December 2024 News

Hello!
The holiday spirit is firmly upon us in New Orleans, and the city’s social calendar starts to look a lot more festive! The winter months are really a prime time to visit New Orleans, with a hive of activity, festivals and events across the city, catering for all tastes. Whether you want to shop for gifts at any of our great art markets, indulge in some very special ‘Réveillon’ dinner menus or see a seasonal show, there’s a New Orleans-shaped gift under the tree just for you! Our bed and breakfast inn hosts all love decorating their beautiful properties, so you can expect a memorable welcome, and the lovely, mild temperatures mean that it’s perfect weather for exploring. Join us for caroling in Jackson Square, New Year fireworks along the river or just soak up the atmosphere as the city truly lights up! I’ve listed a few highlights below to whet your appetites!


DECEMBER

Various dates
Seasonal shows!
See “Elf” at the Saenger Theatre from December 3-8. Crescent City Stage puts on “A Christmas Carol” the first three weekend of December. New Orleans Ballet Theatre presents a traditional "Nutcracker" at the Orpheum Theater, while Marigny Opera Ballet brings back their "Jazz Nutcracker" at the Opera House.


All month
Réveillon Dinners
Réveillon is a holiday dining tradition. Dating back to the 1800s, Creole New Orleanians would feast on lavish meals following midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Restaurants across the city have adopted this tradition, offering decadent multi-course Réveillon feasts throughout the entire month of December.


7th
Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade
Expect large, pageant-style floats with animatronics, local musicians atop the floats singing carols, helium balloons, and Santa Claus, of course!


14th and 15th
Holiday Home Tours
Every year during the holidays, New Orleanians decorate their homes in festive seasonal décor, and some open their doors for public viewing. The Preservation Resource Center’s Garden District Holiday Home Tour features a selection of private homes, live musical performances, a festive boutique, and more!


20th
NOLA ChristmasFest
An ice slide, ice skating rink, yuletide market, gingerbread village, and photos with Santa are just a few of the highlights.


Various dates
Christmas Concerts
Get into the spirit of the season with holiday concerts at St. Louis Cathedral. If you love classic holiday tunes, you won’t want to miss the Louisiana Philharmonic’s Classical Christmas or Holiday Spectacular. Lastly, you can also enjoy caroling in Jackson Square on December 22.


JANUARY


6th
Twelfth Night
The official start of 2025’s Carnival season! The traditional first parades, including Jean d’Arc and the Phunny Phorty Phellows ring in the celebrations that will last up to Mardi Gras day itself.


6th
King Cake Season!
The city’s favorite seasonal confection is once again available! There are dozens of variations to try, so hit up your local bakery and find out what flavors they’re serving up this year!
 
10th-12th
Fan Expo
This convention turns the city of New Orleans into a playground filled with cosplay, anime, horror, and gaming. There will also be huge celebrities in attendance, including Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd.


11th/12th
Winter Music Festival
Zony Mash Beer Project hosts its annual winter music fest presented by The School of Rock!


16th
Teaser Fest
A four-day celebration of burlesque and New Orleans' unbelievable food, creative craft cocktails, and live entertainment.