The holidays in New Orleans

Holidays in New Orleans means candle lit caroling in Jackson Square, festive traditional Yuletide feasts called "Reveillon Dinners," and much more holiday spirit.

Thanksgiving

The seasonal celebrations start Thanksgiving week. Restaurants across the city are already planning their special Thanksgiving meals. Thanksgiving weekend, there’s the annual big game; its the Bayou Classic, a football game pitting Grambling State University against Southern University.

December

December is filled with fun festivities and holiday cheer.

An annual favorite for both locals and visitors is City Park’s Celebration in the Oaks. It's 13 acres of holiday lights, music, amusement park rides and holiday festivities. Celebration in the Oaks lasts from Nov. 29 to Jan. 4.

I have to mention the shopping. New Orleans has streets and streets of shops. Instead, do your holiday shopping in a crowded suburban shopping mall, or browse the shops of New Orleans and find gifts for just about everyone on your shopping list.

Since it's New Orleans, of course we have a parade. The Krewe of Jingle, a holiday themed krewe, rolls through New Orleans on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 1 p.m. The parade includes authentic floats, marching bands, Christmas characters and, if the children are good, more magical surprises.

On Christmas Eve enjoy a traditional Christmas service inside the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral or head out to one of the bonfires along the levees. Bonfires are lit along the Mississippi River from New Orleans to Baton Rouge to help guide Pere Noel (Santa Claus) to all the good little boys and girls.

New Year's Eve

Last, but definitely not least, is New Year’s Eve. 2014 will start out with a bang in New Orleans. There will be live music, fireworks and much more.

You don’t want to miss the holiday celebration in New Orleans. Make your plans to come visit now. Hotel Provincial has rooms available for most days throughout the holidays, from November into January. Rates start at just $119 a night.

Please hurry, I don’t know how much longer rooms are going to stay available for the most popular nights, and I don’t want you to miss out.