NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Looking for holiday experiences and sights this December in New Orleans? Grab your mask and check out these 10 things to do this December:
JAMNOLA
This immersive, 12-room exhibit is pure NOLA joy, celebrating the iconic art, music, food and theatrics of the Crescent City. The already over-the-top experience is going all out for the holidays with added decorations – making it THE place to feature on your Instagram. Reservations for private and semi-private tours make it safe.
Instagram: @jam.nola
Celebration in the Oaks
Celebration in the Oaks is a local-favorite holiday event. City Park’s famous oaks are swathed in over a million twinkling lights and breathtaking light displays are scattered throughout the 2.25 mile driving tour of the Park. The event runs through January 3, 2021.
Instagram: @neworleanscitypark
Holiday Tea at Windsor Court
If you’re looking to truly experience the seasonal grandeur, there’s no better time than during the traditional pastime of Holiday Tea in Le Salon at Windsor Court. Don’t miss this elegant holiday tradition complete with delicate tea sandwiches, and holiday-themed scones and desserts. Reservations are required.
Instagram: @windsorcourt
PRC’s Holiday Home Tour
The Preservation Resource Center’s 45th annual Holiday Home Tour, presented by McEnery Residential, will be a virtual experience. Tour six stunning private New Orleans homes through a series of festive holiday video programs. You’ll not only see amazing art collections and masterful interior design, but also learn details about the history of each house and the community around it.
Instagram: @prcnola
Art for All Free Days
If you’re a Louisiana resident, you can enjoy free admission to leading local institutions, courtesy of The Helis Foundation, once a week. Mark your calendars for free admission to New Orleans Botanical Garden and New Orleans Museum of Art on Wednesdays, Ogden Museum of Southern Art on Thursdays, and Contemporary Arts Center on Sundays. Please check individual institution websites before visiting as pre-registration may be required to ensure safe experiences.
Instagrams: @ogdenmuseum, @botanicalgardennola, @cacnola, @neworleansmuseumofart
Roosevelt Hotel
Every year, the Roosevelt Hotel beautifully decorates with dozens of Christmas trees and over 135,000 lights. Take a stroll through the lobby if you find yourself downtown this holiday season.
Instagram: theroosevelt_no
LUNA Fête
The Arts Council New Orleans (ACNO) will bring back the fan-favorite lights show LUNA Fête on December 11-13 & December 18-20. The event will look different with smaller installations illuminating public spaces across various corners of the city, but it will be spectacular nonetheless. Keep up with ACNO for locations and details.
Instagram: @artsneworleans
Holiday Treats
Indulge in delectable treats from favorite local shops like Bywater Bakery and Leah’s Pralines. We also hear a special holiday menu is being planned at recently re-opened Gris-Gris on Magazine Street.
Instagrams: @bywaterbakerynola, @leahspralinesnola, and @grisgrisnola
Shop Local
New Orleans is full of local small businesses. Magazine Street offers six miles of stores and restaurants. If you’re uncomfortable perusing in person, most retailers offer online shopping with curbside pickup. Local tip: don’t miss the ornaments at Lionheart Prints (3312 Magazine St.)!
Instagram: @magazinestreet
Holiday Sips
Cocktails to-go have returned to New Orleans and you can find a festive drink almost anywhere. If you’re checking out decorations in the French Quarter, stop in at the Hotel Monteleone and grab a Brandy Milk Punch from the Carousel Bar.
Instagram: @hotelmonteleone
