Christmas in the District: Celebrating New Orleans Style
Updated:
By: Inside NOLA
The holiday season in New Orleans is a captivating time, filled with distinct traditions that blend influences from the city’s French, Spanish, and African roots. The festive spirit captures the essence of New Orleans’ diverse cultural heritage, from the sparkling lights adorning the historic French Quarter to the enticing aromas of traditional Creole cuisine, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors from around the world.
In This Article
TL;DR
New Orleans showcases a wide array of distinctive Christmas traditions that intertwine various cultural influences.
The city hosts iconic events like the Celebration in the Oaks, the Running of the Santas, and the Krewe of Jingle Parade.
The local culture, with its emphasis on music, cuisine, and community, shapes the unique character of Christmas celebrations in New Orleans.
Historical Context of Christmas in New Orleans
The origins of Christmas festivities in New Orleans can be traced back to the city’s colonial era. When the French established the city in 1718, they brought their Catholic faith and associated holiday customs. As the Spanish took control later in the 18th century, they introduced their own traditions, such as the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the practice of lighting candles in windows on Christmas Eve.
Over the centuries, these European influences blended with the vibrant African and Caribbean cultures present in the city, giving rise to the distinct Creole traditions that define Christmas in New Orleans today. From the reveillon dinners served on Christmas Eve to the lively jazz performances that fill the streets, the evolution of holiday festivities in the city reflects its rich and diverse history.
Signature Christmas Events in New Orleans
One of the most anticipated events of the holiday season is the Running of the Santas, a festive pub crawl where thousands of participants dressed as Santa Claus parade through the streets of the Warehouse District. The event, typically held in early December, features live music, holiday-themed drinks, and a spirited atmosphere that captures the joy and merriment of the season.
Krewe of Jingle Parade
Another beloved tradition is the Krewe of Jingle Parade, a dazzling procession of floats, marching bands, and costumed characters that winds through the Central Business District. The parade, usually held in early December, showcases the creativity and artistry of local krewes, who compete to create the most impressive and entertaining displays.
Celebration in the Oaks
Perhaps the most iconic Christmas event in New Orleans is the Celebration in the Oaks, a stunning light display that transforms City Park into a winter wonderland. The event, running from late November through early January, features millions of twinkling lights, animated displays, and festive decorations that illuminate the park’s majestic oak trees and historic buildings. Visitors can stroll through the enchanting displays, enjoy carnival rides and games, and savor traditional holiday treats like hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows.
Local Christmas Cuisine
Food plays a central role in New Orleans’ Christmas celebrations, with many families and restaurants serving traditional dishes that showcase the city’s Creole and Cajun culinary heritage. One of the most iconic holiday meals is the reveillon dinner, a multi-course feast that typically includes dishes like oyster soup, daube glace (a rich beef stew), and sweet potato pie.
Many local eateries offer special reveillon menus during the holiday season, giving visitors a chance to sample these delectable dishes. Some notable restaurants that feature reveillon dinners include:
Antoine’s Restaurant
Address: 713 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 581-4422
This historic French Quarter institution has been serving reveillon dinners since the 1840s, featuring classic dishes like oysters Rockefeller and pommes de terre soufflées.
Tujague’s Restaurant
Address: 429 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 525-8676
Founded in 1856, Tujague’s offers a traditional reveillon menu that includes favorites like shrimp remoulade, beef brisket with Creole sauce, and bread pudding with whiskey sauce.
Dooky Chase’s Restaurant
Address: 2301 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
Phone: (504) 821-0600
Known for its Creole soul food, Dooky Chase’s serves a reveillon dinner that features dishes like gumbo z’herbes, grillades and grits, and sweet potato cheesecake.
Christmas Music and Performances
Music is the heartbeat of New Orleans, and the holiday season is no exception. Throughout December, the city comes alive with the sounds of jazz, blues, and gospel, as local musicians and performers put their own unique spin on classic Christmas carols and holiday favorites.
Some of the best places to experience live Christmas music in New Orleans include:
St. Louis Cathedral
Address: 615 Pere Antoine Alley, New Orleans, LA 70116
The historic cathedral hosts a series of free Christmas concerts throughout December, featuring performances by local choirs, jazz ensembles, and gospel groups.
Preservation Hall
Address: 726 St Peter St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: (504) 522-2841
This iconic jazz venue offers special holiday shows that showcase the talents of its renowned house band and guest performers.
The Roosevelt New Orleans
Address: 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone: (504) 648-1200
The hotel’s elegant lobby is home to a stunning Christmas display and features regular performances by local jazz musicians and carolers.
Other notable Christmas concerts and performances include the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s “Holiday Spectacular” at the Orpheum Theater and the “Christmas in New Orleans” show at the Saenger Theatre, which features a cast of local singers, dancers, and musicians.
Decorations and Displays
New Orleans is renowned for its unique style of Christmas decorations, which blend traditional elements with the city’s distinctive architectural and cultural heritage. In the French Quarter, many homes and businesses adorn their balconies and facades with garlands of greenery, twinkling lights, and colorful ornaments, creating a festive atmosphere that enchants visitors and locals alike.
One of the most notable neighborhood light displays can be found in the Algiers Point historic district, where residents compete to create the most elaborate and impressive decorations. The area’s Victorian-era homes are decked out in a dazzling array of lights, wreaths, and holiday-themed displays, making it a popular destination for evening strolls and carriage rides.
Another beloved Christmas tradition in New Orleans is the lighting of the bonfires along the Mississippi River levees. On Christmas Eve, locals gather to build and light massive wooden structures that illuminate the night sky and guide the way for Papa Noel, the Cajun version of Santa Claus. The bonfires, which can reach heights of over 20 feet, are a stunning sight and a testament to the city’s enduring holiday spirit.
Community and Charity Events
The Christmas season in New Orleans is also a time for giving back and supporting those in need. Throughout December, local churches, community centers, and charitable organizations host a variety of events and initiatives aimed at spreading holiday cheer and assisting the less fortunate.
One notable example is the annual “Toys for Tots” drive, organized by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, which collects and distributes new, unwrapped toys to children from low-income families. Many local businesses and organizations serve as drop-off points for toy donations, making it easy for residents and visitors to contribute to this worthy cause.
Another popular charitable event is the “Feast of the Seven Fishes” dinner, hosted by the Italian-American St. Joseph Society. The event, which takes place on Christmas Eve, brings together community members for a traditional Italian seafood feast, with proceeds benefiting local charities and scholarships.
These events, along with countless others, demonstrate the strong sense of community and generosity that defines the holiday season in New Orleans, as residents come together to celebrate, give back, and support one another.
Shopping and Artisan Markets
For those looking to find unique gifts and holiday treasures, New Orleans offers a wealth of options, from bustling artisan markets to charming local boutiques. One of the most popular destinations for Christmas shopping is the French Market, a historic open-air market that features a variety of vendors selling everything from handcrafted jewelry and art to locally-made food products and souvenirs.
During the holiday season, the French Market hosts a special “Marché de Noël” (Christmas Market), which showcases the work of local artists, craftsmen, and food purveyors. Visitors can browse the festive stalls, sample delicious treats, and find one-of-a-kind gifts for their loved ones.
Other notable holiday markets and shopping destinations include:
The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk
Address: 500 Port of New Orleans Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 522-1555
This upscale outlet mall features a variety of national retailers and local specialty shops, making it a convenient one-stop destination for holiday shopping.
Magazine Street: This picturesque Uptown thoroughfare is lined with an eclectic mix of boutiques, galleries, and antique shops, offering a unique shopping experience that showcases the best of New Orleans’ local artisans and entrepreneurs.
Arts Market New Orleans
Location: Palmer Park, 2299 Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118
Held on the last Saturday of each month, this open-air market features the work of local artists, craftsmen, and food vendors, providing a perfect opportunity to find unique, handmade gifts.
As you explore the city’s holiday markets and shopping districts, you’ll discover a treasure trove of artisan products, from hand-painted ornaments and custom-designed jewelry to locally-made food products and one-of-a-kind works of art, all reflecting the creativity and spirit of New Orleans.
Christmas in New Orleans is a truly enchanting experience, filled with warmth, joy, and a deep appreciation for the city’s rich cultural heritage. As you immerse yourself in the festivities, from the dazzling light displays and lively parades to the mouthwatering reveillon dinners and soulful musical performances, you’ll create unforgettable memories and gain a newfound appreciation for the magic of the holiday season in the Big Easy.
Community and Charity Events
The Christmas season in New Orleans is also a time for giving back and supporting those in need. Throughout December, local churches, community centers, and charitable organizations host a variety of events and initiatives aimed at spreading holiday cheer and assisting the less fortunate.
One notable example is the annual “Toys for Tots” drive, organized by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, which collects and distributes new, unwrapped toys to children from low-income families. Many local businesses and organizations serve as drop-off points for toy donations, making it easy for residents and visitors to contribute to this worthy cause.
Another popular charitable event is the “Feast of the Seven Fishes” dinner, hosted by the Italian-American St. Joseph Society. The event, which takes place on Christmas Eve, brings together community members for a traditional Italian seafood feast, with proceeds benefiting local charities and scholarships.
These events, along with countless others, demonstrate the strong sense of community and generosity that defines the holiday season in New Orleans, as residents come together to celebrate, give back, and support one another.
Maintaining Tradition While Innovating
One of the challenges faced by top po’boy spots is balancing tradition with innovation. While customers expect classic flavors and preparations, there’s also a demand for new and exciting variations. The best establishments navigate this balance by staying true to the po’boy’s core elements while introducing fresh twists.
For example, Killer Poboys offers a range of creative fillings, from rum-braised pork belly to sweet potato and black-eyed pea spread, all served on traditional French bread. Parkway Bakery and Tavern, known for its classic po’boys, also experiments with unique combinations like the surf and turf, which combines fried shrimp with roast beef and gravy.
Other spots, like Mahony’s Po-Boys & Seafood, have found success by incorporating local flavors into their po’boys. Their Peacemaker, which features fried oysters, bacon, and cheddar cheese, is a nod to the city’s rich culinary traditions.
