If there was one event that marked the holiday season had officially arrived in New Orleans, it was the Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré Caroling at Jackson Square.
Held this year on Dec. 17, it dovetailed with the group’s French Quarter Holiday Home Tour, which featured fives homes and the Spring Fiesta House, which was the tour headquarters.
Patio Planters has been hosting the caroling since 1946.
Upon entering Jackson Square for the caroling, song sheets were given out to people to help with singing such favorites as “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Leading the Christmas carols were Patio Planters board members, including Joey DiFatta, president of the Patio Planters; clergy and public officials with support from musicians Harry Mayronne, Chris Wecklein and Amy Alvarez. Mark Romig was master of ceremonies.
Stephen Swain was the Holiday Home Tour chair.
Fun Fact: Patio Planters is a nonprofit organization with a self-sustaining membership. Tour proceeds help underwrite Caroling in Jackson Square, a free event presented by the group with no funding from the City of New Orleans. The organization also has a Secret Garden Tour in May.
