The Christmas-themed cocktail pop-up, Miracle, is back at Barrel Proof (1201 Magazine St.), where festive, over-the-top decor perfectly complements the seasonal cocktails. Part of proceeds benefits the Seva Foundation, a global eye care organization. Through Dec. 31 (not open Christmas Day). miraclepopup.com; drinkbarrelproof.com, @barrelproofnola. If you are downtown, stop by the Virgin Hotel (550 Baronne St.), where its Pool Club will be become a Cajun Christmas-themed fantasy, while the lobby’s Funny Library Coffee Shop will be transformed into Mariah Carey’s Black Irish Holiday Bar. virginhotels.com/new-orleans
Lighting the Way
Legend has it the bonfires along the Mississippi River levee were to illuminate the way for Santa Claus — Papa Noël — to deliver presents on Christmas Eve. Others say the bonfires were a tradition brought to the River Parishes from the French-German settlers to guide ships along the river. Today’s holiday bonfires also give reason to party, so these bonfire fêtes also offer food, drink and music.
• Algiers Holiday Bonfire & Concert: Dec. 7, (200 Morgan St., Algiers). Features 30-foot sculptural bonfire designed by NOLA Burners. algierseconomic.com/algiersbonfire; @algierseconomic
• Los Isleños Christmas and Bonfire: Dec. 7 (1357 Bayou Rd., St. Bernard). losislenos.org/events
• Festival of Bonfires: Dec. 13 & 14: Lutcher; festivalofthebonfires.org.
• Christmas Eve Bonfires: Dec. 24 Lutcher, Gramercy; festivalofthebonfires.org
The bonfires in Lutcher and Gramercy are built mostly by area family and friends, who often add unique touches. Arrive before 6 p.m. and insider tip: don’t park on the river road (Route 44), traffic is very slow!
Fiery Festivities
This New Orleans cocktail — a combination of brandy, orange liqueur, cloves, cinnamon, lemon and orange peels and sugar, lit on fire and cooled by hot coffee — will be the focus of the Café Brûlot Celebration at the Gilded Perch in the ParkView Historic Hotel (7004 St. Charles Ave.) Live demonstrations Sun. Dec. 22 and 29, as well as New Year’s Eve, with a talk by Sue Strachan (yours truly), the writer of “The Café Brûlot,” by LSU Press. Throughout the month, the Gilded Perch will stir things up with the Café Brûlot Espresso Martini Twist and separate live demonstrations of the cocktail are available. Call 504-861-7564 for more information or to RSVP. Gilded Perch at ParkView Historic Hotel, parkviewguesthouse.com; @authenticneworleans
Well Decorated
’Tis the season for holiday home tours, also featuring food, drinks, music and gift boutiques—and remember, boats can join in the celebration with a parade on the water!
• Brother Martin High School and Ladies of the Shield Holiday Home Tour: Dec. 7. Kicks off with a patron party (6919 Marshal Foch St.) in the morning with the Crusader band performing, then tour four dressed-to-holiday-impress homes. brothermartin.com/holiday-home-tour; @bmhcrusaders
• History & Holly Home Tour Hosted by the Covington Heritage Foundation: Dec. 8. Six historic homes in downtown Covington area are on view. Tickets at Covington City Hall (317 N. Jefferson Ave.) or bontempstix.com.
• Lights on the Lake Hosted by Pontchartrain Conservancy: Dec. 14. Dozens of boat owners decorate their vessels, which will parade in Lake Pontchartrain. Festivities at New Canal Lighthouse (8001 Lakeshore Dr.). scienceforourcoast.org; @pontchartrainconservancy
• Preservation Resource Center Holiday Home Tour: Dec. 14 & 15. Uptown homes open their doors for tours. prcno.org/holidayhometour; @prcnola
• New Orleans Opera Guild Home Tour, Dec. 14 & 15. Tour the Greek Revival, double-galleried side-hall house, built in 1859 (2504 Prytania St.). Local choirs and music in the garden during the day; and after the tour on Dec. 15, Mark-Anthony Thomas, a multi-genre vocalist, is the featured performer. neworleansopera.org; @neworleansopera
• Patio Planters French Quarter Holiday Home Tour, Dec. 22. Five private residences on view, then head to Jackson Square for caroling in the evening. Tickets at the Cabildo or patioplanters.net.
