Any time of year is a great time of year in New Orleans, but the holidays are extra special with events all over the city. Pick from holiday tours, dinner, and light shows to make the holidays special.
Here are a few events going on this year!
Holiday Movies on the Mississippi
Friday December 18, 6:30pm. | Elf
About
TheDowntown Development District and The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk are hosting a holiday movie on the Mississippi! This Friday, head out to the Riverwalk’s Spanish Plaza for a free outdoor movie!
The first 50 families to sign in will receive a commemorative fleece blanket!
Learn more about movies on the Mississippi.
Annual Christmas Concert at St. Louis Cathedral Concert
Sunday December 20, 5:30pm
About
The Annual Christmas concert is December, 20th. The St. Louis Cathedral Concert Choir and Orchestra will perform J. S. Bach’s Cantata #147, “Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben”, along with other Christmas selections. This event is free!
Click here to see a full schedule of concerts at the St. Louis Cathedral.
Christmas Day ”Jingling through the Crescent” Tour by Gray Line New Orleans
December 25, 10am-12:30pm
About
A fully narrated tour of New Orleans in its holiday dress! Tour highlights include the French Quarter, Esplanade Avenue, Faubourg Treme, City Park, Carrollton Avenue, St. Charles Avenue, Audubon Park, Garden District, and a walk through the exquisitely decorated lobby of the beautiful Roosevelt Hotel. Advance reservations required.
Learn more about the Jingling through the Crescent tour!
Christmas Eve Events:
Christmas Eve ”Bonfire Adventure” Tour by Gray Line New Orleans
Thursday December 24, 2:30pm- 9:00pm
About
Celebrate the Louisiana tradition of viewing the community-built bonfires that light the way for Papa Noël, the Cajun Santa Claus. The narrated tour includes San Francisco Plantation, Cajun Country dinner, police escort to the bonfires, and a souvenir. Come see the “feux de joie” (fires of joy)!
Learn more about the Bonfire Adventure.
Christmas Eve on the Steamboat Natchez
Thursday December 24, 6:30pm-9:30pm
About
Santa-watching on the Steamboat Natchez is celebrated in a Victorian-holiday decorated dining room on the last steamboat on the Mississippi River. Enjoy a jazz trio, holiday buffet, optional libations, and the most unique view of the City. Make memories with those who mean the most on this Mississippi River Christmas Eve cruise! Reservations Required.
Learn more about Christmas Eve on the Steamboat Natchez.
Ongoing Events:
Celebration in the Oaks
Open Dates:
Sun- Thu 6:00pm- 10:00pm
Fri & Sat 6:00pm- 11:00pm
Nov 27- Jan 2
About
City Park’s 29th annual holiday lights festival, located within 15 acres of the Botanical Garden and Amusement Park, features animated light exhibits, nightly entertainment, amusement rides, nativity, and more! Be sure to catch the train for a two-mile ride along the historic oak tree-lined lagoons to see pirates, mermaids, flamingos, and the Loch Ness monster!
Learn more about Celebration in the Oaks.
Celebration in the Oaks Tour by Gray Line New Orleans
Open Dates:
Tue, Thu, Fri & Sat 6:00pm-9:00pm.
Dec. 4-22
Dec. 26-29
About
Ride Santa’s bus on a narrated tour down holiday-decorated Esplanade Avenue and Faubourg Treme to City Park. Exhibits include the Cajun Night Before Christmas, a “Who Dat” Tree, Santa Gator, a life size Nativity scene, and “A Jackson Square Holiday”. Live musical entertainment. Gift items, amusement rides, food and drink for purchase. Reservations Required.
Learn more about the Celebration in the Oaks Tour.
New Year’s Eve:
Thursday December 31, 2015.
Count down to the new year in Jackson Square during one of the nation’s largest street parties! Join the fun in the French Quarter for live music and entertainment, the fleur di lis drop (New Orleans’ version of the ball) and a fireworks display to usher in the new year! Follow up the drop with a night out on Bourbon street! Click here for more event details!
