We’re officially into the start of the Christmas season, and if you’re in New Orleans you know that means it’s time for Mr. Bingle. Being from Louisiana myself, Mr. Bingle is my favorite nod to the Christmas season in my home state. The fact that this special character has been a part of the holiday season for more than 75 years just speaks to the magic behind him and his story!

If you grew up in New Orleans, chances are the holidays weren’t complete without a visit to Canal Street, a peek into the Maison Blanche windows, and a warm welcome from one of the city’s most beloved Christmas characters. With his ice cream cone hat, holly-leaf wings, and cheerful smile, Mr. Bingle has become a treasured piece of the New Orleans holiday heritage. For those who aren’t familiar with this whimsical snowman, you’re probably wondering where Mr. Bingle came from and why he has remained such an iconic symbol for generations! Let’s take a dive into the history of Mr. Bingle.

 

A Holiday Icon is Born

Mr. Bingle’s story begins in 1947, when Maison Blanche advertising executive Emile Alline dreamed up a friendly little snowman to serve as Santa’s playful helper. The idea of this little snowman was simple, but brilliant! 

Mr. Bingle made his debut in the Maison Blanche department store windows on Canal Street in the 1948 Christmas season and was an instant hit! He was brought to life by puppeteer Edwin “Oscar”Isentrout and his name was eventually chosen by Maison Blanche President Lewis Schwartz Jr. after a failed contest of shopper submissions to try and name him. This character became part of New Orleans’ Christmas traditions instantly. His name was “Mr. Bingle” — a name with with the same initials are the department store, “MB.”

Designs to be joyful, animated, and full of wonder, Mr. Bingle quickly became much more than a store mascot for the holiday season, he became a friend.

 

Puppet Shows, Crowds, and Canal Street Magic

For New Orleans families, a holiday trip downtown wasn’t complete without stopping by Maison Blanche’s famous window displays. Each December, crowds lined Canal Street to watch live Mr. Bingle puppet shows performed in the store windows. These delightful shows featured music, dancing, and a sprinkle of holiday magic that became a cherished tradition for countless New Orleans children. 

 

A Collectible Classic

By the following year, Maison Blanche began manufacturing plush Mr. Bingle dolls for purchase. As his popularity grew, so did the world around him. Maison Blanche introduced plush dolls, ornaments, figurines, books, and holiday keepsakes featuring Mr. Bingle. Families collected them year after year, passing them down from one generation to the next. 

One of the most famous pieces of merchandise was the giant Mr. Bingle figure that once hung proudly outside Maison Blanche’s flagship store on Canal Street. The iconic 50 foot by 35 foot figure was constructed in Chicago and took two train cars to transport it to New Orleans. His appearance signaled the start of the holiday season as surely as twinkling lights or the first chill in the air.

 

After Maison Blanche

When Maison Blanche closed and Dillard’s acquired the brand in 1998, many wondered what would happen to Mr. Bingle. Fortunately, he stayed right where he belonged — in the hearts of those from New Orleans. Dillard’s continued to sell Mr. Bingle merchandise, and event the giant figure was restored and made its way to the New Orleans City Park’s Celebration in the Oaks where families still visit him each holiday season.

 

Mr. Bingle Today

Over 75 years later, Mr. Bingle remains a symbol of local pride and holiday nostalgia. For many New Orleans families, he represents childhood wonder, family traditions, and the magic that happens when a city comes together to celebrate the season. 

Like all those decades ago, Dillard’s is still releasing annual Mr. Bingle merchandise collections and this one is pretty special! Some of my favorite pieces this year are the board book, Here Comes Mr. Bingle, the Mr. Bingle Hand Puppet, and the Mr. Bingle Cookie Jar. No matter what your favorite Christmas decor item may be, you’re sure to find some with Mr. Bingle on it if you’re shopping in a Louisiana Dillard’s location this year!

I was inspired to share about Mr. Bingle this season because we found his cute new Here Comes Mr. Bingle  book at the mall and I knew it needed to be shared. My 18 month old daughter loves reading and we were so excited to add it to her stack of holiday bedtime reads tonight! We got the Mr. Bingle hand puppet too so she can have a fun visual when we pull the story out for holiday seasons to come.

If you’re looking to shop Mr. Bingle, you can find the full collection on Dillard’s here! I’m personally loving the pajamas this season, I was very tempted to grab some today. The Killebrew family may be making a trip back to Dillard’s before the Christmas season is over! 

Mr. Bingle collectors love snagging the annual Mr. Bingle plush or ornament because they’re stamped with the year. This year’s Mr. Bingle plush features a fun, blue sweater!

While Walt Disney World is my happy place, I’ve always been proud to live about an hour from New Orleans for my entire life. Being from South Louisiana means I’m near amazing food and culture, I had a Second Line at my wedding, and I am a short drive away from a city that’s on almost everyone’s bucket list.

I’ve learned that for most people New Orleans is one of three things:

-Where they’re from or where they’ve lived

-Where they’ve visited and loved

-Where they dream of visiting someday

As a lifelong Louisianan, that’s pretty cool to me! I take such pride in being from this special state. I don’t usually share much about Louisiana on my blog, but I couldn’t pass up the chance to talk about this magical holiday character who is on his way to 80 years of New Orleans Christmas tradition. Mr. Bingle, Louisiana loves you!

Have you heard of Mr. Bingle?