Santa's Coming to Town. And He's Bringing a Parade!

5th Annual Manning Family Children's Holiday Parade Rolls December 5, 2026

Who needs a sleigh when you can ride a float? On Saturday, December 5, 2026, Santa and his merry krewe will roll through the French Quarter and Downtown New Orleans for the 5th Annual Manning Family Children's Holiday Parade. The fun starts at 11 a.m., and you can bet the big guy in red won't be traveling light.

Presented by Manning Family Children's, the parade has quickly become one of our favorite ways to kick off the Christmas season. After all, nobody does a parade quite like New Orleans. Not even the North Pole.

Ho, Ho, Throw Me Something, Mister!

This isn't your average Christmas parade. Expect 30 spectacular holiday floats, larger-than-life helium balloons, marching bands, dance groups and enough holiday cheer to make even the Grinch crack a smile.

Created with the help of Kern Studios, the elaborate floats bring Christmas to life with dazzling decorations and special effects. And, of course, Santa and his friends will be along for the ride, spreading joy and tossing holiday treasures to the crowds. Forget hanging stockings by the chimney. In New Orleans, we bring our catch bags to the parade route.

A Parade with a Big Heart

There's something especially wonderful about a holiday celebration that puts children first. The parade is presented by Manning Family Children's, which has been caring for the children of Louisiana and the Gulf Coast for more than 70 years. It's a chance to celebrate the season, bring families together and shine a spotlight on the hospital's important work. And seeing the excitement on the faces of the little ones along the route? That's a Christmas gift all by itself.

Where to Catch the Christmas Magic

The parade begins near the French Market and makes its way through the French Quarter and Downtown New Orleans. Our advice? Get there early, find a good spot, and make a day of it. Enjoy breakfast in the Quarter, catch the parade, then stick around to admire the holiday decorations and do a little Christmas shopping. It's also a great excuse to break out those Santa hats, reindeer antlers and Christmas sweaters. Around here, dressing for a parade is half the fun. Learn more.

Photo: NOLAHolidayParade.com.