New Orleans loves to celebrate Christmas, and Canal Street which is just one of the many storied streets of New Orleans, has a lot to offer over this special season. "Canal Street - Home for the Holidays" is a series of events designed to delight families and children of all ages that happen downtown throughout the month of December.
There's always a lighting ceremony just before Thanksgiving on Canal Street to turn on the lights. It usually happens about 5 pm in the 700 block of Canal Street. From that night on just strolling down Canal Street is a delight. Early December brings a Holiday Movie on the Mississippi at the Riverwalk's Spanish Plaza, usually in the early evening.
Another fun annual event is the Reindeer Run & Romp, usually held in mid-December. It's a 1/2 mile run up and back on Canal Street, beginning and ending at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.
This year's details
For the exact days and times of all the events this year, click here.
More About New Orleans at Christmas
If you've never been to Celebration in the Oaks, New Orleans premier holiday event, you should make plans to go. Celebration in the Oaks opens every year on the day after Thanksgiving and runs until early January. It's held among the centuries old Live Oak trees in City Park, and is a spectacular sight to see. There all also activities for all ages. This is a must see attraction in New Orleans in December.