NEW ORLEANS — From boat parades to bonfires and holiday light displays, the New Orleans area is packed with Christmas-themed events this weekend offering families and visitors plenty of ways to celebrate the season.

One of the marquee events is the . Festivities begin around noon in West End, with approximately 50 decorated boats launching at 5:45 p.m. from the New Canal Lighthouse.

Also Saturday evening . The movie begins at 5:30 p.m. on a 30-foot screen under the stars.

On the Northshore, the starts at 5 p.m. Saturday along the Madisonville Riverfront. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and enjoy food from local vendors while watching the illuminated boats pass by.

In St. James Parish, the annual . The festival began Friday, with a bonfire lighting and fireworks display schedul

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