NOLA ChristmasFest returned for its 12th year on Dec. 20, welcoming visitors to more than 300,000 square feet of holiday-themed attractions, rides and performances at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The event runs through Dec. 29.
The festival’s Big Freezy ice rink remains the only indoor ice-skating rink in the Greater New Orleans area.
New for 2025, the event will introduce the Big Freezy Ice Bumper Cars, a five-minute ride that allows guests to maneuver and collide on ice in bumper cars. Due to high demand, bumper car tickets are sold separately, with reservations opening at 11 a.m. the day before each ride date. Riders must check in at least 10 minutes before their scheduled time. Full regulations are available at nolachristmasfest.com.
“We’ve brought an exciting new lineup of holiday experiences to NOLA ChristmasFest this year,” said Jim Cook, Convention Center president and CEO. “From our brand-new Big Freezy Ice Bumper Cars to the returning traditions that families look forward to every year, this festival continues to be one of the region’s most joyful and unforgettable ways to celebrate the holiday season.”
Other additions this year include the Snow Throw, a game with bullseye targets, and the Silent Night area, designed as a quiet space for visitors to rest or write personal holiday wishes. The Winter Wonders program, sponsored by the Louisiana Children’s Museum, will be held Dec. 29 and includes children’s activities such as a literacy nook, holiday corn hole, a winter sensory bin and snowflake suncatcher crafts.
General admission tickets cost $25 on weekdays and $30 on weekends. Prices have remained the same since 2022. Each session lasts 4.5 hours, except on Christmas Day, when hours are shortened. The event is cashless, including for admission and concessions. Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Festival hours are as follows:
- Dec. 26–29: 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.–9 p.m.
The Big Freezy zone also features indoor snowfalls, four ice slides and the Polar Pub for visitors age 21 and older. More information and a full schedule of activities are available at nolachristmasfest.com.