New Orleans offers a distinctive holiday shopping experience, blending local artistry, handmade treasures, and festive markets that capture the city’s unique culture. From bustling monthly art markets to specialty shops on Magazine Street and the French Quarter, here’s a guide to some of the best places to find unique Christmas gifts in New Orleans.
1. Freret Market
Held monthly, the Freret Market is a fantastic spot to find local art, jewelry, handmade crafts, and festive decorations. This market, known for its lively atmosphere, features local musicians, food vendors, and a rotating selection of artisans and crafters offering one-of-a-kind gifts. It’s a great place to support local talent while finding items that reflect the heart and soul of New Orleans.
2. City Park Arts Market
On the second Saturday of each month, City Park transforms into a shopper’s paradise with the City Park Arts Market. Local artists showcase their talents with offerings ranging from pottery and jewelry to paintings and sculptures. This market is ideal for anyone looking for gifts that have a story and a personal touch.
3. Marsalis Harmony Park Arts Market
In the lead-up to Christmas, Marsalis Harmony Park hosts two special arts market events on November 30th and December 21st. These markets are perfect for last-minute shoppers looking for unique items while supporting local artisans. From holiday ornaments and seasonal decor to exclusive handmade goods, there’s something for everyone at these festive gatherings.
4. Frenchmen Art Market
From one-of-a-kind paintings to hand-forged jewelry, the Frenchmen Art Market captures the creativity and charm of the city, offering memorable finds for the holiday season. Known for its eclectic and artistic vibe, this market features a variety of handcrafted jewelry, local artwork, unique home decor, and custom gifts created by talented New Orleans artisans. The market’s nighttime setting adds an extra touch of magic, with twinkling lights and live music nearby, making it an ideal spot for finding distinctive Christmas gifts. They are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
5. Magazine Street
Magazine Street is a treasure trove for unique gift shopping. Known for its charming boutiques, the street is lined with shops offering everything from vintage finds to modern, handmade crafts. Some must-visit stores include:
- Scriptura: A stationery and gift store known for exquisite journals, pens, and paper products.
- Zele NOLA: A boutique carrying art and handcrafted items from local artisans.
- Alice & Amelia: Featuring a mix of home goods, clothing, and jewelry, this store offers plenty of gift ideas for everyone on your list.
- The Collective Shop: A fun shop with everything from art, apparel and accessories to housewares and cards.
6. French Quarter
The French Quarter is a classic destination for holiday shopping with a New Orleans twist. Head to these locations for distinctive, locally-inspired gifts:
- Dutch Alley Artists Co-Op: A collective of local artists, Dutch Alley offers unique works of art, from ceramics to photography, all crafted in the city.
- Boutique du Vampyre: This eccentric shop offers unique gifts like art, books, clothing and jewelry among many other handmade curiosities.
- The French Market: A lively spot featuring food vendors, artists, and souvenir shops. During the holidays, it often includes special vendors with festive offerings.
7. Additional Holiday Markets
- Deutsches Haus Christkindlmarkt: happening between December 6th and 8th, Deutsches Haus is hosting a German Christmas wonderland to get everyone into the spirit of the holidays. Over the 3 day event, there will be live music, German foods and sweets as well as Gluhwein, a mulled wine. Lastly, Saint Nikolaus will make a visit!
- Holiday Market at the Historic New Orleans Collection: happening November 16 from 9:30 – 4:00, this fun event will feature guest vendors plus what the Historic New Orleans Collection has to offer. Music provided by Treme Brass Band between 12:00 – 3:00.
- First Stop Shop Piety Holiday Market: Piety Market is a pop up on every third Sunday of the month at Hotel Peter & Paul. On November 24 from 12:00 – 5:00 this market will be dedicated to the holiday season. Besides great holiday shopping, this market also offers delicious food and live music by a Piety Market favorite, Glo-Worm.
- FRERETstivus Holiday Market: Besides Freret Streets usually scheduled markets, they are hosting a special holiday version on December 14 from 11 -4. There will be an abundance of vendors selling holiday gifts and goods, plus a traditional Festivus Pole, the Airing of Grievances and gift wrapping by the girls of Big Easy Roller Derby.
New Orleans’ unique flair and deep-rooted traditions make holiday shopping an unforgettable experience. These markets and stores offer something special for everyone on your list, ensuring a Christmas gift that reflects the heart of the Crescent City.
