New Orleans Holiday Parade!

The Children’s Hospital Holiday Parade is the only New Orleans procession with giant Macy’s-parade-type balloons that float through the French Quarter and downtown New Orleans. The parade also features holiday-themed floats, marching bands, dance groups, and, of course – Santa! Originally meant to roll on a cold, rainy Saturday, the festivities were moved to a sunny Sunday with temperatures in the high 60's. Pretty darn delightful.

Between the weather-move and the Saints game the parade competed with, the crowds were a bit thinner this year. But the kids (and kids at heart) were just as enthusiastic as ever. Kern Studios' New Orleans and Louisiana-centric floats included alligators, Mr. Bingle, and other local iconography. Dance krewes included Krewe of Dolly, Muff-A-Lottas, Roux La La, NOLA Bombshells, and the women who started it all – the Pussyfooters!

Since 2013, I 've been dancing in holiday parades with the Pussyfooters – a non-profit group of over 100 women over-30 who parade and serve the community in pink corsets and white combat boots. When the pandemic ended the Krewe of Jingle Parade, and the Manning Family's Children's Hospital Holiday Parade began 4 years ago, the addition of giant balloons was not the only change. Like the Pride and Krewe of Boo parades, the floats are now sponsored by corporations and/or local businesses to help pay for everything. (Mardi Gras and most local parades are paid for by the people riding in the floats and throwing gifts. MORE INFO)

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And now the whole parade is televised! You can watch it here and find us at 1 hour 19 min. (I'm on the left in a red skirt with Santa on my head).

The dancers, marching bands, baton twirlers, and other participants work for months to bring the crowds our best. So my favorite part of parading is watching people smile, dance, or scream how much they love us – all because of the joy we're bringing. They say that when it comes to gifts, it's better to give than receive. I LOVE attending parades, but nothing feels quite like being part of one.

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After dancing for hours, my beautiful day continued as I got to watch the Saints win a tough game (and skip the commercials we'd banked up) while overhearing a nearby porch party with live music. I love my city.