I have been to New Orleans in the Summer and Spring but never for Christmas. I will be traveling there next Christmas and would like to hear about anyones journey there at this time of year. I am going to be in the Quarter from December 21st through Dec. 27th. I am staying at the Dauphine Orleans the first part and spending Christmas Eve and day at Lafitte Guesthouse. Any ideas of what Not to miss would be great.

Dear Paige3,

I was in NOLA this past year from Dec. 21-24. I thought it was great. The weather was pleasant, although I have been there in the winter when it is rather cool. It was nice not to have to battle the crowds. You have to see the lights in the city park. You can take a taxi or, even better, a horse-drawn carriage. It is a great show. Basically, the city is just gorgeous this time of year. I plan to go back next year--maybe we'll run into each other. My anniversary is Dec. 23. I hope to spend all my anniversaries there. Hope you have a great time.

What a great time to go--we went last year for Christmas. Go to nola.com or one of the other websites with info from the convention/visitors bureau--as it gets closer to Christmas you can order a little booklet that lists all the holiday events, with schedules for caroling at Jackson Square, taking driving, carraige or walking tours in the city park at night,etc., plus lists all the restaurants, complete with menus, that offer special prix fixe meals for Revellion (sp?) dinners--a great bargain for some of the city's top restaurants. The lobby of the Fairmont is beautifully decorated, and is a nice place to stroll through and then have cocktails in the bar there.

As you get closer to Christmas, there should be a website posted with just about all the Christmas activities. Just go to google and type in Christmas New Orleans. I think the French Quarter festival website also has a link.

If you're there when it happen, DON'T MISS caroling in Jackson Square - it's you and a couple thousand close friends singing christmas carols with candles...

Also, a lot of the historic homes decorate for Christmas, like the Beauregard Keys House, or 1850s house.

As was mentioned, go to City Park to see Christmas in the Oaks - A little cheezy, but fun.

Also, many of the restaurants do special fixed-price meals during christmas. I haven't tried it, but you should find a listing on the website I mentioned.

Finally, a streetcar ride down St. Charles is nice - New Orleanians have their very own, very tasteful way of decorating for the holidays.

We were there over Christmas a few years ago. The weather was great and the crowds were not large. The only drawback was the many of the top restaurants were closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. However, that didn't deter us that much and we did have some fine meals both nights. (Unfortunately, I did not retain the names of the restaurants.)

Hey, Thanks alot for all the great tips. I am really looking forward to my trip and hope to get more great ideas by December....

I enjoyed the Victorian Holiday Tea in Le Salon at the Windson Court Hotel. It is high tea so dress appropriately - great place to people watch.

All of the above suggestions are excellent. I can't remember is anyone mentioned caroling in Jackson Square, the levee bonfires on Xmas Eve, or services at St Louis Cathedral..... but thtose are also things you won't want to miss. Bring your camera --- we like to decorate big for the holidays here!
*(JAMIE)*