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!