family
Wednesday 8
THE TOYMAKER'S HELPER. Fine Arts Center, 1733 Constantinople St., 269-3922 -- Porta-Puppet Players present musical production set in Santa's workshop. Dinner and show $12, reservations required. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday 11
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA. Hard Rock Cafe, 418 N. Peters St., 529-5617; www.hardrock.com -- Buffet-style breakfast with Christmas decor and Santa hearing gift wishes from children. Price $13.95 per person includes tax and gratuity. Seatings at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.
HOLIDAY CELEBRATION. Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road, 488-5488, ext. 913; www.longuevue.com -- Family event with crafts, food, entertainment and gingerbread house contest. Admission $5 Longue Vue members, $7 non-members. 10 a.m. to noon.
A LOUISIANA CHRISTMAS. New Orleans Jazz Historical Park, 419 Decatur St., 589-2636, ext. 1 -- Holiday event with food and craft demonstrations, stories and carol sing-alongs (11 a.m.), concert with Ed Dowling and his jazz band (noon) and Marine Band New Orleans (2 p.m.). Free. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
THE TOYMAKER'S HELPER. Rivertown Repertory Theatre, 325 Minor St., Kenner, 468-7221 -- Imagine Theatre for Children and Porta-Puppet Players present musical production set in Santa's workshop. Tickets $12 adults, $8 children. 2 p.m.
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS. Otis House Museum, 1 mile east of Madisonville on Hwy. 22, (888) 677-3247 -- Tours of Victorian-era Otis House decorated for holidays with costumed guides explaining the era's holiday traditions. Caroling and children's hayride offered. Admission $2 adults, free for seniors and children 12-under. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
LATE NIGHTS AT AUDUBON NATURE CENTER. Joe W. Brown Memorial Park, 5601 Read Blvd., 246-5672 or (800) 774-7394; www.auduboninstitute.org -- The Nature Center stays open later with planned activities such as campfires, guided hikes, kid crafts, stargazing through telescopes and more. Open until 8 p.m. Saturdays, through January.
Sunday 12
NOEL DES ENFANTS. East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, 568-0770 -- Children ages 5-10 learn about French Christmas traditions and enjoy puppet show and visit from Santa. Snacks and party favors served. Free admission; RSVP by Wednesday. 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST HOLIDAY TEA PARTY. Landmark Hotel, 2601 Severn Ave., Metairie, 885-2000 -- Characters from Jefferson Performing Arts Society's Beauty and the Beast join children in cookies and hot chocolate, plus performance by JPAS Children's Chorus of Christmas music. Tickets $15 adults, $12 children, includes food, drinks, take-home photo and concert. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
special events
Tuesday 7
LIVING HISTORY CORPS. The National D-Day Museum, 945 Magazine St., 527-6012, ext. 226; www.ddaymuseum.org -- Living history interpreters present depiction of Pearl Harbor attack. Free admission. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
SCHOOL CHOIR HOLIDAY CONCERTS. InterContinental Hotel, 444 St. Charles Ave., 525-5566 -- Daily 45-minute concerts with local school groups, featuring Belle Chasse Primary (Tuesday), Clearwood (Wednesday), St. Paul's Episcopal (Thursday), St. Michael's Special School (Friday). Free admission. Noon Tuesday-Friday.
LIGHTING OF CANAL STREET. Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel, 739 Canal St., (800) 684-1127; www.astorcrowneplaza.com -- Astor Crowne Plaza and Downtown Development District (DDD) host celebration for lighting on holiday decorations lining Canal Street, with performance by St. Louis Cathedral School Choir, local dignitaries and Santa Claus. Free. 6 p.m.
DAKIN WILLIAMS. Napoleon House, 500 Chartres St., 581-1144; www.tennesseewilliams.net -- Younger brother of playwright Tennessee Williams discusses their life stories over dinner, wine and enactments of Williams' work by local actors Michael Arata and Kathy Randels. Proceeds benefit the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival. Tickets $150. 7 p.m.
Wednesday 8
CHOIR HOLIDAY CONCERTS. Omni Royal Orleans, 621 St. Louis St., 529-5333 -- Local school groups sing Christmas carols; Thursday Metairie Country Day, Friday St. Philip Neri. Free admission. Noon Thursday-Friday.
PARTY GIRL PRODUCTIONS ANNIVERSARY. 625 St. Charles Ave. Condominiums, fourth floor, 309-8320; www.partygirlproductions.net -- One-year celebration of Party Girl Productions benefits Children's Hospital. Cash bar, hors d'oeuvres served, unwrapped toy drive for needy children. Children invited. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
GRAYSON CAPPS. East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, 838-1100 -- Local musician, actor and poet Grayson Capps performs soundtrack to upcoming movie A Love Song for Bobby Long, based on Capps' father's manuscript set in New Orleans. Free admission. 7 p.m.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS. New Orleans Arena, 525-HOOP; www.hornets.com -- Hornets host the New York Knicks. Tickets $10-$218.50. 7 p.m.
POLITICS WITH A PUNCH. Le Chat Noir, 715 St. Charles Ave., 581-5812; www.ringsidepolitics.com -- Celebrities, pundits and politicians join host Jeff Crouere for discussion of Louisiana politics. Tickets $21 single, $30 couple. 8 p.m.
Thursday 9
CULTURAL ECONOMY CONFERENCE. Morial Convention Center, 888-7604; www.crt.state.la.us/culturaleconomy -- Office of Lt. Governor and Dept. of Culture, Recreation and Tourism host conference to explore adding business to the arts and culture of Louisiana. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Friday.
CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF HOMES. The 1850 House, 523 St. Ann St., 522-5730; www.fqfi.org -- Tour of historic French Quarter landmarks decorated for Christmas. Self-guided with refreshments served. Tickets $15 adults, $5 children 12 and under. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday 10
HOLIDAY ON THE BOULEVARD. Ashé Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., 569-9070; www.ashecac.org -- Fifth annual holiday celebration with music, food, 'world market' type vending, children's activities and more on Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard. Musicians scheduled include Phillip Manuel, Bamboula 2000, Sharon Martin and Chakula Cha Jua. Noon to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
HOLIDAY OF LIGHTS. St. Tammany Trace Trailhead, Koop Drive at 1-12 and Hwy. 59, (985) 887-3163 -- Visitors walk Tammany Trace through lighted displays and carolers. Free admission. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
WINTER CONCERT. NOCCA/Riverfront, 2800 Chartres St., 940-2900; www.nocca.org -- NOCCA student dance company performs classical ballet, jazz and modern dance. Admission $5. 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday.
LA JOUR DE NOEL. St. John Church, 3937 Canal St., 865-3492; www.nomdc.org -- New Orleans Musica da Camera performs music as part of medieval Christmas celebration. Free admission. 8 p.m.
HOLIDAY POPS. Municipal Auditorium, Armstrong Park, 523-6530; www.lpomusic.com -- Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra performs holiday music conducted by Glen Langdon. Call for ticket info. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHT SERIES. Main Even Sports Bar, front parking lot, 3200 N. Arnoult Road, Metairie, 885-3300 or 888-6451 -- A series that mixes boxing, martial arts, kickboxing and ultimate fighting matches every Friday through next summer. Tickets $15 advance, $20 door, $25 ringside, VIP $30. 9 p.m.
ROCK 'N' ROLL CAMP BENEFIT. Hi Ho Lounge, 2239 St. Claude Ave., 947-9344; www.girlsrockcamp.com -- Girl Gang Productions host local benefit concert to support Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls, a nonprofit teaching girls ages 8-18 music and life skills. Music by Tragic Girls End Up Like This, Anna Byars Band and Dirty Rotten Shame. Admission $5; donations encouraged. 10 p.m.
Saturday 11
FESTIVUS. Girod Street between Magazine and Tchoupitoulas streets, 861-5898 -- Crescent City Farmers Market hosts local vendors selling gifts and products, offering services such as re-gift center and massage, and more. Rain location at 703 Magazine St. Free. 8 a.m. to noon.
SANTA PAWS. PETCO, 3500 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 733-7387; www.jspca.org -- Family portraits with pets taken to support Jefferson SPCA. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, through Dec. 19.
CANINE GOOD CITIZEN TEST. Jefferson SPCA, 1 Humane Way, Harahan, 733-7387; www.jspca.org -- American Kennel Club test encourages owners to make dogs act responsibly and awards qualifying dogs. Fee $10; reservations encouraged. 10 a.m. to noon.
HOLIDAY HOME TOUR. Begins at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Ave., 581-7032; www.prcno.org -- Preservation Resource Center's 30th annual tour of holiday-decorated Garden District home. Tickets $20 PRC members, $26 non-members in advance, $30 at event. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
OPEN STUDIO DAY. Marigny and Bywater homes and art studios, 948-4607 and 949-1805 -- Artists Jose Torres Tama and Pati D'Amico host open house to showcase artists of the neighborhoods. Free admission. Noon to 5 p.m.
SOCK MONKEY MANIA. 3 Ring Circus' The Big Top Gallery, 1638 Clio St., 569-2700; www.3rcp.com -- Razzamataz presents a community arts workshop based around the theme of sock monkeys featuring short films, music, poetry, puppetry and the chance to build sock monkeys for kids in need. Bring decorative materials. Tickets $4 for 3 Ring Circus members, $5 general admission. 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
AMANDA SHAW. Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 3721 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 455-5135 -- Local fiddle prodigy performs unplugged set. Free admission. 3 p.m.
HOLIDAY BONFIRE. Algiers Point Levee (West Bank), Woldenberg Park, French Quarter (East Bank) -- Annual bonfire with political speakers and live entertainment with Bobby Barth of Blackfoot (East Bank), and Wanda Rouzan and New Orleans Navy Band (West Bank). Free admission. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
BONCO SPAGHETTI DINNER. St. Catherine of Siena cafeteria, 105 Bonnabel Blvd., Metairie, 905-5269 -- Benefit for Marriage Encounter Community with spaghetti dinner and dessert followed by bonco games. Tickets $10 advance, $12 at door. 6:30 p.m.
CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE. West End marinas to Bucktown -- Twenty-first annual parade of dozens of boats decorated with Christmas lights. Free. 6:30 p.m. (Rain date Dec. 18).
KWANZAA SHOWCASE. Tulane Tower, Tekrema Center for Art and Culture Studies, 2601 Tulane Ave., second floor, 486-3592 or 247-2612 -- N'Kafu Traditional African Dance Company and Tekrema Dance Theater present 'Ne Don,' a dance program celebrating Kwanzaa. Wine and cheese reception follows. Admission $5. 7 p.m.
NEW ORLEANS JAZZ ORCHESTRA. Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St., 452-1216; www.cacno.org -- Irvin Mayfield-led ensemble plays holiday music such as Duke Ellington's 'Nutcracker Swing' and originals. Tickets $25. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
JIMMY HEATH QUARTET. Loyola University, Roussel Hall, 528-3805 -- NEA Jazz Masters tour series brings concert by jazz legend. Tickets $10 general admission, $5 students. 7:30 p.m.
UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHTS. The City Club, 1525 St. Charles Ave., 304-3355; www.NewOrleansBlack.com -- Weekly 'VIP Party Experience' with comedy, live R&B and DJ dance party. Sexy and sophisticated attire (doorman's discretion). Admission $15. 10 p.m.
Sunday 12
MERMAID FLEA MARKET. Mermaid Lounge, 1100 Constance St., 524-4747 -- Last-ever flea market at the Mermaid Lounge with local vendors selling vintage fashions, literature, gift items, art and more. Apolkalypse Now! performs music; bratwurst and kettle korn served. Free admission. Noon to 5 p.m., music 4 p.m.
ANGELS PLACE BENEFIT CONCERT. Boomtown Casino, 4132 Peters Road, Harvey, 455-2620; www.angelsplace.org -- Concert celebrating release of CD to benefit nonprofit Angels Place, serving terminally ill children, featuring the Topcats, Mixed Nuts, Bag of Donuts and other local bands. Tickets $10. 2 p.m.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT. St. Anthony of Padua, 4640 Canal St., 488-2651 -- Performance of holiday favorites. Free admission. 3 p.m.
CHRISTMAS CONCERTS. St. Timothy Church, 335 Asbury Drive, Mandeville, (985) 626-3307 -- The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and various soloists and 100-voice St. Timothy Choir perform program featuring Handel's Messiah and John Rutter carols. Free admission. 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, 7 p.m. Monday (Dec. 13).
LA JOUR DE NOEL. Holy Name of Mary Church, 500 Eliza St., 865-3492; www.nomdc.org -- New Orleans Musica da Camera performs music as part of medieval Christmas celebration. Free admission. 3 p.m.
MESSIAH SING-ALONG. Trinity Artist Series, 1329 Jackson Ave., 670-2520; www.trinityc.net -- Eighteenth annual concert with audiences signing along to various musicians. Free admission. 5 p.m.
YE OLDE MADRIGAL FEASTE. Vintage Court, Covington, (985) 792-1392; www.npas.info -- Northlake Performing Arts Society presents historic court characters to perform skits, songs and more accompanied by feast. Tickets $50. 5:30 p.m. Sunday, 7 p.m. Monday (Dec. 13).
CHRISTMAS CONCERT. UNO Performing Arts Center, 988-7574 -- New Orleans Concert Band performs 30th annual Christmas concert of pop favorites and traditional classics. Free admission. 7 p.m.
SOUTHERN JEZEBELLES. One Eyed Jacks, 616 Toulouse St., 606-9903; www.SouthernJezebelles.com -- Burlesque troupe presents show of international dances in 'Around the World -- Or Bust!' with MC Danny Martini and jazz from Matt Perrine and the Bumpin' Grinders. Tickets $18 advance, $20 at door. 9 p.m.
Monday 13
MONDAY NIGHT FUNDRAISER. Ye Olde College Inn, 3016 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-3683 -- Mention support for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and 20 percent of bill will be donated to group. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
ongoing
CAROLING ON THE RIVER. Toulouse Street Wharf -- Choral groups and high school choirs sing holiday classics aboard the decorated Steamboat Natchez. The two-hour narrated cruise also includes a calliope concert. Food and beverages available for purchase. Tickets $18.50 adults, $9.25 children 6-12 years old.11:30 a.m. daily, Monday through Dec. 17.
CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS. City Park, 483-9415; www.neworleanscitypark.com -- Annual holiday attraction with miles of lighted displays, arts and crafts, food, children's activities, special exhibits and more. Admission for driving tour $12 per vehicle; walking tour $5 per person with children ages three and under free. 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. nightly through Jan. 2.
road trip
Thursday 9
ANNE MURRAY. Casino Magic, 711 Casino Magic Drive, Bay St. Louis, Miss., (800) 5-MAGIC-5 -- Grammy-winning performer gives 'What a Wonderful Christmas' concert. Tickets $14.95-$24.95. 8 p.m. Thursday, 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 6 p.m. Sunday.
Friday 10
THE INNER-CITY NUTCRACKER. Independence Park Theatre, 7800 Independence Blvd., Baton Rouge, (225) 216-0660 -- Mid City Dance Project and theater gather individuals of diverse ethnicities, abilities and ages to perform holiday classic. Admission is canned food item to be donated to Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday.
DIONNE WARWICK. Grand Casino, 265 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss., (800) 354-2450; www.grandbiloxi.com -- Mystic and R&B legend performs. Tickets $24.95-$29.95. 8 p.m.
Saturday 11
PAT BOONE CHRISTMAS SHOW. Grand Casino, 265 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss., (800) 354-2450; www.grandbiloxi.com -- Holiday concert with Boone accompanied by children's choir, plus performance of his hits. Tickets $14.95-$19.95. 8 p.m.
ongoing
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A GHOST STORY OF CHRISTMAS. Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave., Houston, (713) 228-8421; www.alleytheatre.org -- The Alley Theatre's adapted performance of the holiday classic. Tickets $37-50. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, through Dec. 26.
GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER. Grand Casino Biloxi, 265 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss., (800) 354-2450 -- The Moscow Ballet performs an adaptation of the holiday classic. Tickets $14.95-19.95. 8 p.m. nightly, 3 p.m. Saturday, through Apr. 2005
MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF ART. 201 E. Pascagoula St., Jackson, Miss., (866) VIEW-ART; www.msmuseumart.org -- Mississippi Watercolor Society Grand National Watercolor Exhibition, 60 works from throughout the nation, through Jan. 9, 2005.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON. 1001 Bissonnet St., Houston, (713) 639-7300; www.mfah.org -- Royal Portraits: Manwar painting from the royal collection of the Mehrangarh Museum in Jodhpur, India, through Jan. 2, 2005; Kenneth Noland: The Nature of Color, opens Sunday, through March 6, 2005.
NORTH BEACH INTERIORS. 104 North Beach Blvd., Bay St. Louis, Miss., (228) 463-1170 -- A Diverse Selection of Work, paintings by Anthony DiFatta, through Jan. 1, 2005. Opening reception 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.
OPELOUSAS MUSEUM OF ART. 106 N. Union St., Opelousas, (337) 942-4991; omamuseum@aol.com -- Five of the Finest: Art of Acadiana, works by Sally Padgett, Earl Guedry, Joann Quillman, Jimmie Lafleur and Floyd Sonnier, through Dec. 18.
PETE FOUNTAIN. Casino Magic, 711 Casino Magic Drive, Bay St. Louis, (800) 5-MAGIC-5; www.casinomagic-baystlouis.com -- Jazz legend performs weekly shows. Tickets $12.50, includes two cocktails. 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.
SERENITY GALLERY. 126 Main St., Bay St. Louis, Miss., (228) 467-3061 -- Watercolor and oil paintings by Kathryn Keller, through Dec. 27. Artist's reception 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.
