Ways to Celebrate Christmas Cheer in New Orleans
Christmas, New Orleans style, is in full swing. There’s lots of exciting holiday themed events going on throughout the city. Here’s a few of our favorites, so gather up your friends and family and enjoy the festivities.
St. Louis Cathedral Christmas Concert – All month long, St. Louis Cathedral has regularly held holiday concerts. The Grand Finale is Dec. 20 at 5:30 p.m. with the annual Christmas Concert. The Cathedral Choir, a soloist and an orchestra will perform Handel’s Dixit Dominus and Vivaldi’s Magnificat. It’s free and open to the public.
Caroling In Jackson Square – One night every December, Jackson Square is illuminated with candle light, and the sounds of carolers singing Christmas songs fill the French Quarter. Gates open Sunday, Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. and the caroling starts at 7. If you’re planning on going, get there early. It’s a very popular annual tradition. This event is free to attend.
Bonfires on the Levee – In a tradition dating back to the early European settlers of Louisiana, bonfires are lit to guide Pere Noel, as well as families visiting for the holidays. Fires are lit at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve, but you’ll want to arrive in the area at 6 p.m. or earlier. From New Orleans, take I-10 West to Lutcher-Gramercy Exit (194), Make right on LA Hwy. 3125 to LA 3193. Turn left to festival site.
Celebration In The Oaks – Celebration in the Oaks is a favorite annual tradition of both locals and visitors to the city. City Park has been transformed into a holiday wonderland with thousands and thousands of lights, holiday concerts and an animated “Cajun Night before Christmas” display. The display is open nightly, except on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Admission is $8 per person, but children three years old and under are free.
NOLA ChristmasFest: December 18-27
Head to the Convention Center complete with an an ice skating rink, the Kringle Carousel, carnival rides & inflatables, Santa and holiday characters, 70 decorated trees and a dazzling animated outdoor light display.
Christmas Eve on the Steamboat Natchez: December 24
Surrounded by Victorian-holiday décor, you’ll enjoy a jazz trio, holiday buffet, optional libations, and an enchanting view of the city. Reservations are required.
Reveillon Dinners – Enjoy a fun, festive and indulgent dinner with family and friends. It’s a Creole tradition that dates back to the 1850’s, and the meals are served nightly at select restaurants across the city. Check out NewOrleansRestairants.com’s list of Reveillon restaurants. Also, be sure to read their list of restaurants open on Christmas Eve and day.
We here at ExperienceNewOrleans.com hope that you and yours can have a special holiday season and a Merry Christmas, whether you’re in town or not.