Celebrations are taken seriously in New Orleans, and the holiday season is no exception. A New Orleans holiday is full of incredible events to get you in the spirit of the season.
But like everything in the Big Easy, things are done a little differently.
Our winter wonderland is every shade of green. Choirs are joined by up-tempo jazz bands. Even Santa gets a new persona – Papa Noël, the Cajun gift-giver who travels in a boat pulled by eight alligators, with a snowy white one named Nicollette in the lead.
Ready for Your Picture-Perfect New Orleans Holiday? (Photo courtesy Justin McGregor via Flickr.com)
When you spend your holiday in New Orleans, every moment is unforgettable. That’s why Bienville House is offering special rates for the holiday season. Our boutique hotel in the heart of the French Quarter is the perfect spot for falling in love with the city.
Want a jam-packed itinerary for your Happy Holi-Stay at Bienville House? Take a look at these must-see holiday attractions.
Reveillon Dinners
Reveillon (which means “awakening” in French) is a Creole tradition that dates back to the early 1800s. In the old days, New Orleans celebrated the start of Christmas with a big family meal when they returned home from midnight mass.
Reveillon Dinner is a delicious Creole tradition. Photo courtesy of followyourjoy.com
Two o’clock in the morning may be an odd time to start a feast, but the tradition is still practiced – with some modern modifications.
Today, dozens of New Orleans’ top restaurants offer Reveillon Dinners with Creole-inspired menus. And you don’t have to book a table for two o-clock. Thankfully, the custom has adopted a more conventional, day-time dining.
Krewe of Jingle Parade
No New Orleans holiday is complete without seeing the Krewe of Jingle parade. The whole city converges on Canal Street for this fun-filled holiday party. Marching bands, dance troupes, holiday-themed floats – this event has it all.
NOLA celebrates the Season at the Krewe of Jingle Parade. Photo by James Cage via flickr.com
The annual parade is held in early December, and you can find all the details for this year’s event on their website.
Holiday Shopping
‘Tis the season to splurge!
From locally-made jewelry, clothing, and art in the French Market to the exclusive stores at The Shops at Canal Place, New Orleans is the ideal place to find that special gift for that special someone.
Enjoy NOLA-Style Shopping at the French Market. Photo by Kim Welsh via Offbeat Magazine.
And for those one-of-a-kind gifts, the French Quarter has you covered. The historic streets are full of antique shops, art galleries, local boutiques, and so much more.
Pro Holi-Stay Tip: our hotel is within walking distance of all of these spots, making it easy to check off every name on your gift list.
St. Louis Cathedral Concerts
The iconic cathedral in the heart of the French Quarter is the city’s holiday hotspot. Throughout the month of December, world-renowned musicians brighten the season with free New Orleans Holiday Concerts at St. Louis Cathedral.
St. Louis Cathedral Hosts a Full Month of Holiday Concerts. Photo by Denny Yang via Flickr.com
Performances are as eclectic as they are magical. Surrounded by 300 years of history, you can enjoy the sounds of gospel choirs, jazz bands, classical artists, and more. It’s a uniquely-NOLA tradition that is sure to fill your trip with holiday cheer.
Celebration in the Oaks
Celebrate the season surrounded by 2 million twinkling lights in New Orleans’ largest park.
A family-friendly event that only happens after dark, Celebration in the Oaks has become one of the most beautiful and popular holiday lighting displays in the country. Lights are strung up in all kinds of scenes, themes, and colors, the illuminating display makes the whole park beam with joy.
Millions of Lights Make City Park Shine at Celebration in the Oaks. Photo by Paul Broussard via flickr.com
And there’s so much excitement at the park grounds that you can make a night of your visit. Experience the show, check out the poinsettia display in the Botanical Gardens, ride the miniature train, and enjoy the nightly musical entertainment.
You can purchase tickets in advance (and avoid the line) on their website.
Pro Holi-Stay Tip: there’s nothing more magical than a ride on the Canal Street streetcar out to City Park to see this holiday treat.
Caroling in Jackson Square
Lend your voice to the joyful songs of carolers!
For most visitors and locals, this is the highlight of the New Orleans Holiday Season. A holiday tradition since 1946, Caroling in Jackson Square is a family-friendly experience that thousands of people participate in every year.
Enjoy the Wonderful Harmony of Caroling in Jackson Square. Photo by Paul Broussard via flickr.com
Jackson Square fills with hundreds of candles held by singers to croon beloved holiday favorites. The event is open to all, and candles and song sheets are provided at this free holiday event.
Pro Holi-Stay Tip: Get there early – the gates to Jackson Square open at 6:30 p.m. and the caroling begins at 7:00, but the park fills up fast!
Book Your Happy Holi-Stay at Bienville House
Make your holiday extra special with an unforgettable stay in the heart of the French Quarter.
Book your Happy Holi-Stay at Bienville House and take advantage of our exclusive holiday promotion with up to 15% off standard rates. Stay dates must be between November 18, 2018 – December 27, 2018. Promotional rates vary.