CHRISTMAS IN LAFRENIERE PARK RUN/WALK
Hooray for the Holidays!
This holiday run/walk will be held on December 5, 2026 (start time is 4:00pm) in beautiful Lafreniere Park! This run/walk will give locals the chance to participate in one of the most festive holiday events in the country! This 2-mile course takes participants through Lafreniere and ends near the walking light display tour!
The race, which begins at 4:00pm, is especially popular among families. Many of those running and walking this event do so with strollers or children right by their side.
Registration and Packet Pick-Up
REGISTRATION COSTS:
Cost to register ranges from $30-$40/person depending on date of registration.
Children 3 – 10 years old receive $5 off the cost of registration. Children ages 2 and under can participate for free – both the race and the Christmas in Lafreniere Park Lights Display (they will not receive a race bib or shirt).
*Entry Fees are non-refundable.
ALL REGISTRANTS RECEIVE:
All registrants will receive a race shirt (children’s sizes available), commemorative bib, and a complimentary entrance into the Christmas in Lafreniere Park Lights Display – both the walking and driving tour are included.
EARLY PACKET PICK-UP OPTIONS:
- Wednesday 12/2/26. Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Raising Cane’s. 4036 Veterans Blvd, Metairie, LA 70006 (corner of Lake Villa and Vets Blvd)
- Thursday 12/3/26. Time: 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm. Lafreniere Foundation Center. 3000 Downs Blvd, Metairie, LA 70003
RACE DAY PACKET PICK-UP OPTION:
- Saturday 12/5/26 beginning at 2:30pm in Lafreniere Park on Downs Blvd near the Carousel.
Race Day Schedule
2:30 PM: Festivities begin including photos with Santa, Kids Fun Zone (with free Carousel rides and face painting), and refreshments – Gumbo, Hot Chocolate, beer, and MORE! Packet Pick-up and Registration opens.
3:45 PM: Everyone must enter the park before 3:45PM as entrance gates will be locked at this time.
4:00 pm The Christmas in Lafreniere Park Run/Walk begins!
5:00 PM: Lafreniere Park Driving and Walking Lights Display opens for race participants only.
5:30 PM: General public allowed to enter the Lafreniere Park Lights Display. If you wish to enter the driving tour later in the evening, you can enter at the West Napoleon gates with your race bib for free admission. Please place your race bib on the dashboard of your car. Attendance is on RACE DAY ONLY.
Course Description
This 2-mile course takes participants through Lafreniere and ends near the walking light display tour!
Parking
There is parking inside Lafreniere Park. If you arrive after 3:45 and the street gates are closed, you can park outside of the park and enter through the walk-in gate at Downs Blvd.
Pre-Race Festivities
Arrive early! All the fun happens BEFORE the race starting at 2:30pm! Enjoy FREE pictures with Santa, Community Coffee and Hot Chocolate, a variety of snacks including Jimmy John’s cookies and Elmers products, Christmas Music, and a fun Kids Area with free Carousel rides and face painting. Costumes are encouraged!
Post-Race Festivities
Participants will be able to enjoy the walking light tour in Lafreniere Park after the race before the gates open to the general public. Food trucks will be on-site for snack purchases. You can leave and return later that night to see the Christmas lights display. Use your race bib as your free pass to enter on RACE DAY only.
Lafreniere Park Holiday Lights Display
Constructed with over 10 million LED lights, the park features elaborate decorations and festive lighted displays like a Hot Wheels display, a Hello Kitty figure and new animal hanging ornaments along with old favorites like a lighted 60-foot Sea Serpent in the lagoon, a princess and her magical castle and the gingerbread man. There will also be a walk-through exhibit.
