Christmas in the Crescent City

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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 Christmas in New Orleans

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

November 25–January 2: Celebration in the Oaks: ​​The exceptionally popular holiday lights festival in City Park will light up the sky starting on November 25, with a preview party on November 20 ($40). For this magical winter spectacle, 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. Experience it via driving tour ($39.99–$225), by bike on Monday nights from 5 pm–6 pm ($5), or at the Carousel Garden Amusement Park, featuring eighteen rides, a festive outdoor bar, and more. $35, or $25 combined with a driving tour pass. Closed Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. neworleanscitypark.com/celebration-in-the-oaks.

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 $95 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 30–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, Gayle Benson will do the official lighting on November 30. Free. therooseveltneworleans.com.

Saturdays and Sundays November 28–December 19, December 22–24: 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. $82 for everyone older than eleven; $62 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 and the Basilica. Free and open to the public. 6 pm–7 pm. holiday.neworleans.com. See the schedule below: 

• December 1: Susan Cowsill
• December 5: The Zion Harmonizers
• December 6: Wanda Rouzan & Friends
• December 13: Original Tuxedo Jazz Band
• December 15: Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots

December 1–January 2: WinterJam: For its second holiday season, JAMNOLA is upping the ante, featuring new additions to their exhibitions and a holiday flair (including a six-foot tall Nutracker installation) to boot. Santa or his elves will be in attendance Wednesdays–Fridays each week in December. $29; $20 for children younger than twelve. Jamnola.com.

December 3–5, 10–12: The New Orleans Jazz Nutcracker: The Marigny Opera Ballet, resident dance company of the Marigny Opera House, will break its eighteen-month hiatus and open its eighth season with the world premiere of The Nutcracker, New Orleans style. Set in Jackson Square on Christmas Eve, the full-length ballet is set against a commissioned score by jazz artist Larry Sieberth and live accompaniment by his ten piece jazz ensemble. 7 pm. Tickets start at $35. marignyoperaballet.org. 

December 4: 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. 5 pm–8:30 pm at the Algiers Ferry Landing, 200 Morgan Street. neworleans.com. 

December 4: Alpine Dreams on Krampus Lane: A socially-distant version of their NOLAuf Parade, the Krewe of Krampus presents a drive-thru experience with the theme of Alpine Dreams. Guests will drive down Krampus Lane to discover performers acting out their wildest alpine dreams, who have fallen asleep after a long night to fall into the bizarre sides of their mind, where dance Krewes become Dance of the Edelweiss and a brass band starts playing Oompah polkas. And watch out for the Barbegazi—you don’t want to start an avalanche. 7 pm–9 pm, with entrie taking place every thirty minutes. $20 per vehicle of up to eight passengers; $40 includes a bag with fun throws (including a lump of coal). Kreweofkrampus.com.

December 4: Holiday Tree Lighting, Courtyard and Home Tour: Explore an 1844 Greek Revival Townhome, beautifully decorated for the holidays while hearing stories of Christmasses past. Nextdoor, poke your head into the 1818 Creole Cottage for a tree lighting ceremony to celebrate Christmas Present. And a special surprise awaits for all looking to Christmas Future. 5 pm–7 pm. Presented by the New Orleans Spring Fiesta Association. Tickets at eventbrite.com are $20. 

December 5: Paradigm Gardens Holiday Sale: Head to the most lush block of Central City to peruse local arts & crafts vendors, sip fresh-squeezed juices and hot-spiced cider by Chef Johnny at Johnny's Jamaican Grill, have a tasty lunch, relax with a chair massage, enjoy live music by Fermin Ceballos, and maybe even pick out a well-tended plant for your own garden at home. Free. paradigmgardensnola.com.

December 4, 11, 18: St. Augustine Catholic Church Concert Series: Into the beautiful space of the oldest African-American congregation in the United States comes a holiday concert series beloved to the Tremé neighborhood and beyond. Featuring free concerts in genres ranging from jazz to soul, and more. 4 pm–5 pm.holiday.neworleans.com. See the schedule below: 

• December 4: Louis Ford & His New Orleans Flairs
• December 11: Vivaz Trio
• December 18: Betty Winn and One A Chord

Saturdays and Sundays December 4–19, December 20–23: Santa’s Pajama Party: Get cozy and in the spirit for Restaurant R’evolution’s holiday event, featuring your best jammies, a visit with Santa and the Sugarplum Fairy Princess, hot chocolate, warm apple cider, and cookie decorating. Various times; $84; $54 for children younger than twelve; free for children younger than two. eventbrite.com. 

December 6, 13, 20: Holiday Movies on the Mississippi: Join the New Orleans Downtown Development District at Spanish Plaza for outdoor movie screenings of beloved holiday films. 6:30 pm. Free popcorn and hot chocolate.  

• December 6: The Grinch (2018 version)
• December 13: The Muppet Christmas Carol
• December 20: Elf

 December 7:The Elf on the Shelf: The Musical:  If your Elf on the Shelf has gone AWOL, you might want to check the Mahalia Jackson Theatre stage. This catchy new live musical tells of one particular Scout Elf whose new human family has suffered a loss. Can Christmas cheer save the day? 6 pm. $29.50–$79.50. saengernola.com.

December 7–22, 25–30: Like pelicans blown way off course, thousands of Louisianans descend on the Ernest Morial Convention Center, drawn by the vision of carving graceful arcs into the ice skating rink 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, sixty decorated Christmas trees, and a gingerbread house exhibition. It all takes place inside the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. There will be two timed entries per day from 11 am–3 pm and 5 pm–9 pm, and space will be limited to maintain social distancing. $20 weekdays; $25 weekends; children 2 and younger free. nolachristmasfest.com for a complete schedule.

December 10: Paradigm Gardens Holiday Concert: Sit in the garden and be serenaded by internationally-touring artist Nayo Jones, accompanied by a full band to play tranquil holiday Jazz classics. Food and drinks will be available from Lufu Indian Cuisine. $35. 6 pm–7:30 pm. paradigmgardensnola.com.

December 11: Running of the Santas: With the return of this NOLA-favorite event, 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 6 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. runningofthesantas.com.

December 11: 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. 4 pm–8 pm. $5 at the door. scienceforourcoast.org/lights/.

December 11–12: Preservation Resource Center Holiday Home Tours: This year offered in two COVID-safe formats, the PRC’s home tours will feature, first, a special presentation of video tours, launching on December 6. These will showcase the homes of four famous New Orleanians, guided by Executive Director Danielle Del Sol. Then, the PRC is also hosting an in-person Holiday Art & Garden Tour at 10 am on December 11 and 12, for which it will collaborate with some of the city’s most talented landscape artists and architects to transform private yards and secret gardens into winter wonderlands. And finally, settle in for a festive Making Spirits Bright Happy Hour on December 11 from 5 pm–7 pm with holiday-inspired drinks against the backdrop of these special installations. Video only tickets are $25; Video and Art & Garden Tour tickets are $40; full package (including happy hour) tickets are $85. Prcno.org

December 11 & 18: 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. 10 am–6 pm. Rain date is December 19. deutscheshaus.org.

December 18: The French Quarter Museum Association Holiday Market: For one weekend only, wander through the museums of the French Quarter—including the 1850 House Museum, the Buearegard-Keyes Historic House & Garden, the Hermann Gallier Historic Houses, and the Historic New Orleans Collection—where dozens of vendors will offer their wares just in time for the Christmas season. 10 am–4 pm. Details at The French Quarter Museum Association Facebook Page. 

December 18–19: 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 19: 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 1 pm–4 pm; $20. patioplanters.net. 

December 19: 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. The event will be presented virtually on WLAE or via livestreaming on patioplanters.net as well. 7 pm. 

December 21: Sarah Brightman: A Christmas Symphony: The Saenger is bringing last year’s biggest selling soprano Sarah Brightman to start a new Christmas tradition with her A Christmas Symphony Tour. Accompanied by orchestra and a choir, Sarah will deck the halls with her renditions of Christmas classics and greatest hits. 8 pm. $49.50–$149.50. saengernola.com. 

December 21: Caroling Under the Oaks: The Liederkranz Choir (The Song Circle) will lead a performance of German and English carols at the Deutsches Haus under the oaks. Gluhwein and hot chocolate will be available, and food and drink service as well. 7 pm. Free and open to the public. Deutscheshaus.org. 

December 21 & 22: 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. $45–$75. lepetittheatre.com. 

December 22: Home for the Holidays Concert at the House of Blues: Join the family of Daniel Price and the NOCCA Foundation for this special concert and auction benefiting the Daniel Price Memorial Fund for Aspiring Artists, which supports the Student Success Program for NOCCA students. Enjoy performances by NOCCA alumni as well as by Irma Thomas, Trombone Shorty, John Boutte, Preservation Hall, Kermit Ruffins, Sasha Masakowski, and many many more. 6 pm. $60. noccafoundation.org. 

December 23: Manheim Steamroller Christmas: The tradition that will mow you down with holiday cheer comes to the Saenger Theatre this month with multimedia fanfare. Wipe an eye, jump for joy, and don't miss the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas' stop in New Orleans. 8 pm. Tickets start at $49.50 at saengernola.com.

December 24: Christmas Eve Bonfire Tours: Explore the unique tradition of the community-built bonfires along the Mississippi, set up to light the way for Papa Noel. The Gray Line New Orleans provides a special tour journeying to see the best and brightest of them all, with an option to include a plantation home tour and country dinner (2:30 pm), or express transportation (4:45 pm). Some walking is necessary. Advance reservations required. Visit glno.com for rates. 

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 newly-renovated riverboat from the New Orleans Steamboat Company. 6 pm–9 pm. Call for pricing and reservations (504) 569-1401. steamboatnatchez.com.