Ahh December, one of the most magical months of the year. I am probably the most holly berry of them all. Something about the holidays get me in the giddiest mood. I love doing everything and anything holiday, and since it is Mitch’s and mine second holiday season in New Orleans, I am determined to keep up the traditions we started last year, and add some new ones!
This year especially there is barely anytime between Thanksgiving and Christmas, so it is full holiday speed ahead. I rounded up some of the best things to do in December in New Orleans, and you bet Mitch and I are going to try to squeeze all of them in!
Marvel at the Lights in City Park
Is it really the holiday season without a trip to Celebration in the Oaks to see the famous oak trees glistening in lights? Yes, I did drag Mitch on the two-mile train ride, and yes we sang Christmas carols the whole time.
Last year we spent the evening looking at all the pretty lights, sipping beers and mulled wine, and roasting marshmallows in fake snow. It was my first time seeing Christmas lights not in a million layers of clothing and in the freezing cold – and I was not mad about it. This is a holiday must do.
Enter into a Winter Wonderland at the Roosevelt Hotel
Mitch didn’t warn me about the lobby of the Roosevelt hotel, when one winter night he took me there for a drink. Actual tears filled my eyes because of how stunning it was. This might be my favorite Christmas thing I am looking forward to this year. We will grab a holiday cocktail at the Sazerac Bar and enjoy the 50 Christmas trees and over 60,000 lights in this gorgeous hotel lobby.
Visit the Christmas Miracle Pop-Up Bar
This is something new that I found for us to do this holiday season. Holiday cocktails and tacky decor are stars of the event, as Longway Tavern and Barrel Proof will transform into an ugly Christmas sweater come to life. This just screams Christmas cheer, and I can’t wait to try it out!
Head to Lafayette Square for LUNA Fête
From December 12-15, 2019, the Arts Council New Orleans will create a visionary wonderland in downtown New Orleans. Mitch and I weren’t able to make it last year, but this year I want to try it out! LUNA Fête is free and includes light projections and illuminated installations. In addition to the art installations, there will be a nightly arts market, drinks, and food from local vendors. Talk about a perfect Christmas date night!
Stroll the St. Charles Avenue Lights
Another one added to the list this year is the St. Charles Avenue lights. We plan to hop on the streetcar and ride down St. Charles Avenue for a view of the holiday lights and decorations that locals have on display for all to see. If Mitch and I are feeling adventurous in the “chilly” air we may take a stroll through the Garden District to see them up close.
Head to a Holiday Parade (or two)
Now living in New Orleans, I have quickly learned that there is a parade for any occasion. So it is not surprising that there are holiday parades.
The Jingle on the Boulevard Parade is a holiday parade that rolls in New Orleans East. The parade features some of the city’s best marching bands along with signature souvenir throws and surprise celebrity guest appearances. The parade is on Saturday, Dec. 14 at noon. The route starts at Crowder Boulevard and Morrison Road, then goes to Hayne Boulevard, Read Boulevard, and Lake Forrest Boulevard.
The Krewe of Jingle Parade is New Orleans’ annual downtown holiday parade. Expect to see creative holiday floats, marching bands, stilt walkers, and more rolling down Canal Street at this parade, on Saturday, Dec. 7. The parade starts at Lee Circle, continues down St. Charles Avenue to Canal Street, and turns down Baronne Street to end at Howard Avenue.
Join the carolers in Jackson Square
This one I am SO SAD we won’t be able to participate because this is so up my alley. On Sunday, Dec. 22 join the carolers by spreading Christmas cheer with this holiday tradition that started in 1946. Gates to Jackson Square open at 6:30 p.m., and candles and song sheets are given to those who wish to participate. Caroling begins at 7 p.m. and is open to everyone, regardless of religious affiliation.
Light the way for Papa Noel
This is 100% a New Orleans tradition and I think it is so special. The lighting of the bonfires along the Mississippi River on Christmas Eve. These bonfires, lit on the river levees are intended to light the way for “Papa Noël,” the Cajun Santa Claus, on his journey to the area. Or, according to some sources, the bonfires may have also been a way of lighting the path to the nearest Catholic church for Midnight Mass.
Take a trip out to St. James Parish for the lighting of the bonfires on Christmas Eve. If you can’t make it out on Christmas Eve, the Festival of the Bonfires from December 13-15, will give you a taste of the tradition, as they light a bonfire each night of the festival. Mitch and I might have to head to the festival so I can get a glimpse of this!
Mitch and I are so excited to make our holiday traditions here in our new home. Stay tuned to see how many of these we can check off our list! What are your favorite holiday things to do in your town?
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