NEW ORLEANS – Tickets for the highly-anticipated NOLA ChristmasFest are now available for purchase at nolachristmasfest.com. Hosted by the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, the annual holiday celebration returns for its 13th year from December 23, 2026, through January 2, 2027, bringing families and friends together for 11 days of festive fun.
This year, NOLA ChristmasFest, presented by Coca-Cola, is “Rooted in Tradition,” celebrating the experiences families have come to know and love while adding new ways to make holiday memories. A tree-mendous time awaits with returning favorites alongside two new attractions: Twinkle Twirl – an all-new ride that spins you inside your very own ornament, and Polar Putt – a second arctic-themed mini golf course featuring three holes made of ice.
“NOLA ChristmasFest has become part of how so many families celebrate the holidays in New Orleans,” said Jim Cook, Convention Center President and CEO. “There’s something special about seeing traditions passed down, new memories made and families returning year after year. For our 13th year, we’re building on that spirit with new experiences while keeping the traditions our guests have come to know and love.”
NOLA ChristmasFest transforms 300,000 square feet of the Convention Center into an indoor holiday wonderland filled with festive fun for all ages. Beyond this year’s new additions, guests can enjoy returning favorites including the Big Blizzard Blast, Kringle Carousel, the Big Freezy Ice Slides and The Big Freezy, New Orleans’ only ice-skating rink with real ice, along with story times, live music and opportunities to take photos with Santa and his North Pole friends. Adults can get in on the merriment with the return of the Polar Pub while kids and families of all ages can enjoy food and drinks from Evergreen Eatery and Seasons Eatings.
The popular Skating with Santa experience returns on Thursday, Dec. 24, 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Special tickets for this exclusive session cost $65 for adults and $45 for kids. These tickets sell out fast, so purchase yours soon to skate with Santa and enjoy hot cocoa, coffee, doughnuts and other breakfast delights – all before the doors open for normal entry.
NOLA ChristmasFest is keeping general admission ticket prices unchanged for the fifth year in a row, helping make the holiday experience as accessible as possible for families throughout the community. Tickets are $25 for weekdays and $30 for Saturdays and Sundays. Each ticket is valid for a single admission on the specific day and session selected. Each session is 4.5 hours in length, except on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Tickets can be purchased online at nolachristmasfest.com/plan-your-visit. Guests under 18 need a parent or guardian to participate.
NOLA Christmas Fest Schedule
· Dec. 23: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm
· Dec. 24: Christmas Eve, 11:00 am – 3:30 pm
· Dec 25: Christmas Day, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
· Dec. 26: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm
· Dec. 27: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm
· Dec. 28: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm
· Dec. 29: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm
· Dec. 30: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm
· Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve, 11:00 am – 3:30 pm
· Jan. 1: New Year’s Day, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
· Jan. 2: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm
To see a full schedule of events, visit nolachristmasfest.com/
NOLA ChristmasFest 2026 is a cashless event, including ticket purchases and onsite concessions. To take care of parking in advance, use ParkMobile. Click Here for ParkMobile Online Parking Reservations.