Holiday Traditions in New Orleans

Start a new tradition with a southern holiday in New Orleans. A city steeped in rich culture and vibrant events, the destination offers much for friends and family to experience during the holidays. From carolling in Jackson Square to enjoying magical light displays all over town, allow Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans local concierge team to customize an unforgettable festive itinerary.

Lighting the Way for Papa Noël

Hop aboard the Algiers ferry steps from the Hotel and take a short ride across the Mississippi River to the Algiers Point Bonfire celebration. At 30 feet (9 metres) tall, the Algiers Point Bonfire is the largest holiday bonfire celebration in the city. Or, take a day trip to St. James Parish for the weekend-long Festival of Bonfires featuring regional food, live entertainment, crafts, Santa’s Very Merry Forest and carnival rides. These bonfires spotted up and down the Mississippi River pay tribute to Louisiana’s old Cajun tradition to light the way for Papa Noël, the Cajun Santa Claus, on his journey into town.  

Luna Fete

Just blocks away from our Hotel guests can find Luna Fête, a unique art festival that combines dynamic, contemporary art, film, and technology into a multi-day large-scale public art festival. Bring your krewe to this holiday celebration to embrace interactive art exhibits and dance along to a silent disco while enjoying cocktails, treats and shopping from local vendors.

Celebration in the Oaks at City Park

Make life-long memories at Celebration in the Oaks, a New Orleans holiday tradition. This enchanting display features more than 500,000 twinkling lights scattered throughout City Park, carnival rides, holiday concessions, and more for your loved ones to embrace the holiday spirit in the most vibrant way.

Carolling in Jackson Square

Just a few blocks from our Hotel in the historic French Quarter, guests can carol in Jackson Square the Sunday before Christmas, a classic holiday tradition. This merry event illuminates Jackson Square with its celebration of music through familiar Christmas carols and warm candlelight.

Holiday Parade

No one does parades like New Orleans, and the city’s annual holiday parade is not one to miss. Step out of the Hotel over to Canal Street and cheer on the marching bands, oversized toy soldiers, signature 30-foot (9 metre) Santa and custom-design floats with animatronic props.

Concerts at the Cathedral

Throughout the month of December, St. Louis Cathedral invites locals and visitors to celebrate the season through live renditions of holiday classics by prominent New Orleans musicians, such as Ellis Marsalis, the Zulu Gospel Choir, the Preservation All-Stars and more.

Cheers Under the Chandelier with Seasonal Cocktails

Chandelier Bar inside the Hotel has quickly become the centre of New Orleans’ social scene and a gathering point to welcome guests from near and far. Toast to the season with a festive holiday drink, such as the seasonal S’mores Milk Punch, a boozy fireside delight in glass. With 15,000 hand-strung bohemian crystals shimmering overhead, there are few places more magical to get in the holiday spirit.

Take in the Extravagant Holiday Lights Aboard a Private Streetcar

All aboard the St. Charles Streetcar for a festive light extravaganza. Take your loved ones on a private tour of the city’s brightest festive décor on the infamous St. Charles Streetcar, an experience one can only have in New Orleans.  Stop by our concierge desk to book our Streetcar Experience to be Desired. The customized experience is perfect for a holiday celebration with its hand-selected music and décor to fit the occasion.  

Miracle on Fulton Street

Experience a southern Christmas in the snow at the annual Miracle on Fulton Street. The snowfall combined with dazzling décor, a gingerbread village and live music brings the Christmas Spirit to life.

NOLA Christmas Fest

Take the family ice skating, enjoy festival rides and endless shimmering lights at the annual NOLA Christmas Fest, located at the convention centre next to our Hotel.

For more information on festive programming at Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans and to begin planning your holiday stay, click here.