By Hannah Pellicer | Good Grit Magazine
Photos provided by Louisiana Northshore and Joanie Johnston
It seems that families all over the south are searching for Christmas cheer outside of the home. With Covid-19 restrictions the usual tree lightings, Santa Claus visits, and holiday gatherings are getting cancelled left and right. In a year such as this, finding a safe way to explore a new place and celebrate Christmas is a desire for most—luckily, St. Tammany Parish has made it easy!
1. Twinkling Lights Galore
If you’ve missed the feeling of looking at Christmas lights, Louisiana Northshore has got you covered! There’s nothing better than a cozy, night drive at Christmas time, with colorful lights lining the streets, and endless displays of holiday cheer. This year, Louisiana Northshore’s 22nd Annual Holiday of Lights is the perfect display for you and your family to enjoy! While in Mandeville, take a drive through the Tammany Trace Trailhead on Koop Drive and savor the moment as thousands of lights guide you down the path. In addition to the Holiday of Lights, stroll the streets of the historic district of Downtown Covington to find each of the 12 Days of Christmas light displays, as well as Christmas Under the Stars at Griffith Park!
2. Shopping for all!
As usual, the Christmas season calls for lots of shopping! At Louisiana Northshore, be sure to stop by Olde Towne Slidell Christmas Market for more local artists and vendors as well as live music, perfect for caroling. If you love the arts, Louisiana Northshore also offers Covington Holiday Art Market and the Christmas Extravaganza Arts and Crafts Expo, as well as Das Schulerhaus Gift Gallery & Christmas Boutique where you can find the perfect holiday gifts.
3. Carriage Rides through Old Covington
What’s more magical than a carriage ride through a quaint, historic district at Christmas time? While you’re enjoying your stay in Louisiana Northshore, take a tour of Old Covington with Royal Carriages. Royal Carriages is America’s oldest sightseeing company, and prides itself on the care they give to their animals; each mule receives months of annual vacation. Tours run every weekend with the choice of 30 or 60 minute tours and depart just south of the Covington Trailhead Museum.
4. Food like never before!
Whether you're traveling or home for the holidays, great food is essential. There’s nothing quite like warm, homemade pies and casseroles on a cold Christmas Day... at least not until you’ve tried the delicious "Tammany Taste" culinary scene on the Northshore. Whether you’re looking for upscale, casual, or a place that can accommodate a large gathering, the Northshore has plenty of options that will meet any of your needs. Some restaurants can even cook the holiday meal of your dreams! This includes turkey with all the usual holiday fixings, and desserts, that can be made just for you when ordered at least two days in advance. This way, you can enjoy your Christmas dinner at your hotel, or at a local park for a socially distant gathering.
5. Plenty of Places to Stay with this Season's Savings!
St. Tammany Parish has many great deals this holiday season to keep the hotel cost down. Reduce the stress of finding the perfect place to stay, and check out the discounted rates from November 15th, 2020 through January 15th, 2021.
Whether you’re looking for a place to getaway this Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year, Louisiana Northshore will serve as the most accommodating and thrillful spot this holiday season. For more information, visit www.LouisianaNorthshore.com/Holiday!
