Over the next few months, there is a plethora of activities and events to enjoy to brighten your days (and nights). Here are a few recommendations:

Bright Lights

The beauty and wonderment of thousands of twinkly decorations are ready to be enjoyed at the St. Tammany Holiday of Lights! In Mandeville, you can walk through the displays on December 19 and 20. Or, you may wish to take in the splendor from your car during the “drive-through” nights beginning December 22 through January 1. In Madisonville, you can walk along the riverfront as its live oaks and pathways shimmer with thousands of lights. Be sure to stop by Merry Madisonville, a celebration of the season with events throughout the month. You can also check out the beautiful Twelve Days of Christmas along Covington’s historic district, now through January 6. For a complete list of holiday light events, click here.

Bright Writes

Two of my favorite written musicals are coming to stages on the Northshore! Coming up in January at Slidell Little Theatre is Sweeney Todd, the Tony award-winning musical by Stephen Sondheim. Performances run the weekends of January 16 through February 8. In Mandeville, the 30 by Ninety Theatre presents another Tony award-winning musical, Cabaret, on weekends beginning January 17 through February 1. For tickets to Slidell Little Theatre, click here. For 30 by Ninety, click here.

Bright Sights

It cannot be February without it being Mardi Gras time! In 2026, Fat Tuesday takes place on February 17, and the Northshore has a score of parades to enjoy. The first two are on January 10 with the Fools of Misrule in Covington and the Mande Kings Day in Mandeville. Over the course of the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras, 17 more parades are set for the parish. While there are too many to name here, two of my favorites are actually set for Mardi Gras day, the Covington Lions Club parade and the Krewe of Folsom parade. For a complete list of the Mardi Gras parade schedule, click here.

The Northshore has so much to enjoy. To stay up-to-date on the latest happenings, visit visitthenorthshore.com.

The holiday season on the Northshore never ceases to amaze me. Whether you want to see bright lights, hear joyous sounds or taste all those delectable seasonal favorites, your senses will be pleased. Here is a list of 12 activities to enjoy in December (listed in alphabetical order to avoid any Bah Humbugs).

A Very Merry Christmas Spectacular

You are sure to get into the holiday spirit with this showcase of singing and dancing. Performances on weekends through December 11 at 30 by Ninety Theatre.

Christmas at the Southern Hotel

Marvel at the spectacular décor of the Covington hotel’s lobby and grounds. Now through January 1.

Christmas High Tea

Indulge in a special tea party, with holiday sandwiches, treats and of course, tea! English Tea Room in Covington, now through January 7.

Christmas Holiday Lights

Front Street in Slidell is transformed with thousands of sparkling lights. Now through January 1 at dusk.

Christmas in the Country

Enjoy the sights of yesteryear and shop local on historic Lee Lane in Downtown Covington. Every Saturday through December 24.

Covington’s 12 Days of Christmas Lighted Displays

One of the most spectacular sights of the season. Now through January 6, beginning at dusk, in various historic district locations.

Folsom Horse and Wagon Christmas Parade

Take a break from the holiday hustle-and-bustle as you enjoy a wonderful parade, country-style. December 10 in Downtown Folsom, 1 p.m.

Get Wrapped Up in Mandeville

Get those last-minute gifts while supporting local businesses as you shop in this charming town. Monday – Saturday until December 31.

Holiday of Lights

Koop Drive on Tammany Trace is taken over on December 9 and 10, 6 – 8:30 p.m., for family fun, including rides, games, food and more.

Miracle on 34^th Street

Experience this classic of the magic in believing, performed by the Playmakers, Inc. Community Theater in Covington. Weekend performances, now through December 18.

Nutcracker Twist

The twist on this time-honored tradition makes for great fun, performed on weekends at the Slidell Little Theatre. Now through December 18.

Winterland at the Shops

Get in some last-minute shopping at 1200 West in Mandeville, and capture a photo in front of the 40-foot, lighted willow tree. Daily at dusk, now through December 31.

While this list covers 12 activities, St. Tammany Parish offers too many to include here. For a complete list, visit here.

The holidays in St. Tammany Parish are simply magical. Now more than ever, we are all ready to truly experience the season. There is a plethora of opportunities to do so, and here are a few events to enjoy:

Holiday Happiness #1 – Santa Claus

Saturday, December 11, is a fun-packed day in the parish. Bring out your kids (two-10 years old) to Pelican Park in Mandeville for a Breakfast with Santa event, 9-11 a.m. Each child will be served breakfast, meet Santa and create holiday crafts. Santa will then make his way to Folsom.

The Folsom Horse and Wagon Christmas Parade is back this year, and the organizers are rustling up a good time. You will surely enjoy the parade of wagons, tractors and more. Of course, Santa will be the special parade marshal! The parade begins at 1 p.m.

Holiday Happiness #2 – Free Movie Nights

It’s time to go back to the movies! The parish has quite a few opportunities to do so, and even better, we have two that are free. On Friday, December 17, head to the Mandeville Trailhead at 5 p.m. for a holiday movie suitable for the entire family. The next evening, you have another chance to catch a flick at Slidell’s Bayou Christmas at 6 p.m. Be sure to bring your lawn chairs and blankets. For more information, visit louisiananorthshore.com.

Holiday Happiness #3 – The Music

Two free orchestra events take place on Sunday, December 19. The Christ Episcopal Church in Covington welcomes the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s Brass Ensemble for its annual holiday performance, Christmas Brass Spectacular, at 5:00 p.m.

Then at 7 p.m., you can enjoy a concert in Slidell, with the Northshore Community Orchestra. The concert takes place at Slidell Municipal Auditorium. The Northshore Community Orchestra is the only symphony orchestra in St. Tammany Parish in which both youths and adults can make learning and performing music a lifelong endeavor.

No matter how you celebrate this wonderful time of the year, St. Tammany Parish is ready to make it special!