It's the
holidays, and what better way than to celebrate than in the Big Easy? After
Halloween, the city transforms into a city of festive colors, dazzling lights,
a forest of evergreen, and a sea of red ribbon, complete with Creole Christmas
classics, attracting dozens of tourists and locals. Every day is a party in New
Orleans, regardless of the season.
Now that
COVID-19 in the state has eased up, French Quarter Festivals, Inc. is once again hosting its 37th
Annual Holidays New Orleans Style, in conjunction with the New
Orleans Company,
to help friends and family plan activities for the holidays. There's something for everyone, and with so
many dining, shopping, and attractions options to choose from, the
possibilities are endless!
Join more
than 25 of New Orleans' renowned
restaurants
for a four-course meal that adds a twist to réveillon, a Christmas tradition
celebrated by Creoles in the 19th century. You can either enjoy classic réveillon
meals at Arnaud's and the Rib Room or relish the art of innovative recipes at Commander's
Palace and The Bower. If you want to let loose, visit participating bars for
some holiday-themed cocktails such as the sweet and spicy Diable de Noël, the
spiced Winter Old Fashion, and the classic Aged Creole Eggnog.
Get into the
holiday spirit with New Orleans' talented jazz musicians, gospel choirs,
classical ensembles, and swing dancers. Free concerts will be held at St. Louis Cathedral at 6 p.m. on December 1, 5, 6, 13, and 15, with a Christmas
concert at 5:30 p.m. on December 19, and St. Anna's Episcopal Church at 4 p.m. on December 4, 11, and
18.
There are
also plenty of activities that kids will love! Celebration in the Oaks welcomes the whole family with lights illuminating from
historic oak trees, a miniature train traveling through an old Creole town, and
a life-sized Mr. Bingle smiling at guests. Santa's Pajama Party invites kids to send their wish
list, visit Santa and the Sugar Plum Fairy, and decorate cookies--all while
enjoying a cup of hot cocoa or apple cider. Holiday Movies on the Mississippi invites families to the Riverwalk
to watch Christmas classics like The Grinch (2018 version), A Muppet
Christmas Carol, and Elf.
Still need
to go holiday shopping for your loved ones?
Head to the city where you can choose gifts from a plethora of shops,
vendors, and galleries like Aunt Sally's Praline Shop, Dutch Alley Artist's Co-Op, NOLA Couture, and Muse Inspired Fashion. For those planning to pop the question on Christmas or New
Year's Eve, visit Tiffany & Co. or Diamonds
Direct in Metairie
for the perfect engagement ring. For the little ones, stop at the Little
Toy Shop or Magic
Box Toys for toys
and games.
Don't forget about late night events like the Algiers Bonfire & Concert on Saturday, December 4, where revelers celebrate with live music performances, mouthwatering food from vendors, and a 30' sculptural bonfire. There's also LUNA Fête from December 16-19 where guests can check out more than seven acres of innovative, interactive lights spread across the new Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Pedestrian Park.
Are you
ready to kick off the holidays New Orleans style? Be sure to visit holiday.neworleans.com to get started on your holiday excursion.
