New Orleans dances the line of artful expression and pure decadence. This dance is expressed through food, art, decor and fashion.
During Christmastime, this dance fulfills childhood curiosity and reinvigorates holiday magic for adults. Witnessing the city’s creative expression helped me slow down and appreciate the season.
Here are some highlights of how we kicked-off the holiday season in New Orleans:
Things to Do in New Orleans for Christmas
Visit the Roosevelt Hotel
Decorated with spectacular lights, the historic Roosevelt Hotel lobby becomes a Christmas card picture destination for southern families. If you are in the mood, the hotel’s Sazerac Bar claims to offer the world’s first mixed drink.
Celebration in the Oaks
During the holidays, City Park is transformed into a holiday light festival. Walking around the display took about an hour, but your trip will take longer if you want to take advantage of the train and amusement rides.
Wander French Quarter
This, of course, can be done at anytime of year. But, I believe you don’t truly know a city until you’ve seen it through all seasons. New Orleans continually rotates through different celebrations, one bleeding into the next. The city knows how to celebrate and Christmas is no exception.
During Christmas time, the NOLA streets and storefronts transform. Just walking around and taking in the scene makes you appreciate the city and the holiday season.
You are doing it wrong if you don’t stumble upon live music. Surefire locations include Jackson Square, Royal Street during the day, and Frenchmen Street in the evening.
Oak Alley Plantation
The Oak Alley Plantation is about 45 minutes outside of New Orleans, but is absolutely worth a visit. Although the plantation is open year round, seeing it with Christmas decorations made our visit extra special.
Other New Orleans Christmas Activities
Holiday celebrations we did not see, but worth looking into, include Miracle on Fulton Street, Reveillon dinners, and free concerts at St. Louis Cathedral.
Wherever you find yourself this holiday season – I urge you to pause.
Take a look around.
The holiday season gives us an excuse to appreciate and celebrate that our world is full of creative expression and beautiful people.
