Inside Scoop

NOVEMBER

Festival of the Lake by Our Lady of the Lake

November 1-3, Friday, 5-10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 12-6 p.m.

The 42nd annual Festival of the Lake has been drawing crowds from southern Louisiana to enjoy a weekend of live music, food from local restaurants and Our Lady of the Lake parishioners, and fun since 1982. It’s a weekend of fun for kids of all ages. A portion of the proceeds for this event will be donated to feed the hungry. Free Admission; tickets for games, food and beverages.

312 Lafitte St. Mandeville, (985) 626-3144, festivalofthelake.com

Heroes Who Cook

Sunday, November 3, 4-7:00 p.m.

The 11th annual Heroes Who Cook (formerly Men Who Cook) is the primary annual fundraiser for the Children’s Advocacy Center - Hope House, a local nonprofit that provides hope, healing and justice for victims of child abuse on the Northshore. The sixteen “celebrities” (local government or business leaders) will team up with local restaurants to go head-to-head in a competitive cook-off with tasting of gourmet dishes for attendees to sample, as they compete in raising the most money and having the best dish. There will be live music, wine and beer, a silent auction and more to help fight child abuse and raise money. Admission is $90 per person or $900 for a reserved table for 8.

St. Tammany Parish Justice Center parking garage, 601 N Jefferson Ave., Covington, cachopehouse.org presented by

Northshore Food Bank’s Pallets with a Purpose

Friday, November 8, 6:30 p.m.

The Northshore Food Bank presents Pallets with a Purpose, a fundraising event at the food bank’s Covington warehouse. The food-funding, fun event lets you support a great cause while you have a great time. Advance tickets required. Admission is $150 per individual ticket, $325 for two with reserved seating, $1,700 for a reserved table of 6, and sponsorships are available with perks for donors.

125 W. 30th Ave., Covington, (985) 8933003, northshorefoodbank.org

Mandeville Live! Free Friday Concert: Four Unplugged

Friday, November 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Grab your lawn chairs or blankets and favorite concert buddies and come to the Mandeville Trailhead Fridays for the Fall 2024 Mandeville Live! Free Friday concert series. Food trucks and drink concessions available, no outside food or beverages allowed. Free event.

675 Lafitte St. Mandeville, (985) 624-3147, experiencemandeville.org

Christwood Holiday Pop-up Boutique

Friday, November 8, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Christwood Retirement Community invites you to its annual one-day Christmas and holiday market. Come shop a curated selection of gifts for everyone on your list. Food vendors and a food truck will be on site for your enjoyment. Free admission.

100 Christwood Blvd., Covington, (985) 898-0515, christwoodrc.com

Covington Three Rivers Art Festival

November 9-10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The 28th annual Three Rivers Art Festival, one of the largest juried art festivals in the region and most popular events on the Northshore, brings art lovers to downtown Covington each year for two full days of shopping and entertainment. Stroll the city’s Cultural Arts District and shop from more than 200 artist tents lining both sides of Columbia Street from the 200 Block to the 600 Block. When you’re ready for a break from strolling and shopping, follow the sound of live music, or follow your nose, to the tented food court to relax with a bite to eat and live music.

200 Block to 600 Block of Columbia Street, Covington, (985) 789-7183, covingtonthreeriversartfestival.com

Art Under the Oaks: STAA Art Market at Three Rivers Art Festival

November 9-10, 9:00 a.m.-5 p.m.

The market features a variety of work by members of the St. Tammany Art Association. Local and regional artists will present for sale handmade jewelry, paintings, woodworking, fiber art, pottery and more.

510 E. Boston St., Covington, (985) 892-8650, sttammany.art

Dew Drop Jazz Hall Concerts

Saturdays, November 9, November 30, and December 7, 6:30-9:00 p.m.

A limited amount of seating is available inside for those who prefer a listening room experience (arrive early to secure a spot), and ample space outside the hall for those who prefer to socialize while they listen. The evening features food and drinks for purchase. Performances are November 9, Mem Shannon; November 30, Doreen’s Jazz New Orleans; and John Boutté & Northshore Gospel Choir. General Admission tickets are $10 at the door.

430 Lamarque St., Mandeville, dewdropjazzhall.com

The Lobby Lounge @ The Harbor Center: Amanda Shaw

Wednesday, November 13 7-9:00 p.m.

Join your friends at The Harbor Center in Slidell for the last “Up Close and Musical” concert this season at The Lobby Lounge featuring Amanda Shaw. The concert series features nationally touring acts throughout the year, focusing on artists from the worlds of indie rock, folk, country, jazz, blues and more. Performances are acoustic or lightly amplified, in a Bohemian-style, smoke-free, 124-seat venue. Tickets are $20-$100 (plus sales tax and fees).

100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell (985) 781-3650, harborcenter.org

Franco’s Holiday Market Sip & Shop

November 12-14, 9 a.m.-7 p.m

Shop fashion apparel, home & holiday gifts, decor & fragrances, fun & unique gifts for men, children’s gifts, & more! Open to the public.

Franco’s Athletic Club, 100 Bon Temps Roule, Mandeville, (985) 792-0200.

Fallin’ into Christmas Arts & Crafts Show

Saturday, November 16, 9 a.m.-5 p.m, Sunday, November 17, 9 a.m.-3 p.m

Lots of local and handmade crafts, jewelry and more, free face painting for the kids and loads of holiday shopping. Admission is free.

100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell, harborcenter.org

DECEMBER

Old Mandeville Turkey Ride

Sunday, December 1, 12-5 p.m.

Presented by the Old Mandeville Historic Association, the slow-paced family ride is 6 miles, round-trip, and starts at the Mandeville Trailhead, and ends at the 1850 Jean Baptiste Lang House Museum & Gift Shop, for a family picnic. OMHA will provide food and drinks. Registration in advance is recommended by emailing oldmandevillehistory@gmail.com with name and number in your party. This new event is free and open to the general public.

605 Carroll Street, Mandeville, (210) 643-5696, oldmandevillehistoricassociation.org

Covington by Candlelight

Friday, December 6, 6-7:30 p.m.

All are invited to join in the festive fun of welcoming the Christmas season in Covington with a sing-along and performances at Covington Trailhead. The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating at the open-air pavilion. Free event.

419 N. New Hampshire St., Covington, (985) 892-1873, covla.com

Night Market and Tree Lighting Ceremony

Friday, December 6, 6-9 p.m.

The festive events include live music, market vendors with food and crafts, and festive holiday drinks. Shop, eat, drink & be merry! Admission is free.

Abita Springs Trailhead, (985) 892-0711 , facebook.com/TownofAbitaSprings

Sips of the Season Stroll

Friday, December 6, 5-9:00 p.m.

40+ stops in all—restaurants, bars and shops, all within walking distance of the Mandeville lakefront--this event is not to be missed. Your mug is your admission and your souvenir to keep, to be filled at each stop, along with a card listing businesses dispensing the holiday-themed libations available at each stop. Mugs are $35 each and can be purchased at The Book and the Bean, The Wild Osprey, Cameo Boutique, and Das Schulerhaus Gift Gallery.

Old Mandeville, (985) 279-0236, christmasstroll.org

LPO Northshore Classics: Classical Christmas

Friday, December 6, 7:30 p.m

This special holiday program begins with Italian composer Gian Carlo Menotti’s music from an opera inspired by the story of the Three Kings. The performance continues with Romantic-era composer Felix Mendelssohn’s reverent Christmas cantata and concludes with traditional excerpts of Handel’s glorious work Messiah. Tickets are $13 child/student, $35-67 adult.

128 W. 23rd Ave., Covington (504) 5236530, lpomusic.com

Christmas Extravaganza Arts & Crafts Expo

December 6-8, 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Some 400 vendors from a multi-state area have anything you will want to fill your Christmas list with unique products made by artists and craftspersons. When you’re ready for a break, enjoy great Louisiana & Southern dishes, including hot homemade fudge, glazed nuts and Emma’s pralines. The children’s village has jumps and rides, and Santa will be there, so bring the kiddos and camera for holiday pictures. Parking is free, but limited inside the grounds. Admission at the gate is $8 for persons age 13 and up, free for kids 12 and under.

1301 N Columbia St., Covington, (985) 9667863, .christmasextravaganzaexpo.com

SLT Presents “Scrooge!”

December 6-22, Fridays and Saturdays, 8:00 p.m, Sundays, 2:00 p.m.

In this timeless musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge undergoes a profound experience of redemption over the course of a Christmas Eve night, after being visited by the ghost of his former partner Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. Adults $35, Students and Seniors, $25.

2024 Nellie Dr., Slidell (985) 643-0556, slidelllittletheatre.org

30 by Ninety’s “A Very Merry Christmas Spectacular”

December 6-15, Fridays and Saturdays, 8:00 p.m, Sundays, 2:30 p.m

Bring the whole family to this spirited celebration of the holidays featuring local performers of all ages. A glittering spectacle of singing and dancing that will certainly get you ready for the holidays— especially with complimentary milk and cookies at every performance. Tickets: Adult - $32; Senior (65+)/Military $30; Student (13+) $28, and $25 for age 12 and under.

880 Lafayette St., Mandeville 844-843-3090, 30byninety.com

Ozone Camellia Club Flower Show

Saturday, December 7, 12-3:00 p.m.

The Ozone Camellia Club puts the spotlight on one of the most colorful markers of St. Tammany’s outdoors and first dazzling decoration of the holiday season: the beautiful camellia. Expect to see about 1,000 blooms: camellia growers come from Louisiana, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Texas with protected blooms (grown in hothouses) and non-protected blooms (grown in the elements). Camellia plants will be available for purchase.

2056 2nd Street, Slidell, (985) 643-7153, ozonecamelliaclub. square.site

Youth Service Bureau Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, December 7, 9:00 a.m

Hot breakfast, Christmas crafts, kiddie train rides, photos with Santa and more. Proceeds support Youth Service Bureau programs.

Lakeview Hospital LCMC Health, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd, Covington, (985) 893-2570, ysbworks.com

The Lollipops Marching Group 3rd annual Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 7, 3:00 p.m.

The Lollipops Marching Group kicks off Christmas in Covington with their parade through the town. The annual parade supports the Northshore Food Bank, whose volunteers will be in the parade. The parade features local dance teams, cheerleading and marching groups, ROTC and, of course, Santa. Paradegoers are encouraged to bring canned/non-perishable goods to donate.

St. Tammany Parish Public School Board office at 321 N. Theard (N. Jefferson and W. 23rd), Covington, (985) 892-1811, facebook. com/marchinglollipops

Christmas in Covington

Saturday, December 7, 4:00-6:30 p.m.

The City of Covington presents the 3rd annual Christmas in Covington. Enjoy kids’ crafts, lighting of the Christmas Tree and Christmas karaoke. Attendees are encouraged to bring canned/ non-perishable goods to donate to the Northshore Food Bank. Free event.

419 N. New Hampshire St., Covington, (985) 892-1811, covla.com

Winter on the Water Parade & Festival

Saturday, December 7, 4:00 p.m.

Wrap up the holidays in Old Mandeville with the town’s 25th annual celebration of winter and Christmas. The evening begins with a parade starting at Pontchartrain Yacht Club and ends at the Mandeville Trailhead for pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, community performances, food, vendors, and a kids tent. Festivities will include the Lighting of the Oaks by Mayor Madden and an illuminated boat parade on the lake. Admission to all events is free and open to the public.

675 Lafitte St. Mandeville, (985) 624-3147, ExperienceMandeville.org

History and Holly 2024 Tour of Homes

Sunday, December 8, 2-5:00 p.m.

This is a perfect outing to enjoy with friends and family as you walk the pedestrian-friendly route, touring the festively adorned homes, sipping wine (provided). The tour is a short walk in the area of S. America St. and S. Jahncke Ave., featuring homes from the early 1900’s and later. You may pick up your tickets on December 8th at the registration table that opens at 1:30 and is located at 421 S. America Street, Covington. Tickets are $20 and are limited. Purchase in advance on website or at local stores including the Southern Hotel, Braswell Drugs and Covington City Hall.

419 N. New Hampshire St., Covington, (985) 892-1873, CovingtonHeritageFoundation.com

Christmas Past Festival

Saturday, December 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In addition to some of the Northshore’s best shopping from local merchants and vendors, attendees can enjoy food and drink from several local food vendors, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, arts and crafts and train rides in the Children’s Village, plus onsite pet adoptions and Santa pet pics. Live musical performances will take place throughout the day.

Mandeville, (985) 279-0236, christmaspastfestival.com

“Voices of Christmas”

December 20-22, 7:30 p.m.

The Northlake Performing Arts Society (NPAS) will sing joyful and reverent Christmas music. The audience will hear new arrangements of favorite music and new seasonal music. Admission is $15 ages 13+, free for 12 and under.

73030 Lion Drive, Covington, (985) 276-9335, npassingers.org

New Year’s Eve 2025 at Southern Hotel

Tuesday, December 31, 8:00 p.m.

Come ring in the New Year at Southern Hotel! The night’s events include a champagne toast and pine cone drop at midnight, and guests will be provided with party hats and favors. Premium bar and late night snacks and live music in the courtyard from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Black Tie encouraged, cocktail attire required. Must be age 21 and up.

428 E. Boston St., Covington (844) 866-1907, southernhotel.com