The holiday season is upon us and it is one of the most wonderful times of year. November through the New Year is an incredibly romantic and intoxicating time in New Orleans; we create a special kind of magic here. That something special also makes us incredibly appealing to visitors from all over. Our economy gets a great boost during these last few months of the year from holiday tourism, adding to the list of things we have to be thankful for.
Holiday decorations at the Roosevelt New Orleans make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. (photo from black.stilettos on Flickr)
Holiday shopping in New Orleans is top notch; the variety and uniqueness of our shopping options around the city have been recognized by many travel writers and readers as being some of the best in the country. From Magazine Street to the French Quarter, as well as the Shops at Canal Place and the French Market, shopping in New Orleans is so much more than the same ol’ stores; our shops and boutiques reflect our personality and our culture, and with so many mainstream shopping possibilities, we can be proud that our style is valued over some of the more common offerings.
Beloved by locals and visitors alike, Celebration in the Oaks is one of our most beautiful holiday traditions. (photo from praline3001 on Flickr)
Our New Orleans holiday events have evolved into special traditions, and people flock here from all over to take part in things like Celebration in the Oaks, recognized as one of the top holiday light shows in the country, as well as the enchanting experience that is Caroling in Jackson Square. In our fast-paced world, experiencing a square full of people singing together holding candles is truly something to behold, and makes you stop, slow down, and appreciate life. And you can’t get that everywhere. Of course, we also have the tradition of lighting bonfires on the levee on Christmas Eve for Papa Noel, dating back to some of the earliest Cajun settlers. If you’ve ever seen an out-of-towner experience this, their appreciation of this celebration, that is absolutely unique to us, can really make you see and enjoy it with fresh eyes.
Taking our holiday celebrations to new heights this year and adding even more sparkling beauty to New Orleans is Christmas in the District, starting November 30 and running through January 5. This brand new holiday light display, presented by the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, will bring holiday cheer to the Warehouse District along Convention Center Boulevard between Julia St. and Poydras. Christmas in the District will feature animated and musical holiday displays made of Christmas lights and decorations as well as events like Santa Paws, a holiday pet costume contest and parade supporting the LA-SPCA. Christmas in the District is free to the public and will help get us all in the holiday spirit, in addition to offering holiday visitors a warm welcome as they spend their time and money in our town.
From our shopping to holiday gatherings to New Orleans holiday cooking, we do the holidays differently down here, and for every visitor that chooses to spend their holiday season in our magical city, we are proud to share our culture, and gratefully embrace their spending in our local economy. Here’s to an even happier and more successful holiday season than ever in New Orleans this year.