Christmas in New Orleans
 

My husband and I will be in NO at Christmas this year. Has anyone any experiences with the "bonfires" on Christmas Ece. Should we take one of the tours to see them or are there good viewing places? Any other Christmas suggestions welcome.

Haven't ever been to the bonfires, but I would just do them on your own...I love the story behind it! <BR>Another good option is a drive thru City Park to see the thousands upon thousands of lights they have decorated the park with.

Make sure to check the Previous Forum on New Orleans.

We lived in NO some years ago, and loved it. They make a "big deal" out of XMAS...the city parks are lighted with thousands of lights, each homeowner competes to see who can make the most beautiful display, and the bonfires on the levy are something. I don't remember when they have them , but it seems like it is a few days before Xmas. They build fantastic wooden structures (like a boat, home, giant windmill, etc&gt;) and each group vies with each other to get the "bigggest", "most elaborate", etc. It seems a real shame to burn them, but burn them they do. And everyone comes, with picnics if weather permits, and hip bottles, lots of people wandering about in good mood. (Parking is a bitch, so go early, better yet, go the day before and stay overnight in one of the little near-by communities). It is really worth the trouble. The Cajun legend is that the early settlers set big bon fires along the river so that St. Nic. would be able to navigate his boat and find the children on Xmas eve.

Thanks, Julie! <BR>You said it all MUCH better than I! <BR>Isn't it a wonderful story!!! <BR> <BR>SharonM

I was in New Orleans for Christams last year and it was magic! The bonfires are great and you can even do a tour on one of the Riverboats or via bus tour to see them. <BR>The restaurants all have special menu's. <BR>I stayed at a romantic B&B in a great historic neighborhood called Algiers Point across the Mississippi River from the French Quarter. It it walking distance to everything by free ferry.. I didn't have to rent a car! Get this the name of the place is House of the Rising Sun B&B! Great hosts! I believe their web address is www.houseoftherisingsunbnb.com. <BR> <BR>Have a great time and take your appetite!

Hi Karen. I am from South Louisiana and you will love the Bonfires. Every year my family and I make our journey across the river to spend Christmas Eve with my family and we have made a point of taking the River Road so we can see the bonfires. My children love to count them as we go by...year before last there were 97 and last year there were 113. All different kinds of shapes and sizes. If you are renting a car i would just take a nice slow drive down river road and view them on your own stopping along the way to meet the folks who put these bonfires together. Enjoy your trip. You will love the city.

I spent X-mas in NO last year. A wonderful time--great places to eat and the city was very charming. We did not do the bonfires, but we did take a tour to "oak Alley" Plantation. It was well worth it. Make sure you call ahead to some of the attractions to see which will be closed. We went to the zoo and really liked it. My recommendations for dining would be: Commander's Place, Camellia Grill, and Louisana Pizza Kitchen. Enjoy!