8 things to do this weekend: Nov. 30 – Dec. 2
By Shan Bailey
NOLA Weekend
The Krewe of Jingle parade kicks off the holiday parade season, and more holiday light shows open to the public. Check out our weekend planner for details.
From Christmas parades to holiday light shows, the area is bustling with excitement to get everyone in the spirit. Looking for things to do this weekend? We narrowed down eight events for you to check out.
Celebration in the Oaks
Friday, Nov. 30 – Sunday, Dec. 2
Celebration in the Oaks ramps up its holiday schedule at New Orleans City Park starting this weekend. Breathtaking light displays adorn City Park for the holiday lights attraction. The magical winter spectacle attracts crowds each year with 25 acres of holiday lights and holiday favorites like Mister Bingle. Hours are Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The holiday attraction remains open until Jan. 1. Admission is $10, and children under age 3 are free, along with Friends of City Park members. Here are some new light displays and activities to look out for in 2018.
This holiday exhibit at Lafreniere Park opens to the public starting on Friday. Christmas in the Park sparkles with thousands of twinkling lights and displays like a 60-foot sea serpent, a princess and her magical castle and the gingerbread man. Admission is $5 per vehicle. Enter the park from the West Napoleon Avenue access gate. The Children's carousel will be open nightly for $1 per child. Hours this weekend are dusk until 11:45 p.m. The holiday exhibit remains open until Dec. 30. If you can't get enough of holiday light shows, we gathered a full list here.
'On Your Feet!' The Emilio & Gloria Estefan Broadway Musical
A hit Broadway musical based on the life of music icons Emilio and Gloria Estefan comes to the Saenger Theater as part of the Broadway in New Orleans series. "On Your Feet!" details the rise of the groundbreaking couple from humble beginnings in Cuba to pop music sensations. The production brings Estefan's iconic songs to life on stage along with hot choreography. The show opened on Tuesday and runs through Sunday. Showtimes this weekend are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $30.
The Original Harlem Globetrotters at the Smoothie King Center
Saturday, Dec. 1
The Original Harlem Globetrotters bring their ball-handling wizardry to the Smoothie King Center at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Fans get several chances to interact with Globetrotters stars this year during the new Fan Powered World Tour. Ticket prices start at $19, plus taxes and fees.
Krewe of Jingle Parade
The annual Krewe of Jingle parade kicks off the holiday parade season at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Mayor LaToya Cantrell will lead the parade this year as Grand Marshal. More than 50 elements and 10 festive floats will fill the parade lineup, including fun holiday characters — like the beloved Mister Bingle — dance groups and marching bands. Even the Ghostbuster mobile will join in on the fun once again this year. The parade route starts at Lee Circle and makes its way down to St. Charles Avenue to Canal Street before returning to Howard Avenue via Baronne Street. Here's a map of the parade route.
Hammond Christmas Parade
The Rotary Club of Hammond kicks off its 60th annual Christmas parade on Saturday. This year's theme is "A Louisiana Christmas." Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser will serve as this year's special Grand Marshal. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Hammond with the lineup starting in Strawberry Stadium's parking lot. Cars, floats, walking groups, marching groups and Santa's Special Sleigh all fill the parade lineup. Friendship Circle and parking lot adjacent to Southeastern's football stadium parking lot. Looking for more holiday parades this season? We have a complete list here.
Norco Christmas Parade
Sunday, Dec. 2
The 610 Stompers and the United Cajun Navy are among the special guests marching in the 2018 Norco Christmas Parade on Sunday. The parade will roll through the streets of Norco with the theme "Norco Noel: Santa celebrates our local sports teams." Santa will arrive by helicopter to begin the parade, landing on the Mississippi River levee near Apple Street and River Road at approximately 1:30 p.m. The parade begins at 2 p.m. at River Road and Apple Street, travels east to Good Hope Street, travels north to Sixth Street, turns south on Apple Street and disbands at River Road. See the parade route here.
Pat O'Brien's 85th Anniversary Celebration
Pat O' Brien's will celebrate its 85th anniversary on Sunday with live music, drink specials and fun times. The event will feature live music by Souled Out from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and $4 Hurricanes all day. You can bet the green jacket-clad bartenders will be on board and the fountain will be burning strong.
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