Visiting New Orleans for the Winter Holidays

For both adults and children, the traditional New Orleans holiday celebration known as Reveillon is a one-of-a-kind and spectacular experience. Streetcars adorned with wreaths and festooned with lights abound around the city. December and January are full of extravaganzas of celebrations that cater to all age groups. From customary Reveillon dinners to festivals and bonfires with a winter theme, guests can take in a show and a memorable experience. Reserve DTW flights to New Orleans to take advantage of the city's many activities and attractions, making it a memorable travel destination.

Parades

A celebration of the mythical beast from the forests of Central Europe, the Krewe of Krampus march usually starts at 7 p.m. on a Saturday in early December. Krampus and his army of mischief-makers distribute coal and enjoy acting inappropriately. On January 6, the Twelfth Night, which falls on a Friday in January 2023, three additional parades mark the beginning of the Carnival season.

Festivals

Every year in December, the Convention Centre organizes the free, family-friendly LUNA Fête light show, which features amazing large-scale works. The Convention Centre will host the NOLA Christmas Festival, the region's only indoor Christmas celebration, from December 21 to December 31, 2022. There are enormous ice slides, a walk-through maze, and a showcase of gingerbread houses at the event. In addition, guests may enjoy a 52 by 140-foot ice rink, have a snowball fight, and take selfies with Santa. Parents can unwind in the "adult lounge" with a view of the ice rink, and helpful elves can assist in managing the children.

Events and Concerts

A wide variety of musicians, including those from jazz, indie folk, zydeco, and gospel, perform for an hour within St. Louis Cathedral as part of their yearly program. Christmas performances are also held in December at Tremé's old St. Augustine church. In addition, Tipitina has an amazing schedule of events, which includes Galactic on New Year's Eve and Anders Osborne's Holiday Spectacular.

Reveillon

The Creole custom known as "Reveillon" began as a midnight service on Christmas Eve. These days, it's changed to fancy set-course lunches at some of the best restaurants in the city. An increasing number of eateries are serving special prix fixe Reveillon menus that highlight famous eateries like Commander's Palace, Tujague's, and Arnaud's, as well as grand dames of Creole elegance like Antoine's and Arnaud's. In addition, several of the greatest restaurants in the city are serving delectable cocktails for Reveillon on the Rocks, including both traditional and novel holiday-themed drinks. On the Reveillon menus, some are available as lagniappe, while others are stand-alone options.

Additional Holiday Entertainment

Starting at 2 p.m. at Manning's and culminating at Generations Hall (the "North Pole") with additional partying and a costume contest, the annual Running of the Santas event takes place in the Warehouse District and features costumed revelers. A centuries-old custom, Christmas Eve bonfires are lit to illuminate levees on the other side of the Mississippi River as part of the celebration.

On New Year's Eve

Fireworks and public celebrations, such as the Allstate Sugar Bowl Parade, mark New Orleans' New Year's Eve celebration. Starting on December 30, 2022, from Elysian Fields Avenue and Decatur Street, the parade travels through the French Quarter, culminating in a performance at Jax Brewery. Co-hosted by actor Billy Porter, the yearly Dick Clark Rockin' New Year's Eve party at Jax Brewery features a fleur-de-lis drop at midnight.

At midnight, Jackson Square holds a free celebration and live music countdown that ends with fireworks over the Mississippi River. Both the Mississippi River's east and west banks offer views of the pyrotechnics. Guests can pay cover to access balconies at Bourbon Street bars, or they can attend private balcony bashes for a French Quarter-style celebration. If you watch all the activities this winter, then book DTW to New Orleans flights and enjoy with your family.