November 27, 2023
The holiday season is the perfect time of the year to visit the Crescent City. In New Orleans, we like to extend our celebrations so that our holiday season stretches from December through February. The cuisine, the decorations, the events and most of all the music; no matter what holiday you visit for, we have it all. Whether you are enjoying a jazz band playing Louis Armstrong’s “Christmas in New Orleans” at one of our many Réveillon dinners or dancing in the streets to “Mardi Gras Mambo” performed by a high school band at a Carnival Parade, let the holiday magic sweep you up. Celebrate the Big Easy and all it offers during this period.
All through the month of December the city comes live with the holiday spirit. From Uptown to Downtown and throughout our very culturally rich neighborhoods, the celebrations are plentiful. There are choral concerts throughout the month at both the St. Louis Cathedral located on Jackson Square and St. Augustine Church in Treme. There are family-friendly happenings, like one of the many children’s parties and teas hosted at the various hotels, such as Teddy Bear Tea at the Roosevelt. And speaking of hotels, a free and festive thing to do during the holidays is go hotel lobby-hopping and see some spectacular displays at The Roosevelt, The Ritz-Carlton, The Royal Sonesta or The Windsor Court. New Orleans is also the best place to find that perfect present for everyone on your holiday list. Two major shopping thoroughfares—Magazine Street in Uptown New Orleans and Royal Street in the French Quarter—offer one-of-a-kind gifts such as art, antiques, jewelry, apparel and much more. The historic French Market District, which dates to 1791, gives shoppers that unique New Orleans treasure or souvenir from local craftspeople in the Market. There are two downtown shopping malls. Canal Place offers luxury fashion and beauty brands, boutique clothing stores, home goods and specialty art from world-class retailers and celebrity designers. The Outlet Collection at the Riverwalk, located along the banks of the Mississippi River at the foot of Poydras Street, is the first outlet shopping center in the heart of downtown New Orleans with more than 75 retailers and restaurants.
With so many to pick from, here are just some of the holiday highlights this year.
Park It! City Park’s largest fundraiser, Celebration in the Oaks, has enchanted locals and tourists since the 1980s. This holiday tradition runs through Dec. 30. Revenue from this event is vital to the Park’s maintenance, care, and beautification year ’round. There are two ways to experience Celebration in the Oaks: driving and walking. City Park’s famous oaks will be swathed in over one million twinkling lights and breathtaking light displays scattered throughout the 2.25-mile route through the Park. The Driving Tour is approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Or you can enjoy this holiday event on foot with an all-access pass to Storyland, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, which features 18 rides and the elegant Botanical Garden all aglow with lights. celebrationintheoaks.com/
Naughty by Nature! After two years of pivoting to a stationary parade, the Krewe of Krampus returns to a walking parade on the streets of New Orleans on Dec. 2, 2023. As the largest Krampus parade in America, the parade attracts performers from all over the country and abroad, in addition to large local crowds. It is the most exciting and creative parade this side of the Alps. Make sure you go out and catch your piece of glittered coal at this naturally New Orleans parade. kreweofkrampus.com/
Also on December 2nd from 4:30 to 8pm along the banks of the Mississippi River, a time-honored tradition is observed in Algiers with a dash of New Orleans flavor! The Algiers Holiday Bonfire & Concert is the largest public event in Algiers and the Westbank’s hottest holiday event. 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. Listen to musical performances, eat food from local vendors, and shop from local artisans at the holiday market. The highlight of the event is the 30-foot sculptural bonfire which is set ablaze after darkness falls on the banks of the river. Easily accessible via the Algiers ferry, and with the New Orleans’ skyline as the perfect backdrop, this event should not be missed!
Go Green! The Greenway Supernova is an annual holiday lights exhibit on the Lafitte Greenway featuring collaborations with several artists, plus food and music. The Greenway transforms into a winter wonderland in this free-to-attend family-friendly festival. The event is Dec. 7–9, 2023, with a patron preview party on Dec. 6. The Lafitte Greenway is a public linear park connecting the French Quarter to Bayou St. John and Mid-City. Find Greenway Supernova at 3200 Lafitte Ave. lafittegreenway.org/supernova
Light Up the Night! Arts New Orleans’ LUNA Fête, presented by New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and New Orleans & Company, takes place Dec. 7–10 from 6 to 10 p.m. nightly. The Convention Center’s Pedestrian Park will be transformed into the ultimate runway for illuminated fashions. One of the major highlights of this event is the Hall D façade animation, a 15-minute projection honoring the transformative power of costumes that begins at the top of each hour beginning at 6 p.m. Light-based artworks by artists celebrating costumery and culture will be spread across 7.5 acres of the new Convention Center Pedestrian Park and into Mississippi River Heritage Park.A nightly arts market, delicious food, drinks and other glowing features will be available to enjoy each night. lunafete.com/
Play Ball! The R + L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, a NCAA-sanctioned post-season college football bowl game, will be held at Caesar’s Superdome on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. www.neworleansbowl.org/
NOLA-LA-LA! On Dec. 17, 2023, Jackson Square will be illuminated by hundreds of candles held by both amateur and professional carolers singing Christmas favorites. This free event is open to all. Candles and song sheets are provided courtesy of Patio Planters, a nonprofit group dedicated to the horticultural beautification of the French Quarter. patioplanters.net/
Ice Ice Baby! Visitors and locals alike will enjoy the wonders of the holiday from December 21–30 at the NOLA ChristmasFest. Hosted at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, this indoor family attraction features New Orleans’ only ice-skating rink, the Kringle Carousel, carnival rides and inflatables, Santa and holiday characters, children’s crafts, decorated trees and dazzling lights. This unique ice-skating feature is made of real ice and extends 52 by 140 feet. While skaters are welcome to bring their own skates, a range of sizes will available onsite. This family-friendly celebration will also feature two miles of lights (both indoors and outdoors!) and indoor Christmas activities. Guests will have a chance to meet special Christmas characters such as Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph and all their friends. nolachristmasfest.com/
Each year, along the banks of the Mississippi River, a time-honored tradition is observed in Algiers with a dash of New Orleans flavor! The Algiers Holiday Bonfire & Concert is the largest public event in Algiers and the Westbank’s hottest holiday event. 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. Listen to musical performances, eat food from local vendors, and shop from local artisans at the holiday market. The highlight of the event is the 30-foot sculptural bonfire which is set ablaze after darkness falls on the banks of the river. Easily accessible via the Algiers ferry, and with the New Orleans’ skyline as the perfect backdrop, this event should not be missed!
Mon Cher Santa! Just outside New Orleans, there is a unique, age-old tradition to celebrate Christmas Eve. Experience the wonder of the Bonfires on the Levee which dates to the early Cajuns and occurs on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2023. The bonfires are intended to light the way for “Papa Noël” or Cajun Santa Claus. These structures can range from simplistic pyramid shaped cones to the imaginative, such as alligators or crabs. The bonfires are most commonly found in St. James Parish, approximately 30 miles from New Orleans. There are two motor coach excursions offered by Gray Line Tours: the four-hour Christmas Eve Bonfire Express, which only includes the bonfires, and the six-and-a-hour Christmas Eve Bonfire Adventure Tour, which includes a tour of San Francisco Plantation and a holiday dinner. Reservations are required in advance. Visit their website, www.graylineneworleans.com/holiday-tours.html for further details.
Ring in the New Year in the Crescent City! Imagine standing on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River or by Jackson Square to watch the Fleur de Lis drop from atop Jax Brewery. So do not forget our fabulous fireworks show, which can be seen from many spots in the city such as a rooftop party at one of our grand hotels, or one of our riverboats for an up-close view as you sail along on the river. Give Me Some Sugar! The 2024 Allstate Sugar Bowl will be played on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. This year's game will double as a College Football Playoff Semifinal and will be televised live by ESPN from the Caesars Superdome. The 90th annual Sugar Bowl Classic will feature over 68,000 fans for the 67th time in its history. While the game is officially sold out, the Sugar Bowl Committee encourages fans still looking to purchase tickets to visit Ticketmaster as the official verified resale platform of the 2024 Playoff Semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Other activities during the week of the Allstate Sugar Bowl will include the Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year's Eve Parade and the Allstate Sugar Bowl Tailgate Town. The New Year's Eve Parade is a Mardi Gras-style parade with floats, bands and other participants on the afternoon of Dec. 31 in the French Quarter. Located in Champions Square by the legendary Superdome, Tailgate Town is the official pregame festival of the Allstate Sugar Bowl. allstatesugarbowl.org/
No sooner do we ring in 2024 than on Jan. 6, starting off the Carnival season with Twelfth Night, or King’s Day. This day is marked with parades, parties and the official kick-off of King Cake season. For true New Orleanians, King Cakes are only consumed during Carnival season (although I have been known to partake in a St. Patrick’s Day or Easter King Cake). This delicious ring of sweet pastry is normally covered in icing and purple, yellow, and green sprinkles and can be filled with numerous flavors, including as strawberry, praline or cream cheese. In addition to King Cake parties around the city, there are several parades visitors can enjoy. The Joan of Arc parade marches in the French Quarter while there are two streetcar parades: the Phunny Phorty Phellows on St. Charles streetcar Uptown, and the Société Des Champs Elysée on the Rampart–St. Claude Avenue streetcar.
This brings us to the Carnival season which culminates on Mardi Gras Day or Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras Day is Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. Mardi Gras is a single day, but the weeks leading up to it is considered the Carnival season and it marked with parties, Bal Masques and parades beginning on Twelfth Night. The parades roll throughout the different neighborhoods of the city with most of them taking the traditional Uptown route on St. Charles Avenue. There are several irreverent walking parades that are cherished by locals such as Krewe du Vieux, a creative, adult themed organization that carries on the old traditions of Carnival by using mule-drawn floats with satirical themes, accompanied by costumed revelers and street musicians; the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus, a sci-fi themed parade; Krewe Boheme, a female-driven organization grounding itself in all-things-green, ever-guided by the absinthe-minded green fairy and not having a typical king or queen but presided over by its intoxicating Supreme Green Fairy; and Krewe of Cork, which is a raucous wine-soaked romp through the French Quarter. The long weekend leading up to Mardi Gras Day has the superkrewe parades such as Muses, Bacchus, Endymion and Orpheus. These parades are larger in scope with over 1,000 active members and end their route with spectacular balls where the floats pull into the party throwing beads and trinkets at the attendees, who are clad in tuxedos and ball gowns. These balls feature top-line entertainment, dancing and dinner. This year some of the big names appearing are Sting and Flo Rida at the Endymion Extravaganza on Feb. 10, 2024. Lundi Gras, the day before Mardi Gras, is celebrated when the King of Rex meets and toasts the King of Zulu. Earlier that day, the Zulu Social and Pleasure Club also hosts a Lundi Gras Festival at Woldenberg Park along the river which culminates with a toast and a fireworks show.
Last but not least, the greatest party on Earth occurs on Fat Tuesday and everyone is invited. Zulu and Rex parades roll down St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street. The Krewe of Rex dates to 1872 and is considered the King of Carnival. Its traditions have defined Mardi Gras. His royal colors of purple, green and gold are to this day the colors of Mardi Gras, and the song played in the first Rex parade, "If Ever I Cease to Love," has become Carnival's anthem. Don a costume, make new friends, and share those new beads you just caught with a stranger. Wander the French Quarter to feast your eyes on the elaborate costumes, especially on the stage at the corner of St. Ann and Dauphine Street. You will soon understand why this party attracts over one million participants from all over the world!
All through the month of December the city comes live with the holiday spirit. From Uptown to Downtown and throughout our very culturally rich neighborhoods, the celebrations are plentiful. There are choral concerts throughout the month at both the St. Louis Cathedral located on Jackson Square and St. Augustine Church in Treme. There are family-friendly happenings, like one of the many children’s parties and teas hosted at the various hotels, such as Teddy Bear Tea at the Roosevelt. And speaking of hotels, a free and festive thing to do during the holidays is go hotel lobby-hopping and see some spectacular displays at The Roosevelt, The Ritz-Carlton, The Royal Sonesta or The Windsor Court. New Orleans is also the best place to find that perfect present for everyone on your holiday list. Two major shopping thoroughfares—Magazine Street in Uptown New Orleans and Royal Street in the French Quarter—offer one-of-a-kind gifts such as art, antiques, jewelry, apparel and much more. The historic French Market District, which dates to 1791, gives shoppers that unique New Orleans treasure or souvenir from local craftspeople in the Market. There are two downtown shopping malls. Canal Place offers luxury fashion and beauty brands, boutique clothing stores, home goods and specialty art from world-class retailers and celebrity designers. The Outlet Collection at the Riverwalk, located along the banks of the Mississippi River at the foot of Poydras Street, is the first outlet shopping center in the heart of downtown New Orleans with more than 75 retailers and restaurants.
With so many to pick from, here are just some of the holiday highlights this year.
Park It! City Park’s largest fundraiser, Celebration in the Oaks, has enchanted locals and tourists since the 1980s. This holiday tradition runs through Dec. 30. Revenue from this event is vital to the Park’s maintenance, care, and beautification year ’round. There are two ways to experience Celebration in the Oaks: driving and walking. City Park’s famous oaks will be swathed in over one million twinkling lights and breathtaking light displays scattered throughout the 2.25-mile route through the Park. The Driving Tour is approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Or you can enjoy this holiday event on foot with an all-access pass to Storyland, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, which features 18 rides and the elegant Botanical Garden all aglow with lights. celebrationintheoaks.com/
Naughty by Nature! After two years of pivoting to a stationary parade, the Krewe of Krampus returns to a walking parade on the streets of New Orleans on Dec. 2, 2023. As the largest Krampus parade in America, the parade attracts performers from all over the country and abroad, in addition to large local crowds. It is the most exciting and creative parade this side of the Alps. Make sure you go out and catch your piece of glittered coal at this naturally New Orleans parade. kreweofkrampus.com/
Also on December 2nd from 4:30 to 8pm along the banks of the Mississippi River, a time-honored tradition is observed in Algiers with a dash of New Orleans flavor! The Algiers Holiday Bonfire & Concert is the largest public event in Algiers and the Westbank’s hottest holiday event. 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. Listen to musical performances, eat food from local vendors, and shop from local artisans at the holiday market. The highlight of the event is the 30-foot sculptural bonfire which is set ablaze after darkness falls on the banks of the river. Easily accessible via the Algiers ferry, and with the New Orleans’ skyline as the perfect backdrop, this event should not be missed!
Go Green! The Greenway Supernova is an annual holiday lights exhibit on the Lafitte Greenway featuring collaborations with several artists, plus food and music. The Greenway transforms into a winter wonderland in this free-to-attend family-friendly festival. The event is Dec. 7–9, 2023, with a patron preview party on Dec. 6. The Lafitte Greenway is a public linear park connecting the French Quarter to Bayou St. John and Mid-City. Find Greenway Supernova at 3200 Lafitte Ave. lafittegreenway.org/supernova
Light Up the Night! Arts New Orleans’ LUNA Fête, presented by New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and New Orleans & Company, takes place Dec. 7–10 from 6 to 10 p.m. nightly. The Convention Center’s Pedestrian Park will be transformed into the ultimate runway for illuminated fashions. One of the major highlights of this event is the Hall D façade animation, a 15-minute projection honoring the transformative power of costumes that begins at the top of each hour beginning at 6 p.m. Light-based artworks by artists celebrating costumery and culture will be spread across 7.5 acres of the new Convention Center Pedestrian Park and into Mississippi River Heritage Park.A nightly arts market, delicious food, drinks and other glowing features will be available to enjoy each night. lunafete.com/
Play Ball! The R + L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, a NCAA-sanctioned post-season college football bowl game, will be held at Caesar’s Superdome on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. www.neworleansbowl.org/
NOLA-LA-LA! On Dec. 17, 2023, Jackson Square will be illuminated by hundreds of candles held by both amateur and professional carolers singing Christmas favorites. This free event is open to all. Candles and song sheets are provided courtesy of Patio Planters, a nonprofit group dedicated to the horticultural beautification of the French Quarter. patioplanters.net/
Ice Ice Baby! Visitors and locals alike will enjoy the wonders of the holiday from December 21–30 at the NOLA ChristmasFest. Hosted at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, this indoor family attraction features New Orleans’ only ice-skating rink, the Kringle Carousel, carnival rides and inflatables, Santa and holiday characters, children’s crafts, decorated trees and dazzling lights. This unique ice-skating feature is made of real ice and extends 52 by 140 feet. While skaters are welcome to bring their own skates, a range of sizes will available onsite. This family-friendly celebration will also feature two miles of lights (both indoors and outdoors!) and indoor Christmas activities. Guests will have a chance to meet special Christmas characters such as Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph and all their friends. nolachristmasfest.com/
Each year, along the banks of the Mississippi River, a time-honored tradition is observed in Algiers with a dash of New Orleans flavor! The Algiers Holiday Bonfire & Concert is the largest public event in Algiers and the Westbank’s hottest holiday event. 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. Listen to musical performances, eat food from local vendors, and shop from local artisans at the holiday market. The highlight of the event is the 30-foot sculptural bonfire which is set ablaze after darkness falls on the banks of the river. Easily accessible via the Algiers ferry, and with the New Orleans’ skyline as the perfect backdrop, this event should not be missed!
Mon Cher Santa! Just outside New Orleans, there is a unique, age-old tradition to celebrate Christmas Eve. Experience the wonder of the Bonfires on the Levee which dates to the early Cajuns and occurs on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2023. The bonfires are intended to light the way for “Papa Noël” or Cajun Santa Claus. These structures can range from simplistic pyramid shaped cones to the imaginative, such as alligators or crabs. The bonfires are most commonly found in St. James Parish, approximately 30 miles from New Orleans. There are two motor coach excursions offered by Gray Line Tours: the four-hour Christmas Eve Bonfire Express, which only includes the bonfires, and the six-and-a-hour Christmas Eve Bonfire Adventure Tour, which includes a tour of San Francisco Plantation and a holiday dinner. Reservations are required in advance. Visit their website, www.graylineneworleans.com/holiday-tours.html for further details.
Ring in the New Year in the Crescent City! Imagine standing on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River or by Jackson Square to watch the Fleur de Lis drop from atop Jax Brewery. So do not forget our fabulous fireworks show, which can be seen from many spots in the city such as a rooftop party at one of our grand hotels, or one of our riverboats for an up-close view as you sail along on the river. Give Me Some Sugar! The 2024 Allstate Sugar Bowl will be played on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. This year's game will double as a College Football Playoff Semifinal and will be televised live by ESPN from the Caesars Superdome. The 90th annual Sugar Bowl Classic will feature over 68,000 fans for the 67th time in its history. While the game is officially sold out, the Sugar Bowl Committee encourages fans still looking to purchase tickets to visit Ticketmaster as the official verified resale platform of the 2024 Playoff Semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Other activities during the week of the Allstate Sugar Bowl will include the Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year's Eve Parade and the Allstate Sugar Bowl Tailgate Town. The New Year's Eve Parade is a Mardi Gras-style parade with floats, bands and other participants on the afternoon of Dec. 31 in the French Quarter. Located in Champions Square by the legendary Superdome, Tailgate Town is the official pregame festival of the Allstate Sugar Bowl. allstatesugarbowl.org/
No sooner do we ring in 2024 than on Jan. 6, starting off the Carnival season with Twelfth Night, or King’s Day. This day is marked with parades, parties and the official kick-off of King Cake season. For true New Orleanians, King Cakes are only consumed during Carnival season (although I have been known to partake in a St. Patrick’s Day or Easter King Cake). This delicious ring of sweet pastry is normally covered in icing and purple, yellow, and green sprinkles and can be filled with numerous flavors, including as strawberry, praline or cream cheese. In addition to King Cake parties around the city, there are several parades visitors can enjoy. The Joan of Arc parade marches in the French Quarter while there are two streetcar parades: the Phunny Phorty Phellows on St. Charles streetcar Uptown, and the Société Des Champs Elysée on the Rampart–St. Claude Avenue streetcar.
This brings us to the Carnival season which culminates on Mardi Gras Day or Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras Day is Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. Mardi Gras is a single day, but the weeks leading up to it is considered the Carnival season and it marked with parties, Bal Masques and parades beginning on Twelfth Night. The parades roll throughout the different neighborhoods of the city with most of them taking the traditional Uptown route on St. Charles Avenue. There are several irreverent walking parades that are cherished by locals such as Krewe du Vieux, a creative, adult themed organization that carries on the old traditions of Carnival by using mule-drawn floats with satirical themes, accompanied by costumed revelers and street musicians; the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus, a sci-fi themed parade; Krewe Boheme, a female-driven organization grounding itself in all-things-green, ever-guided by the absinthe-minded green fairy and not having a typical king or queen but presided over by its intoxicating Supreme Green Fairy; and Krewe of Cork, which is a raucous wine-soaked romp through the French Quarter. The long weekend leading up to Mardi Gras Day has the superkrewe parades such as Muses, Bacchus, Endymion and Orpheus. These parades are larger in scope with over 1,000 active members and end their route with spectacular balls where the floats pull into the party throwing beads and trinkets at the attendees, who are clad in tuxedos and ball gowns. These balls feature top-line entertainment, dancing and dinner. This year some of the big names appearing are Sting and Flo Rida at the Endymion Extravaganza on Feb. 10, 2024. Lundi Gras, the day before Mardi Gras, is celebrated when the King of Rex meets and toasts the King of Zulu. Earlier that day, the Zulu Social and Pleasure Club also hosts a Lundi Gras Festival at Woldenberg Park along the river which culminates with a toast and a fireworks show.
Last but not least, the greatest party on Earth occurs on Fat Tuesday and everyone is invited. Zulu and Rex parades roll down St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street. The Krewe of Rex dates to 1872 and is considered the King of Carnival. Its traditions have defined Mardi Gras. His royal colors of purple, green and gold are to this day the colors of Mardi Gras, and the song played in the first Rex parade, "If Ever I Cease to Love," has become Carnival's anthem. Don a costume, make new friends, and share those new beads you just caught with a stranger. Wander the French Quarter to feast your eyes on the elaborate costumes, especially on the stage at the corner of St. Ann and Dauphine Street. You will soon understand why this party attracts over one million participants from all over the world!
