Caroling in Jackson Square is at the top of my New Orleans bucket list (right above an airboat ride and running the Crescent City Classic). It may seem strange to require a bucket list for these easily achievable things, but life gets busy. Especially during the holidays. But, if you plan ahead, you too can be a tourist in your own city. Case in point, my friend recently announced she is treating her family of four to a one-day staycation at the Ritz downtown. They will grab an early dinner and then watch the Caroling in the Square. Why didn’t I think of that? Inspired, I produced an ambitious itinerary to propose to my own family. I’ll let you know how it turns out.
Dec. 17:
1:00 p.m.: Attend the Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré Holiday Home Tour (self-guided)
You won’t have time to see them all so choose just a few homes to visit.
3:00 p.m.: Check in at the Ritz Hotel (we recommend the Premium Suite with kids). Put on a pair of good walking shoes.
4:00 p.m.: View the Christmas lights inside of the Roosevelt Hotel lobby.
5:00 p.m.: Pop over to the Windsor Court Hotel’s Polo Club Bar for snacks and cocktails. Will order the Red Ryder 18 cocktail (Clove & Cinnamon Infused Templeton Rye, Sweet Vermouth, Holiday Pie Bitters) as a festive treat.
6:15 p.m.: Walk to Jackson Square and grab a spot for Caroling in the Square (get there early).
8:30 p.m.: Head back to your suite at the Ritz to snuggle up and order room service.
Dec. 18:
8:45 a.m.- Stress Relief Massage at the Ritz (book in advance)
10:30 a.m.: Breakfast and Coffee at the Croissant D’Or
11:15 a.m.: Shop the Canal Place stores (Saks, Anne Fontaine, Indigo Boutique, Jack Sutton
)
1:30 p.m.: Peruse Canal, Chartres, and Royal Street shops (highlights include; UAL, Hemline, Wellington & Co, Vintage 329, Faulkner House Books ,Porter Lyons, The Shop at the Historic New Orleans Collection, Adler’s, Rubensteins)
4 p.m.: Snag a Po Boy at Mother’s and head home.
Here are a few things I’d scoop up while shopping:
Clockwise from Left:
Oyster Shell Ornament, The Shop at the Historic New Orleans Collection
Vintage Chanel earrings, Vintage 329
Fringe Diana Dress, UAL
Malachite Frame, Adler’s
Crystal Mule Sandals, Saks Fifth Avenue
Rectangular Cushion, Saks Fifth Avenue
Earmuffs, Hemline French Quarter
Emerald and Diamond Ring in Platinum, Wellington & Co
Sales & Event Picks:
Dec. 14-15: Muse Fine Jewelry Trunk Show featuring BECK, Christina Alexiou, Pilot & Powell
Through Dec. 24: $50.00 Off Your Purchase of $150 or more, Ballin’s (code H23)
Limited Time: 30% off Diptyque products, use code: TAKE30, Pied Nu
Limited Time: 25% off Upholstery, Villa Vici
Favorite find of the week
