Christmas in New Orleans

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Christmas in New Orleans, Louisiana is full of unique traditions unlike other areas I have visited during the holidays. New Orleans at Christmas is warm, has a deliciously inviting food scene, and so many things to do to keep anyone busy.

The Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee are located about an hour west of New Orleans near the town of Lutcher. The tradition dates back over a couple hundred years in which people light up pyramid shaped bonfires and gather with friends in almost the way we do tailgating football parties. There’s fireworks and the bonfires light the way for Papa Noel to fly his sleigh on Christmas Eve to find the homes of the good boys and girls.

Check out this video of the bonfires on the levee on Christmas Eve.

It’s tradition at Christmas time in New Orleans to eat what is known as a Reveillon Dinner when visiting during the holidays. A meal that began in the early 1800s from the Creoles as they came home from mass in the wee morning hours, this tradition has changed into what it is today. Restaurants in the French Quarter and surrounding areas offer their own 3 and 4 course meals.

FYI: This is a great time to sample what a restaurant has to offer. Go through the menus and see what you like. There are many choices such as traditional or more modern choices. Book early. Also, make sure when you are booking that you make sure to book at a time that is offering the reveillon dinner. I thought my online booking included the reveillon dinner however it did not. So, I ended up at Landry’s with their version of a Christmas Eve dinner that was SO very delicious.

If you are looking for a nice restaurant on Christmas in New Orleans to eat at, then I suggest making a reservation in advance. Luckily, I got a walk in reservation at my hotel for the buffet Christmas brunch at the Roosevelt Hotel. It was entirely too expensive for what I paid for it and I wouldn’t recommend doing something like that.

However, there were a few of the eateries open in the French Quarter that had the traditional foods such as gumbo and jambalaya. Cafe du Monde of course was closed so don’t expect any beignets on Christmas unless you order from room service like I did.

Take a tour of the many decorated New Orleans Christmas hotels. The lobbies are gorgeous!!!

Go Christmas shopping.

See the New Orleans Christmas Lights. They are in so many places. Just walking downtown and seeing the palm trees was a beautiful site.

Drive through Celebration in the Oaks. Make sure to buy tickets.

Visit Jackson Square. There’s aways excitement there. There’s even a night of caroling if you happen to be there the night it occurs.

Take a horse drawn carriage ride through the French Quarter to learn the history. It was so informative as well as relaxing.

What do you think of Christmas New Orleans style? If you are looking for more updated information on the reveillon dinners, Louisiana Christmas festivals, or other New Orleans information, click the link.