This New Orleans delicacy is the perfect way to warm up when the weather is cool. Served over rice (or even over potato salad – real ones know), this warm, hearty stew is made with a variety of local ingredients using recipes that vary between families and restaurants alike. See some of the best places to get gumbo here.
Many hotel lobbies decorate during the holidays, but every year, the Roosevelt’s breathtaking hallway lobby stuns visitors and locals alike. More than 60,000 lights branch throughout and many holiday activities take place there as well.
It wouldn’t be a celebration in New Orleans without a parade, and that includes the holidays! Every December, the Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade rolls through the French Quarter and downtown with larger-than-life holiday-themed floats, marching bands, dancing groups, and high-flying helium balloons. You won’t want to miss this holiday magic, which culminates in a post-parade celebration in Lafayette Square. Catch the celebration this year on December 7.
From Thanksgiving to New Years, City Park is transformed with a holiday light show that is exciting for all ages. The festive display has everything from a Cajun Santa and the Saints to dinosaurs and sea life. For extra fun, children (and adults!) can ride the rides at the Carousel Gardens. Celebration in the Oaks returns from November 29, 2024 to January 3, 2025.
A Creole Christmas means Réveillon Dinners. Dozens of New Orleans restaurants host special meals during the holidays to show off their culinary and cocktail creativity. Head to the official website to see who is participating this year.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year because it’s Saints and Pelicans season. Be a Who Dat or Flock Up during your trip whether you’re in-stadium or at one of city’s many sports bars. See the best places to watch the Saints here and our tips for the ultimate game day here.
Think ball drop, New Orleans style. Head to Jackson Square for the fleur de lis drop followed by a fireworks display over the Mississippi River. This free, open-air concert features live performances from Tank and the Bangas, Bonerama, and DJ RQ Away.
You can’t come to New Orleans without hearing a trumpet blare and a drumbeat. Head to Frenchmen Street to hear live music all night long, from traditional jazz to reggae and rock. During the cooler months, a night out dancing is the perfect way to stave off the chill in the air.
There are plenty of bars around the city that boast warm and cozy vibes that are ideal for winter. Sip on a signature New Orleans cocktail in an intimate setting, paired with a cigar or some dessert.
Oysters are best in the months that have an “R”- meaning the winter months fit the criteria perfectly. Enjoy them in a variety of forms: raw, chargrilled, or fried to name a few. Restaurants love to get creative with their oyster offerings. Some favorite spots include Acme, Drago’s, Superior Seafood, and Seaworthy.
Indulge in a Cozy Dessert
New Orleans has numerous decadent desserts that are especially appealing during the cooler months. Bananas Foster, bread pudding, Baked Alaska and beignets are all served hot, and you can’t go wrong with some Café Brûlot to finish it all off. Best of all, most of these sweet treats come along with a spectacular tableside presentation.
Celebrate Vietnamese New Year on the grounds of Mary Queen of Vietnam Church. Indulge in báhn mí and phở, admire the dragon dance, and enjoy other authentic Vietnamese activities. The Vietnamese community is strong in New Orleans, and this is a great way to experience it firsthand.
King Cake is the official food of the Carnival season. Traditionally, it's a mix of a coffee cake and a cinnamon roll, served with purple, green, and gold sugar or frosting. Bakeries add twists to the beloved dessert, making it a constant discussion for who has the best king cake among locals. Be sure to snag some this Carnival season which starts January 6.
Mardi Gras kicks off every year on January 6, also known as Twelfth Night. For weeks leading up to Mardi Gras Day (March 4, 2025), parades roll to celebrate the Carnival Season. Check out our parade schedule here. Attending a Mardi Gras parade should be on everyone’s bucket list (in fact, we even have a special Mardi Gras Bucket List to help you plan the ultimate Carnival experience). Consider coming to town in the early weeks of Carnival season with our Early Mardi Gras Guide here. Dance with the bands, catch some beads, and experience the revelry with the whole family. Learn about all things Mardi Gras here.