Holiday celebration benefits nonprofit’s mission of scientific research, education and advocacy in the Pontchartrain Basin
NEW ORLEANS — Pontchartrain Conservancy is hosting its 12th annual Lights on the Lake holiday celebration – a family-friendly, holiday event providing the best view of the annual West End Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025.
Hosted at the New Canal Lighthouse (8001 Lakeshore Drive), the event runs from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the parade scheduled for 5:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Dozens of local boat owners will decorate their vessels with wreaths, lights and holiday decorations and assemble at the New Canal Lighthouse before proceeding along Lakeshore Drive to Canal Boulevard and back, up and down the New Basin Canal, along Breakwater Drive and through the harbor.
“This festive event offers the best view of the annual West End Boat Parade—a dazzling showcase of decorated boats illuminating Lake Pontchartrain,” said Kristi Trail, executive director of Pontchartrain Conservancy. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season while highlighting the many ways Pontchartrain Conservancy serves our community.”
Lights on the Lake will also feature holiday shopping in the Pontchartrain Conservancy gift shop as well as fun, hands-on STEM activities and sustainable crafts for the kids. Enjoy local food trucks serving up treats on site. Hot chocolate as well as other festive drinks will be available for purchase.
This year’s entertainment lineup includes choirs and dancing performances. These performances will take place at the New Canal Lighthouse.
Admission for all is $10 (free for children five and under) and tickets to the event will be sold at the door and online. Pets are not permitted at the event. Outside food and drinks are also not allowed.
All proceeds from Lights at the Lake will allow Pontchartrain Conservancy to continue its mission to drive environmental sustainability and stewardship through scientific research, education and advocacy, as well as offering education and outreach opportunities through the New Canal Lighthouse.
For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, visit https://scienceforourcoast.org/events.
About Pontchartrain Conservancy: Pontchartrain Conservancy is a New Orleans-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to an environmentally sustainable, prosperous and resilient region. Our mission is to drive environmental sustainability and stewardship through scientific research, education and advocacy. Pontchartrain Conservancy consists of a board of directors representing Lake Pontchartrain Basin parishes and regulatory agencies. For more information or to get involved, visit www.scienceforourcoast.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @PontchartrainConservancy and Twitter at @OurBasin.
About West End Boat Parade: The West End Christmas Boat Parade was founded as a means of giving something back to the community in appreciation for the blessings we enjoy in the West End area. After the reconstruction of the New Canal Lighthouse, we began to coordinate our events in order to support the Lighthouse Museum and Pontchartrain Conservancy. Today, we are comprised of many volunteers who support the health of Lake Pontchartrain and the West End community. The boat parade was founded over thirty years ago and became an annual parade a few years later.