NEW ORLEANS - CuisineWire -- Some holiday traditions do more than brighten the season. They make a difference. The Spirit of Christmas returns to historic Destrehan Plantation on Friday, November 27, inviting families throughout the New Orleans area to enjoy a festive walk beneath illuminated oak trees while supporting a local nonprofit.

Set across five acres of the plantation grounds, the walk-through Christmas light display features more than 300 illuminated frames, 50 decorated Christmas trees, a glowing light tunnel and a quarter-mile walking trail. It's an opportunity for families to slow down, spend time together and celebrate the season in one of Southeast Louisiana's most historic settings.

And the lights are shining for a good cause.

The event benefits the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (GNOTRC), a nonprofit providing therapeutic horseback riding experiences for children and adults with physical, emotional and learning disabilities. Proceeds help support the center's mission of enriching lives through the unique connection between people and horses.

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"The lights may be what bring families out, but it's what those lights help make possible that means the most to us," said Anita Hartzell-Hefler, Founder and Executive Director of the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center. "Every family that visits is helping us help others with disabilities."

With admission just $5 per person and children ages 4 and under admitted free, The Spirit of Christmas offers an affordable holiday outing for families while giving back to the community.

The event opens Thanksgiving weekend and continues on select evenings through December 30, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets and additional information are available at https://SpiritOfChristmasLA.org.

Event Details

• Location: Destrehan Plantation, 13034 River Road, Destrehan, LA
• Dates: November 27–29; December 4–6, 11–13 and 18–30
• Closed: December 24–25 and during inclement weather
• Hours: 5:30–8:30 p.m.
• Admission: $5 per person; children ages 4 and under free
• Benefiting: Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center
• Website: https://spiritofchristmasla.org

Additional Fundraiser: Rock, Ride & Rescue

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GNOTRC will also host Rock, Ride & Rescue on Saturday, November 28, at Rock 'n' Bowl in New Orleans. The fundraising event will feature live music from Bag of Donuts, a silent auction and raffles, with proceeds supporting the center's therapeutic riding programs.

The Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities through therapeutic horseback riding. Its programs help participants build confidence, independence and meaningful connections in a supportive environment.

Learn more at https://gnotrc.org.