Marlena

I want to go to New Orleans soon, but it's too hot for me there during summer. Was thinking of the long Thanksgiving weekend. Is it still a good time to visit then? Anything I should know?

Advice/opinions appreciated!

Marlena

John

Thanksgiving is a nice time, weatherwise, but the city is very crowded because of the Bayou Classic football game. It's a huge African-American event featuring the football game between Southern and Grambling, two primarily black universities. Canal Street is a real mess during this weekend, so be sure to stay on the Esplanade side of the French Quarter!!

Marlena

Thanks so much for clueing me in...I was wondering why all the moderately priced hotels were booked up! As I don't like football or hanging out with sports fans (no offense to anyone here) I think I might pick another time to go.

Thanks for helping -- thinking about Christmastime now, if anyone has suggestions/advice!

Marlena

John

I think Christmas is wonderful in New Orleans. Cool weather, a lack of crowds and wonderful specials at restaurants make it an ideal time to visit.

judy

Christmastime is nice in New Orleans. Every year they have a community Christmas carol sing in Jackson Square. My memory is hazy, but I think it is usually the Sunday before Christmas. This is primarily a locals affair. They mayor is usually present. Everyone holds candles and sings Christmas carols for an hour. Very nice! There's also a lot of unique shops for your Christmas shopping!

tyson

we enjoyed our Christmas visit last year. The only drawback was that several places (restaurants and clubs) close between Christmas and New Years.
still found plenty to do however.

Mark

I also spent last X-mas in New Orleans. Had a wonderful week of fun. The weather was in the 40's (cold for the locals-but I was in shorts)and comfortable for me. The decorations were beautiful, as well as the general spirit of the town. The food was wonderful--a few places where closed, but we had a large selection of good places. I would recommend Commander's Place. We had our X-mas dinner there and it was out of the world!

Meg

I really love the week of Christmas here. The Quarter is practically deserted. The week between Christmas and New Year's begins to fill up with revellers. Then, after New Year's, there's a quiet week or two before carnival season kicks in.

howard

We spend a wonderful five days in NO over Christmas a few years ago. The weather was perfect--sunny in the 70s. Many of the restaurants were closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but we still managed to have some good meals both days in the few places that were open. Walking around a very quiet French Quarter on Christmas Day was a delight.
As a previous poster said, don't stay too many days past Christmas, as the city is swarming with Sugar Bowl revelers.