Holiday Events in New Orleans

If you plan on being in New Orleans for the 2006 holiday season, there are plenty of events and celebrations scheduled this year. You don't need to look very far for something to get your in the spirit of the holidays. Tree lighting events, Christmas parades, holiday music and festivities for the entire family can be found. Many events are free and some charge an admittance fee, but there will be something for everyone, both young and old. Just get ready to go out and enjoy the beauty of the season in New Orleans, Louisiana this year.

Cathedral Christmas Concerts
Local choirs and New Orleans artists herald in the season with nightly concerts of Christmas carols and gospel favorites in one of the country's most historic churches. All concerts are free, begin at 6pm, and take place in Jackson Square at St. Louis Cathedral, which is the oldest continuously operating Roman Catholic cathedral in the country and located at Jackson Square at Chartres Street.

2006 CONCERT SCHEDULE
NOVEMBER 29
Theresa Andersson, John Fohl and David Doucet folk

DECEMBER 6
Val & Love Alive/Historic Second Baptist Church gospel

DECEMBER 13
Philip Manuel jazz and r&b vocalist

DECEMBER 14
Abundant Praise Revival Choir gospel

DECEMBER 20
Chris Thomas King blues

DECEMBER 21
Rev. Lois J. Dejean, Gospel Diva & Friends gospel

The 31st Annual Holiday Home Tour Patron Party
On December 8 this seasonal happening takes place at private residences in the Garden District. There will be a cocktail reception in one of New Orleans' Magnificent Garden District Homes. Cost of party includes ticket(s) to the Holiday Home Tour in the Garden District on December 10 and 11. Black tie optional. 7-10pm. Call (504) 581-7032 or visit www.prcno.org for tickets and information. Tickets start at $100.

31st Annual Holiday Home Tour/Preservation Resource Center
On December 9 & 10 this event is located in the Garden District Neighborhood. You can walk through seven private homes exquisitely decorated for the season while being serenaded by local musicians. Lunch is served and the meal is located at Trinity Episcopal Church's Bishop Polk Hall (1329 Jackson Avenue). Group rates available for 10 or more persons. 10am-4pm Daily. Call (504) 581-7032 or visit www.prcno.org for tickets and information. $20 members, $26 non-members, $30 day of tour, $ 20 group rate for 10 or more (advance tickets only).

Beauregard-Keyes House in Holiday Trim
This holiday celebration runs from December 1-31, except December 25 at the Beauregard-Keyes House, 1113 Chartres Street. You can view a house decorated in Victorian style, dressed in greenery, velvet ribbons and lace. Hourly tours include the 1826 House, Frances Parkinson Keyes' doll collections, folk costumes, fans, and veilleuses (teapot/nightlight). Monday through Saturday. 10am-3pm on the hour. Call (504) 523-7257. $5 adults, $4 students, $2 children.

Bonfire Adventure
Come out on December 24 for the annual tradition of the lighting of the bonfires on the banks of the Mississippi. You get a tour of Destrehan Plantation, an early traditional country dinner, and period craft demonstrations, such as open fire cooking, and indigo dying. Guided motor coach tour with some walking required. Guaranteed reservations required by 4pm on day prior to tour departure. Departs 2:30pm. Call (800) 535-7786 or (504) 569-1401 or visit www.graylineneworleans.com.

Candlelight Tour of Historic Homes and Landmarks
On December 7 at the French Quarter Landmarks & Homes you can experience the romance and heritage of New Orleans on a tour of 19th-century homes and landmarks. Locations include Beauregard-Keyes House, Gallier House, The Louisiana State Museum - 1850 House, The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, and The Historic New Orleans Collection, all decorated. This is a self-guided tour with refreshments. 5-8pm. Call (504) 522-5730 or visit www.fqfi.org for advance tickets or purchase tickets at any of the properties on tour night. $15 adults, $5 children 12 and under.

CARNAVAL!
This celebration runs from October 21, 2006 - January 21, 2007 except Mondays, Tuesdays, and December 25. Located at the New Orleans Museum of Art, New Orleans City Park
Wednesday through Sundays, 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Call (504) 658-4100 or www.noma.org for information. Free to Louisiana residents until December 31, 2006. Adults $8, Seniors $7, Children $4.

Caroling in Jackson Square
Come hear the sounds of the season on December 17. This is a 60-year-old tradition. Led by Patio Planters, the Social and Garden Club of the French Quarter. Candles and song sheets provided. Gates open at 6pm and caroling begins promptly at 7pm. For more information, call (504) 319-6226 or visit www.patioplanters.org. Free and open to the public.

Cathedral Christmas Concerts
These concerts run from November 29, December 6, 13, 14, 20, 21 at the St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square. Local choirs and New Orleans artists hold nightly concerts of Christmas carols and gospel favorites. The concerts begin at 8pm and are free.

Celebration in the Oaks
On November 24 through December 30, except December 24 & 25, located at the New Orleans City Park This holiday light show transforms the New Orleans Botanical Garden into a holiday wonderland. It includes a self-guided garden tour, nightly entertainment, nightly visits and photos with Santa, the New Orleans Historic Train Garden, poinsettia display, amusement rides, miniature train tours of the lights and Creole delicacies. Ride tickets and food are purchased separately. Open weekends only starting November 24, opening nightly December 4-30 (closed December 24 and 25). For more information call (504) 483-9415 or visit www.neworleanscitypark.com. The garden/walking tour is $5 per person and children age 3 and under are free.

Chef's Holiday Cooking Demonstrations
On December 7, 14, & 21 at The Shops at Canal Place you can learn the secrets of local cuisine from the chefs of New Orleans. Space is limited, so come early. Demos start at 3 pm and last about 45 minutes. The event is free.

Christmas Day at St. Louis Cathedral
Located at Jackson Square on Chartres Street on Christmas Day, Masses will be at 9:00 am, and 11:00 am. For information, please call 504-525-9585.

Christmas Eve at St. Louis Cathedral
Taking place on December 24 at the St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square at Chartres Street, you can attend traditional Midnight Mass. Doors open at 11:15pm. Christmas carols, with the St. Louis Cathedral Concert Choir, begin at 11:30pm. Vigil Mass at 5pm on the 24th. Christmas carols, with the St. Louis Cathedral Boy choir, begin at 4:30pm. On Christmas Day, Masses will be at 9:00am and 11:00am. For information, please call (504) 525-9585.

French Market Tree Lighting
On December 2 at 1000 Decatur, corner of St. Phillip Street (Joan of Arc statue) there will be a traditional tree-lighting ceremony. The lighting ceremony which starts at 6:00 p.m. For more information, please call (504) 522-2621 or visit www.frenchmarket.org. Admission is free.

New Year's Eve Midnight Fireworks Cruise
On December 31 you can take a ship cruise at Paddlewheeler Creole Queen and/or Riverboat Cajun Queen, Canal Street Dock at Riverwalk. There will be hors d'oeuvres, open call-brand bar, live entertainment, and festive party favors for the celebration. There will also be a midnight fireworks display over the Mississippi river. Boards 10-11pm; cruises 11pm-1am. Call (504) 524-0814 or (800) 445-4109 for reservations and prices or visit www.neworleanspaddlewheels.com.

Whatever your preference, whatever makes the holidays special for you, New Orleans will most likely have it ready and waiting this year. Whether it's the soft glow of twinkling lights on fragrant pine trees or a cup of hot chocolate while you watch the Christmas parade, you can find it here. Put on your Santa hat, jingle bells, candy cane socks and a smile and head out into the holiday season ready to experience the joy in New Orleans this winter. The magic of the holiday is just around the corner.