Canal Place is kicking off the holiday season with extended shopping hours and a festive lineup of events to spread cheer and create memorable experiences for visitors. From Selfies with Santa to Movies with Santa and Santa’s Brunch, the downtown destination promises a holiday season filled with fun and merriment.
“We’re excited once again to spread holiday cheer and embrace the spirit of our community for this special time of year,” said Matt Brown, general manager of Canal Place. “We hope visitors and locals alike will come and find their perfect gifts while enjoying the music and merriment.”
Festivities Begin with the Annual Lighting of Canal Street
The holiday celebrations will officially begin with the Lighting of Canal Street, hosted by the Downtown Development District, on Tuesday, November 26. The event will take place at the entrance of Canal Place, with the ceremonial lighting scheduled for 5:45 p.m., marking the start of the season.
Extended Shopping Hours and Black Friday Entertainment
Holiday shopping gets an early boost with extended hours, starting Black Friday, November 29, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Shoppers can enjoy special performances by musicians from the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, playing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the mall’s elegant setting.
Selfies with Santa
A beloved Canal Place tradition, Selfies with Santa, returns on Saturday, December 7, from noon to 3 p.m. Santa will make a grand entrance, ringing his reindeer bells as he descends the iconic glass elevators to take his seat in front of a stunning 40-foot-tall Christmas tree. Families can enjoy festive entertainment from Sugarplum Fairies and Santa’s helpers while indulging in complimentary gourmet cookies. This event is free for everyone.
Live Holiday Music
Adding to the holiday spirit, Canal Place will feature live entertainment on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with performances by classical and jazz trios and duos. Lunchtime guests can enjoy choir performances by schools from the Greater New Orleans area on select weekdays at noon.
Movies with Santa
Every Saturday in December, Prytania Theaters at Canal Place will host Movies with Santa, featuring holiday classics such as:
- Elf – December 7 at 10 a.m. and noon
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas – December 14 at noon
- Polar Express – December 21 at noon
Tickets are $10 each, including admission, popcorn, and a fountain drink. Tickets can be purchased online at canalplacestyle.com.
Santa’s Brunch at Brasa South American Steakhouse
New this year, Brasa South American Steakhouse on Level 2 will host Santa’s Brunch on Saturday, December 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature a custom menu, bottomless mimosas for adults, and festive photo opportunities with Santa. Tickets are available online at canalplacestyle.com.
School Choir Performances Schedule
The holiday season will also showcase the musical talents of local school choirs with daily performances at Canal Place. Highlights include:
- Monday, December 2: St. Dominic School
- Tuesday, December 3: Stuart Hall for Boys
- Wednesday, December 4: L.W. Higgins High School
- Thursday, December 5: Hynes UNO
- Friday, December 6: Eleanor McMain Secondary School
The full choir performance schedule is available on the Canal Place website.
Plan Your Holiday Visit
To learn more about Canal Place’s holiday events, purchase tickets for Movies with Santa or Santa’s Brunch, and view extended holiday shopping hours, visit canalplacestyle.com.
