NOLA Christmas Fest

The annual NOLA Christmas Fest in the heart of the French Quarter transforms the city into a holiday wonderland each December. The event takes over the streets between Woldenberg Park and Jackson Square to create the Ambassadors Village, a whimsical display of Christmas trees, extravagant light displays, and an ice skating rink. Along the way, you’ll find stalls selling holiday treats and gifts from international vendors. No NOLA Christmas Fest experience is complete without enjoying some of the entertainment offerings under the twinkling lights. Catch live theatrical and musical performances, even Santa himself making appearances! Stick around until evening for a magical light show projected onto the St. Louis Cathedral. A bonus of NOLA Christmas Fest – admission is completely free! You’ll just need to pay for any stall purchases and activities you’d like to enjoy like those scrumptious beignets or fun at the ice rink.

Address: 850 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130

Phone: 504-540-0260

Celebration in the Oaks

A time-honored tradition for both locals and visitors, Celebration in the Oaks is a shining light of holiday festivities in New Orleans City Park. Driving displays and walking trails cover acres of lush gardens and greenery with millions of twinkling lights and vibrant light sculptures bringing the holiday spirit to life. As you stroll through the illuminated landscapes, you’ll find interactive exhibits that will fill you with child-like wonder. Soar down the Diwali Train, explore the Whimsical Light Displays with their 3D sculptures and characters, or venture into the magical Botanical Garden at night for stunning holiday scenes. Don’t forget your appetite – this celebration offers so much more than just lights! Find Santa and snap family photos, along with arts and crafts activities for kids. Feel free to purchase a s’mores kit to roast marshmallows on open fires or indulge in scrumptious treats like hot chocolate and fresh churros.

Address: 1 Palm Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124

Phone: 504-483-9415

Bonfires on the Levee

For a holiday tradition dating back over a century, look no further than the Bonfires on the Levee. This Christmas Eve extravaganza lights up the night sky along the Mississippi River in true Louisiana fashion. Dozens of massive bonfires are carefully crafted and ignited, illuminating the river banks and skies as far as the eye can see. These towering wooden infernos display incredible creativity with designs like aleeping Santa, the infamous Ghoul of Christmas Future, and more. The bonfire structures can reach up to 30 feet in height and glow well into the night as families gather to watch the holiday sky burn bright red and orange. The Bonfires on the Levee have historical and cultural roots for locals, but they’ve also become a must-experience event for visitors. Bundle up and prepare for a toasty evening filled with the sweet smells of wood smoke and festivities! Food vendors keep things fueled up with hot cocoa and grilled offerings.

Address: St. John Parish Surrounding Area, LA

Phone: 985-497-3330

Holiday Home Tours

Take your holiday celebration to the next level by experiencing how New Orleanians deck out their historic homes and courtyards. Through multiple holiday home tours across NOLA, you have the chance to view spectacular Christmas decor blending Southern traditions with a Big Easy flair you won’t find anywhere else! Step into homes from the French Quarter, Uptown, and Garden District neighborhoods and be transported to Christmas past. Marvel at thousands of twinkling lights and opulent centerpieces that will have you amped to recreate the magic in your own space. Many homes also offer holiday treats and live entertainment. Exploring intimate holiday home tours is one of the best ways to truly understand the rich culture and heritage of New Orleans at this festive time of year. Whether you want a glittering peek into historic renovations or Southern-style Christmas decadence, a local home tour has you covered for a day of merriment and endless inspiration.

New Orleans, LA

Reveillon Dinners

For the ultimate Christmas celebration, reserve a spot at one of NOLA’s iconic annual Reveillon dinners. This hallowed Creole tradition dates back to the 1800s where families would attend church for late evening vigil services before gathering for an exquisite feast after midnight. Today, the ritual continues on Christmas Eve with restaurants and hotels offering decadent, coursed culinary experiences. Reveillon dinners center around true New Orleans fare like seafood galore, turtle soup, and pain perdu. Each restaurant offers their own spin through locally-sourced ingredients and time-honored specialties that make these meals so over-the-top. Don’t be surprised to see wild game or sugar-dusted beignets gracing the menu. Whether you choose a hip modern bistro in the French Quarter or a luxe dining room nestled within a boutique hotel, a NOLA Reveillon dinner delivers the essence of holiday opulence and Southern pride you can only find in Louisiana’s Big Easy.

New Orleans, LA

NOLA NYE Events

When the clock strikes midnight, it means the party is truly just getting started in New Orleans! This vibrant city hosts a variety of can’t-miss New Year’s Eve events and activities to welcome the shiny new year in the most NOLA way possible. Put on your fanciest outfit and hit up some of the iconic NOLA hotels like the Ritz-Carlton and Roosevelt for glitzy annual NYE galas. Sip champagne, indulge in elaborate tasting menus, watch live musical performances, and dance into the late hours as confetti drops when the ball falls. Prefer a casual evening of revelry? Catch free fireworks displays around the Mississippi River and Jackson Square, alongside rowdy crowds toasting 12 AM. Many of the most popular New Orleans restaurants and bars offer special New Year’s menus and hosted parties to usher in January 1st with a celebratory bang.

New Orleans, LA

Lucky New Year’s Day Traditions

You’ve made it to 2023 in NOLA – now it’s time to soak up those coveted local New Year’s Day traditions that promise luck for the next 365! Join the Big Easy’s lively culture vultures for these timeless customs guaranteed to fill your year with prosperity and fortune. Start by sharing a slice of King’s Cake, a sweet braided bread ring with a tiny plastic baby figurine baked inside. Whoever finds the baby in their piece can expect a year of good luck! Then load your plate with southern specialties like black-eyed peas, greens, and cornbread for additional prosperity. You’ll also find free live music and entertainment all across the French Quarter throughout New Year’s Day. Grab a cocktail and behold everything from energetic brass bands to VooDoo ceremonies wishing good tidings for all.

Address: French Quarter, New Orleans, LA

Holiday Shopping on Magazine Street

Need a break from the non-stop festivities? Spend some QT strolling through one of NOLA’s most charming retail corridors. Magazine Street comes alive with vibrant energy and holiday charm each December as local businesses and antique shops deck their storefronts in seasonal splendor. Wander between Magazine Street’s iconic boutiques, vintage clothiers, decor stores, and gift shops and you’ll discover rare treasures perfect for stuffing stockings. From funky local artwork to one-of-a-kind furnishings, cigars, and spirits, this 6-mile shopping district packs endless holiday gift potential. Don’t forget to treat yourself, too! Between shopping bags, refuel at Magazine Street’s renowned local diners, gastropubs, and cafes. The cheerful holiday lights provide a festive ambiance for sipping a hot toddy or indulging in a po’ boy.

Address: Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Rent With New Orleans Party Bus To Hit Every Attraction

Don’t let New Orleans’ holiday splendor pass you by during the most wonderful time of the year! From the legendary French Quarter fetes to twinkling light displays across the city, there’s endless merriment to absorb over Christmas and New Year’s. Make the most of every jolly attraction with a private charter bus from New Orleans Party Bus. We’ll provide your crew with a decked out motorcoach or minibus for seamless group transportation, so you can simply focus on soaking up the Big Easy’s vibrant holiday energy. Snap photos and videos from your reclining seats while our professional team shuttles you around the festivities. Whether you need a shuttle for your youth group, family reunion, or company outing, New Orleans Party Bus has the perfect vehicle to accommodate everyone in luxurious comfort equipped with premium amenities. ‘Tis the season for holiday magic AND reliable group transportation in NOLA! Call 504-758-3591 today and let the party bus experts at New Orleans Party Bus be your guide to a Big Easy holiday you’ll never forget.