Pontchartrain Conservancy to Host 9th Annual Lights on the Lake

New Orleans — On Saturday, December 10, 2022, Pontchartrain Conservancy is hosting its 9th annual Lights on the Lake holiday celebration – a family-friendly, holiday event providing the best view of the annual West End Boat Parade.

Hosted at the New Canal Lighthouse (8001 Lakeshore Drive), the event runs from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the parade scheduled for 5:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Dozens of local boat owners will decorate their vessels with wreaths, lights and holiday decorations and assemble at the New Canal Lighthouse before proceeding along Lakeshore Drive to Canal Boulevard and back, up and down the New Basin Canal, along Breakwater Drive and through the harbor. Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the elves with light displays will lead the parade.

“We are very excited to welcome adults and children alike to our 9th Annual Lights on the Lake celebration, said Pontchartrain Conservancy Executive Director Kristi Trail. “This holiday event allows us to showcase what we can offer the community­–all against the backdrop of Lake Pontchartrain.” 

Parking is a breeze this year! Complimentary parking is available at the Robert Shopping Center parking lot at 135 Robert E Lee Blvd behind Walgreens; Lakefront and West End Blvd. Accessible shuttle service will be provided free of charge.

Lights on the Lake will feature free photos with Papa Noel and hands-on art activities for the kids. Enjoy local food trucks – Diva Dog and Copeland’s will be serving up treats on site. Hot chocolate and “Santa’s Holiday Cocoa” as well as prosecco, beer, seltzers, wine and soft drinks are available for purchase.

This year’s entertainment lineup includes choirs and dancing performances. These performances will take place at the lighthouse. In addition, holiday stilt walkers will greet guests upon arrival.

Prizes will be awarded for the best-decorated boats in sailboat and powerboat divisions, best costuming and best-performing artist. Prizes include haul-outs at area boatyards, restaurant gift certificates, wine baskets and more.

Admission for all is $5 (free for children 5 and under) and tickets to the event will be sold at the door and online. No pets or chairs are allowed.

All proceeds from Lights at the Lake will allow Pontchartrain Conservancy to continue its mission to drive environmental sustainability and stewardship through scientific research, education and advocacy, as well as offering education and outreach opportunities through the New Canal Lighthouse.

For a complete schedule of events and more information about this fun, family event, visit scienceforourcoast.org/lights2022/.

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*Editor’s Note: High-resolution photos are available here.

About Pontchartrain Conservancy: Pontchartrain Conservancy is a New Orleans-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to an environmentally sustainable, prosperous and resilient region. Our mission is to drive environmental sustainability and stewardship through scientific research, education and advocacy. Pontchartrain Conservancy consists of a board of directors representing Lake Pontchartrain Basin parishes and regulatory agencies. For more information or to get involved, visit www.scienceforourcoast.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @PontchartrainConservancy and Twitter at @OurBasin. 

About West End Boat Parade: The West End Christmas Boat Parade was founded as a means of giving something back to the community in appreciation for the blessings we enjoy in the West End area. After the reconstruction of the New Canal Lighthouse, we began to coordinate our events in order to support the Lighthouse Museum and Pontchartrain Conservancy. Today, we are comprised of many volunteers who support the health of Lake Pontchartrain and the West End community. The boat parade was founded over thirty years ago and became an annual parade a few years later.