Hello!

That December holiday spirit has finally arrived in New Orleans, and the city’s social calendar is brimming with festive excitement! Winter is a perfect time to visit, with a dynamic lineup of festivals, events and activities across the city for every interest. Whether you’re browsing for gifts at our wonderful art markets, savoring those special ‘Réveillon’ dinner menus or catching a seasonal performance, there’s a New Orleans experience waiting just for you! Our bed and breakfast hosts take great pride in decorating their beautiful properties for the season, ensuring you receive a warm seasonal welcome, while the mild temperatures make it perfect weather for exploring. Join us for caroling in Jackson Square, New Year’s Eve fireworks along the river, or simply immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere as the city comes alive with lights! We’ve highlighted a few must-see events below to inspire your visit. We hope to see you soon at one of our lovely, legal and licensed bed and breakfast inns. Have a safe and joyful holiday season!

The Bed and Breakfast Inns of New Orleans

www.bbnola.com

DECEMBER

All month

Réveillon Dinners

Réveillon is a holiday dining tradition. Dating back to the 1800s, Creole New Orleanians would feast on lavish meals following midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Restaurants across the city have adopted this tradition, offering decadent multi-course Réveillon feasts throughout the entire month of December.

6th

Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade

Expect large, pageant-style floats with animatronics, local musicians atop the floats singing carols, helium balloons, and Santa Claus, of course!

6th

Algiers Bonfire + Concert

Hop on the ferry over to Algiers Point. This community hosts their own event celebrating the time-honored Louisiana tradition with performances from local groups, food, drink, and art vendors, and the lighting of the bonfire!

13th and 14th

Holiday Home Tours

Every year during the holidays, New Orleanians decorate their homes in festive seasonal décor, and some open their doors for public viewing. The Preservation Resource Center’s Garden District Holiday Home Tour features a selection of private homes, live musical performances, a festive boutique, and more!

20th-29th

NOLA ChristmasFest

An ice slide, ice skating rink, yuletide market, gingerbread village, and photos with Santa are just a few of the highlights.

Various dates

Christmas Concerts

Get into the spirit of the season with holiday concerts at St. Louis Cathedral. If you love classic holiday tunes, you won’t want to miss the Louisiana Philharmonic’s Classical Christmas or Holiday Spectacular. Lastly, you can also enjoy caroling in Jackson Square on December 22.

JANUARY

6th

Twelfth Night

Carnival season begins and we set sail for Mardi Gras! The first parades start to march and we throw ourselves into this amazing annual celebration!

6th

King Cake Season!

The city’s favorite seasonal confection is once again available! There are dozens of variations to try, so hit up your local bakery and find out what flavors they’re serving up this year!

9th

Fan Expo

This convention turns the city of New Orleans into a playground filled with cosplay, anime, horror, and gaming. There will also be huge celebrities in attendance, including Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd.

15th

Teaser Fest

A four-day celebration of burlesque and New Orleans’ unbelievable food, creative craft cocktails, and live entertainment.

31st

Krewe de Vieux

The bawdiest and most satirical parade makes its irreverent way through the French Quarter!