Holidays on the Northshore

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Tyler Delgado

For sparkly-eyed children and their sparkly-eyed children-at-heart—the charming towns of the Northshore and Cajun Coast have tons of magic up their sleeves for the holidays this year. For a comprehensive calendar, visit louisiananorthshore.com. 

November 28–December 20: Christmas in the Country: This Covington tradition goes full Hallmark by transforming downtown into a winter wonderland, with local merchants peddling their wares, shopping specials, free Santa ops at H.J. Smith & Sons Hardware, live music, and holiday décor. Starting on Black Friday and continuing every Saturday until Christmas, from 9 am–5 pm. Free. visitthenorthshore.com. 

November 28–January 1: Christmas at the Southern: When it comes to ornate holiday decorations, the Southern Hotel outdoes itself each year. Marvel at the lights and holly bedecking the lobby and enjoy a seasonal cocktail from the Cypress Bar. Fridays will bring live piano music by Joe Tusa, and on December 3, the Holiday Sip and Shop will transform the lobby into a seasonal market. It all culminates with "New Year on New Hampshire" on December 31, a party that will spill into the street with music, special menus, and more. southernhotel.com.

November 29–December 14: Playmakers Theater presents "'Twas the Night Before Christmas": In this twist on a classic poem, Santa forgets a house, and a team of a mouse, an elf, and a young girl set out on a whirlwind holiday adventure. Presented by the Playmakers Theater of Covington, this family-friendly play is will have your heart growing a couple sizes bigger. 7:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. 2 pm on Sundays. $25; $20 for seniors and military; $15 for students. playmakersinc.com. 

December 1–January 6: Covington's Twelve Days of Christmas: Head to downtown Covington to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, with twelve lighted silhouettes depicting the icons of the Old English carol. The displays will be illuminated from dusk to dawn every day through Epiphany. visitthenorthshore.com. 

December 1–December 31: Northshore Food Bank's Trim the Trailhead: Throughout the month of December, the Covington Trailhead will be decked out with dozens of fresh Christmas trees, each decorated by a local business, community organization, or a family and illuminated from dusk to dawn every day through Epiphany. Proceeds from the installation benefit the local food bank. northshorefoodbank.org. 

December 4: LPO: Classical Christmas: Join the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra for an evening at the Fuhrmann Auditorium, with performances of classic masterpieces such as Menotti’s “Introduction, “March,” and “Shepherds Dance” from Amahl and the Night Visitors, as well as Mendelssohn’s Vom Himmel Hoch, and excerpts from Handel’s Messiah. A pre-concert talk will take place from 6:30 pm–7 pm and music begins at 7:30 pm. $13–$69. lpomusic.com.

December 5: Abita Springs Fête de Noël: Join the fairytale-level charm of Abita Springs' community for the sixth annual Christmas Night Market and tree lighting at the Abita Springs Trailhead. Expect live music, market vendors, and festive holiday drinks. 5 pm–9 pm. townofabitasprings.com. 

December 5: Sips of the Season Stroll: One of the most anticipated culinary events of the season, this Girod Street stroll is inspired by German Christkindlmarkts and marked by a twinkly Covington evening, brightly decorated shop and restaurants, delicious holiday-themed craft cocktails, and plenty of snacks too. 5 pm–9 pm in Old Mandeville. Must be 21 or older. $35 for the official mug. 5 pm–9 pm. christmasstroll.org.

December 5–14: A Very Merry Christmas Spectacular: 30 by Ninety Theatre presents A Very Merry Christmas Spectacular: This holiday extravaganza features singing, dancing, comedy, and more by local performers of all ages. 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays; 2:30 pm on Sundays. $32; $30 for seniors and military; $28 for students; $25 for ages twelve and younger. 30byninety.com. 

December 5–7: Christmas Extravaganza Arts & Crafts Expo: Steinhauer Productions returns to the St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds for one of the largest arts and crafts expos in the South—a true Christmas Village. Shop woodwork, original art, jewelry, leather crafts, apparel, metal art, candles, stained glass, florals, furniture—not to mention hot homemade fudge, glazed nuts, and pralines. Santa will be on site, and he'll bring a children's village of rides and jumps with him. 9 am–5 pm each day. $8 for ages 13 and older. christmasextravaganzaexpo.com.

December 5–January 3: Mandeville Holiday of Lights: The annual lights display and festivities will enlighten the St. Tammany Parish Administrative Complex grounds once again this year. This cherished Northshore tradition features thousands of lights displays, with weekend activities and a drive-thru and walk-thru experience. It all begins on December 5 with a lighting ceremony and a quick community parade along Koop Drive, as well as a Santa's Workshop with holiday crafts, appearances by the Clauses, snow machines, a laser light display, and a tram ride along the Trace. 6 pm–9 pm. stpgov.org/holidayoflights. 

December 6: Krewe of Kringle Golf Cart Parade: Olde Towne Slidell is hitting the streets this holiday season, via golf cart. Deck the wheels, with tinsel and garlands galore, and come in costume. 5 pm–7 pm. myslidell.com. 

December 6: Santa on Trails 5K Run/Walk: Don your Santa suit and bring a toy for the children of the New Orleans Mission shelter for the most festive of 5ks along Lake Pontchartrain in Fountainebleu State Park. Race starts at 9 am. Fees vary for race participation; free for spectators. neworleansmission.org.

December 6: Winter on the Water Parade & Festival: Get cozy in Mandeville for the annual Santa Street Parade, beginning at the Pontchartrain Yacht Club and traveling along Lakeshore Drive to the Mandeville Trailhead—where you'll find family fun, live entertainment, community caroling, a vendor village with handcrafted gifts and treats, a kids tent, and the lovely lighting of the oaks on the lakefront. Free. louisiananorthshore.com.

December 7: Merry Madisonville: Ring in the holidays at the Madisonville Park and Celebration for a festive lineup of market munchkins, Santa's workshop, dazzling light displays, local food trucks, and hot cocoa. 1 pm–6 pm. Free. merrymadisonville@gmail.com. 

December 12: Christmas at TerraBella: Join the folks of TerraBella Village for a special community event kicking off the holidays, featuring an appearance from Mr. Claus, live holiday musical performances, candlelight caroling, Christmas crafts, holiday train rides, cookie decorating, a hot chocolate bar, and the tree lighting. 6 pm–9 pm. terrabellavillage.com. 

December 12–14: Festival of the Bonfires and Christmas on the River: The little town of Lutcher has made a tradition of its own, celebrating its Festival of the Bonfires each December. Call it Christmas lights Cajun style, it's a prelude to the Christmas Eve bonfires later in the month. The sparks and holiday cheer ignite Friday afternoon at 2 pm, with the festival continuing all day Saturday and Sunday with Christmas on the River...Cajun Style! at Lutcher Recreational Park. Enjoy live entertainment, great food, crafts, Santa's Very Merry Forest, carnival rides, and more fun for the entire family. Each night of the event will also include a bonfire lighting. festivalofthebonfires.org.

December 12–23: Slidell’s Bayou Christmas Under the Stars: This annual fundraiser for the Slidell Boys & Girls Club is hosted in the evenings at the Heritage Park Amphitheater. For eight nights, there will be ice skating, kiddie rides, arts and crafts vendors, free photos with Santa, thousands of twinkling lights, and screnning of holiday movies. 7 pm–9 pm. Free. Find the event on Slidell's Bayou Christmas Facebook page for more information.

December 13: Christmas in Covington: For the fourth year, the city of Covington hosts the annual lighting of the Christmas Tree, heralded by the Lollipops Marching Group. Expect kids' crafts and Christmas karaoke, too. Attendees are encouraged to bring canned/non-perishable goods to donate to the Northshore Food Bank. 4 pm–6:30 pm. covla.com. 

December 13: Folsom Horse & Wagon Christmas Parade: Santa trades the sleigh for a horse-drawn wagon at this old-fashioned parade, which includes an antique tractor show, "best dressed horse and rider" contest, and "most original wagon" competition. Starts on Hwy 40 right outside of Folsom. Afterward, swing by Moise Square behind Town Hall for Christmas in the Country Craft Fair complete with shopping, antique tractors, and pictures with Santa. Parade at 1 pm; Craft Fair from 10 am–4 pm. Free. Find out more on Facebook for more information. 

December 13: Mandeville Trailhead Holiday Market: The weekly market at the Mandeville Trailhead expands in magic for the holiday season. Complete your shopping lists with more than ninety artisan vendors offering prepared foods, jewelry, and custom crafts. Bring the littles, for pics with Santa, dancing, and face painting. 9 am–3 pm. Free. visitthenorthshore.com. 

December 13: Twinkle on the Tchefuncte Lighted Boat Parade & Holiday Decorating Contest: Head out to the river to watch the festive procession traveling downriver from the Maritime Museum to Marina Del Ray. After the parade, stick around for an all-kids market, photo ops, carolers, and treat specials. 5 pm–8 pm. merrymadisonville@gmail.com. 

December 13–14 Ballet Apetrei’s "The Nutcracker": Experience Ballet Apetrei’s rendition of the dazzling holiday favorite at one of their two performances at the Fuhrmann Auditorium this season. 2 pm each day, with an additional 7 pm Saturday performance. $20 general admission or $30 for reserved seating. balletapetre.net. bontempstix.com.

December 13–14: A Mandeville Christmas Living Nativity: Mandeville's First Baptist Church presents a ten-scene living Nativity during the holiday season, reflecting on the birth of Jesus Christ. 6 pm–8 pm each night. Free. Details at the First Baptist Church of Mandeville Facebook Page. 

December 14: Bad Santa Run by Bad Moms that Dance: The ladies of the boozy dance classes and hip hop fitness step out for a fun run and 5K on the Mandeville lakefront. 7 am. momsthatdance.com. 

December 14: History and Holly Tour of Homes: Join the Covington Heritage Foundation for its annual History and Holly Home Tour. This is a perfect outing to enjoy with friends and family as you walk the pedestrian-friendly route (or ride in the tram), touring the festively adorned homes, sipping wine (provided) and enjoying the sounds of the season from strolling carolers. $20. 2 pm–5 pm. bontempstix.com.

December 18: Holiday Concert with Northshore Community Orchestra: Enjoy a special holiday concert presented by the Northshore Community Orchestra at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium. 6:30 pm–8:30 pm. Free. visitthenorthshore.com.

December 19: Covington by Candlelight: Candlelight and Christmas Carols truly set the mood for the holidays, and Covington will indulge in both with local musicians and singing groups at the Covington Trailhead Museum and Visitors Center beginning at 6 pm. Free. visitthenorthshore.com.