November 18, 2024
Our New Orleans winters may be mild but the number of festivals, events and happenings in the city December through February are not. The Crescent City has an extended holiday/winter season of events, creating a magical and enchanting city for all visiting. From Christmas to Mardi Gras and all the other exciting events in between, our city has something for everyone. Here are just a few highlights to check out.
Prospect.6 (Nov. 2, 2024 – Feb. 2, 2025)
Historically, New Orleans has been regarded as a city deeply rooted in its past. For Prospect.6, Co-Artistic Directors Miranda Lash and Ebony G. Patterson will position New Orleans as a globally relevant point of departure for examining our collective future as it relates to climate change, legacies of colonialism and definitions of belonging and home. Over 50 artists from around the world will contribute to Prospect.6. From Nov. 2, 2024 to Feb. 2, 2025, explore exhibit openings, mural unveilings, family and community programming and more in venues across the city. Prospect.6 is a citywide contemporary art triennial and the first exhibition of its kind in the US with a decade-long history. Every three years, they bring new art to an old city by inviting artists from all over the world to create projects in a wide variety of venues spread throughout New Orleans. Programming takes place across venues in New Orleans, including museums, public parks, theaters and universities. Participating venues thus far include the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, New Orleans African American Museum, New Marigny Theatre, Contemporary Arts Center, Merchant House, Xavier University Art Gallery, Tulane University Freeman Auditorium and Harmony Circle. Prospect.6 is free to the public except for the venues that regularly charge admission. For more information go to prospect6.org
Celebration in the Oaks (Nov. 29, 2024 – Jan. 3, 2025)
Celebration in the Oaks is an annual holiday festivity from Thanksgiving through the New Year. Enjoy one of the most spectacular holiday light shows in the country as the grounds of New Orleans City Park is transformed into 25 acres of dazzling lights and breathtaking, festive displays. The Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are all captured with hundreds of thousands of lights to create a winter wonderland here in the Big Easy. You can also book a walking tour, which includes access to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden. Tickets can be found at celebrationintheoaks.com/
Algiers Holiday Bonfire and Concert (Dec. 7, 2024)
Each year, along the banks of the Mississippi River, a time-honored tradition is observed in Algiers—with a dash of New Orleans flavor! As the only holiday bonfire in New Orleans, this event is both an opportunity to take part in a unique Louisiana cultural tradition and a fun, family-friendly annual community gathering. In addition to the bonfire, the event includes musical performances, food vendors and a holiday market. The highlight of the event is the 30-foot sculptural bonfire. The event is free and open to the public. For more information go to algierseconomic.com/algiersbonfire/
7th Annual Improvisations Gala (Dec. 7, 2024)
Join The New Orleans Jazz Museum for the 7th annual Improvisations Gala at The New Orleans Jazz Museum on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 from 7:00-11:00 p.m.. This incomparable event will feature multiple performances throughout the grounds of the Jazz Museum headlined by Grammy Nominated, Afro-Cuban Funk Artist, Cimafunk presented by James Douglas Hislop! The theme, "Aquatic Gardens," informs the decor throughout the historic Jazz Museum, encompassing the entire 400 block of Esplanade, showcasing the music that defines New Orleans. All funds raised by the Improvisations Gala directly support the Jazz Museum’s educational programs and initiatives. For additional information or tickets, please visit https://nolajazzmuseum.org/gala.
New Orleans Polar Express Train Ride (Dec. 10, 2024 – Jan. 1, 2025)
The New Orleans Polar Express Train Ride will take you to relive the magic of the famous movie through a one-hour journey from the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Enjoy the soundtrack and transport yourself into the magic. Hot chocolate, cookies and characters fill the train. During the trip, you can expect to be greeted by Santa and his helpers while enjoying live entertainment. All guests are expected to arrive 60 minutes before the departure time. The train departs from and returns to New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Multiple rides will take place daily from Dec. 10 - Jan. 1, with the exception of Christmas Day (closed). For more information go to www.nolathepolarexpressride.com/
Festival of the Bonfires (Dec. 13 - 15, 2024)
Enjoy great food, live entertainment, crafts, Santa’s Very Merry Forest and carnival rides throughout the weekend. Each night will be highlighted with a single bonfire lighting! Come out and experience a prelude to the famous Christmas Eve Bonfires: A tradition unique to St. James Parish and all the world. For more information go to festivalofthebonfires.org/
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl (Dec. 19, 2024)
Sports enthusiast will love attending the 24th annual R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl featuring teams from the Sun Belt Conference and Conference USA, showcasing top-tier college football talent at the Caesars Superdome. Last year’s matchup featured first-time participants Jacksonville State’s victory over the University of Louisiana, who has appeared in the Bowl seven times. This year’s R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl precedes the highly anticipated Super Bowl LIX and serves as one of the final matchups in the Caesars Superdome ahead of the big game in February. For more information or tickets go to www.neworleansbowl.org.
NOLA ChristmasFest (Dec. 20 - 30, 2024)
Experience an enchanting winter wonderland at NOLA ChristmasFest, presented by Coca-Cola. From the awe-inspiring holiday displays including a Gingerbread Village, Giant Wreath and Tree to an expanded ice slide section, a magical ice-skating rink, exciting Carnival rides and delightful holiday entertainment, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. For tickets and more information, go to nolachristmasfest.com/
Caroling in the Square (Dec. 22, 2024)
Patio Planters of the Vieux Carre is pleased to present the beloved Caroling in Jackson Square tradition to visitors and locals alike. The free community sing-along gathers thousands of people for a festive hour of holiday merriment, with carols led by local dignitaries and clergy. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with Patio Planters volunteers stationed there to distribute complimentary song books and candles to participants in the non-denominational community celebration. For more info go to patioplanters.net/events/caroling-in-jackson-square
Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee (Dec. 24, 2024)
One of our area’s most unique holiday traditions is the Christmas Eve Bonfires on the levee long the Mississippi River. The tradition dates back to the earliest Cajun settlers of the regions of southern Louisiana to the west and north of New Orleans. These bonfires are intended to light the way for “Papa Noël,” the Cajun Santa Claus. The earlier bonfire structures were simple in design, but now they have become masterful works of art. Most of the Christmas Eve bonfires are found in St. James Parish (county). Many more bonfires may be erected in the adjoining communities of Gramercy, Lutcher and Paulina, and more may be scattered in other locations in St. James and neighboring parishes. There are tours that can take you out to the bonfires through graylineneworleans.com/tour/christmas-eve-bonfire-adventure-in-new-orleans-w-holiday-dinner-at-destrehan-plantation
Allstate Sugar Bowl (Jan. 1, 2025)
The 2025 Sugar Bowl (officially known as the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl for sponsorship reasons) is a college football bowl game scheduled to be played on January 1, 2025, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The 91st annual Sugar Bowl game will be one of the playoff quarterfinals and will feature two of the playoff teams. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:45 p.m. CST. The Sugar Bowl will be one of the 2024–25 bowl games concluding the 2024 FBS football season and the winner will advance to the college football playoff semifinals. For more info go to allstatesugarbowl.org
Joan of Arc Parade (Jan. 6, 2025)
Founded in 2008, Joan of Arc is an annual walking parade honoring our unofficial patron saint, “The Maid of Orleans”. The event melds medieval revelry with the traditions of Mardi Gras. It’s a celebration of the city’s French culture and heritage as well as St Joan of Arc’s birthday which coincides with Twelfth Night. The procession is inspired by Joan’s time in France in the 1400s, when she liberated the citizens of Orleans, France from British siege. Honorary characters include the Maid of Honor, Joan of Arc, on horseback in a white robe with faux armor breastplate. Midway through the parade, she receives her sword after a blessing at St. Louis Cathedral. Joan is joined on the parade route by Queen Yolande of Aragon and King Charles VII, the “Dauphin” who became King as a result of Joan of Arc’s efforts Parade goers dress in gold to look like the statue of Joan in the French Quarter, a gift to the City of New Orleans from France in the 1950s. Parade participants wear attire reminiscent of 1400s France with medieval costumes and music, characters on horseback, jugglers, knights, stiltwalkers, giant puppets, king cake and handmade medieval throws. For more info go to joanofarcparade.org/who-we-are/
Krewe of Chewbacchus Parade (Feb. 1, 2025)
The Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus (IKoC) is a Mardi Gras parade organization for revelrous Star Wars freaks, Trekkies, Whovians, mega-geeks, gamers, cosplayers, circuit benders, cryptozoologists, UFO conspiracy theorists, mad scientists and all super nerds. Chewbacchus is founded on improving the known ’Verse through community and revelry. In joining together to craft, costume, parade, and socialize, we build stronger connections and a better world. The parade theme for 2025 is officially Rise of the Superb Owl! For more information, go to chewbacchus.org/
Louisiana Culture Festival (Feb. 7 – 8, 2025)
The French Market, in partnership with the Host Committee, Lieutenant Governor Nungesser, Louisiana Office of Tourism and the National Park Service, will host the Louisiana Culture Festival from Friday, Feb. 7 – Saturday, Feb. 8. 2025. The festival will highlight the many cultures of Louisiana with unique booths and activations featuring local Native American tribes and a cultural corner with basket weaving, storytelling and cooking and dance demonstrations. Jazz and Zydeco bands will also contribute to the programming with live performances during the festival.
Krewe Boheme (Feb. 14, 2025)
The krewe was inspired by absinthe, a formerly outlawed liqueur favored by Belle Époque artists, which is reputed to have hallucinatory properties. The dreamy Boheme parade sashayed through the downtown streets for the first time in 2019, led by their languid mascot, a green absinthe fairy — imagine an Art Nouveau Tinker Bell that follows the Grateful Dead. For more info go to kreweboheme.com/
Krewe du Vieux (Feb. 15, 2025)
The Krewe du Vieux is a non-profit organization dedicated to the historical and traditional concept of a Mardi Gras parade as a venue for individual creative expression and satirical comment. It is unique among all Mardi Gras parades in the city because it alone carries on the old traditions of Carnival celebrations, by using decorated mule-drawn floats with satirical themes, accompanied by costumed revelers dancing in the streets to the sounds of jazzy street musicians. We believe in exposing the world to the true nature of Mardi Gras - and in exposing ourselves to the world. For more info go to kreweduvieux.org
Krewe of Barkus Parade (Feb. 23, 2025)
The Mystic Krewe of Barkus, the only officially licensed Mardi Gras Krewe for canines, will start will take from the arch at Armstrong Park and proceeds through the French Quarter. For more info go to kreweofbarkus.org/
Krewe of Armeinius Bal Masque LVI (Feb. 28, 2025)
The Krewe of Armeinius was formed in 1968 and is one of the oldest active gay krewes in New Orleans. The first ball in 1969 showcased various historical queens entitled The Year of the Queen. The krewe continues to prosper and its ranks now include many young men along with seasoned veterans. Tickets and more information for this year’s ball can be found at armeinius.org/
Prospect.6 (Nov. 2, 2024 – Feb. 2, 2025)
Historically, New Orleans has been regarded as a city deeply rooted in its past. For Prospect.6, Co-Artistic Directors Miranda Lash and Ebony G. Patterson will position New Orleans as a globally relevant point of departure for examining our collective future as it relates to climate change, legacies of colonialism and definitions of belonging and home. Over 50 artists from around the world will contribute to Prospect.6. From Nov. 2, 2024 to Feb. 2, 2025, explore exhibit openings, mural unveilings, family and community programming and more in venues across the city. Prospect.6 is a citywide contemporary art triennial and the first exhibition of its kind in the US with a decade-long history. Every three years, they bring new art to an old city by inviting artists from all over the world to create projects in a wide variety of venues spread throughout New Orleans. Programming takes place across venues in New Orleans, including museums, public parks, theaters and universities. Participating venues thus far include the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, New Orleans African American Museum, New Marigny Theatre, Contemporary Arts Center, Merchant House, Xavier University Art Gallery, Tulane University Freeman Auditorium and Harmony Circle. Prospect.6 is free to the public except for the venues that regularly charge admission. For more information go to prospect6.org
Celebration in the Oaks (Nov. 29, 2024 – Jan. 3, 2025)
Celebration in the Oaks is an annual holiday festivity from Thanksgiving through the New Year. Enjoy one of the most spectacular holiday light shows in the country as the grounds of New Orleans City Park is transformed into 25 acres of dazzling lights and breathtaking, festive displays. The Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are all captured with hundreds of thousands of lights to create a winter wonderland here in the Big Easy. You can also book a walking tour, which includes access to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden. Tickets can be found at celebrationintheoaks.com/
Algiers Holiday Bonfire and Concert (Dec. 7, 2024)
Each year, along the banks of the Mississippi River, a time-honored tradition is observed in Algiers—with a dash of New Orleans flavor! As the only holiday bonfire in New Orleans, this event is both an opportunity to take part in a unique Louisiana cultural tradition and a fun, family-friendly annual community gathering. In addition to the bonfire, the event includes musical performances, food vendors and a holiday market. The highlight of the event is the 30-foot sculptural bonfire. The event is free and open to the public. For more information go to algierseconomic.com/algiersbonfire/
7th Annual Improvisations Gala (Dec. 7, 2024)
Join The New Orleans Jazz Museum for the 7th annual Improvisations Gala at The New Orleans Jazz Museum on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 from 7:00-11:00 p.m.. This incomparable event will feature multiple performances throughout the grounds of the Jazz Museum headlined by Grammy Nominated, Afro-Cuban Funk Artist, Cimafunk presented by James Douglas Hislop! The theme, "Aquatic Gardens," informs the decor throughout the historic Jazz Museum, encompassing the entire 400 block of Esplanade, showcasing the music that defines New Orleans. All funds raised by the Improvisations Gala directly support the Jazz Museum’s educational programs and initiatives. For additional information or tickets, please visit https://nolajazzmuseum.org/gala.
New Orleans Polar Express Train Ride (Dec. 10, 2024 – Jan. 1, 2025)
The New Orleans Polar Express Train Ride will take you to relive the magic of the famous movie through a one-hour journey from the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Enjoy the soundtrack and transport yourself into the magic. Hot chocolate, cookies and characters fill the train. During the trip, you can expect to be greeted by Santa and his helpers while enjoying live entertainment. All guests are expected to arrive 60 minutes before the departure time. The train departs from and returns to New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Multiple rides will take place daily from Dec. 10 - Jan. 1, with the exception of Christmas Day (closed). For more information go to www.nolathepolarexpressride.com/
Festival of the Bonfires (Dec. 13 - 15, 2024)
Enjoy great food, live entertainment, crafts, Santa’s Very Merry Forest and carnival rides throughout the weekend. Each night will be highlighted with a single bonfire lighting! Come out and experience a prelude to the famous Christmas Eve Bonfires: A tradition unique to St. James Parish and all the world. For more information go to festivalofthebonfires.org/
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl (Dec. 19, 2024)
Sports enthusiast will love attending the 24th annual R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl featuring teams from the Sun Belt Conference and Conference USA, showcasing top-tier college football talent at the Caesars Superdome. Last year’s matchup featured first-time participants Jacksonville State’s victory over the University of Louisiana, who has appeared in the Bowl seven times. This year’s R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl precedes the highly anticipated Super Bowl LIX and serves as one of the final matchups in the Caesars Superdome ahead of the big game in February. For more information or tickets go to www.neworleansbowl.org.
NOLA ChristmasFest (Dec. 20 - 30, 2024)
Experience an enchanting winter wonderland at NOLA ChristmasFest, presented by Coca-Cola. From the awe-inspiring holiday displays including a Gingerbread Village, Giant Wreath and Tree to an expanded ice slide section, a magical ice-skating rink, exciting Carnival rides and delightful holiday entertainment, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. For tickets and more information, go to nolachristmasfest.com/
Caroling in the Square (Dec. 22, 2024)
Patio Planters of the Vieux Carre is pleased to present the beloved Caroling in Jackson Square tradition to visitors and locals alike. The free community sing-along gathers thousands of people for a festive hour of holiday merriment, with carols led by local dignitaries and clergy. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with Patio Planters volunteers stationed there to distribute complimentary song books and candles to participants in the non-denominational community celebration. For more info go to patioplanters.net/events/caroling-in-jackson-square
Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee (Dec. 24, 2024)
One of our area’s most unique holiday traditions is the Christmas Eve Bonfires on the levee long the Mississippi River. The tradition dates back to the earliest Cajun settlers of the regions of southern Louisiana to the west and north of New Orleans. These bonfires are intended to light the way for “Papa Noël,” the Cajun Santa Claus. The earlier bonfire structures were simple in design, but now they have become masterful works of art. Most of the Christmas Eve bonfires are found in St. James Parish (county). Many more bonfires may be erected in the adjoining communities of Gramercy, Lutcher and Paulina, and more may be scattered in other locations in St. James and neighboring parishes. There are tours that can take you out to the bonfires through graylineneworleans.com/tour/christmas-eve-bonfire-adventure-in-new-orleans-w-holiday-dinner-at-destrehan-plantation
Allstate Sugar Bowl (Jan. 1, 2025)
The 2025 Sugar Bowl (officially known as the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl for sponsorship reasons) is a college football bowl game scheduled to be played on January 1, 2025, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The 91st annual Sugar Bowl game will be one of the playoff quarterfinals and will feature two of the playoff teams. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:45 p.m. CST. The Sugar Bowl will be one of the 2024–25 bowl games concluding the 2024 FBS football season and the winner will advance to the college football playoff semifinals. For more info go to allstatesugarbowl.org
Joan of Arc Parade (Jan. 6, 2025)
Founded in 2008, Joan of Arc is an annual walking parade honoring our unofficial patron saint, “The Maid of Orleans”. The event melds medieval revelry with the traditions of Mardi Gras. It’s a celebration of the city’s French culture and heritage as well as St Joan of Arc’s birthday which coincides with Twelfth Night. The procession is inspired by Joan’s time in France in the 1400s, when she liberated the citizens of Orleans, France from British siege. Honorary characters include the Maid of Honor, Joan of Arc, on horseback in a white robe with faux armor breastplate. Midway through the parade, she receives her sword after a blessing at St. Louis Cathedral. Joan is joined on the parade route by Queen Yolande of Aragon and King Charles VII, the “Dauphin” who became King as a result of Joan of Arc’s efforts Parade goers dress in gold to look like the statue of Joan in the French Quarter, a gift to the City of New Orleans from France in the 1950s. Parade participants wear attire reminiscent of 1400s France with medieval costumes and music, characters on horseback, jugglers, knights, stiltwalkers, giant puppets, king cake and handmade medieval throws. For more info go to joanofarcparade.org/who-we-are/
Krewe of Chewbacchus Parade (Feb. 1, 2025)
The Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus (IKoC) is a Mardi Gras parade organization for revelrous Star Wars freaks, Trekkies, Whovians, mega-geeks, gamers, cosplayers, circuit benders, cryptozoologists, UFO conspiracy theorists, mad scientists and all super nerds. Chewbacchus is founded on improving the known ’Verse through community and revelry. In joining together to craft, costume, parade, and socialize, we build stronger connections and a better world. The parade theme for 2025 is officially Rise of the Superb Owl! For more information, go to chewbacchus.org/
Louisiana Culture Festival (Feb. 7 – 8, 2025)
The French Market, in partnership with the Host Committee, Lieutenant Governor Nungesser, Louisiana Office of Tourism and the National Park Service, will host the Louisiana Culture Festival from Friday, Feb. 7 – Saturday, Feb. 8. 2025. The festival will highlight the many cultures of Louisiana with unique booths and activations featuring local Native American tribes and a cultural corner with basket weaving, storytelling and cooking and dance demonstrations. Jazz and Zydeco bands will also contribute to the programming with live performances during the festival.
Krewe Boheme (Feb. 14, 2025)
The krewe was inspired by absinthe, a formerly outlawed liqueur favored by Belle Époque artists, which is reputed to have hallucinatory properties. The dreamy Boheme parade sashayed through the downtown streets for the first time in 2019, led by their languid mascot, a green absinthe fairy — imagine an Art Nouveau Tinker Bell that follows the Grateful Dead. For more info go to kreweboheme.com/
Krewe du Vieux (Feb. 15, 2025)
The Krewe du Vieux is a non-profit organization dedicated to the historical and traditional concept of a Mardi Gras parade as a venue for individual creative expression and satirical comment. It is unique among all Mardi Gras parades in the city because it alone carries on the old traditions of Carnival celebrations, by using decorated mule-drawn floats with satirical themes, accompanied by costumed revelers dancing in the streets to the sounds of jazzy street musicians. We believe in exposing the world to the true nature of Mardi Gras - and in exposing ourselves to the world. For more info go to kreweduvieux.org
Krewe of Barkus Parade (Feb. 23, 2025)
The Mystic Krewe of Barkus, the only officially licensed Mardi Gras Krewe for canines, will start will take from the arch at Armstrong Park and proceeds through the French Quarter. For more info go to kreweofbarkus.org/
Krewe of Armeinius Bal Masque LVI (Feb. 28, 2025)
The Krewe of Armeinius was formed in 1968 and is one of the oldest active gay krewes in New Orleans. The first ball in 1969 showcased various historical queens entitled The Year of the Queen. The krewe continues to prosper and its ranks now include many young men along with seasoned veterans. Tickets and more information for this year’s ball can be found at armeinius.org/
