I didn’t discover the beauty of New Orleans until adulthood. It’s where I celebrated my 29th birthday, attended one of the coolest wedding experiences the US has to offer, and most recently–had myself a merry little Christmas.
There are a million and four reasons why New Orleans is one of the best cities in North America. Let’s not forget it’s also one of the best Christmas getaways. NOLA is known for soaring temps and extreme humidity–however, during the holidays, the heat isn’t an issue, making the city more walkable than ever.
Another reason to make a pilgrimage during December is the all the holiday cheer. Christmas lights line historic sites and wind up the palm trees along Canal Street.
Things to Do in New Orleans during the holidays:
- do a walking tour from the French Quarter to the Garden District to see all the homes twinkling with Christmas lights, or hop on the street car to see the houses along St. Charles Avenue
- experience the Creole tradition of Réveillon Dinners, originally served after midnight mass on Christmas Eve to awaken the joy of the season
- take a peek inside the lobby of The Roosevelt Hotel to see their indoor winter wonderland
- go caroling by candle light in Jackson Square the Sunday before Christmas
- visit Celebration in The Oaks, a well-known holiday light festival in City Park
- take part in the Cajun custom of levee bonfires on Christmas Eve along the Mississippi River
for the love of nike 
Do you really want to walk from the Quarters to my neighborhood? Too much Indian country to pass through. Just take the green streetcar to First Street, cross St. Charles, wave at us and walk two more streets and take a picture of Anne Rice’s old house. And, come on Sunday next time so you can see a real second line…
Hi Ray! How many miles is it? haha. I love walking. But I have to say the street car is such a nice feature New Orleans has to offer. I wish all cities had street cars. I googled Anne Rice’s house–what a place! Wish I had known to walk by it before I visited. Guess I’ll have to check it out next time.
Thanks for stopping by!
Hi. Maybe five or six, but once you cross into Central City, safety is a real issue. As far as Anne Rice’s old house goes, we live about a block away. On Google Maps, go to First and Coliseum. We are on the down river and lake side… or, southwest corner to you. Next time you come down please don’t hesitate to ask me for local recommendations. I know things… 😳
oh that’s sad. I’ve never felt unsafe in New Orleans. But I guess I’ve only been downtown and in the garden district. and next time
I will ask for recommendations! Thank you so much!!
No place like it. Steelers must have been in town to play the Saints. I was there when the Raiders were in town. Bourbon St was heavily costumed.
haha! I believe it! And I have to say, Saints fans really are saints. They are so kind to opposing teams. That’s what sportsmanship should be like in other cities.
I’m going to New Orleans the weekend before Christmas and I’m so excited!! It’ll be my second time in the city, and I can’t wait to see it all decked out for Christmas. I have a must do/see list of Christmas things 🙂
How wonderful! I bet you’ll have a blast. Take tons of pictures!
I’m gonna have to go there for Christmas sometime! My favorite city but somehow never thought of it for the holidays.
yes! If you love New Orleans during the rest of the year, you’ll go crazy for it during Christmas.
Never considered New Orleans during Christmas. It seems like a wonderful idea and I do like Cajun cooking. What was your favorite dish there?
Hi Geri! It the perfect Christmas themed trip! When I’m in New Orleans, I always make sure to get a platter of charbroiled oysters. So good! Thanks for stopping by.
Fried oysters are my favorite, but I might have to try charbroiled for a nod to my healthy lifestyle attempt. Have a great day!