Another week has come and gone, and we’re heading into another Progressive’s Weekend! This week, we’re changing up the format of things a bit in the interest of covering a wider variety of activities and events for you, our readers, to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for something to do, places to eat, or something to enjoy while staying in, we’re pretty sure there’s something here for everyone. Let’s get exploring!
What to Do
New Orleans is a town that always has a lot going on, but especially during the holidays. Whether you’re looking for something fun, or an event where you can make a difference, we’ve searched out some great things to do this weekend in New Orleans.
Resistmas Indoor Markets at the Center – 12/14 from 12 pm – 5 pm
Head on over to the First Unitarian Universalist Church of New Orleans on Jefferson Avenue for some amazing shopping from local vendors, creators, and artists. Find crafts, art, food, and more. Shopping all done? Come and have your tarot read, get some reiki healing, or just hang out with a great group of people.
LPBF’s Lights on the Lake – 12/15 from 2 pm – 8 pm
New Orleans does street parades like no other city, but did you know we do boat parades, too? Head to the New Canal Lighthouse on Lakeshore Drive and watch a unique holiday parade while you listen to live music. Need to do some last minute shopping? Head over to the “last stop shopping” village and check out the local vendors. Of course, don’t forget that Santa will be there for pictures, too.
Caroling in Jackson Square – 12/16 from 6:30 pm – 9 pm
Caroling in Jackson Square is considered to be one of the highlights of the holiday season in New Orleans by locals and visitors alike. This holiday tradition has been going since 1946. Join thousands of people in singing your favorite holiday carols while experiencing beautiful Jackson Square lit by hundreds of candles. Bring the kids – this is definitely an event the whole family can enjoy. If you’re planning to come – arrive early. The Square fills up fast!
Where to Eat
If there’s one thing that New Orleans is known for (other than Mardi Gras, of course), it’s the food. This weekend, we have three recommendations for you to try:
Broussard’s Santa Brunch – 12/14-16 from 10 am – 2:30 pm
Enjoy live jazz music while enjoying some of Broussard’s favorite brunch menu items. Choices include Steak & Eggs, Shrimp & Crab Benedict, and Raspberry Mascarpone Stuffed Pain Perdu. Kids will receive a DIY ornament craft and can choose from their own menu! They’ll also get to write a letter to Santa (and get one back), and even visit with him! Don’t forget to bring an unwrapped gift to be donated to families of the New Orleans Mission.
Venezuelan Gastronomy by Ávila Grill Nola 12/15 from 5 pm – 10 pm
Looking for something a little different? Head to Ávila Grill on Saint Louis Street to experience Venezuelan and Creole food prepared by Chef Harold Angola while you watch an incredible flamenco show. The restaurant is inside the gorgeous Starlight Lounge in the French Quarter, but don’t worry – there’s plenty of parking nearby.
Pastries & Poets: Shaina Monet and Athena Dixon 12/16 from 2 pm – 4 pm
Head over to The Dragonfly: Poetry and Performance Ritual Space to enjoy some pastries, fruit, and coffee while you listen to two incredible poets. Shania Monet is a New Orleans native, the winner of the 2018 Iowa Review Award and the 2017 Vassar Miller Poetry award, and poetry editor of Bayou Magazine. Athena Dixon is a poet, essayist, and editor, the founder of the Linden Avenue Literary Journal, a Callaloo fellow, V.O.N.A. fellow, and a Tin House Scholar.
For Staying In
Some weekends, you just want to stay in, turn on Netflix, and watch a good movie. More the reading type? We’ve got a great book recommendation, too. And yes – there are things here for the kids, as well.
Cam – Netflix
Cam is a mature movie about a cam girl with a large and growing fan base. Things get scary, however, when someone who looks just like her takes over her account in the worse kind of identity fraud imaginable. This psychological and emotional thriller explores themes like identity theft, obsession, narcissistic behavior, and yes, porn, in a new way. You can read our full review here.
The New Iberia Blues by James Lee Burke
James Lee Burke may not have been born in New Orleans, but he did spend a lot of time here. He grew up in the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast area and graduated from the University of Lafayette. The New Iberia Blues is the latest installment in his Dave Robicheaux series. Robicheaux is a retired New Orleans cop turned New Iberia deputy sheriff who often finds himself in the middle of a mystery.
The Jazz of Our Street by Fatima Shaik
Fatima Shaik is a New Orleans author whose books often focus on the Louisiana Creole and African-American way of life. In this children’s book illustrated by E.B. Lewis Shaik explores the history and experience of a New Orleans second line parade.
The Little Prince – Netflix
This movie is based on the classic book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry that has captured the imaginations of both children and adults since it was published in 1943. This adaptation follows the classic story of an overscheduled little girl who befriends an eccentric aviator and listens to his tales of a boy who lives on an asteroid in space.
So that’s it! Our recommendations for things to do this weekend in New Orleans, and at home. We’ll be back next week with a whole new set of recommendations – until then remember: every weekend is a progressive weekend.