Experience the Magic of Christmas in New Orleans
When thinking about a holiday in New Orleans, most people typically think of Mardi Gras full of King Cakes, beads, and an everlasting party. Not many people think about the winter wonderland that the crescent city can be. Every corner of the world has their own special traditions and meaning behind their holidays. New Orleans is no different. During most years Christmas in New Orleans can be accompanied by flip-flops, shorts, and a cold beverage. If snow isn’t your style, a Christmas in this magical place may become a tradition of your own.
How to Experience a Magical Christmas in NOLA
Everyone has their own family traditions that they absolutely cannot miss for this holiday season. In New Orleans we welcome you to keep those traditions alive while venturing out into a holiday experience that you just can’t find anywhere else.
Celebration in the Oaks: With an endless list of magical experiences that can be had in New Orleans, Celebration in the Oaks is one that absolutely can’t be missed. If you enjoy Christmas lights, this family-friendly tradition has been getting better and better since it started in the 1980s. Enjoy the glistening lights throughout City Park, covering live oak trees that are centuries old. If you or your family enjoy a more active experience, there are both a carousel and miniature train ready to steal the night.
Creole Christmas French Quarter Walking Tour: Not only will you enjoy seeing the holiday lights and decorations, but you will learn about the historic neighborhood, the Papa Noel story, and the creole Christmas traditions and observations. The tour will also include information about the French Quarter architecture and the history of this magical locale.
Steamboat Natchez & Creole Queen Paddlewheeler: Both of these boats offer many exclusive holiday events for guests to enjoy. From a holiday buffet to a cruise with Papa Noel, everyone in your party will enjoy this unique view of NOLA, decorated in her holiday best and ready to celebrate.
Luna Fete: Presented by the New Orleans Art Council, this breathtaking light display is a must-see for holiday guests. It is located in the Warehouse and Art’s District, and this year’s event promises to be extraordinary.
Christmas Eve Bonfire: This time-honored Louisiana tradition, lighting bonfires on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, began as a means of marking the path for Papa Noel to find all the children of NOLA and deliver their gifts. Experiencing the “feux de Joie,” fires of joy, is a must for anyone visiting the city on Christmas Eve.
Reveillon Dinners: Originally, this was the meal served after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. But in recent years, the tradition has grown into a fabulous meal that can be enjoyed in many local restaurants throughout the holiday season. Shrimp remoulade, lobster bisque, bananas foster, and gumbo are favorites that are often enjoyed to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends.
The holiday season is always an exciting time of the year. But when you decide to celebrate New Orleans style, you are definitely turning it up a few notches. As proven by Mardi Gras each year, this city is second to none when it comes to celebrating. And the Christmas holiday season is no exception, so arrive early and plan on relaxing and soaking up all of the southern hospitality and tradition as the Big Easy gets dressed up with beautiful lights, holiday decorations, and the best food the world has to offer.