Christmas in NOLA

There are a few interesting things about Christmas in New Orleans. The season here can go one of two ways: super cold and icey and Christmassy feeling or oddly warm and humid. It’s not unusual in this town to need a sweater on a Monday and be able to go swimming on Thursday.
And while we aren’t New York, New Orleans has it’s own Christmas traditions. Celebration in the Oaks and Miracle on Fulton are nice little Christmas experiences. Caroling at Jackson Square is a favorite as is the yearly Mr. Bingle at Dillard’s that locals like Jen L. love to collect. And of course, Christmas night at Pat O’Briens where it seems that everyone knows everyone and if you aren’t there, then what are you doing with yourself?
Whether you live here or you are just visiting, Christmas in NOLA is sure to be an experience that you will never forget. And MAYBE, if you’re lucky, the stars will collide and you will see some snow.

Where can you wear flip-​flops, an absurd costume, and join thousands of other people doing the same thing? Why, New Orleans most of the year! Where can you do those things in December and get egged on by your friends and neighbors? Why, New Orleans at Christmas! Don’t forget the all-​day party at Pat O’s, the parades, the fun runs, movies on the river, and the festive hotel lobbies.
Mild weather (compared to, say, Ohio), friendly folks, and lots of chances to costume are just a few of the perks of Christmas in Dixie. To quote the greats of Alabama, «Well, I know there’s more snow up in Colorado than my roof will ever see/​But a tender [Louisiana] Christmas is the only Christmas for me.»
It’s true, friends. This is the only Christmas for me.
Accessibility notes: may be festive.

.Christmas in Nola can be a mixed bag. We have wonderful celebrations, like Christmas in the Oaks and all the restaurants doing prix fixe meal specials or reveillon dinners, which is a great way to have dinner at a fancy place.
The downside of Christmas here is the unpredictable weather, but that’s true of every holiday. I’ve seen a Christmas day with sneaux (our version of frozen water that falls from the sky) and I’ve worn shorts and sandals on the 25^th, so you never know what it will be like.

I’ve never not spent Christmas in NOLA, so what do I know…
I know that I love the family get togethers and that I love having gumbo on Christmas Eve and that I wish it was my grandmother still making it.
There are a ton of Papa Noël rates for hotels as Libby said. And the Reveillon Dinners are something special (and incredibly filling). The downtown hotels do the decorations right. And there is caroling in Jackson Square and concerts at most churches, not to mention Christmas pageants of varying degrees of fancy.
The weather can be terrible (sleety in a city not equipped for it) to tropical (shorts & tshirts on Christmas day). Usually, it’s just nice enough for the kids to run around outside and try out their new presents.
So if you want to try a different city for Christmas, try NOLA. We are a pretty friendly bunch.