What is normally a fun and festive city blows out all the stops for the holidays with light displays, music events and, of course, terrific food and drink. These are just a few of the not-to-miss events—and reasons why you want to head to New Orleans this holiday season.
1. Celebration in the Oaks. Starting the day after Thanksgiving, City Park is a sparkling wonder with twinkling oak trees and enchanting lighted displays scattered throughout 25 acres of the park, including the Botanical Garden, Storyland and Carousel Gardens.
November 25, 2016 – January 1, 2017
Sunday – Thursday, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday – Saturday, 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Closed November 28- December 1, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
$9/person, 3 and under/free
2. Holiday Home Tour. Here’s your chance to see some of our exquisite French Quarter residences, all decked out for the season. The self-guided tours include interesting architectural styles and collections of holiday decorations.
December 18, 2016
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
$20/person, children under 12/free
Ticket purchases at 533 St. Ann Street or 527 St. Philip Street
3. Caroling and Christmas Concerts. Jackson Square in the French Quarter is the site of two of the city’s favorite festivities. Caroling in Jackson Square brings thousands together, all holding candles, to sing holiday songs. More wonderful music can be heard at the Christmas Concerts held at St. Louis Cathedra, also in Jackson Square. This year there will be 13 concerts, starting in November. All are free and last approximately one hour.
Caroling in Jackson Square
December 18, 2016
7:00 p.m. (gates open at 6:30 p.m.)
St. Louis Cathedral Christmas Concerts
November 17 – December 18, 2016
Times vary
4. Tales of the Toddy. Holiday cheer is in good form during the 11th year of this annual fest. Enjoy a few festive sips as the city’s top bartenders concoct nogs, toddies and other spirited drinks of the season.
December 8, 2016
6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Hyatt Regency New Orleans
601 Loyola Street
Tickets, $49 – $79/person
5. Reveillon Dinners. Dating back to the early 19th Century, these dinners reflect the Creole tradition of celebrating large dinners with family after returning from Midnight Mass. Now anyone can enjoy these festive 2:00 a.m. feasts at some of the city’s finest restaurants, such as Restaurant August and Antoine’s.
6. The Nutcracker. For some, the holiday isn’t complete without a viewing of this beloved ballet, performed by the New Orleans Dance Theater, with music by Tchaikovsky, and featuring the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
December 17-18, 2016
2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Orpheum Theater
129 Roosevelt Way
$25-$75/person
7. Fleur de Lis Drop. No other city celebrates New Year’s Eve like we do! Join the fun in Jackson Square to watch the giant fleur de lis drop from the top of Jax Brewery. Then head to the river and ring in the new year with a fabulous fireworks display.
December 31, 2016
Midnight
620 Decatur Street
8. Jing-A-Ling/Papa Noel Special. We’re giving you extra incentive to celebrate the holidays here in New Orleans with a 10% discount on our posted Inn rates, from December 1 to December 24, 2016. Give us a call or, if booking online, just mention the Jing-A-Ling/Papa Noel Special in the comments section.
Discover the merriest of holidays right here in New Orleans!