November 27, 2023
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, so gather your family and friends and head to the historic French Market District for a day of yuletide fun. Celebrating 200 years of commerce, community and culture, a visit to the iconic French Market District is sure to be the star on the top of your tree!
Catch the spirit of the season on Saturday, Dec. 2 during the French Market’s annual St. Nick Celebration, which takes place from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. This free, joyful event features live holiday music, fun-filled activities for children of all ages. And if that’s not enough to have you feeling merry and bright, then catch the 2nd Annual Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade, which kicks off at the French Market starting at 11 a.m.
While you’re rejoicing in the spirit of the season, be sure to round up some holiday gifts from the special shops in the French Market District. Who needs elves when talented, local artisans hand-crafting unique jewelry, original paintings, luxury goods, pottery and more can be found in the Dutch Alley Artist’s Co-Op. The cheerful artist-owned and operated co-operative gallery features the unique works of 25 regional artists and designers, many of whom are busy creating at the gallery, so you can meet them in person!
Got stockings that need stuffing? Saunter through the bustling, open-air French Market where you’ll uncover booth after booth packed with hand-made goodies, arts and crafts, wearable art, tasty treats, souvenirs and more. And if all that shopping has you hankering for some savory delights, look no further than the casual eateries located just steps away. Grab a gourmet cheese plate paired with a glass of fine wine from Alberto’s Wine & Cheese Bistro, indulge in a savory or sweet crepe like the mouthwatering “Elvis” layered with peanut butter, banana slices, creamy Nutella, and bacon crumbles from Holy Crepes!, slurp down some succulent Louisiana raw oysters on the half shell at J’s Seafood Dock, or sip a fresh fruit smoothie or specialty daiquiri, expertly whipped up at Organic Banana fruit stand and juice bar.
Continue your stroll along the riverfront and over to Jackson Square, where you’ll discover specialty stores, art galleries and boutiques that are sure to bring you comfort and joy! A visit to Merry Christmas & All That Jazz is a must to snag the perfect holiday ornament and Crescent City keepsake. Got a linen and lace lover on your list? Pop into Rendezvous Linens and Lace, which has been enticing shoppers since 1978 with their menagerie of fine vintage lace and beautifully crafted linens. For those who have visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads, Evans Creole Candy Factory, Southern Candymakers and Aunt Sally’s Praline Shop are sure to tempt your sweet tooth with a heavenly variety of tasty treats including world-famous Creole pralines, delectable hand-made chocolates, original spice blends and much more!
’Tis the season for bling, and you’ll find a treasure trove of wearable works of jewelry art at Lalosh Silver, which is like Santa’s workshop for all things that sparkle and shine. Select your favorite stone, gem and metal design and let their silversmith masters craft your one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry while you wait. The magic of Christmas shines through at Head To Toe, a charming boutique specializing in vintage-inspired accessories from hats and handbags to home décor. Located on Jackson Square, Cella’s Boutique boasts a stellar collection of fashionable clothing, unique jewelry, colorful scarves and stylish shoes that are certain to jingle the bells of the fashionista on your list. Trendsetters will stay one step ahead in a pair of fashion-forward footwear from NOLA Foot Candy, which has been kicking it since 1992 with their hand-selected, ultra-chic selection of high-quality shoes from cutting-edge designers. And top off your holiday look with a chapeau from Chapel Hats, the French Quarter’s premier destination for top quality men’s and women’s headwear. If a motorcycle helmet better suits your guy’s style, then jingle all the way to Voodoo Harley Davidson for top-notch riding gear, designer apparel, branded merchandise and novelty products that he’s sure to slay! Sports fanatics will score big with a team jersey, baseball cap and other cheerful gifts from N’awlins Sports.
As for the young (and the young at heart) on your list, the perfect present can be found at Little Toy Shop, a family-owned toy store featuring children’s books, puzzles, games, figures, plush toys, music boxes and more that’s been lighting up faces for more than 60 years. Joyeux Noel!
For a complete listing of French Market shops and restaurants, visit frenchmarket.org.
Catch the spirit of the season on Saturday, Dec. 2 during the French Market’s annual St. Nick Celebration, which takes place from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. This free, joyful event features live holiday music, fun-filled activities for children of all ages. And if that’s not enough to have you feeling merry and bright, then catch the 2nd Annual Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade, which kicks off at the French Market starting at 11 a.m.
While you’re rejoicing in the spirit of the season, be sure to round up some holiday gifts from the special shops in the French Market District. Who needs elves when talented, local artisans hand-crafting unique jewelry, original paintings, luxury goods, pottery and more can be found in the Dutch Alley Artist’s Co-Op. The cheerful artist-owned and operated co-operative gallery features the unique works of 25 regional artists and designers, many of whom are busy creating at the gallery, so you can meet them in person!
Got stockings that need stuffing? Saunter through the bustling, open-air French Market where you’ll uncover booth after booth packed with hand-made goodies, arts and crafts, wearable art, tasty treats, souvenirs and more. And if all that shopping has you hankering for some savory delights, look no further than the casual eateries located just steps away. Grab a gourmet cheese plate paired with a glass of fine wine from Alberto’s Wine & Cheese Bistro, indulge in a savory or sweet crepe like the mouthwatering “Elvis” layered with peanut butter, banana slices, creamy Nutella, and bacon crumbles from Holy Crepes!, slurp down some succulent Louisiana raw oysters on the half shell at J’s Seafood Dock, or sip a fresh fruit smoothie or specialty daiquiri, expertly whipped up at Organic Banana fruit stand and juice bar.
Continue your stroll along the riverfront and over to Jackson Square, where you’ll discover specialty stores, art galleries and boutiques that are sure to bring you comfort and joy! A visit to Merry Christmas & All That Jazz is a must to snag the perfect holiday ornament and Crescent City keepsake. Got a linen and lace lover on your list? Pop into Rendezvous Linens and Lace, which has been enticing shoppers since 1978 with their menagerie of fine vintage lace and beautifully crafted linens. For those who have visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads, Evans Creole Candy Factory, Southern Candymakers and Aunt Sally’s Praline Shop are sure to tempt your sweet tooth with a heavenly variety of tasty treats including world-famous Creole pralines, delectable hand-made chocolates, original spice blends and much more!
’Tis the season for bling, and you’ll find a treasure trove of wearable works of jewelry art at Lalosh Silver, which is like Santa’s workshop for all things that sparkle and shine. Select your favorite stone, gem and metal design and let their silversmith masters craft your one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry while you wait. The magic of Christmas shines through at Head To Toe, a charming boutique specializing in vintage-inspired accessories from hats and handbags to home décor. Located on Jackson Square, Cella’s Boutique boasts a stellar collection of fashionable clothing, unique jewelry, colorful scarves and stylish shoes that are certain to jingle the bells of the fashionista on your list. Trendsetters will stay one step ahead in a pair of fashion-forward footwear from NOLA Foot Candy, which has been kicking it since 1992 with their hand-selected, ultra-chic selection of high-quality shoes from cutting-edge designers. And top off your holiday look with a chapeau from Chapel Hats, the French Quarter’s premier destination for top quality men’s and women’s headwear. If a motorcycle helmet better suits your guy’s style, then jingle all the way to Voodoo Harley Davidson for top-notch riding gear, designer apparel, branded merchandise and novelty products that he’s sure to slay! Sports fanatics will score big with a team jersey, baseball cap and other cheerful gifts from N’awlins Sports.
As for the young (and the young at heart) on your list, the perfect present can be found at Little Toy Shop, a family-owned toy store featuring children’s books, puzzles, games, figures, plush toys, music boxes and more that’s been lighting up faces for more than 60 years. Joyeux Noel!
For a complete listing of French Market shops and restaurants, visit frenchmarket.org.
