Holiday Parades 2023
Give your Yuletide spirit a boisterous boost, join in the fun of a Northshore Christmas parade!
Click highlighted event names to view details in our calendar. All events are free and open to the public.
Mandeville kicks off the Christmas season with the 24th annual Holiday of Lights, featuring thousands of lights, the water tower Christmas Tree, and special performances Fridays and Saturdays of the first two weekends in December. It all starts with the parade on December 1st at 6 p.m. and lighting of the water tower.
This year's event features exciting new activities, including a laser light display and snow machines, as well as carnival rides and much more. See all that's happening, including the performance lineup, in our blog, A Northshore Tradition: The 24th Annual Holiday of Lights Extravaganza.
Mandeville continues its Christmas celebrations on Saturday, Dec. 2 with the Winter on the Water Santa Street & Boat Parade starting at 4 p.m. along the Mandeville lakefront. The procession starts at Pontchartrain Yacht Club, 140 Jackson Ave. and rolls to the lakefront gazebo at 2623 Lakeshore Drive for a program including Mayor Madden lighting the grand oaks, performances, pictures with Santa, the Pontchartrain Yacht Club’s Lighted Boat Parade and more. Bring your camera for pictures with Santa!
Slidell welcomes the holiday season with the Olde Towne Slidell Community Christmas Golf Cart Parade on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 5 p.m. Participants adorn golf carts with festive decorations and roll through the historic district from Slidell City Hall, 2055 Second Street, to Griffith Park, 333 Erlanger Ave., for the lighting of the Christmas tree and the holiday light and decoration displays of Christmas under the Stars.
Madisonville celebrates on Sunday, Dec. 3 with Merry Madisonville, featuring Santa's Workshop, Market Munchkins, and the Christmas parade, which rolls at 2 p.m. at Maritime Museum Louisiana, 133 Mabel Drive, continuing through the town to Madisonville Ball Park and Playground, 1007 Pine St. Enjoy entertainment by local schools, kids activities, hot cocoa and more. Bring your camera: Santa and Mrs. Claus, and Ms. Christmas, will be on hand for photos.
This day of family fun is also a toy and food drive for Toys for Tots and the Northshore Food Bank.
Take a step back in time for a little country Christmas in the Village of Folsom and its annual Folsom Horse & Wagon Christmas Parade on Dec. 9 at 1 p.m. The heart of St. Tammany's horse country celebrates with a parade throughout the town, starting and ending near Fendlason Park, where parade-goers can join in caroling, explore the antique tractor exhibit, visit with Santa Claus and vote in contests for Most Original Wagon and Best Dressed Horse & Rider.
Covington celebrates on December 9 with the Christmas in Covington Parade and Tree Lighting, starting at 4 p.m. with the Lollipops Christmas parade, leading the way for Santa to join the fun at the Covington Trailhead at 5 p.m. See the lighting of the town's Christmas tree and enjoy Deck the Rails kids' crafts and Christmas karaoke.
Madisonville's maritime culture is celebrated in a festive way with the Twinkle on the Tchefuncte Lighted Boat Parade & Holiday Decorating Contest, taking place Saturday, December 16, 2023, 5-8 p.m., with a parade on the Tchefuncte River at 6 p.m. Also featured are the Market Munchkins all-kids market, photo ops, carolers, and eats and treat specials at participating restaurants.