The "most wonderful time of the year" is undeniably a wonderful time to visit New Orleans. The Crescent City, already known for its revelry and celebratory spirit, lights up for the holiday season and into the new year.
One of the most festive activities is Celebration in the Oaks at City Park, one of the biggest light festivals in the country. The park glistens with glowing displays of reindeer and gingerbread men alongside alligators and horns for a bit of New Orleans flair.
Visitors can explore the park by bike, car or walking tour, which can be booked at the Celebration in the Oaks website. Tours can include access to the New Orleans Botanical Garden, the Storyland children's play area and unlimited rides at the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.
Another holiday experience unique to the New Orleans area is the bonfires on the levees, a Cajun tradition intended to light the way for Papa Noel.
There's one that takes place across the river in Algiers on Dec. 7 that's easy to reach via ferry from the New Orleans riverfront. And Gray Line New Orleans also offers Christmas Eve bonfire tour options.
There's an abundance of other family-friendly activities around the city, too.
The Miss River restaurant at the Four Seasons will host Beignets With Santa every weekend starting on Nov. 30. Families can enjoy a two-hour brunch with menus curated for children and adults, as well as a special experience with Santa.
For more fun with Santa, the Royal Sonesta is home to Santa's Pajama Party, a holiday high tea featuring a savory and sweet menu by Michelin-starred chef Chris Anderson plus cookie decorating for the kids. Their exquisitely decorated lobby is perfect for family photos by the tree.
The Roosevelt Hotel offers its annual Teddy Bear Tea, with singing, storytelling, snacks and a keepsake Roosevelt Teddy Bear.
The Miss River restaurant will host Beignets With Santa every weekend starting on Nov. 30. Photo Credit: Jess Kearney
Crescent City caroling
And what would New Orleans be without a holiday soundtrack?
Free concerts take place at St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square on Wednesdays in December as well as on the Sunday before Christmas. The concerts feature some of the city's best jazz, gospel and classical musicians.
December is also a great time to see local legends singing holiday favorites. Both Irma Thomas, the legendary "Soul Queen of New Orleans," and Big Freedia have shows scheduled for Dec. 21; Thomas will perform at the House of Blues in the French Quarter, while Big Freedia will take the stage at Tipitina's music club uptown.
Ring in 2025 at the inaugural "New Orleans Eve" New Year's Eve concert featuring Grammy-nominated Tank and the Bangas at Jackson Square, ending with a fireworks show over the Mississippi.
The beloved Christmas classic, "The Nutcracker," returns to the Orpheum Theater from Dec. 13 to 23. It is performed by the New Orleans Ballet Theatre and includes more than 120 local children.
Throughout December, some of the city's top restaurants have created special menus and "one-night only" holiday-themed meals.
Cane & Table's executive chef, Fredo Nogueira, is honoring his Cuban heritage with a Noche Buena-themed "supper club" on Dec. 17, featuring a lechon roast, a traditional component of Caribbean holiday celebrations.
During Hanukkah (Dec. 25 to Jan. 2), Saba is bringing back its L'Chaim Lounge, offering a shareable latke board and kitschy cocktails named after Jerry Seinfeld, Barbra Streisand and other Jewish celebrities.
Not surprisingly, the New Orleans bar scene does not disappoint in bringing the holiday spirit. Uptown, Cure will be mixing up a seasonal menu, including Delta Eggnog and Chanukah Cobbler. And there's a Bah Humbug Takeover at The Bower in the Lower Garden District, where guests can order a boozy Scrooge Cider.
For elegant ambience, book a reservation at the Chandelier Bar's Spirited Tea tasting of four festive cocktails paired with tea-inspired bites; the bar is located in the Four Seasons.
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the holiday staple, "All I Want for Christmas Is You," the Virgin Hotel New Orleans is hosting Mariah Carey's Black Irish Holiday Bar, a pop-up with cocktails and photo activations inspired by the "Queen of Christmas."
And if clients are planning to stick around beyond the holiday season (and the annual Sugar Bowl college football game on New Year's Day), they can help kick off the Mardi Gras season at the annual Joan of Arc parade on Jan. 6.
The Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc's walking procession through the French Quarter celebrates New Orleans' French heritage and honors the unofficial patron saint of New Orleans every year on her purported birthday.