Details announced for the 3rd Annual Children's Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade, Presented by Louisiana Feed Your Soul

The Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade will roll at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, in partnership with the Louisiana Feed Your Soul, Kern Studios, NewOrleans.com, WDSU, Audacy, the French Market Corporation and many other parade partners.

NEW ORLEANS – Details have been announced for the 3rd annual Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade which will take place in downtown New Orleans Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, starting at 11 a.m. The event, which has been nominated as a Top 10 holiday parade among USA Today readers, is back with a longer route and signature throws.

Celebrating the holiday season in New Orleans, the 30-float parade will include custom, holiday-themed floats that feature animatronic props, intelligent lighting systems, special effects and audio systems, along with traditional rider floats, bringing the joy and magic of the holiday season to tens of thousands of parade-goers, along with those tuning in from home via the WDSU broadcast.

“Children’s Hospital is proud to continue this new family tradition to help kickoff the holiday season here in New Orleans,” said Lucio A. Fragoso, president and CEO of Children’s Hospital New Orleans. “We invite the community to join us for a day of joy and fun as we celebrate the season of giving and gratitude, while supporting the vital, 70-year mission of your Children’s Hospital.”

The parade will also feature high-flying helium balloons, along with dozens of New Orleans’ beloved marching groups and bands, and of course, Santa himself with his cast of holiday characters.

“The holiday season is one of the most wonderful times of the year here in New Orleans,” said Barry Kern, president and CEO of Kern Studios. “Local families and tourists alike will line the streets of our traditional downtown route on December 7 as we enjoy the season like only New Orleans can. Kern Studios is proud to partner with Children’s Hospital again this year to bring kids and families this opportunity to experience joy and wonder.”

The Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade, presented by Louisiana Feed Your Soul, is made possible in partnership with Kern Studios, NewOrleans.com, the French Market Corporation, WDSU, Audacy and many other supporters. Sponsors include B1 Bank, Chick-fil-A New Orleans, the Downtown Development District, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Coca-Cola United, Ronald McDonald House New Orleans and Hornbeck Offshore.

“Louisiana is a premier destination for tourists and locals alike throughout the year, but especially during the holiday season – and there is no better place to kick off the holidays than New Orleans,” said Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. “With an expanded parade route, and so many wonderful downtown restaurants and experiences to enjoy along with the parade, the event will serve as a significant economic boost to downtown businesses, while also supporting the mission of our Children’s Hospital. The Louisiana Office of Tourism is proud to be a part of this special and uniquely Louisiana event.”

New this year, Children’s Hospital is partnering with the New Orleans Marriott family of properties to offer hotel and experience packages. Discounted room rates are being offered as part of the Papa Noel holiday package for parade weekend, and the New Orleans Sheraton and JW Marriott hotels are planning viewing parties with reserved balcony and street viewing areas available. A portion of proceeds will be donated back to Children’s Hospital through Children’s Miracle Network. Check out the participating properties event details and book your stay here.

The Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade will begin at the corner of Esplanade Avenue and North Peters Street, traveling North Peters to Decatur Street through the vibrant French Market toward Jackson Square and Oscar Dunn Park, where it will bring the joy and magic of the holiday season to life. The parade will then make its way back to North Peters, turning right on Canal Street, with a U-turn on Baronne Street, traveling back through downtown to Tchoupitoulas Street, ending at St. Joseph Street.

For those who can’t catch the parade in person, WDSU will be televising the parade live via a two-and-a-half-hour special broadcast. Programming will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a special half-hour introduction that highlights the impact of Children’s Hospital, shares inspiring patient stories and helps raise important funds for the hospital.

Finally, patients at Children’s Hospital have been busy decorating custom-made and adorned plastic ornaments that will be given out as signature throws this year. Each one-of-a-kind ornament includes a tag with the patient’s name.

To learn more about the Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade and sponsorship opportunities, visit nolaholidayparade.com.