Christmas in New Orleans
New Orleans may not be your traditional holiday destination city, but it is guaranteed to be your most unique Christmas yet! Have a Cajun feast, catch the Krampus parade, and zipline through the swamp. From the food to the fun, nobody does the holidays like New Orleans!
Things to Do for the Christmas Season in New Orleans
-Dining
If there’s one thing New Orleans is always celebrating with, it’s food, and Christmas comes with lots of delicious traditions. Restaurants throughout the city are serving their modern take on the traditional Cajun Reveillon feast which was a celebratory dinner held at midnight to welcome in Christmas Day with family. You can partake in these prix fixe menus all featuring a Creole take on Christmas dinner throughout the month of December at historic restaurants such as Commander’s Palace, Dickie Brennan’s, Galatoire’s and more. And don’t forget the drinks! New Orleans bars do not disappoint when it comes to inventive holiday cocktails and local seasonal classics like Bourbon Milk Punch.
–Events
Whether you’re looking for a traditional Christmas event or catching a Saints or Pels game, there’s no shortage of holiday cheer in New Orleans. Head to City Park to view the magical Christmas lights throughout the park at Celebration in the Oaks. Listen to holiday concerts in St. Louis Cathedral throughout the month of December. Join in at Caroling in Jackson Square where candles and song sheets are provided for all to come together for the season. Participate in a traditional Cajun Christmas at Cajun Holiday Tea aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen where you’ll meet Papa Noel himself and Gaston the Gator, or ride along the levee in the River Parishes to see the massive bonfires lighting the way for Papa Noel on Christmas Eve. Get a little taste of Mardi Gras with some added holiday cheer by attending the New Orleans Holiday Parade, complete with floats, marching bands, and high flying balloons. And of course when you’re in New Orleans, ‘tis the season for spicing up the holidays at events like the Running of the Santas Bar Crawl and the Krewe of Krampus parade.
-Shopping
When it comes to checking off your Christmas list, there’s no better destination for one-of-a-kind finds! Jackson Square in the French Quarter is lined with local artists selling creations from paintings to jewelry and more. Shop the French Market for everything from New Orleans themed ornaments and Mardi Gras memorabilia to praline shops and flea market treasures. Royal Street is known for its art galleries of all mediums and antique stores filled with historic finds. Be sure to treat yourself to that special souvenir that brings New Orleans home with you!
-Tours
New Orleans is well known for its photogenic historic homes throughout the city. During the holiday season, several of these homes in the Garden District and French Quarter are decked out with decorations and open their doors for touring to share a taste of that Southern hospitality and holiday warmth. If you’re looking to get out in nature to enjoy the not-so-winter weather, take a tour through the swamp for scenery unlike any Hallmark movie you’ll watch this season. Get the Cajun experience on an airboat tour or take a thrilling tour through the cypress trees and zipping over alligators on the world’s first fully aquatic swamp zipline with ZipNOLA.
At Christmastime in New Orleans, the weather won’t be frightful, and if there’s snow, it’s sure to be in short supply. Trade the reindeer for alligators, the cocoa for Bourbon milk punch, and the hustle and bustle for art and jazz. Take a break from the traditional, and spend your holiday the NOLA way with a cultural take on the holidays unlike anywhere else in the world!
