Holiday Light Displays in St. Tammany Parish

Holiday lights turn St. Tammany Parish into a string of glowing moments—riverfront oaks, trailheads, parks and whole downtowns dressed in their brightest for the season. With parades, markets, boat displays and walk-through festivals lighting up the map, it’s easy to slip into the spirit. Take a slow drive, a bundled-up stroll or a detour on your way home and let the glow do its job.

Mandeville

Holiday of Lights

St. Tammany Parish Government photos

December 5–6 & 12–13 (Activities Nights)

December 19–20 (Walk-Thru)

December 22–January 1 (Drive-Thru)

Tammany Trace Trailhead & Parish Administrative Complex, 21490 Koop Dr., Mandeville

The Parish campus glows each December with thousands of lights and the iconic “Christmas Tree” water tower. Early in the month, the Trailhead comes alive with family-friendly holiday fun, followed by quieter walk-thru nights and an extended drive-thru season, to view all lighted displays from the comfort of your car, dusk to dawn, 'til January 1. 

Activities Nights include:

• Tram rides through “Santa’s Enchanted Forest”

• Santa’s Workshop with crafts and photos with Mr. & Mrs. Claus ($20)

• Snow machines, kiddie rides, and food trucks

• Laser light display and nightly community performances

• Hot chocolate, beer and wine

• Live broadcasts on STPG-TV

Walk-thru Experience: December 19 & 20, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

• Stroll the decorated campus and Enchanted Forest

• Note: no snow, rides, performances, or food vendors
   

Winter on the Water Parade & Festival

December 6, 3–8 p.m.

Mandeville Trailhead, 675 Lafitte St., Mandeville

Mandeville’s annual holiday tradition returns with a festive parade, a lively Trailhead celebration and an evening of candlelight caroling. All activities are free and open to the public.

• Parade at 3 p.m., welcoming Santa and Mrs. Claus to town
• Pictures with Santa & Mrs. Claus from 4–6 p.m.
• Trailhead Festival begins at 4 p.m.
• Lighting of the Trailhead
• Performances by the Mandeville Elementary School Bell Chorus
• Scenes from The Nutcracker by Arabesque Ballet Theater
• Kids Tent with activities and vendors
• Face painting
• Vendor village with holiday shopping
• Candlelight caroling at 6 p.m.

Sips of the Season Stroll

December 5, 5–9 p.m.

Girod Street, Old Mandeville
 

Old Mandeville’s beloved holiday tradition returns with twinkling storefronts, seasonal cocktails and a festive stroll along Girod Street. Participants sip their way through more than 35 stops, each offering a holiday drink in the event’s collectible mug.

• Inspired by European Christkindlmarkts with a keepsake mug to fill along the route
• More than 35 shops, bars and restaurants pouring seasonal libations
• Official mug purchase required ($35*, credit/debit only)
• Pick up mugs at three locations with valid photo ID (21+)
• No fixed route—stroll at your own pace near the lakefront
• Details and mug purchases at oldmandevillebusiness.com/sips-of-the-season

Madisonville
 

Anthony "Chopper" Leone photo

November 29–January 1

Madisonville Riverfront & Madisonville Ball Park, 1007 Pine St., Madisonville

Historic Madisonville’s riverfront takes on a soft, magical glow as its live oaks and pathways shimmer with thousands of lights. The nearby ballpark shines for Merry Madisonville, a celebration of the season with events throughout the month in St. Tammany's oldest town.

• Nov. 29: Lighting of the Oaks (3–7 p.m., lighting at 6:30 p.m.)
  A festive evening on the riverfront with live music, Market Munchkins vendors, kids’ arts and crafts, and a community tree-lighting ceremony.
   
• Dec. 7: Christmas Market (12–6 p.m.)
  An outdoor holiday market at the ball park featuring kids’ craft vendors, music, food, parade fun, and photos with Santa.
   
• Dec. 7: Parade & Celebration (1–6 p.m., parade at 2 p.m.)
  An afternoon of holiday activities at Madisonville Park with an all-kids Market Munchkins market, Santa’s Workshop, entertainment, hot cocoa, and a Toys for Tots drive.
   
• Dec. 13: Twinkle on the Tchefuncte Lighted Boat Parade (5–8 p.m., parade at 6 p.m.)
  A shimmering boat parade along the riverfront with Market Munchkins vendors, caroling by candlelight, and treats and beverages available from local eateries and food trucks. Ice chests welcome.
   
• Dec. 31: Countdown on the Tchefuncte (9 p.m.-12 a.m.)
  New Year's Eve celebration. Details posted on the Merry Madisonville Facebook page. 

Slidell

Christmas Under the Stars

City of Slidell photo

December 12–14 and 19–23, 6–9 p.m.

Heritage Park, 1701 Bayou Ln., Slidell

Two of Slidell’s favorite holiday traditions come together this year as Christmas Under the Stars joins Bayou Christmas for eight nights of festive fun along the bayou. Heritage Park lights up with family activities, holiday entertainment, and thousands of sparkling displays, all benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Louisiana. Admission is free, and festival updates are posted on the Bayou Christmas Facebook page.

Highlights include:

• Ice skating
• Kiddie rides
• Live entertainment
• Food and drink vendors
• Arts and crafts vendors
• Free photos with Santa each night, 7–9 p.m.
• Christmas caroling and a holiday movie screening
• Dozens of twinkling light displays throughout the park

Christmas on Front

Marisa Frischhertz photo

December 1–January 3, dusk ’til dawn

Front Street from West Hall to Erlanger Ave., Olde Towne Slidell

Front Street glitters each night with a corridor of holiday lights created by the City of Slidell and Keep Slidell Beautiful. The displays stretch through Olde Towne, inviting visitors to wander, dine, and enjoy the season’s glow.

Covington

Christmas in Covington

Lollipops Marching Group photo

December 13, 4–6:30 p.m.

Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire St.

The city’s annual celebration brings a cheerful mix of small-town charm and holiday excitement. The Trailhead event kicks off with the Lollipops Christmas Parade ushering Santa & Mrs. Claus to the Trailhead, setting the tone for an evening of family fun, the City's Christmas in Covington.

• Tree lighting ceremony
• Kids’ crafts and hands-on activities
• Christmas karaoke
• Donation collection for the Northshore Food Bank

Christmas at TerraBella Tree Lighting & Holiday Marketplace

December 12, 6-9 p.m.

TerraBella Village, 111 TerraBella Blvd., Covington
 

TerraBella Village turns into a glowing holiday hub for this free, family-friendly celebration, Tree Lighting & Holiday Marketplace. The night opens with music, lights and plenty of seasonal cheer.

• Live music and youth choirs
• Candlelight caroling
• 20+ local art and craft vendors
• Christmas crafts
• Holiday train rides
• Cookie decorating
• Hot chocolate bar at The Reminding
• Food trucks and beverage vendors
• Photos with Santa

12 Days of Christmas 

November 28–January 6, dusk ’til dawn

Historic Downtown Covington

Downtown Covington celebrates the beloved carol with twelve whimsical, illuminated displays spread throughout the walkable district. Visitors can follow a map, snap photos along the route, and admire dozens of decorated Christmas trees at the Covington Trailhead in support of the Northshore Food Bank. 

Folsom

Christmas in Folsom

Village of Folsom photo

December 13, 4-8 p.m.

Moise Park, 82378 June St., Folsom

Moise Park lights up with a festive evening of tree lighting, caroling, a holiday movie and plenty of family fun at Christmas in Folsom. Expect kids’ activities, seasonal treats and a cozy small-town vibe perfect for kicking off the holidays.

• Tree lighting
• Crafts
• Story time
• Caroling & performances
• Ugly Christmas sweater contest
• Holiday movie

Start your day of fun in Folsom early and come for the Merry Little Horse & Wagon Christmas Parade at 1 p.m.

For more holiday fun, explore our calendar of events.