Holidays in New Orleans
When we think of Christmas, most of us think of a beautiful winter wonderland, family gatherings, caroling, and waking up on Christmas day to be surprised with a ton of gifts under the tree. Though it’s unlikely you’ll see snow in New Orleans, you might just be surprised by how well it transforms into a winter wonderland. Below find our favorite Christmas spots around the city.
The Ritz Carlton
@ritzcarlton
The Ritz in New Orleans knows how to do Christmas. Each year the Hotel has a beautiful tree of lights in the center of the lobby and has gorgeous decorations throughout, including a walkthrough gingerbread house.
For more information please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/new-orleans.
The Roosevelt New Orleans – A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
@theroosevelt_no
New Orleans is not known for winter wonderlands, but the Roosevelt Hotel brings winter to New Orleans. With more than 10,000 sparkling lights from floor to ceiling, The Roosevelt Hotel is a sight to see at Christmas time. With 124 snow covered Christmas trees, 387 bows, and 1,610 feet of sparkling garland, the display is a grand one. It takes 52 people to put together during the course of 1,800 hours. Every year since the 1930’s, the lobby has been transformed into a spectacular Christmas display.
For more information please visit https://www.therooseveltneworleans.com/.
Walk Around the French Quarter
@nolafrenchquarter
The French Quarter is known for its many places to go and its many events to attend, but did you know that the French Quarter gets transformed yearly for the holidays? Christmas in the French Quarter is beautiful with garland draping along the balconies and bright red bows neatly tied to add a Christmas touch. It’s picturesque, so don’t forget your cameras as you go down to the French Quarter this year.
For more information visit www.frenchquarter.com/.
Dinner at Réveillon
Réveillon dinners are a tradition in New Orleans. Réveillon is French for eve or awakening, and some of New Orleans earliest French settlers gathered for midnight mass and supper on Christmas Eve. That’s why in New Orleans we call Christmas Eve dinner a Réveillon dinner. Enjoy a Réveillon dinner with family and friends at Broussard’s. Other restaurants serving Réveillon dinners are Antoine’s, Tujague’s, Galatoire’s, Arnaud’s and Meril’s.
For more information please visit www.frenchquarter.com/reveillon-dinners/.
Visit St. Louis Cathedral
@stlouiscathedral
The St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in America and it is an iconic landmark of New Orleans. The massive Cathedral overlooks Jackson Square and is located in the French Quarter along the Mississippi river. It’s a great place to stop and take pictures if you are visiting for the first time. Walk up to the entrance and be blown away by the architectural beauty. Step inside to see the glorious painting on the high ceilings and the holy statues and organs. As you walk back outside, don’t forget to take a couple of pictures up by the riverside steps. It’s a great shot with the lanterns decorated with red bows for the holidays, and – if you’re lucky – you might get some carriages in front of Jackson square in your pictures.
For more information please visit www.stlouiscathedral.org/.
NOLA Christmas Fest
@nolachristmas
New Orleans has a spectacular Christmas festival each year called NOLA Christmasfest, held at the Ernest Morial Convention Center. It is currently open through December 30th. From ice skating to carnival rides and inflatables, it is fun for all ages. Have a rush of fun as you race each other down the ice slide. Walk through the gorgeous display of Christmas trees. Or just look at the amazing arts and crafts. Holiday characters are walking around, so bring your cameras because you might just run into Mrs. Claus, Santa or Frosty the Snowman. NOLA Christmasfest is the best. We highly recommend it for everyone.
For more information please visit www.nolachristmasfest.com/.
Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar
@hotelmonteleone
Hotel Monteleone is famous for its Carousel Piano Bar and Lounge. Sit at the bar as it rotates and enjoy looking at the intricate details of the bar. Relax in the lounge and listen to lovely piano music. The carousel bar is a great place to sit and have a drink with friends or family. Wreaths in the windows of the bar give this lounge a Christmas touch. The carousel bar is the perfect place to sit by the window and have a little bite to eat.
For more information please visit the https://hotelmonteleone.com/entertainment/carousel-bar/.
Botanical Gardens
@neworleanscitypark
The Botanical Gardens light up for the holidays. The Botanical Gardens are always a place to enjoy the smells and beauty of flowers and different types of plants, but for Christmas it becomes a gorgeous display of raindrop lights on the oaks trees. Walk through a series of holiday lights and hear the musical Christmas tree. Enjoy holiday Christmas shows inside a pop-up tent while you and your family sip on some hot chocolate or eat some snacks. Visit the arts and craft tables or go see the gorgeous poinsettia tree. Every year the botanical gardens also creates a Cajun Christmas display. Here you’ll find Rudolph and his eight alligators instead of reindeer.
For more information please visit https://neworleanscitypark.com/celebration-in-the-oaks.
or https://neworleanscitypark.com/botanical-garden.
Merry Christmas!
