Jefferson Parish is setting itself ablaze with holiday spirit for the 39th annual Christmas in the Park, starting with a lighting ceremony scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on December 1. The event will take place in Lafreniere Park’s South Mall Parking Lot, organizers say, which can be accessed most readily from the West Napoleon Avenue entrance at 3000 Downs Boulevard in Metairie.
The illumination will set over 10 million LED lights to twinkle amidst artificial snow and a variety of festive lighted displays. In a statement obtained by Jefferson Parish's announcements, expect to see more than 40 new displays alongside perennial favorites that celebrate characters and scenes from Marvel and DC Comics, Minions, and Disney princesses, as well as a pirate ship and Star Wars and Peanuts settings. A special highlight is Santa’s Express Mail Center, where onlookers can peek at elves hard at work.
On weekends, the younger crowd might thrill to the prospect of meeting Santa, Rudolph, Frosty, and even the Grinch during their special appearances on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Whether preferring to drive or walk, attendees have the option to enjoy the park in the manner that suits them best.
Advance tickets are being sold for $20 per vehicle and will cost $25 if purchased at the gate, according to Jefferson Parish's announcement. Purchases can only be made through the event’s website using credit or debit cards—cash transactions will not be an option at the entrance. All vehicles must enter and exit following a defined route through the park, with the specific access points detailed in the official guide.
The lights and holiday escapades will run nightly from December 1 to December 30, offering ample opportunity to partake in the seasonal cheer. The gates will welcome visitors from 5:30 to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and until 10 p.m. on weekends to accommodate the anticipated increase in holiday traffic and festive revelers alike.
