But first…
Tune in to the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade on NBC to catch Louisiana’s “Celebration Gator” float teach everyone how its done! Coming in at 60 feet long, it’s the parade’s longest featured float in its history. New Orleans native (and Academy Award and Golden Globe winner, and Grammy nominated) musician Jon Batiste will provide entertainment atop the float featuring picturesque Louisiana flowers, Mardi Gras beads and more.
After the feast, there’s plenty to do around town, with something for everyone…
For the Christmas sparkle enthusiast
New Orleans City Park’s Celebration in the Oaks kicks off on Thanksgiving Day and continues throughout the season to New Year’s Day. The experience features more than a million lights, with a driving tour, bike nights and a special walking tour through the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and Botanical Gardens. Walking tour participants can enjoy access to rides, hot chocolate and marshmallows, light displays, photo ops and more.
For cocktails enthusiasts
Virgin Hotels New Orleans recently launched “A Very Tiki Holiday” celebration at The Pool Club. Enjoy heated rooftop views, entertainment and festive holiday drinks, such as “The Miracle on Baronne Street,” a chic twist on a vodka/cran, the “Necker Island Swizzle,” with tequila and blackberry-turmeric shrub, a classic espresso martini and more shaken, stirred or frozen cocktails. A selection of small plates rounds out the menu, including spicy boiled peanuts, crispy smoked chicken wings, pickled Gulf shrimp and more.
For those who love a view
Vue Orleans immersive experience (located atop the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans) features special interactive video presentations of the history, music, food and culture of New Orleans, plus the best views in town of, well, everything. Extended hours are available November 25 and 26 for moonlight viewing, with entry times scheduled for 5:30, 6, 6:30 and 7 p.m.
Editors’ picks
Our editors have opinions, and plenty of them. When tasked with coming up with ideas on places to see and things to do in New Orleans with visiting family and friends, there were lots of thoughts. From streetcar rides to bike tours and museum visits, see if your favorites made our list.
