Immerse yourself in the warm and festive atmosphere of New Orleans this holiday season with a variety of captivating Christmas events. Whether you're a local or a visitor, you'll find delight in the enchanting Celebration in the Oaks, where City Park glows with over one million twinkling lights. Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in historic Reveillon Dinners, featuring sumptuous multi-course Creole feasts at top restaurants, and join thousands in the heartwarming tradition of Caroling in Jackson Square.
From dazzling light displays to culinary traditions and joyous community gatherings, New Orleans offers a vibrant tapestry of holiday experiences that celebrate the city's unique culture and heritage. Come and make lasting memories in the Crescent City, where the holiday spirit is as rich as its history.
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The Top Christmas Events in New Orleans
- Celebration in the Oaks
- Reveillon Dinners
- Caroling in Jackson Square
- NOLA ChristmasFest
- Krewe of Jingle Christmas Parade
- Algiers Bonfire & Concert
- Holiday Home Tours by PRC
- LUNA Fête
- Audubon Zoo Lights
- Holiday Movies on the Mississippi
New Orleans Holiday Light Displays
Celebration in the Oaks
What to Expect:
Massive light display in historic City Park
Description:
Celebration in the Oaks transforms New Orleans' City Park into a dazzling spectacle of over one million twinkling lights. This beloved tradition dates back to 1986, showcasing the park's majestic oak trees adorned with intricate illuminated designs. Visitors can hop aboard the miniature train for a guided tour through the glowing landscapes. The event pays homage to local culture with displays featuring iconic New Orleans symbols and Cajun-themed light sculptures. As you stroll through the park, the gentle rustling of oak leaves mingles with the soft glow of countless bulbs, creating an unforgettable holiday atmosphere.
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LUNA Fête
What to Expect:
Large-scale light and technology art installations
Description:
Luna Fête illuminates the city with cutting-edge light installations and projection mapping technology. This innovative festival transforms iconic New Orleans buildings into canvases for breathtaking visual art. Massive projections dance across facades, bringing static structures to life with vibrant colors and dynamic animations. Artists from around the world contribute their visions, creating a truly international celebration of light and technology. You can interact with some of the installations, becoming part of the art itself. Luna Fête showcases New Orleans' commitment to supporting contemporary art forms while honoring its rich cultural heritage. The event turns the city into an open-air gallery, inviting exploration and wonder.
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Audubon Zoo Lights
What to Expect:
Animal-themed light displays throughout the zoo
Description:
Audubon Zoo Lights transforms the beloved wildlife park into a luminous nocturnal adventure. Intricate light sculptures depict animals from around the world, creating a unique fusion of nature and artistry. The event pays homage to the zoo's conservation efforts, highlighting endangered species through creative illuminated displays. Visitors can stroll through themed sections, each showcasing different habitats and their inhabitants. You might encounter a glowing pride of lions or a twinkling flock of flamingos. The zoo's commitment to education shines through, with informative plaques accompanying each display. As you wander the illuminated paths, the soft hoots and calls of nocturnal animals add an authentic touch to this extraordinary after-dark experience.
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New Orleans Holiday Markets and Shopping
Miracle on Fulton Street
What to Expect:
Pedestrian street transformed into holiday village
Description:
Miracle on Fulton Street converts a bustling downtown block into an intimate holiday village. Snow machines create a rare blanket of white in the subtropical city, offering a taste of winter wonderland. Towering Christmas trees line the pedestrian-only street, their branches adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. Local artisans set up shop in charming wooden chalets, offering unique handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats. You can sip on hot cocoa while admiring the elaborate window displays of surrounding businesses. This event pays homage to Fulton Street's history as a hub of commerce and entertainment, dating back to the early 20th century. The transformation of this urban space captures the spirit of community and celebration that defines New Orleans during the holidays.
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New Orleans Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Caroling in Jackson Square
What to Expect:
Candlelit community sing-along in historic square
Description:
Caroling in Jackson Square unites thousands of voices in a heartwarming community sing-along. This cherished tradition began in 1946, transforming the iconic French Quarter landmark into a sea of flickering candlelight. Participants gather around the illuminated statue of Andrew Jackson, raising their voices in unison to classic holiday tunes. The event honors New Orleans' musical heritage while fostering a sense of togetherness. You can join in the singing or simply bask in the harmonious atmosphere. As twilight descends, the square comes alive with the gentle glow of candles and the resonant melodies of seasonal favorites.
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Krewe of Jingle Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed Mardi Gras-style parade
Description:
The Krewe of Jingle Christmas Parade infuses New Orleans' famous Mardi Gras spirit into a holiday celebration. Colorful floats adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations roll through the streets of downtown. Marching bands fill the air with lively renditions of classic Christmas tunes, blending seamlessly with the city's rich musical heritage. Costumed characters and performers interact with the crowd, tossing holiday-themed trinkets to eager onlookers. You can catch a glimpse of Santa Claus himself, riding atop a spectacular float. This unique parade showcases the city's talent for merging traditions, creating a joyous spectacle that captures the essence of a New Orleans Christmas.
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Krewe of Jingle Christmas Parade
Algiers Bonfire & Concert
What to Expect:
Riverside concert culminating in bonfire lighting
Description:
The Algiers Bonfire Concert combines live music and pyrotechnics on the banks of the Mississippi River. This event pays homage to the region's bonfire traditions while showcasing local musical talent. As the sun sets, performers take the stage, filling the air with a diverse range of genres from jazz to zydeco. The highlight of the evening arrives with the lighting of a massive bonfire, symbolizing the community's unity and resilience. You can dance to the rhythms of New Orleans while watching the flames climb skyward. The concert reflects the neighborhood's rich history, dating back to 1719, and its enduring spirit of celebration.
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Holiday Movies on the Mississippi
What to Expect:
Outdoor screenings of classic holiday films by the river
Description:
Holiday Movies on the Mississippi brings cinema under the stars to the banks of America's mightiest river. This unique event combines the charm of drive-in theaters with the picturesque setting of Crescent Park. Classic holiday films are projected onto a large screen, with the Mississippi River and the city skyline serving as a stunning backdrop. Viewers can spread out blankets or set up chairs on the grassy slope, creating an intimate outdoor theater experience. The gentle lapping of river waves provides a soothing soundtrack between scenes. This event harkens back to the early days of cinema in New Orleans, which boasted some of the first movie theaters in the country.
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Holiday Movies on the Mississippi
New Orleans Other Holiday Activities
Reveillon Dinners
What to Expect:
Traditional Creole holiday feast
Description:
Reveillon Dinners revive a 19th-century Creole tradition, offering elaborate multi-course meals throughout December. These sumptuous feasts originated as a way for Catholic families to break their fast after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Today, top New Orleans restaurants craft modern interpretations of classic Creole dishes, blending history with contemporary culinary artistry. Diners can savor specialties like turtle soup, oyster dressing, and decadent desserts. The rich aromas of spices and sauces fill the air, evoking the spirit of old New Orleans. Participating in a Reveillon Dinner connects you to the city's unique cultural heritage while indulging in exceptional cuisine.
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NOLA ChristmasFest
What to Expect:
Indoor winter wonderland with ice skating
Description:
NOLA ChristmasFest brings a frosty touch to the Big Easy with New Orleans' only indoor ice skating rink. This climate-controlled extravaganza offers a unique escape from the city's typically mild winter weather. Visitors can glide across the ice, surrounded by twinkling lights and festive decorations. The event features towering Christmas trees adorned with ornaments celebrating local culture and traditions. You can test your skills on the ice slide or explore the intricate gingerbread house village. NOLA ChristmasFest blends the charm of a northern winter with the warmth of southern hospitality, creating a one-of-a-kind holiday experience in the heart of New Orleans.
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Holiday Home Tours by PRC
What to Expect:
Guided tours of historic homes decorated for the holidays
Description:
Holiday Home Tours by the Preservation Resource Center offer a rare glimpse into New Orleans' architectural treasures. These curated tours showcase stunning examples of Greek Revival, Italianate, and Victorian homes, each adorned with elegant holiday decorations. Knowledgeable guides share the fascinating histories of these residences, revealing stories of the families who once called them home. You can admire intricate period details and learn about preservation efforts in the city. The tours highlight the unique blend of architectural styles that define New Orleans, from wrought-iron balconies to grand columned porticos. As you step into these historic dwellings, the scent of fresh pine and spices evokes the spirit of holidays past.
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Midnight Mass at St. Louis Cathedral
What to Expect:
Traditional Christmas Eve service in the oldest cathedral in North America
Description:
Midnight Mass at St. Louis Cathedral offers a profound spiritual experience in the heart of the French Quarter. The cathedral, the oldest in North America, stands as a testament to the city's deep Catholic roots. As the clock strikes midnight, the majestic sounds of the pipe organ fill the air, accompanied by a choir performing traditional hymns. The centuries-old ritual unfolds beneath soaring vaulted ceilings and intricate stained glass windows. You can participate in this time-honored tradition, joining worshippers from around the world. The cathedral's rich history, dating back to 1718, adds a sense of reverence and continuity to the celebration. The flickering candlelight casts a warm glow on the ornate altar, creating an atmosphere of quiet reflection amidst the festive season.
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Midnight Mass at St. Louis Cathedral
Nearby Events
Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee (Gramercy)
What to Expect:
Towering bonfires along the Mississippi River
Description:
Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee illuminate the night sky along the Mississippi River with dozens of towering pyres. This centuries-old tradition is said to guide Papa Noel (the Cajun Santa Claus) to the homes of good children. Skilled craftsmen construct elaborate wooden structures, some reaching heights of 20 feet or more. Visitors can witness the spectacular ignition of these massive bonfires, casting a warm glow across the river. The event showcases the unique cultural blend of Cajun and Creole influences in the region. As flames leap skyward, the crackling of burning wood mingles with the sounds of celebration, creating an unforgettable sensory experience.
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Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee