New Orleans between Christmas and New Years
 

Hi all

We are contemplating a trip to New Orleans over the coming Christmas holiday. We are like many families who feel they need to contribute somewhere/somehow on behalf of people and communities in need.

We were possbily thinking of mixing a vacation with volunteering in New Orleans. Either by helping tear down condemned homes or help build a home.

I have researched enough to see there are plenty of wonderful volunteer opportunities but was curious as to what one does in New Orleans in the winter.

We love the outdoors such as fishing, hiking, etc. but I don't think this would be the time of year to enjoy the "vacation" part of the trip.

I can tell you visiting burbon street would be nice but it wouldn't hold the attention of our family for an entire week.

Should we plan for a spring trip instead?

Thank you for any feedback

You do the same thing in winter in Nola that you do any other time of year (other than swimming). It gets chilly and often rainy, but it's not cold enough to force you indoors. Most attractions are open year round.

We were in NO last year at the exact same time of year with our teens for a Bowl Game. If your family enjoys eating, history, shopping or sightseeing its a great time to be there. The weather was mild to us (we are from Chicago) so very comfortable for walking around the Quarter and beyond. I think its actually a preferrable time to be there with a family as the crowds were down a bit. Good luck!

New Orleans....AHhhhh great food. Burbon street is good for one pass through, but mostly bars and strip clubs. There is a Katrina tour that was very interesting and informative and good for all ages. There is a casino for some night life (Harrah's). There are swamp/alligator tours that are very interesting as long as you are dressed appropriately for the weather. Kids would like that alot. It's not a great place to walk around at night, pretty high crime rate, so plan on staying in a group or turning in early. There are evening "ghost" tours that are interesting (again dress appropriately for the weather). Lots to do, especially eating great food!!! Have fun.

Hi ydoc,
There are plenty of things to do in NOLA besides Bourbon St.
December is a fine time to come with mild temps and little or no sweating at all.
By renting a car, you can venture out of the city. You can hike the trails in Jean Lafitte National Park or on Tammany Trace which is 31 miles long.
Take a day for plantation tours.
You can hire a charter for fishing or take a Swamp Tour.
You can experience the "Reveillon" menus at some of the finest restaurants which is only during the Christmas season.
The animals at Audubon Zoo love the weather and show off to visitors instead of sleeping due to the heat.
The outdoor sculpture garden in City Park is wonderful too.
The flea market just reopened and looks incredible.