The Spirit of Christmas Brings Holiday Magic Back to Destrehan Plantation

DESTREHAN — Some holiday traditions do more than brighten the season. They make a difference. The Spirit of Christmas returns to historic Destrehan Plantation on Friday, November 27, inviting families to enjoy a festive walk beneath illuminated oak trees while supporting a local nonprofit with a special mission.

Set across five acres of the plantation’s grounds, the walk-through light display features more than ​300 illuminated ​f​rames, 50 decorated Christmas trees, a glowing light tunnel and a quarter-mile trail. It’s a chance to slow down, spend time together and experience the magic of Christmas in one of Southeast Louisiana’s most historic settings.

And the lights are shining for a good cause.

The event benefits the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (GNOTRC), a nonprofit that provides therapeutic horseback riding experiences for children and adults with physical, emotional and learning disabilities. Proceeds help support the center’s mission of enriching lives through the unique connection between people and horses.

“The lights may be what bring families out, but it’s what those lights help make possible that means the most to us,” said Anita Hartzell-Hefler, Founder and Executive Director of the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center. “Every family that visits is helping us help others with disabilities.”

With admission just $5 per person and children ages 4 and under admitted free, The Spirit of Christmas offers families an affordable way to celebrate the season while giving back to the community.

The event opens Thanksgiving weekend and continues on select evenings through December 30, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are available at SpiritOfChristmasLA.org.

Event Details

• Where: Destrehan Plantation, 13034 River Road, Destrehan, LA
• When: November 27–29; December 4–6, 11–13 and 18–30
• Closed: December 24–25 and during inclement weather
• Hours: 5:30–8:30 p.m.
• Admission: $5 per person; ages 4 and under free
• Benefiting: Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (GNOTRC)
• Website: spiritofchristmasla.org

About Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center
The Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center​ (gnotrc.org) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities through therapeutic horseback riding. Its programs help participants build confidence, independence and meaningful connections in a supportive environment.

GNOTRC will also host Rock, Ride & Rescue, a fundraising benefit featuring Bag of Donuts, on Saturday, November 28, at Rock ‘n’ Bowl in New Orleans. The evening will feature live music, a silent auction and raffles, with proceeds supporting the center’s therapeutic riding programs.