10 New Orleans Holiday Events to Enjoy this Season

Deanie’s recommends Highlights of Christmas in New Orleans

Christmas New Orleans Style is truly THE best way to celebrate the holidays!  All around town, there are extravagant decorations, one-of-a-kind events, and wonderful lighting displays that are all family friendly. With over 60 different holiday events plus numerous hotels offering special Papa Noël packages, Deanie’s offers 10 New Orleans holiday favorites to enjoy this season.

1) Miracle on Fulton Street

Kick off your holiday season with a trip down Miracle on Fulton Street— visits with Santa Claus, Christmas Carolers, decorated Christmas trees and falling “snow.” Running December 4-27, this district is closed off to traffic, making it an ideal kids destination.

2) NOLA Christmas Fest

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center brings Christmas to life with carnival rides, children’s crafts, a “Kringle Carousel,” Christmas trees decorated by local organizations, a life-size Maze, and even an Ice Skating Rink.  Meet holiday characters like Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Frosty too!  The 10-day indoor family festival takes place December 18-27.

3) Vince Vance Kids Holiday Sing-Along & Dance Party

Deanie’s Seafood in the French Quarter has started a new New Orleans holiday tradition with its interactive family friendly holiday program the Vince Vance Kids Holiday Sing-Along & Dance Party. This iconic event features a full buffet breakfast, face painting, arts & crafts, pictures with Santa, a Candy Land station, a visit from Deanie’s mascot “Pincher” the Crawfish, plus enjoy songs of the holiday season performed by Vince Vance & The Valianettes. 

4) French Quarter Hotel Holiday Lights

Walking_in_the_Waldorf_Wonderland_The_Roosevelt_Hotel_New_Orleans_Christmas_New_Orleans_Style.jpgHotels in the French Quarter offer some of the most stunning Christmas decorations in the city.  Stroll through these hotel lobbies for beautifully decorated trees and artfully displayed lights.  Walk by Deanie’s five holiday window displays along the way to the Roosevelt Hotel’s Waldorf Wonderland Lobby, The Ritz Carlton’s one-of-a-kind gingerbread display, or the Hotel Monteleone’s sparkling lobby to get you in the holiday spirit.

5) Celebration in the Oaks

Bring the whole family to enjoy a true New Orleans tradition… City Park’s Celebration in the Oaks!  View hundreds of thousands of glittering Christmas lights, ride the train through the park, and don’t miss Mr. Bingle.  Choose from a walking or driving tour through the month of December (see website for specific days/hours).

6) Enjoy a sip of cocoa and photo with Santa. Our French Quarter location will continue its holiday tradition of free photos with Santa from 6 to 10 p.m., Dec. 11-12 and 18-19.

7) Jingle Bugs at Audubon Insectarium

Looking for a unique holiday experience, brought to you by one of the city’s favorite attractions?  Jingle Bugs at the Audubon Insectarium is right up your alley.  Sample buggy holiday treats, listen in for story time, check out “Pupa Noel,” (including his sleigh and 8 tiny Beetle-deer) and enjoy games, face painting, and balloons for the kids on December 12.

8) Creole Queen’s Cajun Holiday Tea with Papa Noël (various dates in Dec)

Come pass a good time aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen with Papa Noël, Mrs. Noël, a real-live alligator, and other jolly characters during this family festivity. Enjoy a classic holiday tea and treats, storytelling, face painting, magic tricks, children’s activities and merriment while cruising the Mississippi. Children receive a special gift. Limited seating.

9) Deanie’s Holiday Window Displays

Deanie’s in the French Quarter showcases holiday decorations collected over 50+ years by proprietor Barbara Chifici in our traditional department store display windows. Learn how the collection got started, and how Deanie’s is carrying on this tradition in its location in the former D.H. Holmes Department Store Annex at the corner of Dauphine and Iberville streets.

10) Holiday Movies on the Mississippi

The Downtown Development District & The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk present FREE outdoor movie showings this month!  Watch holiday classics at Riverwalk’s Spanish Plaza each Friday before Christmas, like “Polar Express” on Dec 4, “Home Alone” on Dec 11, and “Elf” on Dec 18.

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