The City of Slidell is excited to invite residents and visitors to the 11th Annual Slidell’s Bayou Christmas, a magical holiday event held at Heritage Park on December 13–14 and 20–23. This free event will take place from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and offers a festive lineup of activities, entertainment, and holiday fun for the entire family.

“Slidell’s Bayou Christmas is a community tradition that brings families together to celebrate the holiday season,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “We owe a special thanks to Tommy Benasco and all of the Bayou Christmas volunteers for their dedication and years of service in making this event such a success. Their hard work and holiday spirit continue to make this a magical experience for everyone.”

The event kicks off on Friday, Dec. 13, with the Bayou Jam Christmas Spectacular, featuring the King of Christmas, Vince Vance and the Valiants starting at 6:00 p.m. On Saturday, December 14, the holiday fun continues with Community Caroling hosted by the Slidell Women’s Civic Club at 6:30 p.m., followed by a special Slidell Movie Nights screening of the Christmas movie classic Elf at 7:30 p.m.

A highlight of Slidell’s Bayou Christmas is the nightly appearance of Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will be available from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. to take free photos with children. Families can also enjoy animated light displays, a skating rink, kiddie rides, and Slidell’s Nativity created by local artist Lori Anselmo. Art and craft vendors, as well as food and drink stands, will offer festive treats and unique holiday shopping opportunities.

On Dec. 20, guests can enjoy performances by Royal Legacy Dance, Lakeside Christian, Carolyn Park, St. Margaret Mary Dance, St. Margaret Mary Cheer, and Just Dance, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The entertainment continues on Dec. 21 with Bayou Gems, Wonder Made Dance, Bayou Woods, and Lake Castle, also starting at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 22 features performances by Slidell Jr. High, Bonnie Ecole Starlettes, Bonnie Ecole Twinkle Toes, Royal Diamond Diva, and Rick Weems. The final night, December 23, includes performances by Slidell Boys & Girls Club at 6:30 p.m. and The Dance Project at 7:00 p.m.

Heritage Park is located at 1701 Bayou Lane in Slidell. Guests are encouraged to park in the shell lot located at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Bayou Lane for convenient access to the event.

For more information about Slidell’s Bayou Christmas, visit the “Slidell’s Bayou Christmas” Facebook page or contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375.

Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer invites you to a festive evening of music with the Northshore Community Orchestra on Thursday, December 19, at 7:00 p.m. at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium. This cherished holiday tradition is free to the public and promises to fill the season with the sounds of joy and celebration.

The Northshore Community Orchestra, the only symphony orchestra in St. Tammany Parish, is dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of music for both youth and adults. Established in 1987, the orchestra has continuously brought together musicians of all ages and backgrounds to perform a diverse repertoire, including classical, jazz, pop, folk, ethnic, traditional, movie themes, and Broadway hits. The orchestra regularly participates in community events, such as Some Enchanted Evening and Slidell’s annual Christmas concerts.

Musicians hail from Slidell, St. Tammany Parish, and surrounding areas across the Greater New Orleans region and south Mississippi. The orchestra’s members reflect a wide range of backgrounds, from students and educators to medical professionals, engineers, scientists, homemakers, and retirees. The ensemble’s diverse age range includes its youngest member at just 9 years old and its oldest in his 80s. Many families share the joy of music together, with parents, children, siblings, and spouses performing side by side.

The orchestra has been conducted by Slidell native Mrs. Susan Messina since 2006. With over 30 years of experience as a music educator and a master’s degree in music from Southeastern Louisiana University, Mrs. Messina brings her passion and expertise to the ensemble. A seasoned band director and private music instructor, she continues to inspire musicians of all ages through her leadership.

The concert will take place at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium, located at 2056 Second Street in Olde Towne Slidell. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information about this event, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. For the latest information about City of Slidell news and events, visit MySlidell.com or follow the “City of Slidell, Louisiana” on Facebook.

The City of Slidell is lighting up the holiday season with exciting family events that promise to bring cheer and joy to the community. From light displays and live performances to family-friendly activities, Slidell is the place to celebrate the spirit of Christmas. All events offer free admission.

“The Christmas season is a time for our community to come together and celebrate,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “Christmas is my favorite time of year, where we get to spend cherished time with family and friends. I invite everyone to join us for these Christmas events and experience the joy of the holiday season in Slidell.”

Christmas Under the Stars

  • When: Dec. 6 – Jan. 2, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Where: Griffith Park (333 Erlanger Street)
    A treasured Slidell tradition, featuring Big Santa, the life-size Christmas Cottages by Lori Anselmo, Santa’s Magical Mailbox, Christmas Playhouses by the Rosies, and the new Community Christmas Tree.
  • Special Event: Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Dec. 6 and Dec. 7, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Christmas on Front

  • When: Dec. 6 – Jan. 2
  • Where: Front Street
    A drive-through animated light display for the whole family.

Parade of Trees

  • When: Dec. 6 – Jan. 2
  • Where: Carey Street Park (corner of Carey and Robert streets in Olde Towne)
    Christmas trees decorated by local schools, churches, and community organizations will be on display for all to enjoy.

Slidell’s Bayou Christmas

  • When: Dec. 13-14 & Dec. 20-23, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Where: Heritage Park (1701 Bayou Lane)
    This event features animated light displays, Slidell’s Nativity by Lori Anselmo, live entertainment, craft vendors, food and drinks, kiddie rides, and an ice skating rink.

Bayou Jam Christmas Spectacular with Vince Vance and the Valiants

  • When: Friday, Dec. 13, 6:00 PM
  • Where: Heritage Park
    Kick off Slidell’s Bayou Christmas with a high-energy concert from Vince Vance and the Valiants.

Community Caroling with the Slidell Women’s Civic Club

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 6:30 PM
  • Where: Heritage Park
    Gather with the community to sing along to beloved Christmas carols.

Slidell Movie Nights presents “Elf”

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 7:30 PM
  • Where: Heritage Park
    Enjoy the holiday classic “Elf” under the stars with family and friends.

Holiday Concert with the Northshore Community Orchestra

  • When: Thursday, Dec. 19, 7:00 PM
  • Where: Slidell Auditorium (2056 Second Street)
    An evening of live holiday music performed by the Northshore Community Orchestra.

The City of Slidell would like to thank our media sponsors for supporting the arts in Slidell, including Edge of the Lake Magazine, Inside Northside, Lake 94.7, Plus Publications, The Slidell Independent, Slidell Savings Magazine, and Sophisticated Woman Magazine.

For more information about these events, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. For the latest information about City of Slidell news and events, visit MySlidell.com or follow the “City of Slidell, Louisiana” on Facebook.

 

Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer and the members of the Slidell City Council would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

In observation of the Thanksgiving holiday, city offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29, and will reopen during regular hours on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024.

Essential personnel will remain on duty. If Slidell residents experience problems with their water or sewer service, they should call the City Services 24-hour emergency hotline at (985) 643-6140.

The City of Slidell advises motorists that West Hall Ave from S Pine St to S Carnation St will be closed for construction from Monday, November 25th to Wednesday, November 27th.

The City apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates the cooperation of the public during this time.

 

Mayor Greg Cromer invites the community to join the City of Slidell for the annual Olde Towne Slidell Community Christmas Golf Cart Parade on Saturday, November 30, at 5 p.m.

This festive event kicks off the holiday season with a parade led by Slidell Synch Lawn Chair Brigade, known for their entertaining routines featuring holiday-themed lawn chairs. Following them will be a procession of elaborately decorated golf carts and a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, riding in an antique fire truck.

“This year, the Christmas Parade coincides with Small Business Saturday,” said Mayor Cromer. “While you’re enjoying the festivities in Olde Towne, I encourage everyone to support the unique shops and fantastic restaurants that Olde Towne has to offer. It’s a great way to celebrate the season and support our local businesses.”

To ensure a safe and enjoyable event, street closures in Olde Towne Slidell will begin at 2:30 p.m. on the day of the parade. Please see the map for the street closures. Once the bollards are in place, vehicles within the No Parking Zone will not be able to exit until after 8 p.m., when the parade concludes and bollards are removed. Additionally, “Special Event No Parking” signs will be posted throughout Olde Towne. Residents and visitors are urged to avoid parking vehicles in the area after 2:30 p.m.

For more information about the parade or street closures, contact the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375.

The City of Slidell advises motorists that Cousin St., from 7th St. to 11th St, will be closed for
roadway construction on Wednesday, November 20th through Friday, November 22nd.

The City apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates the cooperation
of the public during this time.

Mayor Greg Cromer and the Slidell City Council extend their gratitude to all veterans who have honorably served our nation.

In observance of Veterans Day, city offices will be closed on Monday, November 11, 2024, and will reopen on Tuesday, November 12, during regular business hours.

Essential personnel will remain on duty to respond to any emergencies. Slidell residents experiencing issues with water or sewer services can reach the City Services 24-hour emergency hotline at (985) 643-6140.

City of Slidell offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 5, in observance of Election Day. Offices will reopen during regular hours on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

Essential personnel will remain on duty to ensure city services continue without interruption. Residents who experience issues with water or sewer service are encouraged to contact the City Services 24-hour emergency hotline at (985) 643-6140 for immediate assistance.

Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer is encouraging all residents to participate in the election.

“Election Day is a time for each of us to have our voices heard and to play an active role in shaping our community’s future,” said Cromer. “I encourage everyone in Slidell to get out and vote.”

 

The City of Slidell announces the temporary closure of Bayou Lane, the road running through Heritage Park from Pennsylvania Avenue to the Heritage Park Boat Launch, starting at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 2. This closure is necessary to allow city crews to install festive Christmas decorations in preparation for the annual Slidell’s Bayou Christmas celebration.

Crews will work diligently to complete the installation, with the road anticipated to reopen on Saturday, November 9 at 6:00 a.m. While Bayou Lane will be closed to through traffic during this time, the Heritage Park Boat Launch will remain open and accessible to the public.

The City of Slidell appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as we prepare to bring the holiday spirit to Heritage Park. We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to enjoy Slidell’s Bayou Christmas and other holiday events in Heritage Park.