Christmas holiday ideas in New Orleans

The holiday season in New Orleans takes the form of a 31-day celebration, sweeping the whole city during December from dawn until dusk.

From the enchanting bells of St Louis Cathedral to the spectacular lights which illuminate the city's Central Park, New Orleans comes alive during Christmas like at no other time of the year.

Royal Street and Magazine Street offer ample opportunity for shoppers to find everything they could need for the perfect gift, while the Art District gives visitors an excuse to explore the amazing art galleries, fine restaurants, and world-class museums.

While the city is a wonderful place to visit any time of the year, travelbite.co.uk here takes a look at what separates New Orleans from the rest of America during the holiday season - and what makes it so special.

Christmas in New Orleans

Among in most famous sights in the Crescent City are the historic street-cars; running the length of the city along St Charles Avenue, and through the neighborhoods of South Carrollton to Claiborne Avenue.

During the winter months the sights are all the more captivating, as homeowners decorate their properties with sparkling Christmas lights. A trip costs $1.25 (£0.80) one way.

This year the city will also host the 23rd Christmas New Orleans Style event – allowing visitors to converse with historical characters as they stroll the streets of the Vieux Carre and share their love of New Orleans.

Taking place throughout December, the event celebrates the diverse character of the city, encompassing New Years Eve parties, cooking demonstrations, tea parties and the St Louis Cathedral Annual Christmas Concert.

Out on the water the Steamboat Natchez is offering a chance to celebrate with friends or family on a beautiful night-time cruise on the Mississippi River.

The authentic steamboat will take guests back to the holidays of New Orleans in the 1800s, with special holiday décor and live music from the New Orleans Jazz Trio - sailing for three hours at a cost of $85 (£57).

In early December the Annual Christmas Bonfire Party will take place at the Oak Alley Plantation. This, the 32nd such event, celebrates the Christmas season in one of the southland's most beautiful settings.

The mansion will be dressed in fresh fruit, greenery and seasonal floral arrangements, reminiscent of Creole Christmases past; with a delicious Cajun/Creole buffet, open bar, lively dance band – and, of course, a huge bonfire.

Back downtown the Miracle on Fulton Street event will take place throughout December; with periodic 'snowfalls', dazzling lights and decorations - transforming the street into a winter wonderland!

One of the city’s newest holiday traditions, there will also be a chance to visit Santa and his reindeer, sip hot chocolate or spiced apple cider, and sample the traditional holiday menus.

Finally, the Crescent City Lights Youth Theatre is presenting a holiday extravaganza between December 13th and 23rd.

The young cast (between eight and 16-years-of-age) brim with enthusiasm and charm; portraying colourful holiday characters in two short comedies by Vin Morreale, and followed by a new one-act holiday musical.

The performances will take place at the Nord Ty Tracy Theatre in Gallier Hall, with tickets priced at $15 (£8).

Where to stay in New Orleans this winter

Many of the finest hotels in New Orleans offer special 'Papa Noel' rates during December; spread across the French Quarter, Art District and uptown Garden District.

In the French Quarter the small guest house at St. Peter House offers rooms for as little as $49 (£32), while Bourbon Orleans is slightly more lavish European boutique style.

Downtown in the Arts District, the luxury Renaissance Arts Hotel, houses in an early twentieth century warehouse offers rooms from $89 (£60), while La Pavillon Hotel - known locally as the 'Belle of New Orleans' offers rooms for a similar rate.

In the Garden District, the Hampton Inn, located on the historic St Charles Avenue, offers rooms for just $99 (£66) a night during the Christmas period, while the old world mansion at the Prytania Park Hotel is slightly cheaper.

More information

For more information on the city of New Orleans take a look at the official tourism website, while the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau also has plenty of information on its site.

Chris O'Toole