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Thanksgiving things to do in New Orleans: Bayou Classic, a turkey trot and more

Things to Do

5 Christmas tree farms near New Orleans where you can chop down your own tree

The farms usually open the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Holidays

New Orleans restaurants offer Thanksgiving shortcuts

From Popeyes turkeys to locally made breads, there are lots of options to lighten the load.

Food and Drink

5 of the best New Orleans gumbos

When the temperature drops, it's officially gumbo weather in New Orleans.

How to watch Christmas bonfires in south Louisiana

Bonfires continue to be a draw for families celebrating the holidays.

Since the dawn of man, people have marked celebrations by setting things on fire. Christmas in south Louisiana is no different.Why it matters: Christmas Eve bonfires are part of a River Parishes tradition going back centuries, and the annual event continues to be a draw for families celebrating the holidays.

Where to eat for Hanukkah in New Orleans

Hanukkah <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="begins at sundown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/13/hanukkah-holiday-when-meaning-jewish-calendar" data-vars-content-id="507b15d1-6fcb-4675-9b08-892d9ddd79b3" data-vars-headline="Where to eat for Hanukkah in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/13/hanukkah-holiday-when-meaning-jewish-calendar" target="_self">begins at sundown</a> Dec. 7, and with it comes a slew of opportunities to support local restaurants.Here are a few that stand out to us:🕎 Chef Alon Shaya brings back the L&#x27;Chaim Lounge at Saba, turning the restaurant&#x27;s usual lounge space into a more festive version of itself. Plus, expect specials like a latke board and themed cocktails.

Animated illustration of a dreidel spinning and moving across the screen.

Your guide to Christmas and holiday events in New Orleans

We go big with special meals, picture-perfect hotel lobbies, giant menorahs and bonfires.

It&#x27;s the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most wonderful time" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/holidays" data-vars-content-id="9910fd54-a5b1-4631-a64b-511ff5da4d46" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Christmas and holiday events in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/holidays" target="_self">most wonderful time</a> of the year in New Orleans. What&#x27;s happening: We go big with special meals for Christmas, picture-perfect hotel lobbies, giant menorahs and bonfires to welcome Papa Noel.<ul><li>Then we ring in the New Year with the Sugar Bowl and fireworks on the Mississippi River.</li></ul>Here are a few of our favorite ways to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year&#x27;s Eve in New Orleans.

Photo shows a red streetcar decorated for Christmas with green garland and lights

10+ New Orleans Christmas parades and light shows

Celebration in the Oaks, a boat parade, creepy Krampus  and more.

We love a parade in New Orleans, so of course we have a few for Christmas and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="holiday season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/holidays" data-vars-content-id="1e415e06-1a9c-4a67-b447-a75837d02125" data-vars-headline="10+ New Orleans Christmas parades and light shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/holidays" target="_self">holiday season</a>.<ul><li>The area also has several festive light shows.</li></ul>Here are a few of our best bets for holiday parades and light shows in town.

Bayou Classic turns 50 in New Orleans

Bayou Classic history began on Thanksgiving weekend in 1974.

Music

The Bayou Classic celebrates 50 years of gridiron rivalry this week.Why it matters: The annual matchup between Grambling State and Southern University is arguably the biggest rivalry in HBCU football.

Southern University and Grambling State's football teams line up against each other, with Southern on offense.

New Orleans keeps the party going Thanksgiving week with Bayou Classic festivities, horse racing at the Fair Grounds, one of the country&#x27;s oldest turkey trots and more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="things to do" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="a9f5036a-7f0e-4476-b8b3-b989c42bad71" data-vars-headline="Thanksgiving things to do in New Orleans: Bayou Classic, a turkey trot and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" target="_self">things to do</a>.

Photo shows a person with an extravagant hat at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans

Several farms grow Christmas trees near <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="4f398eea-a31c-44bb-a11d-81008d41b3cf" data-vars-headline="5 Christmas tree farms near New Orleans where you can chop down your own tree" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a> that residents are welcome to cut down for the holidays.Driving the news: New Orleans has plenty of cut trees at lots around town that normally come from out of state. If you want to cut one down yourself, you&#x27;ll need to drive to the North Shore or Mississippi.

Photo shows Christmas trees growing in Louisiana

Oak Street Po-Boy Festival and more things to do in New Orleans this weekend

The Oak Street Po-Boy Festival is this weekend, and Christmas events are starting. Here are some ideas for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="things to do" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="ae374fe7-8dd4-4a09-b88f-5b410d0824ea" data-vars-headline="Oak Street Po-Boy Festival and more things to do in New Orleans this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" target="_self">things to do</a> this weekend.

Illustration of a po boy sandwich that explodes to show all of its ingredients. 

New Mardi Gras parade to debut Jan. 13

Krewe Mosaïque will march for 12 blocks from Armstrong Park to the Ursuline Convent.

A new walking krewe will debut for Mardi Gras 2024, marching through the French Quarter on Jan. 13.Why it matters: The event fills in an otherwise parade-free weekend during the weekslong celebration of Carnival in New Orleans.

Illustration of a fleur de lis as an exclamation point. 

New Jon Batiste doc arrives Nov. 29

The New Orleans musician also has a new headlining tour.

A new Netflix documentary, &quot;American Symphony,&quot; starring Jon Batiste and his partner Suleika Jaouad, premieres Nov. 29.Why it matters: The documentary finds the New Orleans musician at a challenging inflection point when incredible heights in his career happen at the same time Jaouad faces a cancer diagnosis.

Jon Batiste, wearing a tux, blows into an instrument that looks like a handheld piano, while he walks the red carpet with Suleika Jaouad, who laughs at his antics and looks toward the ground.

George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress

The House is slated to vote to expel Santos on Friday.

Politics & Policy

Ahead of a vote that could make him the first House lawmaker to be expelled in more than 20 years, Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/george-santos-expulsion-vote-republicans-majority" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/george-santos-expulsion-vote-republicans-majority" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) is introducing an expulsion resolution on Thursday targeting a House lawmaker from his own state. Why it matters: Santos — who faces an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="uphill battle in a vote" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/republicans-george-santos-resign-expulsion" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/republicans-george-santos-resign-expulsion" target="_self">uphill battle in a vote</a> to remove him from office following a scathing House Ethics report — is seeking an expulsion vote on Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jamaal Bowman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/house-ethics-jamaal-bowman-fire-alarm" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/house-ethics-jamaal-bowman-fire-alarm" target="_self">Jamaal Bowman</a> (D-N.Y.), who pulled a fire alarm in one of the House office buildings.

GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early

Multiple GOP lawmakers expect former House Speaker <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kevin McCarthy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/12/mccarthy-gop-elections-2024" data-vars-content-id="dbdacc28-b2ed-40c2-a4cb-3bf4792a4d9b" data-vars-headline="GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/12/mccarthy-gop-elections-2024" target="_self">Kevin McCarthy</a> (R-Calif.) to step down from his seat before the end of the year, Axios has learned.Why it matters: The potential exit of McCarthy — who privately told donors he is looking to &quot;get the hell out,&quot; according to a source familiar with the conversation — could leave the House GOP with an even narrower majority.

Trump unleashes grievances, warnings in wild 24 hours on Truth Social

Trump warned that his indictments have opened up a "very big and dangerous Pandora's Box."

Former President Trump has spent the last 24 hours on Truth Social unleashing a torrent of grievances, vengeful promises and links to online conspiracy theories about his political rivals.Why it matters: Trump&#x27;s online rhetoric has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frequently dipped into violent extremism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/04/trumps-words-turn-violent-pressure-builds" data-vars-content-id="4ce9173c-4439-425e-8986-ec54c92037e6" data-vars-headline="Trump unleashes grievances, warnings in wild 24 hours on Truth Social" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/04/trumps-words-turn-violent-pressure-builds" target="_self">frequently dipped into violent extremism</a> since he left office, escalating as his legal troubles have mounted. Public fatigue and the pro-Trump echo chamber created by Truth Social have at times softened the shock value of the GOP front-runner&#x27;s daily musings.

Houston's most streamed songs on Spotify in 2023

Taylor Swift was the most streamed artist on Spotify this year in Houston. Drake and Bad Bunny also made the top five.

Culture

Taylor Swift was the most streamed artist on Spotify this year in Houston. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Surprise, surprise." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/20/taylor-swift-kelce-eras-chiefs-news" data-vars-content-id="e7dbc59b-afe6-453a-912f-fdfc86edf11c" data-vars-headline="Houston&#x27;s most streamed songs on Spotify in 2023" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/20/taylor-swift-kelce-eras-chiefs-news" target="_self">Surprise, surprise.</a><ul><li>Drake, Bad Bunny, Peso Pluma and The Weeknd rounded out H-Towns top five artists, respectively.</li></ul>

Exclusive: Biden emails 800k student loan borrowers about forgiven debt

"I hope this relief gives you a little more breathing room," the Tuesday email said.

More than 800,000 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="student loan borrowers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/31/biden-student-loan-forgiveness-debt-relief-proposal" data-vars-content-id="9a773fa1-fd63-42d4-a1a4-1019230c4bff" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Biden emails 800k student loan borrowers about forgiven debt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/31/biden-student-loan-forgiveness-debt-relief-proposal" target="_self">student loan borrowers</a> are set to receive a message from President Biden Tuesday afternoon.Why it matters: The email, shared in advance with Axios, is a direct appeal from the president to beneficiaries of his administration&#x27;s debt forgiveness push, as his approval rating among Democrats hit a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record low" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/26/biden-approval-rating-democrats-israel-gaza" data-vars-content-id="9a773fa1-fd63-42d4-a1a4-1019230c4bff" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Biden emails 800k student loan borrowers about forgiven debt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/26/biden-approval-rating-democrats-israel-gaza" target="_self">record low</a> last month, jeopardizing his 2024 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="re-election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/06/trump-biden-presidential-candidates-unfavorable-poll" data-vars-content-id="9a773fa1-fd63-42d4-a1a4-1019230c4bff" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Biden emails 800k student loan borrowers about forgiven debt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/06/trump-biden-presidential-candidates-unfavorable-poll" target="_self">re-election</a> bid.

Biden speaks at a lectern with American flags behind him.

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