Children’s Hospital New Orleans and the Downtown Development District announce details for the second annual New Orleans Holiday Parade and After Party Experience

NEW ORLEANS - At a news conference held at Mardi Gras World Thursday, Nov. 2, details were unveiled for the second annual Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade which will take place in downtown New Orleans Saturday, Dec. 2 starting at 11 a.m.

Kicking off the holiday season, the more than 25 float parade will include custom-designed holiday themed floats that feature animatronic props, intelligent lighting systems, special effects and audio systems, along with traditional rider floats, bringing the joy and magic of the holiday season to thousands of parade-goers.

“Children’s Hospital is proud to help bring this world-class, kid and family-centered holiday parade to the City of New Orleans again this December,” said Lucio A. Fragoso, president and CEO of Children’s Hospital New Orleans. “We invite the community to join us for a day of joy and fun as we kickoff the holiday season together. The support of our amazing parade partners and sponsors will benefit the vital mission of Children’s Hospital New Orleans.”

The parade will also feature high-flying helium balloons, along with many of New Orleans’ beloved marching groups and bands, and of course, Santa himself with his cast of holiday characters.

“New Orleans during the holidays is one of the most wonderful times of the year for our community,” said Barry Kern, president and CEO of Kern Studios. “We were blown away to see tens of thousands of local families and tourists alike lining the streets last year, and are excited to help bring the joy of the holidays back again this year, as the holiday parade becomes a beloved tradition for our great city.”

The Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade is made possible in partnership with the Downtown Development District, NewOrleans.com, Louisiana Feed Your Soul, the French Market Corporation, WDSU, Audacy and many other supporters. Float sponsors include Chick-fil-A New Orleans, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Coca-Cola United and others.

"The Downtown Development District is pleased to continue its support of the Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade,” said Downtown Development District President and CEO, Davon Barbour. “The 2023 parade will be even bigger and better, with an expanded route and national exposure through our WDSU broadcast. As advocates for the Downtown community, the holiday parade will continue to serve as a significant economic boost to Downtown businesses."

The Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade will begin at the corner of Esplanade Avenue and North Peters Street, traveling North Peters to Decatur Street through the vibrant French Market toward Jackson Square and Oscar Dunn Park, where it will bring the joy and magic of the holiday season to life. The parade will then make its way back to North Peters, turning right on Canal Street, with a U-turn on Royal Street, traveling back through downtown to Tchoupitoulas Street, and then right on Julia Street, where the parade will end along Camp Street in front of Lafayette Square.

Holiday festivities will continue in Lafayette Square from 1-3 p.m. with a family-friendly After Party Experience sponsored by Louisiana Feed Your Soul. The After Party will include live musical performances from Maggie Koerner and Trombone Shorty along with members of the Trombone Shorty Academy, beverages from Yuengling, Wheatley Vodka, and Coca-Cola United, delicious food, holiday activities including photos with Santa and more.

To learn more about the Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade, the After Party Experience and sponsorship opportunities, visit nolaholidayparade.com.

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About Children’s Hospital New Orleans
Children’s Hospital New Orleans is a 263-bed, non-profit academic pediatric medical center that offers comprehensive healthcare services, including over 40 pediatric specialties, delivered just for children. With more than 600 pediatric providers, Children’s offers a comprehensive array of pediatric healthcare services in Louisiana and the Gulf South. In addition to its main campus located in New Orleans, the hospital operates a network of specialty clinics across Louisiana, including in Covington, Baton Rouge, Alexandria, Lafayette, and Diamondhead, MS. Children’s offers primary care services at 14 convenient locations and remotely via its Virtual Care for Kids program. Children’s is a proud member of LCMC Health, a Louisiana-based, not-for-profit hospital system which also includes New Orleans East Hospital, Touro, University Medical Center New Orleans, West Jefferson Medical Center, East Jefferson General Hospital, Tulane Medical Center, Lakeview Hospital, and Lakeside Hospital. Learn more at chnola.org. 

About the Downtown Development District
The Downtown Development District of New Orleans (DDD) was created by the Louisiana Legislature in 1974 as the nation’s first assessment-based business improvement district (BID) to provide enhanced services in economic development, cleaning and safety. The DDD services the area bounded by Iberville Street, the Pontchartrain Expressway, Claiborne Avenue and the Mississippi River. The DDD is governed by an 11-member Board of Commissioners who represent a cross section of the diverse Downtown community. Appointed by local elected officials, our commissioners help guide the policies and programs of the DDD. Learn more at downtownnola.com.  

About Kern Studios
Rooted in the unique Mardi Gras culture of New Orleans, Kern Studios is the premier specialty fabrication company for parades, custom 3D props for outdoor advertising, and themed environments. Kern Studios strives to create memorable entertainment experiences that exceed clients’ expectations by combining tradition and innovation. We are a family business that is currently on its third generation of leadership. With over 80 years of experience in the entertainment production space, we are confident in our ability to produce the finest work in any context. Kern Studios maintains a deep appreciation for the hands-on craftsmanship that built our business. What started in 1932 as a mule-drawn float on the back of a garbage wagon has become a global leader in parade and prop production. Learn more at kernstudios.com.