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St. Tammany Parish is a jewel in the crown of New Orleans. It is included in the crown that is New Oreleans. It is included in the New Orleans–Metairie, LA Metropolitan Statistical area. The local people due to its location on Lake Pontchartrain often refer to it as the "Northshore" or "North Shore".
It is also located 45 miles from downtown New Orleans. The 2010 census estimated the population at 233,740. It is the fifth-most populated parish in Louisiana and continues to grow rapidly. There is a plethora of activities to explore whether you are 2 or 70 there is something for you to do. It’s no surprise that a gem like St. Tammany Parish would shine brightly during the holiday season.
Halloween
The festivities kick off in October with two separate activates for the kids and adults. First is the Boo Fest, located at Lakeview Regional Medical Center. This funfest offers up over 60 haunted houses available for trick or treating. There is an early opening for children with disabilities and their families, after an hour they open up to the public. All proceeds of this event benefit children with disabilities and their families. There is a very nominal entry fee of $1.
The second Halloween has been a local favorite for 26 years. Capital One Bank presents the St. Tammany Parish Hospital Parenting Center Monster Mash. It’s a spooktacular time for the whole family. The Monster Mash has something for everyone in the family. Located in the park, attendees can enjoy unique activities, entertainment for kids, local restaurants, and a variety of vendors. Costumes are encouraged. An admission fee is used to benefit the Hospital Parenting Center. Tickets are for sale in advance for a discount. Admission covers all activities with the exception of concessions are included.
Fall festivities don’t end on Halloween. In fact, they are only just beginning. St. Tammary parish is packed with any and every type if event, from family fun to adults only. Get your party on and enjoy the season with these activities.
Thanksgiving Events
Northshore Kiwanis Food Drive
The Northshore Kiwanis will hold a Thanksgiving Food Drive, with help from area Key Club and Builders Club members. They will be collect donations for non-perishable food items for those families that are need. The Kiwanis will donate the goods received to the Covington Food Bank and the Samaritan Center in Mandeville. Your donation or help goes a long way to make someone else’s holiday better. You can get a hold of them for the details at information, call (985) 898-3110.
St. Tammany Thanksgiving Art Camp
Covington Three Rivers Art Festival highlights the works by 200 artists. In addition to the featured works of art, there are artisan creations for sale (they make great Christmas gifts. There are also hands-on children’s activities. Plan to spend the day, try some of the local cuisine, and enjoy lively entertainment.
"Running to Feed the Hungry"
Join the 5k or 2k walk to benefit Mount Olive Feeding Ministry. The ministry supplies more than 88,000 hot meals a year for the elderly, needy, and housebound. This walk takes place in Slidell at the Airport.
Christmas
St. Tammany Parish Library Teen Holiday Bazaar
The Teen Department begins the holiday season with this annual event at the library. It is a free, fun, and festive way to kick off the holidays. Crafts, snacks, and other exciting activities will really get your teen in the holiday spirit. The bazaar is free and open to teens, ages 12-18. Space is limited though, and registration is required by calling the branch, or Jennifer Deffner, Teen Services Coordinator, at 626.9779 ext. 4.
The Parenting Center of St. Tammany Parish Hospital
The hospital with hold its "Winter PJ Day", which includes story time and hot chocolate as well as other holiday treats. More information can be had by calling 985-898-4435.
Angels of LightAngels of Light
The annual Angels of Light ceremony, which is held by the St. Tammany Hospital Foundation, honors hospice patients. The lighting of the tree is symbolic of the light in each person. Decorations are donated each year to make this even possible. There is an entry fee, but it goes to the hospice. Contact Nicole Suhre at 985.898.4171 or nsuhre@stph.org to purchase an angel or for information.
Breakfast with Santa
What’s yummier than a delicious breakfast? A breakfast with Santa. After breakfast the kids have fun doing crafts. They can also get their picture taken with Santa himself. Breakfast is at the Lakeview Regional Medical Center. For more information, call Santa at 985-867-3900.
Another Pancake Breakfast with Santa Claus
Santa is going to have a tough time getting down the chimney if he doesn’t stop chowing down on all those pancakes. The St. Anselm Council of the Knights of Columbus in Madisonville holds a delicious pancake breakfast with Santa Claus for children at St. Joseph Hall, 306 St. Mary St. This event is free and open to the public. Contact the Knights of Columbus in Madisonville for the date and time. Then enjoy those pancakes.
The Annual Holiday of Lights
The Holiday of Lights is a spectacular event. It is the largest annual event in Trace and is run by volunteers and the staff of Trace. The lights can be seen on Koop Drive in Tammany Trace, just north of Mandeville. The trees drip with shiny, twinkling lights, and various displays create a real life winter wonderland. A 160-foot tall "tower of lights" beckons to the crowds gathering to enjoy the display. There are also rides for the kiddos. Santa will be available to hear the children’s wish lists. There is live entertainment on two separate weekends. The display will be open until after the New Year. Call 985.867.9490 for information about times and dates.
St. Paul's Luminary Celebration
St. Paul’s School will hold its annual luminary celebration. The luminaries glow gives a cozy glow to all. This is truly a Southern tradition. After the luminaries are lite, there will be old-fashioned caroling. The community is invited to attend the free event, which is held on the school campus at 917 South Jahncke Avenue in Covington. Refreshments of hot chocolate, coffee, brownies, cookies, and cupcakes will be available. For information, call 892.3200, ext. 1003, or visit the St. Paul’s School website.
'The Nutcracker’
No Christmas is complete with watching "The Nutcracker" ballet. It is grace and beauty comes to life on the stage. This is a non –profit event. It is recommended that tickets be bought in advance, but there will also be tickets an hour before the performance. For information on where to purchase tickets, show times, and any other questions, call Ballet Apetrei at 985-624-3622.
Merry Madisonville
The Merry Madisonville celebration begins with the annual Christmas parade. The parade marches through town and ends at the Town Hall with Santa. Next, the tree lighting ceremony will take place. Then it’s a North Pole treat with cookies and milk served by none other than Mrs. Claus. The fun is not over yet, Guitars will lead caroling in the Classroom students. Merry Madisonville is sponsored by the Greater Madisonville Chamber of Commerce, contact them for more information.
Camellia City Market Holiday Bazaar
The Camellia City Market will hold its annual Christmas Arts and Crafts Bazaar at Griffith Park in Olde Towne Slidell. If you love holiday bazaars, then you will not want to miss this one. It is packed with a lot of unique crafts and great prices. For details, call 985.640.7112.
Christmas Under the Stars
A breathtaking two-weekend event held in December, Christmas Under the Stars displays a unique holiday experiences throughout the Olde Towne area of Slidell. Heritage Park is transformed into a kaleidoscope of holiday lights. Decorated trees and gingerbread houses dot the landscape of the park. Live entertainment, which includes an opening night performance of "The Nutcracker", entertains kids and adults of any age. There is also live music, storytelling, and visits from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Call Slidell City Hall. Contact 985-646-4375 for times, and make sure to mark the dates in your calendar. You do not want to miss this one.
New Year’s Eve
The events are too numerous to mention, as every bar and restaurant in the area has specials and discounts for the night and beginning of a new year. If you really want to party and have a great time with others, it is recommended that you drive the 45 miles south and embark on a Bourbon Street New Year’s Eve celebration.
New Orleans and St. Tammany Parish know how to celebrate the holidays, no matter what an individual’s preference is. The numerous possibilities of activities, family fun, and charitable citizens are top notch and go all out for the holidays.
If you’re interested in living in New Orleans, call The Mixon Group at 504-315-0334.
Interested in seeing how much your New Orlea home is worth? Check our home value estimator.
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