Historic churches, fabulous parades, and brunch on every corner, New Orleans is THE place to celebrate Easter festivities! Spring is also one of the best times of year to experience all the charms of The Big Easy such as walking tours, riding the streetcar, and sipping fresh cocktails. Soak up the spring weather and some NOLA celebration with these 5 things to do for Easter in New Orleans!
- Mass– New Orleans is known as a Catholic city and contains several historic churches. So if you’re looking to attend an Easter mass, there’s no shortage of options. The famous St. Louis Cathedral, which is often the face of New Orleans on postcards, is located in the French Quarter and hosts multiple mass services on Easter Sunday as well.
- Parades– Where there’s a celebration, there’s a parade in The Big Easy! The French Quarter Easter Parade leaves from the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel at 1pm on Easter and rolls through the French Quarter, featuring floats, bands, and Easter throws. Festivities are held before the parade at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel and include a silent auction and Easter hat contest. Later in the afternoon, the Gay Easter Parade rolls through the Quarter from 4:30-7pm. The parade is family friendly and showcases the creativity and fashion of the LGBTQ+ with ladies in fabulous gowns and Easter hats and gentlemen in summer suits or tuxedos.
- Egg Hunts– If you’re traveling with kiddos, an Easter egg hunt is a must. Head to City Park the weekend before Easter for the Egg Scramble featuring an egg hunt, an appearance by the Easter Bunny, and rides at Carousel Gardens amusement park. Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art located in City Park for the NOMA Egg Hunt and Family Festival which includes crafts, games, food, music, and more!
- Easter Brunch– From crawfish eggs benedict to beignets and jazz music to Easter bonnets, Easter brunch is a must on your New Orleans vacation! Experience a high end brunch at historic restaurants such as Arnaud’s or Antoine’s. Take a jazz brunch cruise on the Creole Queen paddlewheeler as you take in the city sites along the Mississippi River. Or pop in one of the many bakeries throughout the city for an Easter sweet as you stroll through the Quarter and enjoy the holiday!
- Take a Tour– The mild spring weather is the perfect time to experience the many ways to tour New Orleans. From food walking tours to haunted ghost tours, there’s a tour for any interest in the city. Venture out into nature and experience the exotic swamplands just outside the city limits. Take a leisurely covered boat tour or speed through the swamp on an incredible airboat adventure. If you’re seeking thrills on your trip to New Orleans, zip on the world’s first fully aquatic swamp zipline through the Maurepas Swamp, where you’ll encounter Louisiana wildlife, climb a spiral cypress tree staircase, and maybe even pet a baby alligator!
Parades with queens, Sunday mass with a side of delicious brunch, and egg hunts with the Bunny in the park, there’s a special way for everyone to celebrate Easter in New Orleans! Visit TourBigEasy.com to book your New Orleans swamp tour excursion with us today!