Tradition is part of how we bring our culture to life and
how we enjoy it with others. Traditional celebrations, feasts, parades, and
more are all ways for people in any given area to honor their heritage and
their cultural surroundings. Few cities can claim anywhere near the staggering
amount of background and storied history that New Orleans has, and we have an
appropriate number of traditions and celebrations to fit all that culture.
Anytime a big holiday comes around, be it Mardi Gras or
Christmas, there is a perceptible and widespread shift in the city's
atmosphere. Though New Orleans lacks a "white Christmas" climate, people are no
less enthralled by what the city has to offer during the winter months.
For some time now, people have made it a sort of family
tradition to visit the Roosevelt
Hotel's main hall during the Christmas season. The famous
hotel, located at 130 Roosevelt Way, is home to a very spacious hall that is
fabulously lit with multiple different Christmas trees, a myriad of ornaments,
and innumerable lights. The Roosevelt has been decorating its main hall for
nearly a century now, and it is a beloved part of Christmastime in New Orleans,
as well as one of the city's most spectacular indoor sights. In past years,
finding a day when people were not visiting en masse to get a picture with the
iconic set-up was about as rare as tripping in your backyard and striking oil
upon landing. While this year is likely to still be crowded, make it a point to
socially distance and be considerate to others during your visit. The
Sazerac Bar there also usually features a tempting holiday cocktails
this time of year, such as the Candy Cane and the Christmas Cookie.
Since 1985, New
Orleans City Park has been hosting what has become an increasingly popular
and iconic tradition. Aptly named Celebration in
the Oaks, over two miles of park space are converted into a wonderland of
lights and color that help to make this event one of the most outright
impressive displays in the entire country. Every shape and form of special
light decorations, from dinosaurs to penguins, has made an appearance at this
grand event, alongside the traditional draping of strings of Christmas lights
across the oak trees. While walking through the massive area at night while
illumined by countless decorations is a critical part of the experience, this
year's iteration will be a bit different from the past few decades. City Park
is determined to both continue the tradition as well as ensure the spread of
COVID-19 is stemmed, so they are shifting from a standard "enter and roam
freely"-style to a specially tailored driving route for anyone visiting. If you
live in the surrounding area and feel like you need a bit of holiday cheer to perk
up what is understandably a less festive holiday season, do not miss this
opportunity. The decorations and spirited joy will still be present, and you
will be able to enjoy it from the safety of your vehicle. The park is located
on 1 Palm Drive, and you can purchase a ticket for the event by visiting their
website at neworleanscitypark.com.
