Category: News

Celebrate the 10^th anniversary of this annual New Orleans holiday tradition. Tickets on sale now!

NEW ORLEANS – Tickets are now on sale for the highly-anticipated NOLA ChristmasFest, hosted by The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. This year marks the 10^th anniversary of the fun-filled holiday extravaganza presented by Coca-Cola, offering visitors 10 days of cheer from Dec. 21 to Dec. 30, 2023.

“For 10 years, families, friends and neighbors have gathered at the Convention Center to share in the holiday season together and create cherished memories,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President and CEO. “As we reflect on the past 10 years, we look forward to hosting this holiday tradition each year, and welcome everyone to celebrate the spirit of the season with us.”

Packed with holiday magic, locals and visitors can enjoy a variety of activities featuring a newly designed ice rink, a gingerbread village, visits with Santa and friends, giant ice slides and festive entertainment for all to enjoy. Fan favorite thrill rides like Jolly Jingler and Big Blast Blizzard are returning this year, along with almost 300,000 square feet of carnival rides suitable for all ages. In celebration of its 10^th anniversary, NOLA ChristmasFest will announce new, exclusive surprises and memorable experiences to mark a decade of spreading holiday cheer.

The popular Skating with Santa experience returns on Friday, Dec. 22, 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Get tickets today to enjoy doughnuts and other delights, coffee and hot cocoa and skate with Santa – all before the doors open for entry to the first regular session of the day. To join Santa and his friends on the rink, a separate ticket purchase is required.

For a full schedule of events, please visit nolachristmasfest.com/special-events/.

NOLA Christmas Fest Schedule &  

• 21: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm
• 22: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm
• 23: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm
• 24: Christmas Eve, 11:00 am – 3:30 pm
• Dec 25: Christmas Day, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• 26: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm
• 27: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm
• 28: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm
• 29: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm
• 30: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Guests may purchase $25 tickets for weekdays and $30 tickets for Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are valid for a single admission on the specific day and session selected. Each session is 4.5 hours in length, except on Christmas Day. Save the date, mark your calendars, invite a friend and grab tickets for NOLA ChristmasFest 2023 and Skating with Santa online at nolachristmasfest.com/plan-your-visit.

To reserve your parking space, use ParkMobile. Click Here for ParkMobile Online Parking Reservations.

A parent or guardian is required for admission of guests under 18. NOLA ChristmasFest 2023 is a credit card-only event, including ticket purchases and onsite concessions.

About the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC)

New Orleans is Built to Host! With 1.1 million square feet of prime exhibit space on one level, all under one roof, NOENMCC is the sixth largest Convention Center in the United States and provides the largest single exhibit space in the country. NOENMCC is a 2023 IAVM Venue Excellence recipient and is consistently named a regional top workplace by The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate. Our recent LEED Gold certification makes NOENMCC the largest LEED-certified project in Louisiana and the largest convention center project in the U.S. certified under LEED v4.1 Operations and Maintenance, as well as the first convention center in the world to be awarded initial certification under LEED Gold v4.1 O+M. A leading contributor to the city’s robust tourism economy, NOENMCC event activity has produced $90.1 billion in economic impact since its 1985 opening.

###

Tickets on sale for 10-day event filled with holiday attractions

NEW ORLEANS – Tickets are now on sale for the highly-anticipated NOLA ChristmasFest, hosted by The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The indoor holiday extravaganza, presented by Coca-Cola, brings the North Pole to New Orleans from Dec. 21 to Dec. 30, 2022.

“We are delighted to offer this one-of-a-kind holiday experience to New Orleans for the ninth year,” said Michael J. Sawaya, The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center President. “We look forward to bringing holiday cheer and welcoming locals and visitors back to the Convention Center to celebrate.”

Whether you want to find the perfect gift at the Yuletide Market or experience thrills on the Jolly Jingler and Big Blast Blizzard rides, everyone can experience the magic of the holidays together at NOLA ChristmasFest this December. Packed with fun featuring ice skating, visits with Santa and his elves, giant ice slides and 300,000 square feet of rides, family and kids will surely get into the holiday spirit.

The popular Skating with Santa experience returns on Friday, Dec. 23, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., where guests can try out their skating skills on ice with Santa. Enjoy doughnuts, coffee and hot cocoa before the doors open and entry to the first session of the day. To join Santa and his friends on the rink, a separate ticket purchase is required.

Admission Schedule

• Dec. 21 from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Dec. 22 – 23 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Christmas Day from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Dec. 26 -30 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For a full schedule of events, please visit nolachristmasfest.com/special-events/.

Guests may purchase tickets at $25 for weekdays and $30 for Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are valid for a single admission on the specific day and session selected. Each session is 4.5 hours in length, except for Christmas Day. Purchase tickets for NOLA ChristmasFest and Skating with Santa online at nolachristmasfest.com/plan-your-visit.

A parent or guardian is required for admission of guests under 18. NOLA ChristmasFest 2022 is a credit card only event, including online-only ticket purchases and onsite concessions.

A family skates on New Orleans’ only real-ice skating rink during NOLA ChristmasFest

Santa Claus and an elf enjoying the snowfall on the NOLA ChristmasFest ice rink

About the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

New Orleans is Built to Host! With 1.1 million square feet of prime exhibit space, in an entirely contiguous hall, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) provides the largest single exhibit space in the country and is the sixth largest convention center in the nation. NOENMCC features an award-winning staff and first class amenities in the city that’s Built to Host. A leading contributor to the city’s robust tourism economy, the Convention Center’s event activity has produced $90.1 billion in economic impact since its 1985 opening, including $5.7 billion in new tax revenue for state and local governments.

###

Jolly in July huge success, NOLA ChristmasFest set to return December 21^st– 30^th

NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and NOLA ChristmasFest hand-delivered dozens of letters written during Jolly in July to the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home.

Attendees celebrated the first-ever Jolly in July event this past weekend with a holiday snowball contest. Celebrity judges and attendees voted on their favorite holiday-flavored snowball created by some of the most well-known stands in New Orleans. STOP-JOCKIN SNOBALLS took home the title of “Kids’ Favorite” as the snowball flavor voted most popular by event participants, and SWEET THANGS NOLA won the crown for “Best Overall Snowball,” chosen by the panel of celebrity judges including Tiffany King, Megan Braden-Perry, and WGNO’s Kenny Lopez.

The night was (snow)capped off with a movie screening for the entire family to enjoy. Jolly in July guests walked away with photos with Swirly the Elf and Summer Santa, as well as memories of a night of family fun and Christmas spirit.

“It was a fun night. We were happy to host an event designed to encourage family togetherness and spread the Christmas spirit to the people of New Orleans, a little earlier than usual” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President. “After seeing all the joy-filled faces and the letters attendees wrote to our veterans, we are really already looking forward to NOLA ChristmasFest this December.”

Jolly in July is the summer spinoff of NOLA ChristmasFest, a 10-day event featuring an ice rink, a Yuletide Market and several kid-friendly holiday attractions. Dates for this year’s NOLA ChristmasFest are December 21^st-30^th. Tickets for this year’s NOLA ChristmasFest will go on sale this fall. Follow NOLA ChristmasFest on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates on ticket sales.

For more information, visit nolachristmasfest.com.

Event will once more transform 300,000 sq. ft. of convention space into New Orleans’ favorite indoor winter wonderland

New Orleans, LA. – New Orleans kicks off this year’s holiday season with the return of the highly anticipated NOLA ChristmasFest. The one-of-a-kind indoor holiday extravaganza is presented by Coca-Cola and will feature spectacular festive events and holly jolly activities for the whole family. The event, produced by The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC), will run from December 17- 22 and December 25-30, 2021.

“We are delighted to offer this special holiday celebration to the New Orleans community and visitors once again,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President. “As this is our eighth year with this exciting holiday attraction, we look forward to bringing holiday cheer and a bit of normalcy to kids and parents alike.”

This year, NOLA ChristmasFest will return to in-person festivities with its ‘re-imagined’ ice zone, The Big Freezy, which will include New Orleans’ only real ice-skating rink, an expanded magical slope slide area with three lanes, plus a brand-new ice bocce court. The ever-popular Skating with Santa special event will be back in action for the second time. All ages are welcome to join the New Orleans North Pole experience and participate in the re-imagined magical holiday activities.

Whether you are a thrill-seeker looking to take flight on the Big Blast Blizzard ride or an arts-enthusiast awaiting the magical performances on the Holiday Stage, there is something for everyone in the NOLA ChristmasFest winter wonderland. In between trips aboard the Kringle Carousel and strolls along the Winter Woodland Way, take a seat at the Chalet Café for holiday treats, or at the Tinsel Terrace Tavern, for a parent-approved winter nightcap, and enjoy the sights and sounds of holiday merriment. If you are still looking for last minute Christmas gifts, explore the Yuletide Market for unique crafts and trinkets perfect for anyone’s stocking.

“The holidays really are the most wonderful time of the year for us at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, especially this year as we are finally able to gather back in person to enjoy our planned festivities,” said Sawaya. “We look forward to welcoming locals and tourists back to celebrate the holiday season together once again.”

Tickets for NOLA ChristmasFest will be available in late November for purchase online. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the Convention Center box office, located in front of Lobby I, starting on Friday, December 17. General admission tickets will be $20 on weekdays and $25 on Saturday and Sunday and will include access to all rides and activities within the festival.

Safety for guests and employees is a top priority at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. To allow for increased social distancing, we will be holding two sessions per day with capped attendance. The status of the 2021 NOLA ChristmasFest is subject to change in response to local guidelines and restrictions for the COVID-19 pandemic. The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center continues to comply with state and local mandates related to COVID-19. Information about on-site safety protocols and/or any admission requirements will be updated as it becomes available. For the latest updates, click here.

NOLA ChristmasFest is also a great place for groups and corporate events. Special advance group pricing is available for parties of 15 or more, for $15 per person.

Parking will be available across from NOLA ChristmasFest’s Hall H entrance. Visitors are also encouraged to take advantage of very affordable Papa Noel hotel rates to enhance their holiday stays.

For more information, visit: https://nolachristmasfest.com/ or visit the Fest on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Family of four enjoying a carousel ride during NOLA ChristmasFest

Santa Claus and an elf enjoying the snowfall on the NOLA ChristmasFest ice rink

A family skates on New Orleans’ only real-ice skating rink during NOLA ChristmasFest

A bird’s-eye view of the ice slide and ice skating rink at NOLA ChrismasFest

About the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

With 1.1 million square feet of prime exhibit space, in an entirely contiguous hall, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center provides the largest single exhibit space in the country, features an award-winning staff, first class amenities and is the sixth largest convention center in the nation. A leading contributor to the city’s robust tourism economy, the Convention Center’s event activity has produced $90.1 billion in economic impact since its 1985 opening, including $5.7 billion in new tax revenue for state and local governments.

###

Convention Center partners with Second Harvest Food Bank to deliver meals to the Boys and Girls Club of Gretna at Christmas in July holiday volunteer event.

New Orleans, LA. – The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) hosted a Christmas in July volunteer event through Second Harvest Food Bank to support the Boys and Girls Club of Gretna, complete with lunches delivered by Santa. The event announced the return of NOLA ChristmasFest for 12 days this December, with appearances from volunteer NOLA ChristmasFest elves and Santa.

Ten NOENMCC volunteers, festively dressed as elves, gathered at Second Harvest Food Bank this morning to participate in the Christmas in July volunteer event. The volunteer elves plated and packaged 1,300 hot meals that were then delivered to the Boys and Girls Club of Gretna, where Santa was waiting to help distribute the meals to the children participating in the summer camp.

During the summer months, Second Harvest Food Bank provides breakfast and lunch to the campers to ensure they receive two beneficial meals a day. NOENMCC has a history of partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank to supply packaged food and meals to combat food insecurity in the Greater New Orleans area.

The volunteer event kicked off preparations for NOLA ChristmasFest, which is a one-of-a-kind indoor holiday festival, and will feature spectacular family-friendly events and activities. This year, the NOLA ChristmasFest will celebrate its in-person resumption with its ‘re-imagined’ ice zone, The Big Freezy, which will include an enhanced ice rink, an expanded slide area with three lanes, plus a brand-new ice bocce court.  The ever-popular Skating with Santa special event will be back in action for the second time.  All ages are welcome to join the New Orleans North Pole Experience and participate in the re-imagined magical holiday activities.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to kick-off the return of our NOLA ChristmasFest by celebrating with a community-focused Christmas in July event at Second Harvest Food Bank,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President. “Community engagement is fundamental to the mission of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and I am overjoyed to be here with the team of NOLA ChristmasFest elves from our Convention Center.”

Tickets for NOLA ChristmasFest will be available late summer 2021. For more information, visit: https://nolachristmasfest.com/

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Staff Members Celebrate After Packaging More Than 1,300 Meals at Second Harvest Food Bank Volunteer Event

(Left To Right) Kelly Johnson, CMP, CGMP, National Sales Manager; Kari Ferguson, Special Events & Partnerships Coordinator; Cassie Jones, Senior Event Manager; Jimmie Green, Business Center Manager; Katie Calabrese, Director of Special Events and Partnerships; Linda Baynham, Director of Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility; Gerald Bridges, Sponsorships Sales Manager.

Cassie Jones, CVP, Senior Event Manager at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Packages Broccoli at the Second Harvest Food Bank Volunteer Event on July 15, 2021

Santa Claus Visits the Boys and Girls Club to Deliver Meals Packaged by  New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Staff

About the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

With 1.1 million square feet of prime exhibit space, in an entirely contiguous hall, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center provides the largest single exhibit space in the country, features an award-winning staff, first class amenities and is the sixth largest convention center in the nation. A leading contributor to the city’s robust tourism economy, the Convention Center’s event activity has produced $90.1 billion in economic impact since its 1985 opening, including $5.7 billion in new tax revenue for state and local governments.

###