It may never get truly wintery in New Orleans, but y’all: Christmas is coming! How are we going to stir up that magical Christmas anticipation? And more importantly, how are we going to do it without adding more price tags to an already high-budget month?
While you can certainly find overpriced holiday teas and ticketed mansion tours and high-end shopping, New Orleans is also an ideal city to immerse yourself into Christmas wonder and magic almost entirely for free. Here are seven free and almost-free things to do in New Orleans during the Christmas holidays.
Saturday, December 7, rolls at 11:00 a.m.
Y’all: Obviously the same town that throws parades for Halloween, Easter, Super Bowl boycotts, and even for funerals has a Christmas parade. This parade features 30 floats, dozens of marching bands and dancing groups, and giant balloons. P.S. It also benefits our local Children’s Hospital, so it’s basically an act of charity to go. Plan where you’ll stand on the route here.
Saturday, December 7, 4:30-8:00 p.m.
In days of yore, the French families of Southeast Louisiana would light bonfires atop the levees along the Mississippi River to light the way for Papa Noel on Christmas Eve. Just across the river from the French Quarter in the sweet neighborhood of Algiers, you can watch this tradition continue in an annual levee bonfire and holiday concert. The live music and lighting of the spectacular 30-foot pyre are free, but you can bring spare change for local artists, vendors, and concessions. Add some nearly-free fun by riding the $1.25 ferry to get there (use your Le Pass app). Get more information here. P.S. If you’re in the mood for a road trip, the levee bonfires outside of New Orleans in Cajun country feature miles and miles elaborate pyre designs on Christmas Eve. (Image source)
Sunday, December 22, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
You can join or simply watch this beloved community tradition that occurs the Sunday before Christmas in front of St Louis Cathedral. A huge, friendly crowd of locals assembles together with clergy for a beautiful service of sung Christmas hymns. Everyone gets a candle and song book so the whole square glows. The experience is genuinely communal, joyful, hopeful, and sparkling with wonder—everything that Christmas anticipation should be.
Sundays, December 4, 11, 18, 22 | 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Somehow, even in the dead center of French Quarter frenzy, the cathedral always beckons as a refuge of peace. Let the heavy doors close behind you as you enter the warm, holy silence. During Advent and Christmas, the cathedral decorations shine.The cathedral hosts a free concert series through the holiday season, with performances by diverse local musicians. You can see the program here.
The Roosevelt’s lobby is locally renowned for its majestic Christmas decorations. Errybody and they mama will be walking through at least once to snap an annual holiday photo. It’s also a very popular spot for holiday proposals! Don’t be intimidated by the crowds: people move along and everyone is in good cheer, so wear something festive and snag an amazing family photo. P.S. Some other hotels with glorious public lobbies: Le Pavillon, the Ritz-Carlton, the Royal Sonesta, Windsor Court, and Hotel Monteleone (bonus—you can grab a festive cocktail at the iconic rotating Carousel Bar inside!).
Fulton Street is a pedestrian-only street mall featuring a few shops, bars, eateries, and a really cool bowling alley. At Christmas, it’s decorated with a lovely outdoor light display and—wait for it—faux snow! For Louisiana kiddos, seeing sneaux is always magical.
Technically, this isn’t free, but the fare is $1.25, which you probably have in your couch or car floorboards. There’s nothing cozier than a twinkling streetcar on a chilly evening. Start as close to Carrollton as you can to enjoy gorgeous Garden District mansions dolled up for Christmas.
This huge indoor carnival is an absolute highlight of our family Christmas season. The $25 ticket gets you five magical hours of a massive selection of Christmas-themed carnival rides, including the Sizzlin’ Sleigh Ride, Yuletide Yo-yo, and Jolly Jingler. Our favorite: ice skating! In New Orleans! Worth every single penny.
Not free but worth $20 per vehicle: Celebration in the Oaks driving tour.
This annual light festival in City Park is truly spectacular. Personally, I think $35 per person for the walk-through tour is way too much, so throw your krewe in the minivan instead and enjoy a leisurely drive through more than a million twinkling lights staged among centuries-old oaks.
Comentarios