Friends of ours are trying to organize a trip to New Orleans over the holidays. Before I commit, I would love to get some feedback from Fodorites on what the city is like at this time of year. Does it get really crazy? Is this a good time to visit? Are there any special holiday must-dos?

Thanks for your help!
Liz
http://www.gypsymoments.com

It is a great time to come to New Orleans. It does not get really crazy (do you mean like Mardi Gras? definitely not).

The weather is mild, a lot of the hotels are decorated beautifully, and I think it is a great time to visit.

There have been a couple of recent threads about Christmas activities in NO. If you put "New Orleans + Christmas" into the Search box - you should be able to get some ideas.

Just some thoughts...Christmas in the Oaks and a ride (or tour) to see the bonfires would be musts for me. They'll bring back the little kid in you!

Isn't the Sugar Bowl still played in New Orleans for New Year's? I would think that would be hard to get rooms -- especially this late date -- and the town would be quite crazy, mostly depending on what teams are in town for the bowl.

Agree with BeachGirl - as long as you avoid football games, it's a great time to visit.

We went in 2004 in mid-December and had a GREAT time! The weather was nice (light jacket and jeans) and it wasn't crowded. Many of the restaurants were doing the price-fixe Revillion menus, so you got to sample their cuisine for a lower price! I'd love to go back...

New Orleans over the holidays varies. During Christmas-time, tourism season is slow and many deals can be had. As you get closer to New Year's and the Sugar Bowl, the crowds get thicker (and the prices go up).

One of my fave things to do is see the bonfires lit along the levees in Lutcher on Christmas Eve - about 45-60 minutes outside of New Orleans. They are giant fantastic structures set on fire to light the way for Papa Noel.

The fire dept usually has some sort of food and drinks for sale - it's a unique experience.