6 ways to spend Christmas in NOLA

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Jack Vanchiere

If you plan on spending Christmas in New Orleans, you won’t have to go far to get in the Christmas spirit. From betting on racing Santas to Christmas-themed circus shows, there are a number of things to do around the city for every age and budget.

1. Running of the Santas

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Join the migration as thousands of Santas run from Barcadia to a bouncing holiday party at Generations Hall with costume contests and good times galore.

On Dec. 13, find the starting line at Barcadia at 601 Tchoupitoulas St. The music starts at 3 p.m. and the run starts at 6 p.m. General admission is $15 and VIP is $75.

2. Celebration in the Oaks

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One of the largest light shows in New Orleans with 25 acres of light displays, Celebration in the Oaks in City Park has been attracting visitors since it first began in 1987. Be sure to check out the Who Dat tree to say some kind words to our Saints.

From Nov. 28 to Jan. 3 (closed Dec. 1 through 4 and 24 through 31), the event is open Sunday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $8.

3. Gingerbread House Building Competition

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This annual event raises funds for restorative New Orleans organizations including Build Now, Project Homecoming, Project Home Again, and New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity. The winner of the contest will receive a $200 cash prize.

From Dec. 4 through the 6 at 9 p.m., join the New Orleans Healing Center at 2372 St. Claude Ave. Adult tickets are $20 and child tickets are $10.

4. Holiday Lights Tour

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Get in the holiday mood with a double decker bus tour of New Orleans’ most beautiful light displays.

From Dec. 4 through the 21, Thursday through Saturday at 6:30 p.m., hop on over to 501 Basin St. for a tour of the city. Adult tickets are $30 and child tickets are $10.

5. Cirque de Noel

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Watch as the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and the Cirque de la Symphonie present the music of the holiday season with daring acrobatics, defying aerial flyers and quick-handed jugglers.

The performance will be held on Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Saenger Theatre located at 1111 Canal St. General admission is $20 and student admission is $10.

6. New Year’s Eve in New Orleans

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What better way to cap off the year and usher in the blank slate of 2015 than with the annual ball drop, a high-powered display of aerial dominance.

It’s free and open to the public at Jackson Square on Dec. 31.