The days may be getting shorter…but that means more nighttime and more options for after dark. It may not be festival season yet, but the winter months may just be the best time of year to visit New Orleans. The city is certainly a busy place no matter what season, but the holidays offer a particularly sophisticated lineup of entertainment. Seasonal decorations and lighting accent the beauty of the city’s historical theaters and halls. The weather is milder than most locales, so no need to coat check those puffy winter coats.
winter 2019
LUNA Fête returns for its sixth year to downtown New Orleans
November 01, 2019
LUNA Fête returns for its sixth year to downtown New Orleans December 12–15th from 6 to 10 pm nightly.
Free and open to the public, this light art festival is produced by the Arts Council New Orleans and features interactive installations, immersive projection mapping, and live performances from Lafayette Square to Fulton Street. Gallier Hall projection shows begin at the top of each hour.
Free and open to the public, this light art festival is produced by the Arts Council New Orleans and features interactive installations, immersive projection mapping, and live performances from Lafayette Square to Fulton Street. Gallier Hall projection shows begin at the top of each hour.
Illuminating Our Jazz Legacy
November 01, 2019
As Louis Armstrong aptly claimed, “To jazz or not to jazz, there is no question!” The New Orleans Jazz Museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the origin, evolution, and legacy of jazz and its continuing relevance. Plans to originate the museum began in the 1950s by a collaborative group of New Orleans collectors and enthusiasts of the New Orleans Jazz Club. The original site opened in 1961 but relocated to various French Quarter buildings over the years. In 1977, the entire collection was donated to the people of Louisiana.
Jazz, From Funky Butt Hall to Carnegie Hall
November 01, 2019
George Gershwin said, "Jazz I regard as an American folk music; not the only one but a very powerful one which is probably in the blood and feeling of the American people more than any other style."
Holiday Traditions in the Vieux Carré
November 01, 2019
Cue the music; it's holiday time in New Orleans! When Louis Armstrong put his gravelly vocals to smooth brass on the swinging 1955 recording of "Christmas in New Orleans," his voice was like New Orleans itself--a unique blend of rough edges and refinement. Imagine spending some time in the French Quarter during the holiday season in the 1800’s…hear the clip-clopping sounds of horses pulling buggies down the cobblestone streets. When invited into a home along Royal Street, you see a small potted citrus tree on the table decorated with little gifts, paper ornaments, and tallow candles.
New Orleans Restaurants Very Brightest Holiday Traditions
November 01, 2019
From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, the holiday season is all about traditions--something the 300-year old Crescent City has in spades. The dining rooms of century old restaurants get decked out in their holiday finest.
One of the most popular traditions during the month of December are the réveillon meals that emerge from restaurant kitchens. An old Creole tradition, originally réveillon (which comes from réveil, meaning waking) was a long meal hosted in a private home after midnight mass on Christmas Eve that lasted for hours and sometimes into the morning.
One of the most popular traditions during the month of December are the réveillon meals that emerge from restaurant kitchens. An old Creole tradition, originally réveillon (which comes from réveil, meaning waking) was a long meal hosted in a private home after midnight mass on Christmas Eve that lasted for hours and sometimes into the morning.
Miracle on Decatur Street
November 01, 2019
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! One of my favorite holiday traditions is to gather my girlfriends together for a day of gift shopping in the French Market. We pride ourselves in selecting unique gifts for our family and friends while giving back to our community we love by shopping locally. The French Quarter is in our blood; in fact, our private joke is that our blood type is FQ! We shop ‘til we drop, stop for a bite and a cocktail or three, and shop some more!
Indulge Yourself with a French Quarter Treat! Spotlight on Café Biegnet
November 01, 2019
Beignets (pronounced “BEN-yays”) are the official state doughnut of Louisiana, and for good reason! An iconic French Quarter breakfast or treat brought to Louisiana by the Acadians, locals and visitors love these French-inspired, perfectly-fried “fluffy little pillows” dusted with powdered sugar. Treat yourself special and order some with cafe au lait, which is equal parts strong coffee and warm milk.
A toast to the holidays with Patrick Van Hoorebeek
November 01, 2019
“In victory, you deserve Champagne; in defeat, you need it.” — Napoleon Bonaparte
You don’t have to be a diminutive French dictator to know that nothing says celebration - or consolation - like champagne. Beyond festive, an elegant glass of bubbles sets the stage for great things to come. When kicking off or celebrating the holiday season, take some advice from wine guru Patrick Van Hoorebeek, of the Patrick’s Bar Vin in the French Quarter, and do it up right.
Opening the bottle
You don’t have to be a diminutive French dictator to know that nothing says celebration - or consolation - like champagne. Beyond festive, an elegant glass of bubbles sets the stage for great things to come. When kicking off or celebrating the holiday season, take some advice from wine guru Patrick Van Hoorebeek, of the Patrick’s Bar Vin in the French Quarter, and do it up right.
Opening the bottle
Getting in the holiday SPIRITS
November 01, 2019
Cocktails and the holidays go together like lap sitting and St. Nick. Whether you celebrate with the pop of a champagne cork or a drink crafted for the season, cheers abound at this most festive time of year. Pop that cork at one of these New Orleans bars for a holiday experience both naughty and nice.
Carousel Bar
214 Royal St.
Carousel Bar
214 Royal St.
It’s Just Art
November 01, 2019
The life of an art writer is not always easy. Gallerists waiting until the last minute to send me high resolution images, saucy assistants pretending they can’t attach a PDF, and let’s not forget the artists. We love you; you’re great. Who are YOU again?
Sometimes I just have to sit back and remind myself that it isn’t the end of the world, and that, inevitably, IT’S JUST ART.
So why do I keep throwing myself onto this sword for the sake of art, you ask? Good question.
I wish I had an answer for you that did not involve my low self-esteem and Catholic guilt!
Sometimes I just have to sit back and remind myself that it isn’t the end of the world, and that, inevitably, IT’S JUST ART.
So why do I keep throwing myself onto this sword for the sake of art, you ask? Good question.
I wish I had an answer for you that did not involve my low self-esteem and Catholic guilt!
