NOLA ChristmasFest 2022 returning with ice skating, chilly ice slides, holiday activities

NEW ORLEANS (NOLA WEEKEND) - NOLA ChristmasFest, billed as the region’s only indoor Christmas festival, returns to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center from Dec. 21 to Dec. 30.

The holiday festival transforms more than 300,000 square feet of space into a winter wonderland, including an ice skating rink, daily “snow” falls, themed inflatables and popular holiday characters.

This year, NOLA ChristmasFest features three chilly ice slides, local arts and crafts at the Yuletide Market and fun rides such as the Big Blast Blizzard, Kringle Carousel, Sizzlin’ Sleigh Ride and Scrooge’s Sled.

Also, the popular “Skating with Santa” experience returns for guests to try out their skating skills on ice with Santa from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Dec. 23.

To join Santa and his friends on the rink, a separate ticket purchase is required. Guests will enjoy doughnuts, coffee and hot cocoa before the doors open and entry to the first session of the day.

“We are delighted to offer this one-of-a-kind holiday experience to New Orleans for the ninth year,” said Michael J. Sawaya, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center president. “We look forward to bringing holiday cheer and welcoming locals and visitors back to the Convention Center to celebrate.”

Here’s the complete 2022 admission schedule:

• Dec. 21 from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Dec. 22 – 23 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Christmas Day from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Dec. 26 -30 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Organizers say a parent or guardian is required for admission of guests under 18. NOLA ChristmasFest 2022 is a credit card-only event, including online-only ticket purchases and onsite concessions.

Tickets, which can be purchased online, cost $25 for weekday passes and $30 for Saturday and Sunday passes. Tickets are valid for a single admission on the specific day and session selected. Each session is 4.5 hours in length, except for Christmas Day. Tickets for NOLA ChristmasFest can be purchased online at nolachristmasfest.com/plan-your-visit.

For a full schedule of events, please visit the website, nolachristmasfest.com/special-events/.

Copyright 2022 WVUE. All rights reserved.