Christmas Events Tours Festivals Plays    

      

French Market Tree Lighting 1000 Decatur Street French Quarter   Dec 4th 11 am to 5 pm

522 2621

Join locals tourists and others as we celebrate the Magic of Christmas.

Bienville Place Tree Lighting
Bienville Place Park, corner of Bienville and Decatur
December 4
The Upper Decatur Association and French Quarter Business Association have joined together to transform the Vieux Carre's newest public park into a holiday wonderland. Join us and share the holiday spirit of the French Quarter as Councilman Troy Carter officially lights up Bienville Place. 6:30 p.m. Free.

Celebration in the Oaks 504-483-9415. 
( Nov 26-Jan 2 ) 

 Celebration In The Oaks is in my view the number one Christmas attraction in the city 

   City Park decks out two miles of oak trees with millions of lights and decorations.  It's breathtaking.    There is something for everyone; puppet shows, tours, rides as well as other Christmas entertainment and fun. They even bring in snow for the children. There is a beautiful merry go round, a train that circles the park and a walking tour. Are you a romantic? You can also take a horse drawn carriage.

Louisiana Living History Project (Dec 2-25) except Mondays

 Meet Papa Noel and Buffalo Bill as well as other famous people.
 Historic characters tell stories and depict characters from New Orleans historic past so well in costume and mannerism, you will think you have been magically transported to the 1800's.    (504) 522-5730.  free  http:www.fgfi.org

You must bring your camera. These characters are  authentic and well versed in the characters they play 

 

Holiday On The Boulevard December  from noon to 8pm 10 through 12 th

  Emphasizing the African and Caribbean culture This events kicks off with a parade!         There will be storytelling, arts, crafts, food, music and more.   504-  569- 9070               www.ashecac.org

1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard

 

 Chalmette Christmas Home Tour Starting  (Dec 1) (504) 278-4235. 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

 Tour five  beautifully decorated  homes in Historic Chalmette where the battle of New Orleans was won. 

French Quarter Walking Tour (Dec 1-31)  9:30 am daily.  (504) 589-3882, ext. 100 or (504) 589-2636. 419 Decatur St. Free

   I have experienced this tour and it's good. The well educated but non pompous tour guides don't just give dry historical fact's found in History books. These people are often of New Orleans. They study and listen to lectures and have timely and often new revelations about New Orleans. They touch on the cultural practices of the common person as well as sharing new and interesting information concerning the famous persons that made New Orleans what it is today.

History of New Orleans walking tour (Dec 1-31) 11:30  Closed on Christmas day.  (504) 589-2636, ext.  419 Decatur St -In Jackson Square opens at 9am the tour begins upon opening so come early. It's on the river side of Decatur.

  Rangers in park uniforms take you on a 45 minute walk thru history, learn about the river and Jackson square as well as local characters and history. This park located close to the French market has many other things to offer as well. There are films, lectures and even concerts. Free 

Tonics & Tinsel Tour (Dec 17) New Orleans Pharmacy Museum  
   19th Century pharmacy and healthcare  museum  6pm and refreshments will be provided.  (504) 565-8027  reservations. at 514 Chartres st. right down from Jackson Square. They have a charming courtyard

 

Gingerbread Junction (Dec 2,4, & 5) 
  December 2, 10:30 a.m. & 4:00 p.m. December 4, 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm & 3:00 pm. December 5, Noon, 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm. Members $30/house; Non-Members $35/house. For more information, please call (504) 523-1357, ext. 204. Louisiana Children’s Museum, 420 Julia St.

Learn to make your own Gingerbread House as well as other unique decorations this Christmas

Christmas in the Country (Dec 3-5) 
Christmas Village wrapped in white lights. Parade, tree lighting, concerts, and live nativity. Located at 11757 Ferdinand St., St. Francisville, LA. Friday & Saturday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Sunday 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 1-800-789-4221 or (225) 635-6330. This area is known for plantations. I'm sure most will have festive events.

 

A Holiday in Old New Orleans (Dec 5) 
 18th Annual " Art Against Aids 

  View art by local artists, buy Christmas ornaments and more. 8:00 p.m. - midnight. Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St., New Orleans, LA. 

Todd French at (504) 821-2601, ext. 218.

 

      holly2             Christmas Plays Movies theatre                       holly2

 

  Entergy Imax Theatre                                Santa VS. The Snowman Christmas                                                                                                                Christmas
1 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
800-774-7394

 IMAX®   (504) 581-IMAX, (800) 774-7394 or visit ww.auduboninstitute.org Adults $8, seniors $7, children (2-12) $5 (2 and under are free). 

Christmas In The Air (Dec 10-12) 
Experience a unique Christmas.

  Santa Claus and baby Jesus. A Live play with live animals recreating the trip Mary and Joseph took on the first Christmas.              

 

                                                     Angels will be in attendance to sing triumphantly over the baby Jesus the good news to the world the birth of Jesus . SugArena Acadiana Fairgrounds, Hwy 3212, New Iberia, La.  5:30pm, play begins at 7:30pm, Saturday Matinee 3pm. For more info, call (337) 365-7593.

 

Christmas Bonfire Adventures http://www.houstonculture.org/cr/bonfires.html

 

   http://www.houstonculture.org/cr/bonfires.html  A informative site about Bonfires James-Bonfires on the Levee

St. James Parish Bonfires. Experience a unique Cajun Christmas tradition-Bonfires on the Mississippi River. Festival-December 10-11-12. Christmas Eve Bonfires light December 24. 225-869-1717 • 800-367-7852 www.stjamesla.com

 

                                 

 

Festival of Bonfires                                     One of the best! Residents outdo one another to    
December 10 - 12                                           building a bigger and better Christmas Bonfire.
Lutcher, LA                                                        
For information, call 225/869-4303

 

 Christmas Lights (La Fete des Lumieres)
November 23 - January 6
Natchitoches, LA
For information, call 318/352-8072, or 800/843-1872

 

Yuletide On The Bayou  a Christmas Bonfire in the country (Dec 11) 
Free Admission, Hours of Operation: 9am-2pm, Bouligny Plaza, Main Street, New Iberia, La. Call 337-369-2330for more info.

 

Christmas Eve Bonfire Cruise (Dec 24) 
 CREOLE QUEEN or the RIVERBOAT CAJUN QUEEN.  Cruise up the Mississippi River and see  the festive levee bonfires that light the way from Gramercy to Lutcher. You can also go by private car many New Orleans residents do.

 As night falls, the bonfires are lit and Papa Noel makes his appearance for all to see. Includes a complete dinner with many choices of entrees, an open Call Brand Bar, and Live Entertainment. 

Creole Queen: 8.5 Hours, Cajun Queen: 8 Hours BOARDING-Creole Queen: 1 pm - 1:30 pm, Cajun Queen: 1:30 pm - 2 pm DEPARTURE-Boards from Crescent Ship Service in St. Rose, LA Bus Transportation Available for purchase: $25 per person. ARRIVAL-both 10pm. COST-$119 adults, $65 children (6-12)
CHRISTMAS  HOUSES 
Holiday Homes Tour in the Vieux Carre (Dec 19) 

   Tour the most lovely homes in the French quarter this Christmas season, where you will be  invited to go caroling by candlelight in Jackson Square at 7:00 P.M.

 Tickets can be bought at Creole Delicacies Gourmet Shop, 533 St. Ann St. and New Orleans Gem & Lapidary, 527 St. Phillip St. Tickets are $10.00, a great bargain.
Historic Holiday Houses/Holiday Dress (Dec 6-30) 


   You're invited to be our guests in two wonderful examples of New Orleans architecture, the Hermann-Grima House and the Gallier House.

  A splendid Victorian French Quarter Home  satin ribbons will be plentiful on many and varied hand made Victorian decorations   19th  The century will be cleverly and accurately reproduced .Down to the toys of that era  throughout the month of December. The event is free with regular $6 admission.  525-5661.
Holiday Teas Tour  Longue Vue House and Gardens (Dec 7,9,14, 16, 21 & 23) 

  A great way to rest and relax after all that shopping Stop for tea New Orleans style. There will be music as well 
 $20 FLV and $25 for all non-members. 1:30pm and last until 3:30pm. Reservations Please (504) 488-5488 ext.913  #7 Bamboo Road.
Candlelight Tour of Historic Homes and Landmarks (Dec 9)  Five fabulous locations all on the same tour for the same price .This would be my number one Christmas tour choice.


  Enjoy a educational and delightful  self guided tour of  the Beauregard Keyes House, Gallier House, the Louisiana State Museum’s 1850 House, the New Orleans’s Pharmacy Museum and the Old Ursuline Convent. The tour is from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Tickets are $15.00 for adults, $5.00 for children 12 and under. (504) 522-5730.
30th Annual Holiday Home Tour Patron Party (Dec 10) 


  You’re invited to a special cocktail reception in honor of the 30th anniversary Holiday Home Tour. PRC's Holiday Home Tour Patron Party will be held on Friday, December 10 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. in a private, Garden District home. Located at 2340 Prytania Street, this home is one of the oldest in the Garden District. Purchase your tickets in advance as space is limited! Black tie optional. Call (504) 581-7032 or visit www.prcno.org for tickets and information. Tickets start at $85.
30th Annual Holiday Home Tour/Preservation Resource Center (Dec 11 & 12) 
Tour seven private homes in the historic Garden District 

  Saturday, December 11 and Sunday, December 12, 2004 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Meet some of New Orleans finest musicians and hear them play Christmas favorites. These homes are unique and house wonderful works of art and will be decorated shopping and lunch available   (504) 581-7032 or visit www.prcno.org for tickets and information. $20 members, $25 non-members, $27 day of tour.
Christmas Heritage at Madewood (Dec 11) 
  Madewood Plantation House’s annual Christmas banquet.  Enjoy carolers singing around a candlelight dinner, freshly cut garlands, and tall live trees decorated with all the trimmings. 4250 Hwy 308, Napoleonville. The banquet begins at 5:30pm. $55.00. 1-800-375-7151.
Lawn View: A Family Holiday Celebration (Dec 11) 
  Join Longue Vue in celebrating the Holiday Season with crafts, 
games, food, and entertainment. Children will create handmade crafts that are perfect for holiday giving. The Holiday Celebration will also feature a visit by Santa Claus. Admission per person is $5 for FLV; $7 for non-members. #7 Bamboo Road. Reservations required. 10am-noon. For information or reservations, call 488-5488, ext. 913.
 Christmas Cookies–Children’s  Baking Workshop (Dec 21 & 28) 

  Hermann-Grima House, 820 St. Louis Street  19th-century sweets in the Hermann-Grima House's restored 1830s kitchen is accurately reproduced The youngsters will tour the home which will be decorated for the Holidays with children in mind, while the Christmas treats bake.  Advanced registration is required. Ages: 9-13. . 1-4pm.  (504) 525-5661  
Creole Christmas Tours (Dec 28,29, & 30) 
  Tour three historic homes decorated for the holidays. Tours depart from the Cabildo at Jackson Square. The tours begin at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. 504-523-3939.