What's open in New Orleans on Thanksgiving?
 

We are planning to be in NO over Thanksgiving, with two kids (9&11). I've tried looking on the web, but can't find out if the zoo or anything else will be open on Thanksgiving day. Any locals or experienced NO visitors able to help me?

Thanks.

Not too many things, except hotel restaurants, movie theatres, and bars. I know the Zoo is closed, and prob. the acquarium, too, since it is part of the zoo.

Your best best is probably to call the NO Convention and Visitor's Bureau, they should have that info.

One of my favorite Thanksgivings was dinner at the Palace Cafe on Canal Street...ask for a table upstairs by the window. And, definitely get the white chocolate bread pudding, it's fantastic!

However, other than restaurants, bars, and hotels, it has been my experience that everything else will be closed.

PS: Be prepared for crowded conditions in most hotels, restaurants, bars and shopping areas from Thursday evening through Sunday afternoon. The Bayou Classic football game is THE event in NOLA over Thanksgiving, and most hotels are packed solid. That is the 3rd biggest weekend event in the city, after Mardi Gras and NY/Sugar Bowl weekend. (Jazz Fest draws more people than BC, but it lasts longer.)

Most of the spectators are coming from the South, and they tend to drive in right after they have had Thanksgiving lunch w/ family. A huge contingent comes from the I-10 corridor, and most of them will make it there in time to have supper in NO. The game itself is on Saturday afternoon at the Dome.

Once again, good advice from you all. Thanks for taking the time to answer. We were planning on arriving the Saturday prior to Thanksgiving and then leaving on the Friday after. I was hoping to find some sort of activity for Thanksgiving day. Maybe we'll just get out of Dodge that morning!
Nancy