Celebrate the Holidays in New Orleans

It’s an exciting time to be in the French Quarter and if you’re still looking for a place to spend the holidays, Hotel Provincial is your place. We have special discounted holiday rates and are near all of the festivities in the French Quarter. It’s a winning combination.

The festivities kick of this weekend, just a couple of blocks away at the world famous St. Louis Cathedral. They’re holding their annual Christmas Concert Dec. 22 at 5:30 p.m. It’s free and open to the public. In this concert, the Cathedral Choir, a soloist and an orchestra will perform Handel's Dixit Dominus and Vivaldi's Magnificat.

Right after the concert, the festivities continue out front in Jackson Square. It’s the annual Christmas caroling in the Jackson Square, complete with candle light illumination. The gates to Jackson Square open Sunday, Dec. 22 at 6:30 p.m. and the caroling starts at 7. Local tip - If you’re going, arrive early. It’s a very popular annual tradition that’s free and the Square will be completely full.   

On Christmas eve, a little up the river there’s the annual Bonfires on the Levee. It’s worth renting a car if you didn’t drive to take part in the tradition that dates back to the early European settlers of Louisiana. Every year the bonfires are lit to guide Pere Noel, as well as families visiting for the holidays. The bonfires start at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve, but make sure to arrive in the area at 6 p.m. or earlier. From New Orleans, take I-10 West to Lutcher-Gramercy Exit (194), Make right on LA Hwy. 3125 to LA 3193. Turn left to festival site.

Throughout the whole month and into early January is Celebration in the Oaks. It’s a favorite annual tradition for both locals and visitors. City Park’s workers transformed the beautiful park into a holiday wonderland with thousands and thousands of lights, holiday concerts and an animated “Cajun Night before Christmas” display. Celebration in the Oak is open every night, except on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Admission is $8, children three years old and under get in for free.

One of my favorite Christmas traditions are the Reveillon dinners. They’re fun, festive and indulgent dinner with family and friends. They're part of a Creole tradition in New Orleans that dates back to the 1850’s. Today the meals are served nightly at select restaurants across the French Quarter. take a look NewOrleansRestairants.com’s list of Reveillon restaurants.

We look forward to welcoming you for the holidays. Make sure that you mentioned that you read about the discounted hotel rates.