holiday tree, this one decorated by Poydras Home residents, and face painting was provided by creative elves.
The popular stocking stuffer raffle returned with a $25 ticket buying a chance to win a $100 gift certificate to one of six New Orleans eateries: Ralph’s On the Park, Jacques-Imo’s, Langenstein’s, Mr. John’s Steakhouse, Vincent’s Italian Cuisine and the Creole Creamery, which also donated two seasonal ice cream flavors to the party.
