Christmas Events for Kids in New Orleans (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

13 min read

The New Orleans area has 13 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Storytime with the Grinch! in Metairie on November 5 to Holidays at Audubon Zoo: Papa Noel in New Orleans, which runs through January 3. 7 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Louisiana, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 13 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in New Orleans for 2026, in New Orleans, Harahan, Kenner, Metairie and Terrytown
  • First: Storytime with the Grinch!, Metairie, November 5. Runs latest: Holidays at Audubon Zoo: Papa Noel, New Orleans, through January 3
  • Free: Storytime with the Grinch!, Kenner's Magical Christmas Village, Harahan: Tales for Tots: Rudolph Story and Handprint Craft, Color Flow Icing Cookies, Harahan: Tales for Tots: The Night Before Christmas Santa Craft, Harahan: Crafts for Kids: Holiday Beading Ornaments Activity and Kitchen Kids: Christmas Gumbo Cookie Party
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Watercolor illustration: Rally the corgi stands on a red train seat looking out at falling snow, a lit Christmas tree and a white dove. Text: Choo choo! The train starting could be heard. Hello cute white bird!
Rally watching the snow and a lit Christmas tree, from the pages of Rally Takes the Train.

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Louisiana Christmas train rides page.

New Orleans Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
13 confirmed for 2026
Cities
New Orleans, Harahan, Kenner, Metairie and Terrytown
Season
November 5, 2026 to January 3, 2027
Free events
7
Kinds of events
holiday crafts, Santa visit, holiday story time and holiday lights
Last checked

Plan your December

When each New Orleans Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Storytime with the Grinch! in Metairie on November 5; the last runs to January 3. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in New Orleans? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in New Orleans

7 confirmed events for kids in New Orleans, soonest first.

New Orleans: Celebration in the Oaks

Holiday lightsNew Orleans City Park · New Orleans

Host
New Orleans City Park (opens in a new tab)
Where
New Orleans City Park, 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124
When
Friday, November 27, 2026 to Friday, January 1, 2027 (select nights)
Cost
Ticketed, see CelebrationInTheOaks.com
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Celebration in the Oaks is New Orleans City Park's holiday lights tradition, and the park's calendar lists the 2026 season from November 27 through January 1, 2027. The event takes place in City Park among its famous live oak trees, a setting that makes the displays feel different from a typical light show.

The City Park listing points families to CelebrationInTheOaks.com for tickets, nightly hours and the full list of dates, and notes that additional dates are available there. Because hours, prices and any special nights are posted on that ticketing site rather than on the park calendar, check it before you drive over, and buy timed tickets in advance if they are offered for your night. For questions, City Park can be reached at 504-482-4888.

Parent tip: Buy tickets and check nightly hours on CelebrationInTheOaks.com before you go; call 504-482-4888 with questions.

See dates and details from New Orleans City Park (opens in a new tab)

New Orleans: Holidays at Audubon Aquarium: Scuba Santa

Santa visitAudubon Nature Institute · New Orleans

Host
Audubon Nature Institute (opens in a new tab)
Where
Audubon Aquarium, 1 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
When
Friday, November 27, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (daily during open hours; Santa photos on select dates)
Cost
Included with aquarium admission or membership
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

From November 27, 2026 through January 3, 2027, Audubon Aquarium celebrates the season with festive decorations and a sparkling Snowflake Lobby. The highlight for kids is Scuba Santa, who makes a splash inside the Great Maya Reef exhibit, and on select dates families can take photos with Santa Claus in The Cove.

The holiday festivities are included with regular aquarium admission or a valid Audubon membership, so there is no separate ticket. Audubon notes that holiday hours may vary, so check the hours page before you go, and look for the dates Santa is in The Cove if photos are your goal. Families who want to see the zoo's Papa Noel too can buy a bundle ticket that covers both destinations.

Parent tip: Check Audubon's hours page before visiting, since holiday hours vary, and confirm the Santa photo dates if that is the main reason for the trip.

See dates and details from Audubon Nature Institute (opens in a new tab)

New Orleans: Holidays at Audubon Zoo: Papa Noel

Santa visitAudubon Nature Institute · New Orleans

Host
Audubon Nature Institute (opens in a new tab)
Where
Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118
When
Friday, November 27, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (daily during open hours; Papa Noel photos on select dates)
Cost
Included with zoo admission or membership
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Audubon Zoo's holiday season runs November 27, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Families can meet Papa Noel, the Cajun Santa, for photos in the Louisiana Swamp exhibit on select dates, wander past traditional holiday decorations throughout the zoo, and watch animals enjoy special seasonal enrichment.

Everything is included with regular zoo admission or an Audubon membership, so a holiday visit costs the same as any other day. Holiday hours may vary, and Audubon suggests checking its hours page before heading out. If you plan to see Scuba Santa at the aquarium as well, a bundle ticket covers both. The zoo also collects old string lights for its Lights for Lions recycling program, an easy way for kids to help animals this season.

Parent tip: Bring old holiday string lights to drop off for Lights for Lions, and confirm Papa Noel's photo dates before you go.

See dates and details from Audubon Nature Institute (opens in a new tab)

New Orleans: Color Flow Icing Cookies

Holiday craftsFreeNew Orleans Public Library · New Orleans

Host
New Orleans Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Milton H. Latter Memorial Library, 5120 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
When
Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 4 to 5 pm
Cost
Free, registration available
Ages
Ages 6 to 12
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The New Orleans Public Library is offering a holiday cookie decorating session at the Milton H. Latter Memorial Library on St. Charles Avenue. Kids use color flow icing to draw pictures on holiday cookies, part of the library's hands-on STEAM series where children experiment, create and craft.

The program is meant for children ages 6 to 12 and runs for one hour after school on a Tuesday in mid December. It is free, and the library's online listing offers registration, so signing up ahead is a good idea since supplies are usually prepared for a set number of kids. The event is sponsored by the Library Foundation of New Orleans. The Latter Library is a historic mansion branch, which makes this a pretty spot for a festive afternoon.

Parent tip: Register online ahead of time if spots are offered, and expect sticky fingers, so bring wipes.

See dates and details from New Orleans Public Library (opens in a new tab)

New Orleans: NOLA ChristmasFest

Santa visitNOLA ChristmasFest · New Orleans

Host
NOLA ChristmasFest (opens in a new tab)
Where
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Halls G to I, 900 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130
When
Wednesday, December 23, 2026 to Saturday, January 2, 2027 (daily timed sessions; shorter hours Dec 24, Dec 25, Dec 31 and Jan 1), 11 am to 9 pm
Cost
$25 weekdays, $30 weekends, plus fees; ages 2 and up need a ticket
Ages
All ages; under 18 with a parent or guardian
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

NOLA ChristmasFest fills Halls G to I of the Morial Convention Center from December 23, 2026 through January 2, 2027. The indoor winter wonderland includes an ice skating rink with skate rental, an expanded ice slide zone, carnival rides, holiday displays featuring a new giant gingerbread house, and live entertainment. On Christmas Eve morning there is a special Skating with Santa session with limited tickets.

Tickets are $25 on weekdays and $30 on weekends plus fees, and anyone 2 and up needs one. Each ticket covers a 4.5 hour time slot, and popular slots can sell out. Cookie decorating, face painting and food cost extra, and the event is credit card only. Guests under 18 must stay with a parent or guardian. Parking is a flat $23 in Lot F across from the halls.

Parent tip: Buy timed tickets early and arrive at the start of your slot. Bring a credit card since no cash is accepted, and use 400 Calliope Street for drop off.

See dates and details from NOLA ChristmasFest (opens in a new tab)

New Orleans: Noon Year's Eve

Holiday craftsLouisiana Children's Museum · New Orleans

Host
Louisiana Children's Museum (opens in a new tab)
Where
Louisiana Children's Museum, 15 Henry Thomas Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124
When
Thursday, December 31, 2026
Cost
See museum for admission
Ages
Children and adults of all ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Louisiana Children's Museum in City Park hosts its Noon Year's Eve celebration on December 31, 2026. The day builds up to a countdown to noon that ends with an explosion of colorful confetti and bubbles, a kid-sized way to welcome the new year without staying up late.

Along with the countdown, the museum lists crafts, music, face painting, dancing and games for children and adults of all ages. It is a good option for the week after Christmas, when kids are out of school and looking for something festive to do. The museum page does not list times beyond the noon countdown or pricing for the day, so check the museum's website or call ahead for admission details and arrival times before you go.

Parent tip: Arrive well before noon to settle in for the countdown, and check the museum site for admission and timing.

See dates and details from Louisiana Children's Museum (opens in a new tab)

New Orleans: Zoo Year's Eve

Holiday craftsAudubon Nature Institute · New Orleans

Host
Audubon Nature Institute (opens in a new tab)
Where
Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118
When
Thursday, December 31, 2026, 10 am to 1 pm
Cost
Included with zoo admission or membership
Ages
Whole family
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Audubon Zoo rings in 2027 early with Zoo Year's Eve on December 31, from 10 am to 1 pm. The celebration is built for families with young children who will not make it to midnight, with a kid-friendly dance party, festive paper crowns made in partnership with Pepsi, and a special countdown to noon.

The event falls within the zoo's holiday season, which Audubon says is included with zoo admission or membership, so families can pair the party with a walk past the holiday decorations and animal enrichment. Holiday hours can vary, so check the zoo's hours page before you go. Arriving close to 10 am gives kids time to dance and make crowns before the big noon countdown.

Parent tip: Arrive by mid morning so kids have time for crowns and dancing before the noon countdown.

See dates and details from Audubon Nature Institute (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Harahan

3 confirmed events for kids in Harahan, soonest first.

Harahan: Harahan: Tales for Tots: Rudolph Story and Handprint Craft

Holiday story timeFreeJefferson Parish Library · Harahan

Host
Jefferson Parish Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Harahan Library, 219 Soniat Ave, Harahan, LA 70123 (near New Orleans)
When
Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 10:30 to 11 am
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 0 to 5
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

This Tales for Tots session at Harahan Library features Barbara Shook Hazen's telling of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, a story the library describes as full of kindness, acceptance and holiday cheer. After the reading, children bring the story to life by tracing a foot on brown construction paper to form Rudolph's face and finishing their own reindeer craft.

The weekly story time includes stories, music and fingerplays for children from newborn to 5 years old, followed by social free play with puzzles, games and coloring sheets. It lasts about half an hour in the Children's Area. No registration is listed, which makes it a simple weekday morning plan for caregivers with little ones who want a short, festive outing during the busy weeks before Christmas.

Parent tip: Socks that come off easily help with the foot tracing part of the craft.

See dates and details from Jefferson Parish Library (opens in a new tab)

Harahan: Harahan: Tales for Tots: The Night Before Christmas Santa Craft

Story time with SantaFreeJefferson Parish Library · Harahan

Host
Jefferson Parish Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Harahan Library, 219 Soniat Ave, Harahan, LA 70123 (near New Orleans)
When
Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 10:30 to 11 am
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 0 to 5
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Harahan Library's Tales for Tots session on December 16 centers on Clement Moore's classic poem The Night Before Christmas, introducing little ones to the magic of Christmas Eve and Jolly Old St. Nicholas. After the reading, children pinch, dip and glue fluffy cotton balls to build a Santa craft, which is good practice for small hands.

The weekly series includes stories, music and fingerplays for children from newborn to 5 years old. Afterward, families can stay for a relaxed social free play time with puzzles, games and coloring sheets. The program runs for half an hour in the library's Children's Area, and no registration is listed, so it is an easy drop-in morning outing for parents and caregivers with babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

Parent tip: Plan to stay after the story for the free play time with puzzles and games. The craft uses glue, so a change of shirt may help for the youngest kids.

See dates and details from Jefferson Parish Library (opens in a new tab)

Harahan: Harahan: Crafts for Kids: Holiday Beading Ornaments Activity

Holiday craftsFreeJefferson Parish Library · Harahan

Host
Jefferson Parish Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Harahan Library, 219 Soniat Ave, Harahan, LA 70123 (near New Orleans)
When
Saturday, December 19, 2026, 10:30 to 11:30 am
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Ages 6 to 18
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Harahan Library's Crafts for Kids program goes festive on Saturday, December 19, with a holiday beading ornament activity. Children thread festive beads to make ornaments, which the library notes is good practice for fine motor precision and pattern recognition, and they take their finished pieces home just in time for Christmas.

The program is for ages 6 to 18 and is limited to 8 participants, so online registration is required and closes at the start time. It runs for an hour on a Saturday morning in the Children's Area. For questions, the library asks families to call the Harahan branch at (504) 736-8745. Because space is so limited, it is best to sign up as soon as you decide to go.

Parent tip: Register online early since only 8 spots are available.

See dates and details from Jefferson Parish Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Kenner

1 confirmed event for kids in Kenner, soonest first.

Kenner: Kenner's Magical Christmas Village

Tree lightingFreeCity of Kenner · Kenner

Host
City of Kenner (opens in a new tab)
Where
Heritage Park in Rivertown, 2015 Fourth Street, Kenner, LA 70062 (near New Orleans)
When
Sun November 29 and Tue December 1, 2026, 5:30 to 8:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Kenner's Magical Christmas Village returns to Heritage Park in Historic Rivertown, opening Sunday, November 29, 2026 with a tree lighting at 5:30 pm and an Elvis-themed holiday show. Through December the village is open to the public every evening from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, with lights, snow, music, food, arts and crafts, and a special appearance from Santa Claus.

Admission is free. Vendors and live entertainment are on hand every Friday and Saturday, when local dance teams, cheer squads and school choirs take turns on stage in half-hour sets, so weekends are the busiest and most festive nights. Weeknights are quieter if your kids prefer a calmer stroll through the lights. The city posts the full performance schedule on its page.

Parent tip: Go on a Friday or Saturday for vendors and performances, or a weeknight for a quieter visit. Check the city page for the nightly performance lineup.

See dates and details from City of Kenner (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Metairie

1 confirmed event for kids in Metairie, soonest first.

Metairie: Storytime with the Grinch!

Holiday story timeFreeJefferson Parish Library · Metairie

Host
Jefferson Parish Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
East Bank Regional Library, 4747 West Napoleon Ave, Metairie, LA 70001 (near New Orleans)
When
Thu November 5, Thu November 12 and Thu November 19, 2026, 5:30 to 6:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 0 to 5 and 6 to 11
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Jefferson Parish Library is hosting the Grinch at its East Bank Regional branch in Metairie for three early evening story times in November. The Grinch reads a story to the group, then stays for photos, and the session wraps up with a craft for the kids to take home.

The program is listed for children ages 0 to 5 and 6 to 11, so it works for toddlers through early elementary kids, and the 5:30 pm start fits after school or work. It takes place on the Children's Stage Area of the library. No registration or fee is listed on the library calendar. With three Thursdays to choose from, families can pick the week that suits them best and get an early start on the holiday season before Thanksgiving.

Parent tip: Bring a phone or camera since the Grinch stays for photos after the story. Arrive a few minutes early to get a good spot near the Children's Stage Area.

See dates and details from Jefferson Parish Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Terrytown

1 confirmed event for kids in Terrytown, soonest first.

Looking further afield? Our Louisiana Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Baton Rouge. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

New Orleans Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in New Orleans in 2026?

We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in New Orleans for 2026 on each host’s own page: Storytime with the Grinch! in Metairie (November 5), Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans (November 27), Holidays at Audubon Aquarium: Scuba Santa in New Orleans (November 27), Holidays at Audubon Zoo: Papa Noel in New Orleans (November 27), Kenner's Magical Christmas Village in Kenner (November 29), Harahan: Tales for Tots: Rudolph Story and Handprint Craft in Harahan (December 9), Color Flow Icing Cookies in New Orleans (December 15), Harahan: Tales for Tots: The Night Before Christmas Santa Craft in Harahan (December 16), Harahan: Crafts for Kids: Holiday Beading Ornaments Activity in Harahan (December 19), Kitchen Kids: Christmas Gumbo Cookie Party in Terrytown (December 22), NOLA ChristmasFest in New Orleans (December 23), Noon Year's Eve in New Orleans (December 31) and Zoo Year's Eve in New Orleans (December 31). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in New Orleans, Louisiana?

For families in and around New Orleans, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Celebration in the Oaks (Nov 27 to Jan 1, ticketed, see celebrationintheoaks.com); Holidays at Audubon Aquarium: Scuba Santa (Nov 27 to Jan 3, during aquarium hours, included with aquarium admission or membership); Holidays at Audubon Zoo: Papa Noel (Nov 27 to Jan 3, during zoo hours, included with zoo admission or membership); Color Flow Icing Cookies (Tue, Dec 15, 4 to 5 pm, free, registration available); NOLA ChristmasFest (Daily, Dec 23 to Jan 2, timed sessions, $25 weekdays, $30 weekends, plus fees; ages 2 and up need a ticket); Noon Year's Eve (Thu, Dec 31, countdown at noon, see museum for admission); Zoo Year's Eve (Thu, Dec 31, 10 am to 1 pm, included with zoo admission or membership). Details and the host’s link for each are in the New Orleans section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Harahan, Louisiana?

For families in and around Harahan, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Harahan: Tales for Tots: Rudolph Story and Handprint Craft (Wed, Dec 9, 10:30 to 11 am, free); Harahan: Tales for Tots: The Night Before Christmas Santa Craft (Wed, Dec 16, 10:30 to 11 am, free); Harahan: Crafts for Kids: Holiday Beading Ornaments Activity (Sat, Dec 19, 10:30 to 11:30 am, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Harahan section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Kenner, Louisiana?

For families in and around Kenner, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Kenner's Magical Christmas Village (Opens Sun, Nov 29; nightly in December, 5:30 to 8:30 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Kenner section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Metairie, Louisiana?

For families in and around Metairie, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Storytime with the Grinch! (Thursdays, Nov 5, 12 and 19, 5:30 to 6:30 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Metairie section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Terrytown, Louisiana?

For families in and around Terrytown, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Kitchen Kids: Christmas Gumbo Cookie Party (Tue, Dec 22, 2 to 3 pm or 3:30 to 4:30 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Terrytown section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in New Orleans?

Yes. 7 of the 13 events here are free: Storytime with the Grinch! in Metairie, Kenner's Magical Christmas Village in Kenner, Harahan: Tales for Tots: Rudolph Story and Handprint Craft in Harahan, Color Flow Icing Cookies in New Orleans, Harahan: Tales for Tots: The Night Before Christmas Santa Craft in Harahan, Harahan: Crafts for Kids: Holiday Beading Ornaments Activity in Harahan and Kitchen Kids: Christmas Gumbo Cookie Party in Terrytown. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in New Orleans this December?

Santa appears at Holidays at Audubon Aquarium: Scuba Santa in New Orleans (November 27), Holidays at Audubon Zoo: Papa Noel in New Orleans (November 27), Kenner's Magical Christmas Village in Kenner (November 29), Harahan: Tales for Tots: The Night Before Christmas Santa Craft in Harahan (December 16) and NOLA ChristmasFest in New Orleans (December 23). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in New Orleans?

Holiday story times on this page: Storytime with the Grinch! in Metairie, Harahan: Tales for Tots: Rudolph Story and Handprint Craft in Harahan and Harahan: Tales for Tots: The Night Before Christmas Santa Craft in Harahan. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Which New Orleans Christmas events are best for toddlers?

These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Storytime with the Grinch! in Metairie (Ages 0 to 5 and 6 to 11), Harahan: Tales for Tots: Rudolph Story and Handprint Craft in Harahan (Ages 0 to 5), Harahan: Tales for Tots: The Night Before Christmas Santa Craft in Harahan (Ages 0 to 5) and Kitchen Kids: Christmas Gumbo Cookie Party in Terrytown (Ages 0 to 5, 6 to 11, tweens and teens).

Are there kids' Christmas events in New Orleans on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans (through January 1), Holidays at Audubon Aquarium: Scuba Santa in New Orleans (through January 3), Holidays at Audubon Zoo: Papa Noel in New Orleans (through January 3), Kenner's Magical Christmas Village in Kenner (through December 31), NOLA ChristmasFest in New Orleans (through January 2), Noon Year's Eve in New Orleans (through December 31) and Zoo Year's Eve in New Orleans (through December 31).

How much is Storytime with the Grinch! in Metairie?

Free. Storytime with the Grinch! is on Thu November 5, Thu November 12 and Thu November 19, 2026, 5:30 to 6:30 pm at East Bank Regional Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans?

Ticketed, see CelebrationInTheOaks.com. Celebration in the Oaks is on Friday, November 27, 2026 to Friday, January 1, 2027 (select nights) at New Orleans City Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holidays at Audubon Aquarium: Scuba Santa in New Orleans?

Included with aquarium admission or membership. Holidays at Audubon Aquarium: Scuba Santa is on Friday, November 27, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (daily during open hours; Santa photos on select dates) at Audubon Aquarium. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holidays at Audubon Zoo: Papa Noel in New Orleans?

Included with zoo admission or membership. Holidays at Audubon Zoo: Papa Noel is on Friday, November 27, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (daily during open hours; Papa Noel photos on select dates) at Audubon Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Kenner's Magical Christmas Village in Kenner?

Free. Kenner's Magical Christmas Village is on Sun November 29 and Tue December 1, 2026, 5:30 to 8:30 pm at Heritage Park in Rivertown. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Harahan: Tales for Tots: Rudolph Story and Handprint Craft in Harahan?

Free. Harahan: Tales for Tots: Rudolph Story and Handprint Craft is on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 10:30 to 11 am at Harahan Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Color Flow Icing Cookies in New Orleans?

Free, registration available. Color Flow Icing Cookies is on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 4 to 5 pm at Milton H. Latter Memorial Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Harahan: Tales for Tots: The Night Before Christmas Santa Craft in Harahan?

Free. Harahan: Tales for Tots: The Night Before Christmas Santa Craft is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 10:30 to 11 am at Harahan Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Harahan: Crafts for Kids: Holiday Beading Ornaments Activity in Harahan?

Free, registration required. Harahan: Crafts for Kids: Holiday Beading Ornaments Activity is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 10:30 to 11:30 am at Harahan Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Kitchen Kids: Christmas Gumbo Cookie Party in Terrytown?

Free. Kitchen Kids: Christmas Gumbo Cookie Party is on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 2 to 4:30 pm at Terrytown Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is NOLA ChristmasFest in New Orleans?

$25 weekdays, $30 weekends, plus fees; ages 2 and up need a ticket. NOLA ChristmasFest is on Wednesday, December 23, 2026 to Saturday, January 2, 2027 (daily timed sessions; shorter hours Dec 24, Dec 25, Dec 31 and Jan 1), 11 am to 9 pm at New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Halls G to I. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Noon Year's Eve in New Orleans?

See museum for admission. Noon Year's Eve is on Thursday, December 31, 2026 at Louisiana Children's Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Zoo Year's Eve in New Orleans?

Included with zoo admission or membership. Zoo Year's Eve is on Thursday, December 31, 2026, 10 am to 1 pm at Audubon Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in New Orleans?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our New Orleans Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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