Christmas in Gretna

Celebrate the holiday season in Historic Downtown Gretna, a charming community in Jefferson Parish, just a short drive from downtown New Orleans.

This picturesque town comes alive during Christmas, blending its rich history with festive holiday traditions. Stroll through streets adorned with twinkling lights, enjoy the annual Christmas Parade, and gather for the magical tree-lighting ceremony in the heart of town. For a unique experience, rent one of Gretna’s cozy “bubble” igloos for a festive picnic or winter gathering. Whether you’re a local or visiting the region, Gretna’s holiday celebrations offer the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city accessibility, making it an ideal destination for creating unforgettable holiday memories​.

Annual Events - 2025 Dates to be Announced

Light up the Huey Holiday Lights Display - DUSK
Get the holiday season started right by watching the trees light up all along Huey P. Long Avenue from 10th Street to the river, making Historical Gretna look magical!

Gretna Christmas Parade & Christmas Tree Lighting (Parade Route)
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Catch Santa parading on Huey P. Long Avenue! Watch Santa light the Christmas tree and enjoy the family friendly festivities. Refreshments will be available. The German- American Cultural Center will have pretzels, brats, and beer for purchase.

Picnic Under the Lights
6 PM – 10 PM
Experience the Holiday Lights from a different perspective, inside a personal bubble tent! Available for rental from Thursday through Sunday for only $100-125 per night. Bring a picnic meal or drinks. Two sizes of tents fit 6 or 8 people per tent. For more information or to book your night, call (504) 363-1580.

Passport to Christmas Promotion
Enjoy deals and discounts at local Gretna businesses with the passport for the entire month of December.

Brunch with Santa
10AM – 12PM on Saturday
9:30AM -11:30AM on Sunday
Treat your children to a most memorable breakfast with Santa. Free reservations are required, price per person is according to their breakfast order. To make a reservation, call (504) 513-2606 or visit Open Table.

Ringing in the Arts
5 PM – 9 PM
An Outdoor Evening of Fine Art & Entertainment in Downtown Historic Gretna. Join us for a magical evening under a covered outdoor gallery in the heart of historic Old Gretna at the Gretna Market Pavilion on Huey P. Long Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets. Gretna’s annual fine arts festival includes live music, local artists, and refreshments. Bottomless wine and champagne glasses will be offered for purchase. With the sale of each bottomless glass, patrons will get to cast their vote for favorite artist of the night. Free to the public.

Letters to Santa
8 AM – 12 PM
Let your little ones write their letters to Santa at the Gretna Farmers’ Market. Get your passport stamped while you’re there!

Shop the Huey Holiday Market
9 AM – 3 PM
Take advantage of a day of boutique holiday shopping inside and outside of the Gretna Cultural Center for the Arts while you sip on bottomless mimosas! Get all of your gifts in one place!

Vintage Caroling
7 PM – 9 PM
Join our quartet of singers and Emcee Cammie West in Downtown Gretna for a holiday singalong! Bring the little ones to this family event. Song sheets will be provided. Bring your own chairs.

Santa at the Market & Passport to Christmas Drawing
10:30 AM
Bring the little ones to visit with Santa Claus. Santa will draw the winner of the Passport to Christmas promotion.

Living Nativity by St. Joseph Church
6 PM
In front of the Christmas tree on Huey P. Long Avenue and 6th Street.

Map View

North Central South

Map View

North Central South