10 ways to celebrate the holidays in New Orleans
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The holiday season is upon us and so, too, are the festive traditions that make it so glittering and fun.
Zoom in: Here are 10 of our favorite ways to celebrate the holidays in New Orleans this year.
🎄 Celebration in the Oaks is back this year with more than a million twinkling lights arranged throughout City Park in festive decorations that you can walk or drive through. Details.
- Pro tip: City Park offers discounted walking, driving and cycling tickets on select nights. See the ticket calendar for dates.
🎅 Lafreniere Park's Christmas in the Park also has a huge decorative light installation for driving and walking tours. Details.
- Pro tip: If you're bringing kids, don't forget to stop by the Elf Post Office to write letters to Santa.
🔥 Help Papa Noel find his way to South Louisiana at one of the region's bonfires.
- The Algiers Bonfire is set for Dec. 6.
- The River Parishes' Festival of the Bonfires is Dec. 12-14.
🍸 Toast to the season at a holiday bar takeover.
- The Omni Royal's Rib Room will become Blitzen's Bar, Barrel Proof has transformed into Miracle on Magazine and Sippin' Santa takes up residency at Latitude 29.
📸 Start your party in a hotel lobby. Swing by one of the city's ritzy hotels for the perfect holiday photo backdrop.
🎶 Sing with strangers in Jackson Square. The annual caroling event is Dec. 21 at 6:30pm.
🧸 Take teddy bear tea.
- Grab your kid's favorite stuffed animal and bring them both along to teddy bear tea at The Roosevelt. The hotel unveils a new set for the sweet tradition this year. Details.
🍽️ Stuff yourself at a réveillon dinner. The Creole tradition is a perfect reason to spend an evening with loved ones around the table.
🩰 See the Nutcracker with the New Orleans Ballet at the Orpheum. Tickets.
🕎 Drop into the L'Chaim Lounge at Saba to celebrate all eight nights of Hanukkah.
- Or find Latke Daddy at one of the chef's seasonal pop-ups.
- The babka knots and loaves at Ayu Bakehouse are great options, too.
🎉 Hit up a holiday parade.