In the Crescent City, our culture is very unique to the area. From the festivals, music, food and holidays, everything in New Orleans is just done a little bit different. Including Holiday season. In most cities around the country, there are plenty of different things to attend during holiday season. These are just a few things that we do down in New Orleans!
1) Celebration in the Oaks
This is not just your average lights in the neighborhood, this is a month long lighting in city park where thousands of families and vacationers are able to see nearly two million lights on beautiful oak trees. Families can get all of the Christmas works hot chocolate, pictures with Santa, Christmas music, nightly entertainment and train rides. Although there is an admission charge, the celebration in the oaks is a must-attend with the family.
2) Bon Fires on the River
Bon Fires are something that people can experience throughout Louisiana, Bon Fires on the river is the next level. Most of the bon fires on the river are located outside of Orleans parish, about forty to forty-five minutes outside of the city in St. James Parish. Within the city, every year there is a bon fire hosted at Algiers Point by the Algiers Economic Development Foundation. If you are not sure what a bonfire is, make a bonfire on the river your first. They're will be lots of people and lots of booze! Enjoy.
3) Visiting the St. Louis Cathedral
The famous St. Louis Cathedral does a gospel concert series every year. Each year there are surprise guest with a range of music from gospel to jazz. The concert usually lasts about an hour and it starts at six pm. The Cathedral is the oldest active cathedral in the US, established in the early 1700s.
4) Jackson Square
Throughout the entire holiday season, Jackson Square may be the most popular location. There are carolers in the area throughout the whole month. Along with Christmas carolers, there are free concerts in the square throughout the month. There are also candlelight vigils and tours of the many historic homes near the square.
5) Lune Fete
Nightly in Lafayette Square from six to nine pm, there is a display of animation by the Arts Council. The five year old initiative includes a light and art display that includes local school kids. Not only are the nightly shows free, but they also give you a link to set up hotels around the event site.
6) ChristmasFest
The third annual ChristmasFest, kicks off on the sixteenth of December to the 30th of December. Although the fest is not free, it is a definite must for an amazing family night. From lights, Christmas trees, food, art, music and even an indoor skating rink all for under twenty dollars per person.
7) Running of the Santa
Literally, Santas will be running. Every year, there is a party, in the warehouse district. There is an admission for the party, where guests can enjoy holiday drinks and live music. After enjoying music and getting Christmas wasted, there is a four block run with thousands of your favorite Christmas characters.
