Holiday Time in New Orleans

While New Orleans is best known for Mardi Gras, or even its spectacular St. Patrick’s Day parade, the Crescent City truly shines at Christmas time. The city features numerous special events and celebrations throughout the holiday season.

New Orleans’ Follow Your Joy holiday campaign boasts 63 events, 22 of which are free. A holiday tradition since 1946, Christmas Caroling in Jackson Square takes place the Sunday before Christmas. The free event features amateur and professional singers belting out traditional holiday tunes. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and singing starts at 7 p.m. Make sure you arrive early for this popular event. NOLA ChristmasFest is the ideal stop for family fun. Located at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, the festival features New Orleans’ only ice-skating rink, a carousel, carnival rides and Christmas activities. The event runs Dec. 18–27. Admission prices vary.

Throughout the month of December, New Orleans’ best restaurants participate in Reveillon dinners, offering diners multicourse, fixed-price menus starting at $34. Popular restaurants participating this year include Antoine’s, Commander’s Palace, Galatoire’s Restaurant, Muriel’s and Tujague’s.

Hotel rates are discounted up to 25 percent at more than 50 area hotels and bed and breakfasts, ensuring visitors get the best deal during their stay. Celebrations run through Jan. 6, 2016. Check the schedule on the website for a complete list of events.