Christmas on the Bayou - How New Orleanians Celebrate Christmas

Christmas is a glorious time of year, but it can also be a hectic one too! In-laws, holiday traffic, and shopping nightmares make getting into the "spirit" of things almost unbearable. Yet down here in the Big Easy we know just how to prepare for Papa Noel! So, come down, eat some crabs, and enjoy all the great activities we have planned!

Daily, Dec 1st-31st, except the 25th
National Park Service French Quarter Tour
Get a guided historical tour of the French Quarter
419 Decatur Street
25 tickets give out free daily starting at 9am; first come, first serve
All persons wanting a ticket must be present, tour starts at 9:30am
For more information, call (504) 589-2636, ext. 1

Nightly, Dec 8th-23rd
Celebration in the Oaks
City Park's Annual Festival of Magical Holiday Lights
M-Th 5:30pm to 10pm; F-Su 5:30pm to 11pm; Midcity
Admission: $5 per person, 3 & under, and Friend of City Park Free
(The 2 mile driving tour will sadly not be available.)
For more information, call (504)483-9415

Daily, Dec 9th-23rd
Holiday Traditions Around the World
Discover how the season is celebrated the world over
Louisiana Children's Museum, 420 Julia St.
Admission is free with $7 museum entrance fee.
For more information, call (504) 523-1357

Evenings, Dec 13th, 14th, 20th, & 21st
St Louis Cathedral Christmas Concerts
Gospel & Christmas Carols sung by New Orleans Artists & Local Choirs
St Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, French Quarter
Proceeding begin promptly at 7pm; Admission is Free

Dec 15th, 16th, & 17th
Holiday on the Boulevard
Parade, Marketplace of Arts n' Crafts, Storytelling, & Ethnic Food & Beverages
Ashe Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha Castle-Haley Boulevard
Fri & Sat 12pm-8pm, Sun 1pm-7pm; Admission is Free
For more information, call (504) 569-9070

Dec 16th & 17th
Merry Fishmas
Holiday Fun with Fish Flare!
Live Animal Presentations, Shows, & arts n' crafts.
Aquarium of the Americas, Canal Street at the River
10am-4pm Daily; Admission free with $12 Aquarium entrance fee.

Sunday, Dec 17th
Caroling at Jackson Square in the French Quarter
Every Caroler will receive a song sheet and lighted candle.
Gates open at 6:30pm, starts at 7pm, Admission is Free
For more information, call Patio Planters at (504) 524-8432

Friday, Dec 22nd
New Orleans Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome
Sun Belt Conference Champion against the Conference USA Opponent
Game starts at 7pm; Tickets are $20-$40
For more information, call (504) 525-5678

Saturday, Dec 23rd
Snowland in City Park
Tons of snow brought in just for kid's to play in!
Starts at 8:30am until snow melts; Admission is Free; Midcity
For more information, call (504)483-9415