Fall in the French Quarter and Beyond
New Orleans is always enchanting, but when the first cool front finally arrives, banishing the subtropical heat and ushering in six months of moderate weather, the Crescent City really feels too good to be true. Fall also heralds the start of high tourist season, which runs from October through May and coincides with a bevy of fun activities.
In short, fall is a time when New Orleans awakens from its heat-induced hibernation — and emerges ready to play. Here are a few reasons why fall is the best time to visit New Orleans.
The weather is perfect: sunny and cool
In October, the average high drops to a pleasant 80 degrees, meaning the temperatures linger in the 70s most days. With lows hovering in the 60s, it’s just cool enough to slip on a hoodie at night — which is great, because nothing says fall like cozy layers.
Fall months are also the driest months in New Orleans, averaging about 3.5 inches of rain. So you won’t need to cover up your costume in a plastic poncho when you hit the Quarter for Halloween. And speaking of…
Halloween in New Orleans is a not-to-be-missed spectacle
Trick-or-treating is a nationwide tradition, but in the home of Mardi Gras, costuming isn’t just for kids (although of course there are annual kid-friendly Halloween activities) — it’s a citywide pastime. New Orleanians seize on any opportunity to dress up, and they go all-out for Halloween. You’ll see costumes on the days leading up to All Hallows’ Eve, and on October 31, creatively costumed revelers hit Frenchmen Street en masse for a brass-band and go-cup-fueled block party that rages all night.
There’s a fest for every foodie and music lover
Do you love fried chicken? Po-boys? Gumbo? Beignets? Whatever your nosh of choice, there’s a fest for that in October. Because nothing’s better than catching some local music and chowing down on delicious food in a park on a sunny afternoon.
You can catch a Carnival-caliber parade
Going to Mardi Gras in New Orleans is definitely a bucket-list item, but what most people don’t know is that you can catch a Carnival-caliber parade in October, when the crowds aren’t quite as intense. The renowned Kern family, who build floats for some of the city’s most prominent Mardi Gras krewes, is also behind the spooky Krewe of BOO!
Starting in the Marigny and winding its way through the French Quarter before ending in the Arts District, this Halloween parade features 3D fiberglass and papier-mache floats. Best of all, many of the throws are edible: candy corn, pralinettes, coffee packs, and Chee-Wees make the Krewe of Boo a real treat. It rolls at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, October 25, 2025, from Elysian Fields and Chartres St.
Fall event highlights
While we didn’t include every single one in this list, here’s a fall roster that we recommend you consider attending (between September and November):
NOLAXNOLA – September 25-October 5, 2025
NOLA Coffee Festival – October 3-4, 2025
Art for Art’s Sake – October 4, 2025
National Fried Chicken Festival – October 4-5, 2025
Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival – October 10-12, 2025
Oktoberfest – October 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 2025
NOLA FUNK FEST – October 17-19, 2025
35th New Orleans Film Festival – October 23-27, 2025
Krewe of BOO! – October 25, 2025
Treme Fall Fest – October 25, 2025
Halloween – October 31, 2025
Bayou Bacchanal – November 1-2, 2025
Treme Creole Gumbo Festival – November 8-9, 2025
Beignet Fest – November 15, 2025
Oak Street Po-Boy Festival – November 16, 2025
Thanksgiving – November 27, 2025
Celebration in the Oaks – November 28, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Bayou Classic – November 29, 2024
If you’re planning to visit New Orleans in the fall, be sure to check out our resource for French Quarter Hotels.
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Top Holiday Pop-Up Bars and Bar Crawls in New Orleans
Photo courtesy of Beach Bum Berry’s Latitude 29 on Facebook
The holiday season is here, and in New Orleans, where city lights twinkle and the cocktail culture thrives, bar-hopping takes on a whole new festive spirit. We’ve pulled together a quick guide to six standout holiday-pop-up bars around town — the playful, the elegant, the over-the-top — plus a few tips and crawl opportunities to make your yuletide outings extra memorable.
Top Holiday Pop-Up Bars in New Orleans
Barrel Proof – Miracle on Magazine
If you want full holiday immersion through decor and craft cocktails, this is the place. Barrel Proof, tucked in the Garden District at 1201 Magazine Street, is a serious whiskey bar (over 350 whiskeys on offer) that, for the season, transforms into Miracle on Magazine.
Why it stands out:
- The “Miracle” pop-up has become somewhat of a cult classic in the U.S., known for over-the-top holiday decor and signature cocktails served in fun keepsake glasses.
- At Barrel Proof, it leverages the serious cocktail/whiskey foundation of the bar but layers in seasonal fun (think gingerbread-spiced old-fashioneds, marshmallow-topped hot-chocolate-inspired drinks).
- Location in the Garden District offers a slightly more relaxed vibe (compared to the French Quarter bustle), though expect it to get lively.
Tip: Arrive earlier in the evening (4 p.m. opening) to avoid the weekend rush, and consider grabbing one of the souvenir mugs/glasses for a fun keepsake.
Beach Bum Berry’s Latitude 29 – Sippin’ Santa
For a holiday bar with a twist — aloha style — Sippin’ Santa brings the tropical holiday cheer. Located in the French Quarter at 321 N. Peters Street, Latitude 29 (under tiki-cocktail legend Jeff “Beachbum” Berry) transforms into this festive pop-up.
Why it stands out:
- The concept flips the snowy holiday imagery: Santa on a surfboard, palm garlands instead of fir boughs.
- Expect colorful and creative tiki-inspired cocktails (think rum, tropical fruit, fun mugs), which make it more than just another holiday bar — more of an experience.
- Because it’s in the Quarter, it pairs nicely with a night out among other bars or late-night eats.
Tip: Consider arriving earlier in the week (Monday–Thursday) for a slightly more relaxed vibe. Also, keep an eye out for the souvenir mug — perfect for a fun photo.
The Eliza Jane – Jingle & Jester
At 315 Magazine Street, The Eliza Jane hotel offers a stylish holiday bar pop-up dubbed Jingle & Jester.
Why it stands out:
- The focus here leans into ambiance: warm lights, colorful decorations, and a dedicated “boozy hot cocoa” bar where you can choose toppings and liqueurs.
- The setting feels a bit more upscale and relaxed — good for an early evening stop or a more refined holiday outing.
- A nice choice if you want holiday cheer without full party-bar intensity.
Tip: It’s a great pre-dinner stop or a spot to unwind after exploring other New Orleans nightlife. Check for mobile bar schedule or special events (Thursday–Saturday evenings).
Virgin Hotels New Orleans – Mariah Carey’s Black Irish Holiday Bar
Here’s holiday fun with a pop-culture twist — the “Queen of Christmas,” Mariah Carey, lends her name to a themed holiday bar: Black Irish Holiday Bar at Virgin Hotels.
Why it stands out:
- Themed around Mariah’s holiday persona and her Irish cream liqueur brand, Black Irish, this pop-up is immersive: think photo ops (oversized wreaths, letters to Mariah), glittery cocktails, and a glam holiday vibe.
- It’s ticketed (90-minute slots) and includes a welcome cocktail — so it’s less spontaneous than some bars, but more of an “experience.”
- Good for fans of Mariah, or anyone who feels like experiencing a holiday spectacle.
Tip: Reserve ahead. Since it’s ticketed and popular, spaces may fill up. Also, consider going earlier in their slot windows with fewer crowds.
Omni Royal Orleans – Blitzen’s
Located in the heart of the French Quarter at 621 St. Louis Street, Omni Royal Orleans launched Blitzen’s — a holiday pop-up in its Promenade Room.
Why it stands out:
- The decor leans into kitschy Christmas iconography (leg-lamps, tinsel, neon) paired with well-crafted cocktails by notable mixologists.
- Conveniently placed in the hotel, this may offer an easier “drop-in” bar stop compared to extra-ticketed events.
Tip: If you’re doing a bar crawl through the Quarter, this makes for a solid mid-point stop. Check closing times and cover charges when you plan your night.
Image courtesy of The Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldolrd Astoria Hotel, home of The Sazerac Bar, on Facebook
The Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel – The Sazerac Bar
While not a pop-up in the strict sense, the iconic Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt is worth including. Known for its timeless elegance, it rolls out seasonal cocktails (like the “Christmas Cookie”) and a dressed-up atmosphere during the holidays.
Why it stands out:
- If you prefer a refined, classic environment rather than full pop, then this is your spot.
- It offers cocktails that respect craft and heritage, in one of New Orleans’ legendary hotel bars.
- A great choice for an earlier festive drink before heading elsewhere or for a quieter holiday evening.
- The stunning hotel’s lobby, decorated for the holidays, is a beloved seasonal tradition and a sight to behold.
Tip: Dressing smart-casual is a good bet. Book ahead if you expect to sit at the bar or want a table. Ask for the seasonal cocktail list.
Holiday Bar Crawl Events
If you’re in the mood for movement and merriment, here are two big bar-crawl events to bookmark.
SantaCon Bar Crawl
Hosted by Pub Crawl, starting at Coyote Ugly Saloon (225 N. Peters St.).
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, starting at 1 p.m.
Features 4+ venues, waived cover fees, drink specials, an after-party, a live DJ, and more.
Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
Same day, same start time (1 p.m.) at Coyote Ugly. This one is themed around pulling out your ugliest holiday sweater and enjoying a crawl across top bars.
Pro Tips for a Crawl
- Start early, so you’re ahead of most.
- Wear the theme (think Santa suits, elf hats, and ugly sweaters).
- Bring a water bottle and pace yourself — holiday cocktails can be strong.
- Use safe transport or rideshare/backup plan — it’s easy to overshoot.
Additional Tips
- Reservations/Tickets: For ticketed pop-ups (especially Black Irish), reserve early. Even for non-ticketed pop-ups and events, bars may get busy.
- Dress Code: Some bars are more relaxed, some more upscale. If you’re going to The Roosevelt or a hotel lobby bar, smart-casual is safe. For the more offbeat pop-ups, you can have some fun with it.
- Photo Ops: Many of these bars put effort into decor and social-media-friendly setups, so bring your phone and maybe plan for a holiday-themed photo-op.
- Overdrinking Caution: Holiday cocktails often lean sweet and strong. Pace yourself, drink water in between, and know your limits.
- Late-Night Transport: If you’re bar-hopping late, consider rideshare or safe transit rather than driving.
- Budgeting: These holiday bars may have higher prices than your neighborhood standard — plan accordingly.
Coming to New Orleans for the holidays?
Check out our guide to where to stay in the French Quarter, and be sure to check out our resource for French Quarter Hotels. Also, consider booking a guided tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to experience the hauntingly beautiful past of New Orleans.
For easy, informative sightseeing, we recommend the City Sightseeing New Orleans city tour on the open-top, double-decker bus. It runs every 30 minutes through the Garden District, French Quarter, and CBD. You can hop on and off anytime!
Happy Holidays!
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How to Do Halloween in New Orleans
Halloween Decorations, French Quarter, by Jake Cunningham
In New Orleans, Halloween is much more than just a night for kids to go trick-or-treating, chaperoned by their parents. Just like with many other holidays, New Orleans ramps it up in its unique, signature style — complete with costume parties, balls, street celebrations, and, of course, a parade. If you find yourself in New Orleans for Halloween, you’re in for some ghoulish, outlandish treats. Here are our picks.
VoodooFest
For two decades, Voodoo Authentica has hosted this celebration, which is not to be confused with the similarly titled and now defunct music festival in City Park. VoodooFest, held from 1 to 7 p.m. on October 31, at 612 Dumaine St. in the French Quarter, packs an incredible amount of information, entertainment, and voodoo-inspired gift shopping into one very full event.
Priests will be on hand to speak and teach on Voodoo, Louisiana’s version of the faith, and the music and spirituality associated with the Lwa — the spirits of the Voodoo pantheon. A small market set up outside the shop will sell practitioner-made potion oils, gris-gris bags, voodoo dolls, plus African and Haitian art (perfect presents for the upcoming holidays, maybe?). VoodooFest ends with a closing ancestral healing ritual.
Death and Mourning in New Orleans
Throughout October, the historic Hermann-Grima House, located in the French Quarter (820 St. Louis St.), changes up its historical tours to explore the mourning spaces of the 19th century. The house is swathed in somber colors to reflect the period of mourning for Marie Anne Filiosa Grima, mother of Felix Grima, who died on the property on October 15, 1850.
During a guided tour, you’ll explore the property while learning about the religious and cultural significance of death for the Creole families living here in the 19th century. You can book a tour online.
Krewe of Boo
One of the city’s most impressive parades outside of carnival season is this child-friendly Halloween procession, which is happening this year on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The parade itself kicks off at 6:30 p.m., starting at Elysian Fields Ave. in the Marigny, and rolling through the Quarter to the Warehouse District. Expect plenty of floats, dance troupes and throws, all themed after monsters, spooks, and general ghostly goodness.
Additionally, that morning, Krewe hosts its annual New Orleans Zombie Run, so don’t be surprised if a Saturday morning in New Orleans all of a sudden feels like a scene from 28 Years Later. This two-mile race starts at 9 a.m. and ends at noon, both at Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant (701 Tchoupitoulas St.). Participants are encouraged to come dressed as zombies and monsters. Registration for the race begins at 7:30 a.m. You can pre-register online ($25; $35 cash or $40 credit the day of the race).
The fun ends at Generations Hall (310 Andrew Higgins Blvd.) in the Warehouse District with the Monster Mash party. This ticketed costume party starts at 8 p.m. (until); ages 18 and up to enter. The Monster Mash typically features live music, a costume contest, drink specials, and a big dance party. You can buy tickets online or at the door.
Frenchmen Street Party
If you want to be in the heart of the action and don’t mind the crowds, head to Frenchmen Street in the Marigny on the day of Halloween. The celebration has become one massive street party in the past few years, popular with locals and visitors alike. It’s a great way to see some spectacular and clever costumes in one spot — and to show off your own, of course. Things really get going after 10 p.m., and there are plenty of bars to duck in and out of to recharge and replenish.
Haunted History Tours
There are many themed and historic tours to choose from, especially this time of year, and you can take your pick, anywhere from the vampire and voodoo tours in the French Quarter to touring the world-famous cemeteries on Canal Street. From the Garden District to Tremé, and around pretty much every corner in the French Quarter, the city has a story to tell.
“Haunted House” Decorations
There’s no shortage of over-the-top decorated houses in New Orleans around Halloween, but some really stand out. The best way to find them is to check the local listings for the ones set up in and around private homes as the dates get closer, but even a short walk around the French Quarter will unveil some awe-inspiring facades, all decked out in their Halloween best.
If you find yourself Uptown, the home of the local resident Louellen Berger’s at St. Charles Ave. and State St. is a sight to behold every year, with a 50-plus krewe of skeletons arranged on the front lawn to amuse with biting political satire and a play on the only-in-New-Orleans themes, with all the puns intended.
A spooky-fabulous display featuring holograms and projections outside the house on the corner of Magazine and Second Streets also goes above and beyond — with a narrated plot, dancing ghosts, creepy apparitions, and dazzling lights.
More Halloween in the French Quarter
Are you visiting with your kids this Halloween? There are plenty of family-friendly annual activities to enjoy in New Orleans this time of year. Be sure to read our feature on Halloween for Kids in New Orleans, to get an idea of what’s happening during the few weeks leading up to Halloween.
As you can see, New Orleans does Halloween with abandon, not to mention all the fall festivals going on between September and November. If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans this fall, book a historic boutique hotel in the French Quarter at FrenchQuarter.com/hotels, to stay close to all the action!
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How to Do Thanksgiving in New Orleans
Let’s be honest: Summer carried on and on in New Orleans almost all the way through October. But with Thanksgiving upon us, the weather has truly cooled off (for us locals anyway), which means you can enjoy some great New Orleans attractions and annual events — no sweat.
Photo courtesy of Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots on Facebook
Get to the Races
In New Orleans, opening day at the Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots is as big as turkey when it comes to anticipating the Thanksgiving holiday period. Sometimes it seems like everyone and their mother turns out to the track on Thanksgiving weekend, sporting cocktails, big grins, and some frankly awesome hats.
The racetrack opens mid-November, but the big day is on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 28, 2024), and not just for the races alone. That’s when the racetrack’s Clubhouse offers a fancy traditional holiday dinner with all the trimmings, while everyone else can enjoy a still pretty sumptuous holiday buffet (make reservations in advance as both tend to fill up).
For those who might attend actual Thanksgiving Day horse racing: The first of the day’s 10 races begins at 11 a.m., and top sprinters will later compete in a $75,000 Thanksgiving Handicap race. But again, the real point is: hats.
Bayou Classic
Every Thanksgiving weekend, the Tigers of Grambling State meet the Jaguars of Southern University for the annual Bayou Classic. The city celebrates a two-day feast of events, including a fan fest and a massive parade on Saturday, featuring some of the country’s absolute best marching bands.
Friday offers the Bayou Classic Greek Show and the legendary Battle of the Bands, which can get as competitively heated as the football game proper. After all that, one of America’s hottest college football rivalries detonates at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 30, 2024.
Photo courtesy of Tujague’s Restaurant on Facebook
Thanksgiving Dining in the French Quarter
Don’t forget that world-class restaurants in the French Quarter host elaborate, multi-course Thanksgiving feasts that draw on the region’s rich culinary heritage. In addition to their regular menu, a number of restaurants will offer a full-course prix fixe menu that will feature the usual deliciousness of New Orleans decadence.
Shop Small Businesses
Don’t forget the Saturday after Thanksgiving is Small Business Saturday, and in the French Quarter, you’ve got a wide range of boutiques and galleries to indulge in.
Book Now
To enjoy the best of Thanksgiving in the Crescent City, make sure to find the right hotel in New Orleans. Book a room at the French Market Inn, Prince Conti Hotel, Hotel St. Marie, Place d’Armes Hotel, or Alder Hotel to have the best of this historical city at your fingertips.
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Things to Do This November in the French Quarter and Nearby
November in New Orleans is jam-packed with festivals and celebrations. It’s also a magical time to be here, with a stretch of perfect weather leading up to the winter holidays and Mardi Gras. Here are some of our favorite suggestions on what to see, eat, and do if you’re in New Orleans in November.
Bayou Bacchanal
Saturday-Sunday, November 1-2, 2025
Bayou Bacchanal is a celebration of Caribbean culture and heritage. Presented by Friends of Culture, Bayou Bacchanal will include Caribbean cuisine, dance, music, and celebration, all held on Louis Armstrong Park’s Congo Square.
Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival
Saturday-Sunday, November 8-9, 2025
The annual Tremé Creole Gumbo festival serves up the perfect trifecta of gumbo, brass bands and cooler temps, returning to celebrate over a decade of existence at Louis Armstrong Park. A few years ago, this festival was merged with another popular local event, the Congo Square Rhythms Festival, adding more music, and featuring two art markets and two food courts.
Beignet Festival
Saturday, November 15, 2025
This annual extravaganza returned in 2022 and is held at the New Orleans City Park Festival Grounds. The free, daylong party gives you an opportunity to sample dozens of renditions of the beloved beignet, from traditional sweet treats swimming in powdered sugar to savory options bursting with seafood and cheese.
There are usually vegan and gluten-free beignets to accommodate every diet, and awards are given in four “Best of” categories. Don’t forget to vote for your pick!
Thanksgiving at the Fair Grounds Race Course
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Per a long-standing New Orleans tradition, it’s customary to turn out at the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots on Thanksgiving Day to watch the opening-day races while sporting cocktails and some seriously fabulous hats. The first race starts at 11 a.m., and the racetrack also serves a sumptuous holiday buffet, plus a fancy dinner with all the holiday trimmings at the Clubhouse.
Bayou Classic
Thursday-Saturday, November 27-29, 2025
Each November, the Bayou Classic draws the fans and alumni of Southern University and Grambling State University to New Orleans to partake in one of the country’s greatest college sports rivalries. Over the years, the event has become much more than a football game, drawing more than 200,000 visitors to New Orleans.
The event stretches for two days and includes a fan fest, a parade, a Battle of the Bands, and, of course, the big game at the Superdome starting at 1 p.m. (you can get tickets online or at the gate).
The Battle of the Bands between the Grambling “Marching Tigers” and the Southern “Human Jukebox” on Friday, November 28, 2025, is an unforgettable extravaganza. The same two marching bands will lead the Annual Bayou Classic Parade on Saturday, starting at 9:30 a.m., from the Marigny to the CBD. The parade will have the elements of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, floats, military units, and more. In other words, expect a great show.
Celebration in the Oaks
Friday, November 28, 2025 – January 1, 2026
This beloved New Orleans tradition has been celebrated for over three decades, selling out quickly for the past few years. Celebration in the Oaks is a dazzling holiday lights festival scattered throughout the 25 acres of New Orleans City Park, including the Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.
Stroll through the magical grounds swathed in hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, take a train ride or a holiday picture by the iconic Mr. Bingle, listen to the caroling, do some holiday shopping, or ride the historic carousel.
Coming to New Orleans in the fall? Be sure to check out our resource for French Quarter Hotels!
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The Ultimate French Quarter Guide to Christmas in New Orleans
During the holiday season in New Orleans, the city’s predilection for spectacle goes into overdrive. Here are some of the sights and shows that make for an unforgettable December visit, plus our picks on where to eat, including some of the best Reveillon dinners going on in the city.
Photo courtesy of JAMNOLA
What to See
Christmas Eve Bonfires
On December 24 every year, bonfires will illuminate the levees on the opposite side of the Mississippi River. This is a Christmas tradition that likely dates back centuries. For more information on where to find the bonfires, contact your hotel concierge.
One of the city’s oldest African American churches, located in the heart of the historic Tremé neighborhood, the gorgeous St. Augustine Church will host a few holiday concerts throughout the month of December. Feel the spirit at this intimate congregation, and enjoy music in the fantastic interior of this cornerstone of local heritage.
‘Tis also the season for JAMNOLA! (The “JAM” part stands for “joy,” “art,” and “music.”) This December is your chance to experience New Orleans’ cultural funhouse at 940 Frenchmen Street in the Marigny, just a 15-minute walk from the French Quarter. Explore original exhibits that celebrate the city’s iconic music, food, and theatrics through the eyes of local artists at JAMNOLA’s 29 exhibits. General admission is $36.99 (get tickets online).
Do you have a thing for the scary monster creatures from the Central European forests? Of course you do. Then you might want to check out the Krewe of Krampus parade through the Bywater (on Saturday, December 6, 2025). The parade starts at 7:30 p.m., and Krampus and his army of mischief will be handing out lumps of coal and, most likely, behaving badly. New Orleans loves its counterculture holiday traditions!
St. Louis Cathedral Concerts
Throughout the month, some of the city’s greatest musicians, representing genres as varied as jazz, indie folk, zydeco, and gospel, put on shows in St. Louis Cathedral, situated in the heart of Jackson Square. These free holiday concerts are open to the public and generally last for about an hour.
Photo courtesy of New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on Facebook
What to Do
The holidays are a busy time of year anywhere, but in New Orleans, our events calendar becomes particularly packed with festive things.
Walk the French Quarter
The holiday light displays in the French Quarter are nothing short of magical. We recommend strolling Royal Street and Chartres Street for the best lights. It gets dark by 6 p.m., which is a perfect time to take in a brisk walk and a good dinner.
Explore New Orleans Architecture
It’s always fun to explore the different architectural styles of New Orleans’ many historical and heritage residences. It’s even more fun to do so when those houses are decked out in all of their December finery. As such, try not to miss out on the annual Holiday Home Tour (celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025), conducted by the Preservation Resource Center. The tours will be held the weekend of December 13-14, 2025 (tickets).
Go Ice Skating
From Saturday, December 20, through Monday, December 29, 2025, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center will be decked out with a million Christmas lights for NOLA Christmasfest, which will host an ice skating rink. We don’t often get to strap on skates in New Orleans, so expect to see a ton of locals sliding, slipping, and maybe even showing off some considerable skills on the all-too-rare ice. Get your tickets online early, it’s a popular event!
Attend Jackson Square Caroling
Every year, the Patio Planters organization pulls together a choral extravaganza in Jackson Square. Hundreds of candles illuminate the square as the annual caroling event renews itself. Song sheets and candles will be provided; the gates open at 6:30 p.m. and singing starts at 7 p.m., but we highly suggest you arrive early, as this is a very popular event (held on Sunday, December 21, 2025, this year).
Experience Celebration in the Oaks
This beloved New Orleans tradition has been celebrated for over three decades, selling out quickly for the past few years. Celebration in the Oaks is a dazzling holiday lights festival scattered throughout the 25 acres of New Orleans City Park, including the Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.
Stroll through the magical grounds swathed in hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, take a train ride or a holiday picture by the iconic Mr. Bingle, listen to the caroling, do some holiday shopping, or ride the historic carousel. This year, the event is held Friday, November 28, 2025, through January 1, 2026.
What to Eat
If you are not a purist and are OK with eating King Cake before Mardi Gras season kicks off on January 6 each year, the Christmas King Cake is, truly, a brilliant invention, and the one that gives us King Cake in the season before Carnival. Because folks, you can never get enough King Cake. You can find Christmas King Cake at any local grocery or convenience store.
Derived from the French word for “awakening,” Reveillon originally was a meal served after midnight mass on Christmas Eve in Creole households. Today, the tradition has been refashioned into elaborate set-course meals served at some of the city’s finest eating establishments.
Some of the best Reveillon prix fixe dinners going on in the city include:
- Arnaud’s (813 Bienville Street)
- Bayona (430 Dauphine Street)
- Broussard’s (819 Conti Street)
- Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse (716 Iberville Street)
- Gabrielle Restaurant (2441 Orleans Avenue)
- Galatoire’s (209 Bourbon Street)
- Luke (333 St Charles Avenue)
- Muriel’s Jackson Square (801 Chartres Street)
- Palace Café (605 Canal Street)
- Rib Room (621 St. Louis Street)
- Sylvain (625 Chartres Street)
- The Court of Two Sisters (613 Royal Street)
- Tujague’s (429 Decatur Street)
What to Drink
If you’re visiting from up north, you may be a little bemused by how much New Orleanians bundle up on a “cold” 60-degree day, but hey, the experience of the weather is relative. What should be recognized as a universally good thing is liquid ways of warming up during the New Orleans winter.
If you need a pick-me-up that also happens to act as an internal hot blanket, pick up a steaming café au lait from Envie Espresso Bar & Cafe, which makes some of the finest coffee in the French Quarter. If you need a pick-me-up that will set you off in a not-quite-caffeinated but still pretty fun fashion, opt for a hot cocktail. New Orleanians tend to love traditional holiday drinks like mulled wine and hot buttered rum (the local version of the latter drink is always made with particular decadence).
Each year, local bartenders create special holiday sippers to celebrate Reveillon on the Rocks. You can read about our favorite choices as we update them each year here. Good seasonal cocktails will also be on the menu at many of the area’s best cocktail bars, including Bar Tonique and Cane & Table, but even at casual Quarter dives, you’ll likely be able to score a nice frothy glass of “strong” eggnog — maybe not a hot drink per se, but sure to warm you up nonetheless.
Rudolph is great and all, but in South Louisiana, Christmas really calls for an alligator. Gaston the Gator joins Papa Noel for Cajun Holiday Tea with Papa Noel on the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen family-friendly outing. There’s holiday tea, face painting, costumed characters, and magic. This year, the cruise is happening on Saturday, December 13, 2025. The boarding for this two-hour cruise starts at 10 a.m.
The most decadent after-dinner drink in New Orleans — if not in the world, honestly — is café brûlot, a ridiculous concoction assembled from dark coffee, orange peel, lemon peel, cognac, brandy, cloves, cinnamon, sugar, and big old fireball. We’re not kidding: Café brûlot is made tableside by knowledgeable wait staff who put on what is frankly one of the great performances of gastronomic theater.
The end result is a citrusy, pleasantly spicy, very strong coffee drink that paradoxically works to knock you out and lift your spirits. It’s not necessarily a Christmas cocktail, but the flavor and look of the drink are très yuletide. You can find this drink at old-line restaurants like Antoine’s, Arnaud’s, and Galatoire’s.
Photo courtesy of Trashy Diva
Where to Shop
If you’re looking for unique gifts, the French Quarter is full of small shops and boutiques that simply cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Start at the French Market, where you will find over six blocks of shopping with a wide assortment of gifts, including spices, candy, cookbooks, one-of-a-kind art, fashion accessories, and home decor items.
Stroll down Royal Street, particularly the pedestrian mall part, to find the right souvenir or keepsake for a loved one. Royal Street (and to a somewhat lesser degree, Chartres Street) is filled with art galleries and antique stores, each business curated by creative professionals who impart their unique aesthetic vision onto their goods.
Need a wig? Hey, we all need wigs, but we particularly need fabulously crafted wigs that represent the individual tastes of their creators and eventual owners, which is why we get the best wigs and all sorts of other forms of beautiful accouterment at Fifi Mahony’s.
Retro dresses and vintage wear from the ‘40s and ‘50s are pretty much a fashion lock, and if you agree — c’mon, you know you’d look right in that belted polka dot number — head to Trashy Diva, where fearless female fashion is the stock in trade.
Also, check out the annual holiday Piety Market at Hotel Peter & Paul (2013 Burgundy Street). This market regularly attracts some of the city’s most creative artists and theater veterans, who come together to provide an utterly unique showcase of bohemian bric-a-brac. Typically, this market is held every third Sunday of the month, but during the holidays, another date might be added. Check the market’s Instagram page for updates.
Photo courtesy of Prince Conti Hotel
Where to Stay
During the holidays in New Orleans, many of the city’s Christmas festivities understandably revolve around the French Quarter. As such, if you want to be close to the holiday spirit, it makes sense to book accommodation where the best of the Quarter is at your fingertips.
The French Market Inn is positioned on Decatur Street, just blocks from Jackson Square, the lively upper end of Bourbon Street, and the busy thoroughfare that is Canal Street. Hotel St. Marie, on Toulouse Street, is located in the heart of the French Quarter, right around the corner from some of the busiest blocks of Bourbon Street.
Between Dauphine and Bourbon streets, the Prince Conti Hotel is positioned just a few blocks from the beginning of the Royal Street pedestrian area, an area that’s brilliant for slow strolling and shopping. And just around the corner from Jackson Square, Place d’Armes has easy access to both the nightlife of Bourbon Street and the galleries and shops of Royal and Chartres streets.
Finally, across the street from the French Quarter, in the historic Treme neighborhood, you’ll find The Brakeman Hotel. It’s a boutique hotel located in Basin St. Station, the original Norfolk Southern Railway station (circa 1904), the last remaining train station in the city.
Happy holidays!
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Reveillon Dinners: Awakening the Holiday Spirit One Feast at a Time
Every Reveillon dinner is a feast to reawaken the senses and celebrate the joys of the season
It’s hard to picture a city that takes culinary tradition more seriously than New Orleans, where old dining customs and iconic dishes contribute so much to the distinctive local cuisine. But even here traditions are open to change and evolve.
One delicious example is the Reveillon dinner, the reincarnation of an old New Orleans holiday custom updated for modern tastes and lifestyles. What began as a family tradition enjoyed at home is now an extravaganza of good food and festive spirits available for anyone to partake in at dozens of local restaurants.
The History of Reveillon Dinners
Derived from the French word for “awakening,” Reveillon originally was a meal served after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Early New Orleans was almost entirely Catholic, and virtually the entire community would participate in these ceremonies. Families would return from the late-night service famished and set upon a feast prepared in advance and laid out on the table or sideboard.
A typical early Reveillon menu looked very much like breakfast — with egg dishes, breads and puddings, but could also include turtle soup, oysters, and grillades of veal. Naturally, families accompanied these rich repasts with wines, cordials and other fortified drinks. The dinners could last for many hours, and, by some accounts, even until dawn.
Through the 19th century, American holiday conventions like Christmas trees, gifts for children, and shopping frenzies began gradually to establish themselves in New Orleans. By the turn of the century, Reveillon dinners could be found only in very traditional homes, and by the 1940s, the custom was all but extinct.
Reawakening the Reveillon
In the 1990s, however, the Reveillon tradition was “reawakened” and transformed. The organization, French Quarter Festivals Inc., interested in attracting travelers to New Orleans during the perennial holiday season lull in convention bookings, approached local restaurants with an idea to offer and promote special holiday menus. Restaurants eagerly embraced the idea, and soon so did their local regulars and out-of-town visitors.
Modern Reveillon Dinners
The restaurants offering Reveillon menus every holiday season run the gamut from old-line Creole to the most contemporary and modern. For instance, Tujague’s Restaurant (429 Decatur St.), established in 1856, typically sets out a Reveillon of its traditional specialties. The 2025 menu includes gumbo, Gulf fish, shrimp and grits, and white chocolate eggnog bread pudding.
Some New Orleanians look upon Reveillon dinners as an opportunity to sample restaurants they may not often visit, while another appeal of these dinners is the remarkable bargain many of them offer. The menus are prix fixe and give diners three or more courses at some of the city’s finest restaurants for prices that would not be possible if ordering à la carte from their regular menus.
We highly recommend checking out Galatoire’s (209 Bourbon St.) and Muriel’s Jackson Square (801 Chartres St.), located next door to Place d’Armes Hotel. For a complete list of this year’s Reveillon dinners, including menus and dates on which the meals will be available, please visit HolidayNewOrleans.com.
While couples or travelers visiting New Orleans solo can have memorable Reveillon dinner experiences, the tradition is best enjoyed with a group of family or friends gathered around a large table or taking over one of those small private dining rooms found in many old French Quarter restaurants. The format of the Reveillon dinner may be different from the early days, but the resultant feelings of togetherness and holiday cheer are much the same.
Many of the restaurants that participate in these promos are located in the French Quarter or downtown, within walking distance from many historic hotels. So, book a hotel, make a reservation, and get out there and enjoy the culinary gems New Orleans has to offer!
Happy holidays!
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Holiday Cocktails in the French Quarter and Nearby
New Orleans is rife with culinary traditions — over 300 years’ worth of them. One of those wonderful traditions is Reveillon. For a few years now, an increasing number of restaurants have been participating in bringing special Reveillon menus to the table.
Alongside the turtle soups, the oysters, and the foie gras, some of the best restaurants in the city are also happily serving festive cocktails. Each year, local bartenders create both classic and original cocktails to celebrate the Reveillon with holiday-themed sippers. Some of those are offered as lagniappe on the Reveillon menus, and others can be enjoyed as a standalone. The annual extravaganza is called Reveillon on the Rocks.
Here are the highlights of the most enticing concoctions for the holiday season in and around the French Quarter.
Holiday Sippers for Reveillon
A handful of local restaurants that offer a multi-course, prix fixe Reveillon menu throw in a holiday-themed specialty cocktail as lagniappe. Those typically include holiday favorites like Poinsettia, a sparkling wine cranberry cocktail, or café brûlot, the always exciting crowd-pleaser. You can see this year’s list of participating bars and restaurants and their offerings here.
Standalone Standouts
These holiday cocktails aren’t part of the Reveillon menu and can all be enjoyed as a standalone treat. Stop by anytime at The Bombay Club for its classic and delicious brandy milk punch. Galatoire’s 33 Bar and Steak’s past years’ offering called Juniper Tree cannot get more refreshingly festive with gin, grenadine, orange bitters, and lime juice.
Another special, called Wreath of Holly, is a delicious concoction of brandy, milk punch, and crème de menthe. To fight the chill, such as it is in New Orleans, the traditional aged Creole eggnog is just the thing.
Many of the restaurants and bars that participate in these promos are located in the French Quarter or downtown, within walking distance from many historic hotels. So, book a hotel, make a reservation, and get out there and enjoy the culinary gems New Orleans has to offer!
Happy holiday sipping!
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It’s All Art for Art’s Sake
Photo by @gabby.bien on Instagram, courtesy of Magazine Street on Facebook
Early October in New Orleans brings about one of Uptown’s most well-attended art events — Art for Art’s Sake (AfAS), which takes place this year on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m.
The landmark event is more than three decades old. Since 1980, Art for Art’s Sake has grown into a citywide phenomenon — a night when many of the city’s galleries open their doors and put on major shows.
On the night of AfAS, hundreds of guests will sip wine and cocktails as they saunter between big openings at Julia St. galleries like Arthur Roger, George Schmidt, and Ferrara Showman Gallery. A few blocks away, businesses on Magazine Street will stay open to provide shopping and dining for the masses.
Presented by the Magazine Street Merchants Association, Art for Art’s Sake is an annual showcase of art, food and music on Magazine Street. Over 100 shops, stores, restaurants, and galleries along Magazine Street will be participating again.
In fact, it’s the street’s biggest event of the year, drawing out throngs of shoppers and fun seekers. Expect extended hours, special deals, live music, and other treats along the stretch of Magazine Street. As in previous years, you can also enjoy complimentary wine samples provided by one of the sponsors, Breaux Mart.
Art for Art’s Sake is free and open to the public. So, grab a group of friends and come down to Magazine Street for a night of gallery hopping and shopping at one of New Orleans’ largest shopping and entertainment districts.
Not sure where to shop and dine along Magazine Street? Check out the full list of restaurants and shops on the Magazine Street Merchants Association website.
A few more tips we can think of…
Dozens of restaurants along the Warehouse Arts District and Magazine Street will be open for the evening, and ready to welcome you, but reservations are recommended, especially for the popular spots on the bustling Magazine Street. There’s no dress code for the event, so casual will work, but you will definitely see chic outfits on at least some of the attendees. And wear comfortable shoes: Magazine Street alone stretches for six miles, and you might be doing some serious walking to check out the gallery art openings on Julia Street, too.
Are you looking for a place to stay when you’re in New Orleans? There’s no place better than a French Quarter hotel. Visit FrenchQuarter.com/hotels to see our top picks.
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Blues, With a Side of Barbeque at Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival
Photo courtesy of New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation on Facebook
Presented by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival always sports an eclectic lineup, consistently booking a mix of young talent alongside seasoned blues veterans. And that’s before you even consider the wide variety of BBQ vendors that surround Lafayette Square Park (602 St. Charles Avenue) throughout the weekend.
The central location of the event makes it an easy walk from the Central Business District (CBD) or French Quarter, and while we’re certain you’ll fill up on barbecue at the festival, you’ll also be within easy strolling distance of some of New Orleans’s best restaurants and bars.
This year, the over-decade-old free festival takes place on Friday-Sunday, October 10-12, 2025. This popular event began after Hurricane Katrina and was designed to create jobs and draw tourism back into the city. Over the past decade, the three-day blowout has garnered a reputation as one of the best free festivals not just in New Orleans, but in the country.
Just like in the past years, there will be two stages of music and a huge arts market. Headliners this year include Tab Benoit, Leo Nocentelli of the Meters, and New Orleans blues favorite Little Freddie King. You’ll also be able to discover a slew of lesser-known artists that add to the intimacy of the event.
As always, the event will include copious amounts of barbecue, with some of the best barbecue vendors in the region. Past vendors have included McClure’s, Blue Oak BBQ, The Joint, and many, many others. The spread will honor several regional styles, with an emphasis on Louisiana — made easier than ever with the recent proliferation of BBQ restaurants on the New Orleans dining scene. Beyond BBQ, there will be, of course, options for vegetarians, plus vegan and gluten-free fare.
WWOZ will broadcast most of the festival live both on the airwaves and through a stream on their website. But that’s no excuse for missing this event!
Please note that due to the past years’ crowding around the stages, the festival organizers instituted a “no chairs” perimeter of 75 feet from both stages. You’re still welcome to bring chairs and set up camp away from the stages, of course. Also, please note that no pets or coolers are allowed.
To get to the fest, you can hop on the St. Charles Ave. streetcar line or take the #11 Magazine St. bus. Another option is to bike over (there’s even free valet bicycle parking). Finding street parking in the area might be tough, but there are many paid parking lots in the area, the closest one being the lot in the Poydras Center (650 Poydras St.).
Looking for a place to stay while you’re visiting New Orleans this fall? There’s no place better than a historic French Quarter hotel! Visit FrenchQuarter.com/hotels to see our top recommendations!
