December 20, 2016 | Upcoming Events

Credit: NOLA ChristmasFest Facebook

NOLA ChristmasFest, the region’s only indoor Christmas festival, is back and better than ever! This year features an expanded ice skating rink, fan favorite holiday characters, fun amusement rides and inflatables inside the  Convention Center from now until December 30.

ChristmasFest features a new and exciting 120-foot ice slide, an amazing walk-through maze, themed inflatables and fun rides such as the Kringle Carousel, Winter Whirl, Snowball Fight and Snowy Summit Climbing Wall. Fest goers are encouraged to take morable Christmas photos with Santa and several of his North Pole friends.

Enjoy private lessons with reowned figure skater Sarah Zanolli every morning before the more than 7,200 square-foot rink opens to the public. Reservations are required.

Thousands of festive lights and dozens of decorated Christmas trees are on display, along with dancing lights synced to traditional and contemporary Christmas music.

NOLA ChristmasFest visitors will be treated to special entertainment during the 10-day event including performances of “The Nutcracker” by the New Orleans Ballet Association on Friday, December 16 at 6 PM; Imagine Theatre’s “The Present” on Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18 at Noon; Riverwalk Band on Saturday, December 17; Victory Belles on Monday December 19 at 6 PM; Jeannie Morris School of Dance on Tuesday, December 20  and Wednesday, December 21 at 6 PM and the Hollywood Highsteppers on Thursday, December 22 at 6 PM.

The Christmas festival will take place inside Hall I at the Convention Center and will be open from 10 AM to 8 PM each day during the two week celebration. Special hours on Christmas Eve are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Christmas Day from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

NOLA ChristmasFest tickets are now available online at www.nolachristmasfest.com. Group rates are available for 10 or more.

NOLA ChristmasFest will provide $10 discounted parking in Lot F, directly across from the NOLA ChristmasFest entrance and nearby lots will also offer parking specials.

Gray Line will provide complimentary shuttle transportation to NOLA ChristmasFest in Hall I from the entrance of the Morial Convention Center at Julia and Convention Center Blvd. every half hour, 30 minutes before and after event hours daily.