New Orleans is brimming with festive events this week, offering a variety of activities to usher in the holiday season. Here’s a curated list of happenings from December 2 to December 8, 2024:
1. Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade
- Date: Saturday, December 7
- Location: French Quarter and Downtown
- Details: This family-friendly parade features festive floats, high-flying helium balloons, and appearances by Santa Claus and other holiday characters. The event is free and open to the public.
2. ChristKindlMarkt at Deutsches Haus
- Dates: Friday, December 6 – Sunday, December 8
- Location: Deutsches Haus
- Details: Experience a traditional German Christmas market with arts and crafts vendors, German food, and holiday cheer. Admission is free.
3. “It’s a Wonderful Life, Y’all” at Rivertown Theaters
- Dates: Friday, December 6 – Sunday, December 22
- Location: Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts
- Details: Local playwright Ricky Graham presents a New Orleans twist on the classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” featuring quirky local characters.
4. Holiday Pop-Up Bars
- Ongoing: Throughout December
- Locations: Various venues
- Details: Several bars and restaurants are hosting festive pop-ups with themed décor and inventive cocktails. Notable spots include:
- Bah Humbug Bar at the Bower Bar: Festive drinks like Scrooge’s Cider and a frozen eggnog daiquiri.
- Blitzen’s Bar at Omni Royal Orleans: Cocktail menu by Julie Reiner with kitschy holiday décor.
- Mariah Carey’s Black Irish Holiday Bar at Virgin Hotels New Orleans: Over-the-top Black Irish liqueur drinks and Carey-themed decor.
- Miracle at Barrel Proof: Popular Christmas bar with new cocktails such as Stocking Stuffer and Crooked Antler.
- Sippin’ Santa at Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29: Featuring new tropical holiday cocktails.
- Spirits Aglow at the Eliza Jane: Special holiday pop-up with festive lights and a special cocktail menu.
5. St. Louis Cathedral Christmas Concerts
- Dates: Wednesday, December 4; Wednesday, December 11; Wednesday, December 18; Sunday, December 22
- Location: St. Louis Cathedral
- Details: Enjoy performances by artists like John Boutté and the St. Louis Cathedral Choir, offering a mix of Christmas music styles. Concerts begin at 6 p.m. and are free to the public.
6. Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s “Classical Christmas: Handel’s Messiah”
- Date: Thursday, December 5, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Location: Orpheum Theater
- Details: The LPO performs excerpts from Handel’s Messiah, including “For Unto Us,” “Glory to God,” and “Hallelujah.” Tickets range from $35 to $67.
7. Kenner’s Magical Christmas Village
- Dates: Throughout December
- Location: Heritage Park in Rivertown
- Details: Features holiday lights, Christmas music, food, gifts, and visits from Santa Claus. Open daily from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free.
8. “The Amazing Acro-Cats: Meowy Catmas Special”
- Dates: Thursday, December 5 – Sunday, December 22
- Location: AllWays Lounge and Cabaret
- Details: A unique show featuring trained cats performing seasonal classics. Tickets range from $45 to $60.
This week in New Orleans offers a rich tapestry of holiday events, from parades and concerts to unique theatrical performances and festive pop-up bars. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s something to delight everyone during this magical season.
