December unfolds a magical tapestry in New Orleans, adorned with distinctive traditions, heartwarming events, and enchanting decorations at every turn of the cobblestone streets. The city's iconic streetcars and steamboats don their festive attire, creating a joyous atmosphere for all who embark on their delightful rides.
Immerse yourself in the essence of the season with the annual bonfires along the levee, illuminating the path for Papa Noël (Santa Claus).
CHRISTMAS EVE BONFIRES ON THE LEVEE
December 24, 2023
LOCATION:St. James Parish
Gramercy, LA 70052
NEIGHBORHOOD:
Algiers
Another enchanting spectacle is Candlelight Caroling in Jackson Square, where you can join a chorus of voices in front of America's oldest Cathedral, singing cherished holiday tunes alongside amateurs and professionals alike.
December 17, 2023 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
LOCATION:Jackson Square Jackson Square in front of St. Louis Cathedral, French Quarter, New Orleans, LA 70116
NEIGHBORHOOD:French Quarter
FREE ADMISSION
Don't miss the enchantment of Celebration in the Oaks at City Park. Take a train journey with your loved ones through 25 acres of holiday displays, surrounded by 600-year-old live oak trees adorned with lights and Spanish Moss. For Saints' fans, the "Who Dat" tree is a must-see.
CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS - City Park
November 23 - December 30
4 Friederichs Avenue New Orleans, LA 70124
Driving Tour
Bike Tour (per person)
$5
Cars/SUVs (limit 8 guests/vehicle)
$40
Cars/SUVs - Dasher Pass (limit 8 guests/vehicle)
$80
Cars/SUVs - Value Night (limit 8 guests/vehicle)
$25
Limo (limit 15 guests/vehicle)
$150
Limo - Dasher Pass (limit 15 guests/vehicle)
$190
Sprinter Van (limit 20 guests/vehicle - 11' height max)
$225
Sprinter Van - Dasher Pass (limit 20 guests/vehicle - 11ft height max)
$265
Walking Tour 7 Victory Avenue New Orleans, LA 70124
The Walking Tour is approximately 90 minutes and includes all-access pass to the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden. Children under 36″ admitted free.
Combined with Driving Tour $25 / person
Stand Alone (limited availability) $35 / person
Venture indoors to explore the historic French Quarter and Garden District mansions, inviting you to holiday home tours, offering an exclusive behind-the-wrought-iron-fence view of Christmas spirit.
Christmas Holidays in New Orleans
FRENCH QUARTER - Holiday Home Tours
Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 9th & 10th, 2023
Tour hours 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Boutique hours: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Tour Headquarters and Boutique location:
Louise S. McGehee School – 2343 Prytania St.
Homes on Tour
Erika & Ted Elliott – 2618 Coliseum St.
W. Howard Moses – 1308 Washington Ave.
Neely & Steve Griffith – 2808 St. Charles Ave.
Scott K. James & Gregory Morey – 1328 Felicity St.
Courtney & RJ Marse – 1405 St. Mary St.
Anna & Tim Lucas – 1415 St. Mary St.
Bonus Properties
St. Mary’s Assumption Catholic Church – 923 Josephine
St. mary’s Chapel – 1516 Jackson Ave.
NUTCRACKER BALLET
Indulge in other seasonal delights like attending the Nutcracker ballet at the Orpheum or experiencing the Hip Hop Nutcracker at the Saenger.
NUTCRACKER! MAGICAL CHRISTMAS BALLET
December 30, 2023
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
LOCATION: Saenger Theatre
1111 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112
NEIGHBORHOOD: French Quarter
New Orleans Ballet Theatre Presents The Nutcracker - Evening
Sat, Dec 23, 2 – 6 PM CST In 27 Days
Enjoy indoor activities such as ice skating and ice sliding at NOLA ChristmasFest in the Convention Center, and embrace the holiday gospel at St. Louis Cathedral.
NOLA CHRISTMASFEST
December 21, 2023 - December 30, 2023
Recurring daily
LOCATION:New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map/Directions]
NEIGHBORHOOD:Neighborhood
Arts/Warehouse/Convention District
EVENT HOST: New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
ADMISSION PRICE:Admission Price
$25-$30
Sail with Santa on the Steamboat Natchez, partake in Teddy Bear Tea at the Roosevelt, and find unique stocking stuffers in the French Quarter, Arts Warehouse District, and Magazine Street.
THE ROOSEVELT HOTEL'S ANNUAL TEDDY BEAR TEA
November 26, 2023, December 2, 2023, December 3, 2023, December 9, 2023, December 10, 2023, December 16, 2023, December 17, 2023, December 20, 2023, December 21, 2023, December 22, 2023, December 23, 2023, December 24, 2023, December 27, 2023
Varies depending on the day
LOCATION: The Roosevelt Hotel
130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112
NEIGHBORHOOD: Central Business District/Downtown
EVENT HOST: The Roosevelt Hotel
And, of course, no New Orleans holiday is complete without the grand Réveillon dinners. The city's finest restaurants bring to life this centuries-old Creole tradition with decadent four-course holiday meals.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Stroll Through the French Quarter's Magical Lights
Take a leisurely walk through the enchanting holiday light displays in the French Quarter, especially along Royal Street and Chartres.
Attend Outdoor Concerts and Boat Parades
Opt for outdoor concerts and boat parades instead of the usual ball drop, creating a memorable Christmas experience.
Experience New Orleans Christmas Events
Participate in various Christmas events and activities happening across the city, as listed on websites like neworleans.com, ytravelblog.com, and freetoursbyfoot.com.
Indulge in Local Cuisine
Enjoy the unique flavors of New Orleans with a Christmas feast at renowned local eateries, embracing the city's rich culinary culture.
Visit Gus's Fried Chicken and Paulie G's
If you're near the convention center, don't miss the opportunity to try local favorites like Gus's Fried Chicken and Paulie G's, as recommended by the community on Reddit.
For luxury transportation and travel around the city, contact Executive Transportation for specialized Christmas Tours; we accommodate large and small groups.
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