Holidays in the New Orleans Area

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Infrogmation of New Orleans, from Wikimedia commons

Lobby of the Roosevelt Hotel, long known for elaborate Christmas season decorations.

How to Celebrate the Holidays in New Orleans

From hotel hopping, to Teddy Bear Teas, to Christmas Eve Bonfires—here's everything you need to know about celebrating the holiday season in New Orleans. 

November 24–January 1: Celebration in the Oaks: ​​Thousands of visitors pour into the largest park in New Orleans to see the magical winter spectacle, for which the park’s famous oaks are swathed in hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights across its twenty-five acres, including the Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens. This year, the display will be available for viewing as a 2.25-mile driving tour as well as a walking experience. Or, experience it by bicycle during a dedicated Bike Night. There will also be a Carousel Gardens Train, holiday-themed Storyland, new exhibits, a festive outdoor bar, and more. $35 per person for a walking tour pass, or $40 for a driving tour pass. 5 pm–11 pm, closed Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. celebrationintheoaks.com.

November 26–January 6: Hotel Hopping for the Holidays: Stop at some of the most magical spots in the Crescent City this holiday season, taking advantage of NOLA DMC’s hotel tours this year. With various transportation options (prices from $50 per person to $125 per person), the three hour tours will deliver you to the most festive hotel lobbies in the city, where you can enjoy a specialty cocktail and support locally-owned businesses. Enhancement options include a professional tour guide, visits from Santa, cookies and cocoa, and more. A portion of all sales will be donated to the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation. noladmc.com.

November 29–January 1: Waldorf Wonderland: One of the most breathtaking light displays in New Orleans is when the Roosevelt lights its Grand Lobby, including 112,000 twinkling lights, 1,600 feet of garland, and 4,000 glass ornaments. This year, Irma Thomas will do the official lighting on November 29. Free. therooseveltneworleans.com.

Saturdays and Sundays November 27–December 27: Teddy Bear Tea: This delightful New Orleans tradition has enchanted young ones and adults alike for generations. At the gorgeously-decorated Roosevelt New Orleans, Santa and Mrs. Claus will welcome all to a presentation of holiday delights, specialty teas, tasty pastries, and mimosas for Mom and Dad. Two to three seatings each day. $91 for everyone older than eleven; $69 for ages three to ten. VIP options available. therooseveltneworleans.com. 

December 1, 5, 6, 13, 15: Jackson Square Concert Series: This holiday tradition brings a mythical aura to the experience of holiday carols, setting local musicians, church choirs, and singers of all genres against the Gothic splendor of the historic St. Louis Cathedral or Anna's Episcopal Church. Free and open to the public. 6 pm–7 pm. holiday.neworleans.com. See the schedule below: 

• December 1: Lawrence Cotton Legendary Experience
• December 3: The Friendly Travelers (Anna's)
• December 5: Da Lovebirds featuring Robin Barnes
• December 6: Rachel Van Voorhees
• December 7: Shades of Praise
• December 8: John Boutté
• December 10: Papo y Son Mandao (Anna's)
• December 12: André Bohren with the Electric Yat Quartet
• December 13: Rickie Monie & Friends
• December 14: Cameron Dupuy and the Cajun Troubadours
• December 15: La Nocha Buena: Spanish Christmas Music of the New World
• December 17: Joy Clark (Anna's)
• December 18: The St. Louis Cathedral Christmas Choir Concert

December 1–16: Roosevelt Hotel Christmas Concerts in the Lobby: Few do Christmas more grandly than the Roosevelt Hotel. Through December, the following New Orleans school choirs will perform beneath the lobby's twinkling lights: 

• December 1: St. Clement of Rome
• December 2: St. Elizabeth
• December 5: St. Paul's
• December 6: Christian Brothers
• December 7: McGehee
• December 8: St. Dominic
• December 9: Andrew Jackson Middle School
• December 12: New Voices New Orleans
• December 13: Country Day
• December 14: Our Lady of Prompt Succor
• December 15: Kehoe-France
• December 16: St. Mary's Academy

Noon. Free. neworleans.com. 

December 2–4: Christkindl Mart: The Deutsches Haus presents its third annual Christkindl Mart for two Saturdays this season, featuring vendors selling handmade or German-themed crafts, local bands and choirs, special German Christmas food favorites, and an appearance from Christkind, or St. Nicholas. Friday 4 pm–8 pm, Saturday 11 am–8 pm , Sunday 11 am–4 pm. Free. deutscheshaus.org.

December 2–11: Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn by the Jefferson Performing Arts Society: JPAS presents Irving Berlin’s musical about a show business type who settles down. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30, Sundays at 2 pm. $25–$65. jpas.org. 

December 3: Algiers Bonfire and Concert: The city's official kickoff to the holiday season includes local musical talent, food, drink, and of course a bonfire, which will light Santa's way down the Mississippi. The NOLA Burners (the New Orleans group that builds Burning Man sculptures every year) will once again have Brennan Steele create a unique bonfire sculpture. 4:30 pm–8 pm at the Algiers Ferry Landing, 200 Morgan Street. neworleans.com. 

December 3: Inaugural Children's Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade: This first-ever holiday parade will roll in downtown New Orleans featuring over twenty Mardi Gras World-created floats outfitted with technology like animatronics, intelligent lighting systems, special effects, and beyond. Starts at the corner of Esplanade Avenue and North Peters Street, traveling North Peters to Decatur Street through the French Market toward Jackson Square and Oscar Dunn Park. Parade rolls at 11 am, ends in Lafayette Square around 1 pm with a holiday celebration including music from Rebirth Brass Band, food, and more until 3 pm. Free. chnola.org. 

December 3: Holiday Market at the Ogden: The Ogden Museum of Southern Art has invited a variety of vendors for a uniquely-artful holiday market. Peruse local goods from brands like Oxalis Apothecary, Sweit Stuff, Crazy Plant Bae, Inhabit Oyster Candles, and more. 10 am–5 pm. ogdenmuseum.org.

December 3–31: Holiday Cheers at Ariodante Gallery: Ariodante Art Gallery on Julia Street in New Orleans is yet again bringing in unique work by local artists, this month with a cheerful holiday theme. December's Featured Artist is Duane Spencer. Works also include crafts by Craig McMillin and jewelry by Rocsean Spencer, along with the work of Carmen Lee Nance Gambrill in the Lagniappe Area. An opening reception will be held on December 3 during the First Saturday Artwalk from 5 pm–9 pm. ariodantegallery.com. 

December 4: Krewe of Krampus Parade: The Krewe of Krampus' NOLAuf Parade, where you might just end up with a lump of coal from the creepy German folkloric figure himself. Rolls at 7 pm. Find the route (to-be-decided) at kreweofkrampus.com.

December 4: Paradigm Gardens Holiday Market: Shop from local art and craft vendors, pet a pygmy goat, get a chair massage, enjoy live music, and even have a farm-to-table brunch with a hot cider at this market in Paradigm Gardens in Central City. Noon–4 pm. Free admission. paradigmgardensnola.com. 

December 4: A Very Reggae Christmas at Paradigm Gardens: Enjoy a performance of holiday favorites by the Claude Bryant All-Stars alongside food from Johnny's Jamaican Cuisine at this intimate outdoor concert. 6 pm. $50 (all-inclusive). paradigmgardensnola.com. 

December 4: Norco Christmas Parade: The small-town pararde returns in full form after a two-year hiatus, complete with Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Destrehan High School band, the Riverside Academy Band, and marching groups including the 610 Stompers. 1 pm. Free. lariverparishes.com. 

December 5: JPAS Christmas Tree Lighting: Join the Jefferson Performing Arts Society in lighting up their new twenty-foot-tall tree in the Jefferson Performing Arts Center (JPAC) lobby. Hot cocoa and caroling will also be enjoyed. 6 pm–7 pm. Free. jpas.org.

December 5–11: JPAS Coat Drive: Bring your gently-used winter coats to the Jefferson Performing Arts Center (JPAC) to donate to a coat drive in partnership with Jefferson Parish Schools, to be delivered to G.T. Woods Elementary School in Kenner before the holiday break. jpas.org. 

December 6, 13, 20: December Drive-In Movie—Arthur Christmas & Home Alone: Enjoy a double feature at the Lafon Drive-In in Luling. 5:30 pm. $30. lafonartscenter.org. 

December 9–11, 16–17: The New Orleans Jazz Nutcracker: The Marigny Opera Ballet, resident dance company of the Marigny Opera House, will open its ninth season with the return of The New Orleans Jazz Nutcracker, after premiering to rave reviews last year. Set in Jackson Square on Christmas Eve, the full-length ballet is set against a score based on the original Tchaikovsky by New Orleans jazz musician Larry Sieberth and live accompaniment by his ten piece jazz ensemble. 7 pm. Tickets start at $35. marignyoperaballet.org. 

December 10: Running of the Santas: With the return of Running of the Santas, thousands of jolly, be-jingled joggers will descend on New Orleans’ Warehouse District at 3 pm, starting at the South Pole (aka Manning's at 519 Fulton Street). At 5:45 pm, the Santas set off through the five-block fun run at speeds that would turn Rudolph’s nose green, heading for the North Pole (aka Generations Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Drive). Event organizers are expecting more than four thousand costumed participants this year donned as Santa, Mrs. Claus, Scrooge, Jingle Bells, Jack Frost, Old Man Winter, and so many more; and a raucous costume contest to choose the best one. A portion of proceeds benefit the "That Others May Live" Foundation. 3 pm–6 pm. $30 general admission. runningofthesantas.com.

December 10: Lights on the Lake: Take in the Holiday Boat Parade from the best vantage point on the lake, the New Canal Lighthouse, with the Pontchartrain Conservancy. In addition to the great view, they promise a stellar live music line-up, delicious local food trucks, hot toddies and other seasonal refreshments, kids' educational activities and crafts, and pictures with Santa. Keep an eye out for details at scienceforourcoast.org.

December 10: Tacky Sweater Dance Party: Dust off your tackiest, shiniest, jingly-est holiday sweater and show it off while dancing and sipping craft beer at Urban South's taproom. Rumor has it Santa may even appear for a pint. Noon–6 pm. neworleanslocal.com. urbansouthbrewery.com. 

December 10: St. Nick Celebration: A very New Orleans celebration of the season, with live music, kids' activities, and a Saint Nick Second Line. Begins at 10 am at the French Market. frenchmarket.org.

December 10–11: Preservation Resource Center Holiday Home Tours: The PRC has once again collaborated with some of the city’s most talented landscape artists and architects to transform private yards and secret gardens into winter wonderlands. See for yourself at this annual tour of historic Garden District homes. 10 am–4 pm. prcno.org.

December 13–20: Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas: This is the record-setting Broadway holiday sensation, which features hit songs like “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” from the original, animated special. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. Elaborate sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations do their part to whisk audiences off to the whimsical world of Whoville, for a Seuss-y reminder of the true meaning of the holiday season. Shows at 7:30 pm December 13–17 with additional performances at 11 am and 3 pm December 17, 1 pm (ASL performance) and 5 pm December 18, and 2 pm December 19–20. Tickets start at $30. saengernola.com. 

December 14: Yuletide in Dixie: The Forgotten Story of Enslaved Christmas Experiences before the Civil War: Author and historian Dr. Robert May has done extensive research on what the Christmas experience was like for those enslaved in New Orleans prior to the Civil War. He documents this troubling history and the ways it is often misinterpreted in his book Yuletide in Dixie: Slavery, Christmas, and Southern Memory, and will enlighten an audience on the subject at an upcoming online presentation from the Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses. 6 pm. Free. Register at eventbrite.com. 

December 15: La Noche Buena: Spanish Christmas Music: The Historic New Orleans Collection presents a special concert of historic Spanish Christmas music at St. Louis Cathedral in conjunction with the exhibition Spanish New Orleans in the Caribbean. The evening of seasonal music will be performed by master oud player, guitarist, and composer Mahmoud Chouki with the Krewe du Voix Chamber Choir led by Paul Weber. 6 pm. Free. hnoc.org.

December 17: THNOC The Shop at the Collection Holiday Market: Peruse and shop offerings from seventeen different local artist vendors while sipping drinks and nibbling small bites from Café Cour (and maybe even catching an exhibit while you're there) at this holiday market from The Shop at The Historic New Orleans Collection. 9:30 am–4:30 pm. Free entry. shophnoc.com.

December 17–18: Delta Festival Ballet's The Nutcracker: Join Louisiana's largest resident, professional dance company, the Delta Festival Ballet, for their New Orleans rendition of the sweet, sweet classic, The Nutcracker, which features accompaniment performed by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. 2 pm both days at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. Tickets start at $35. saengernola.com. 

December 17–18: Jefferson Performing Arts Society's The Nutcracker: Another adaptation of Tchaikovsky's timeless ballet, at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center. 2 pm. $23–$80. jpas.org. 

December 18: French Quarter Holiday Home Tour: The Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré once again present iconic Quarter homes dressed up for the season. The tour includes details about architectural styles and home furnishings, as well as Christmas decor collections. Self guided walking tours take place between noon–4 pm; $30. patioplanters.net. 

December 18: Caroling in Jackson Square: This free community singalong has illuminated the Square by candlelight since 1946, filling the air with holiday favorites. Complimentary songbooks and candles will be provided. 7 pm. free. patioplanters.net. 

December 20: Harry Shearer and Judith Owen’s Christmas Without Tears: The Welsh-born pianist and singer-songwriter joins her husband, comedian and actor of The Simpsons fame Harry Shearer, for the holiday revue that began in the couple's living room and is now one of New Orleans' favorite irreverently funny Yuletide traditions. This year, ticket sales benefit The Innocence Project New Orleans and Le Petit Theatre. 7:30 pm both nights at the Orpheum. Tickets start at $71.50. ticketmaster.com.

December 21–30: NOLA ChristmasFest: Thousands of Louisianans descend on the Ernest Morial Convention Center, drawn by the vision of carving graceful arcs into the ice skating rink alongside Santa at the center of NOLA ChristmasFest's festivities. In any case, the event promises to heal bruised prides (and bottoms) with holiday characters, amusement rides, themed inflatables, arts & crafts, decorated Christmas trees, and a gingerbread house exhibition. Inside the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. $25 weekdays; $30 weekends for 4.5 hour session. Find complete admission schedule at nolachristmasfest.com.

December 23: JPAS's Danny O’Flaherty’s Celtic Christmas: A joyful tale of the traditional holiday customs of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center. 7:30 pm. $27–$67. jpas.org. 

December 24: Christmas Eve Dinner Jazz Cruise: No better place to catch a glimpse of Santa on his way than floating on the Mississippi. Enjoy holiday-decorated dining on the  Creole Queen riverboat. Boards at 5 pm, returns at 8 pm. $99. creolequeen.com.