Get ready to immerse yourself in the spirit of the season as French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI) and New Orleans & Company proudly present the 39th annual Holidays New Orleans Style (HNOS) – a cherished tradition dating back to 1985. Beginning in November with the decoration of Jackson Square and continuing through Twelfth Night, January 6, 2024, this holiday season promises an unforgettable celebration filled with:
● Réveillon Feasts: Indulge in the city’s most sumptuous Réveillon dining menus and crafted- cocktails at more than 40 of the city’s top restaurants
● Vibrant Events: Dive into 60+ special holiday events, including free concerts produced by FQFI, designed for the whole family
● Papa Noël Discounts: Choose from over 40 hotels offering special Papa Noël nightly rates and complimentary add-ons
● Shopping Guide: Explore local shops for unique gifts with our exclusive shopping guide
Visitors and locals are invited to be a part of the magic and begin planning their holiday adventures by visiting www.NewOrleans.com/Holiday or by checking out the Official Guidebook in a print and digital version.
“Our city’s unique cultural charm shines throughout the year.” Emily Madero, FQFI President and CEO said. “Each year we are excited to celebrate the holiday season with so many delicious Réveillon dining menus, events for the whole family, Papa Noël hotel specials and shopping deals throughout the city. As we reach nearly four decades of this treasured tradition, we invite our friends and family from near and far to join us for an unforgettable Holidays New Orleans Style season.”
Mayor LaToya Cantrell expressed, “The energy of our city, especially during the holiday season, is unmatched. We are excited to kick off holiday celebrations across our city with signature celebrations that pay tribute to our distinct culture and traditions. From The Nutcracker, to parades and illuminating gatherings, New Orleans offers a holiday experience unlike any other, ensuring there’s something enjoyable for all ages. This magical season provides the perfect occasion to come together with loved ones, spreading joy while also supporting our local small businesses. Please join us in spreading warmth and cheer during this holiday season.”
“It is an honor to once again partner with French Quarter Festivals, Inc. in bringing so much color, flavor, and excitement to our city for residents and visitors alike,” said Mark Romig, Sr. Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, New Orleans & Company. “In a season filled with gift-giving, this is a gift especially for all those that make the hospitality industry vital, and the offerings throughout the holidays just get better and better with each passing year.”
This year, the city lights up with festive decorations and non-stop entertainment. Our youngest holiday-goers can enjoy events such as the Holiday Tea Party’s at BK Historic House & Gardens, The Roosevelt Hotel and BB’s Stage Door Canteen at the WWII Museum. The Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade and NOLA ChristmasFest return with fun for the whole family. And events like Luna Fête and Greenway SuperNova will light up the night. History-lovers can revel in the beauty and extravagance of decorated home and garden tours throughout the Historic French Quarter. The sounds of the season will fill St. Louis Cathedral and Ashé Powerhouse Theater during FQFI’s concert series with thirteen free performances including Irma Thomas, Charlie Gabriel, and more. As the weeks continue, the excitement builds with opportunities for Hotel Hopping for the Holidays, Caroling in Jackson Square, and the Official NOLA New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display.
For 30 years, FQFI has decorated Jackson Square to brighten the spirits of locals and visitors. The Square has once again been transformed into a scene fit for a postcard with nearly 70 of its famous red bows for the holidays thanks to sponsorship support from French Market Corporation (FMC). Visitors to the Square are encouraged to stop at the front gates of the Square near the River with their special someone and share a kiss under the mistletoe. FQFI and FMC welcome all to enjoy the festive atmosphere of Jackson Square and the entire French Quarter neighborhood throughout December.
Free Concerts at St. Louis Cathedral and Ashé Powerhouse Theater
Holidays New Orleans Style celebrates New Orleans’ rich musical heritage with jazz musicians, gospel choirs, classical ensembles, and others performing the sounds of the season with nearly three weeks of live concerts. Concerts at St. Louis Cathedral located in Jackson Square take place at 6pm on December 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 13, 17, 18 and 20, and include Irma Thomas Sings for the Holidays, Benny Grunch & the Bunch, Josh Kagler and Harmonistic Praise Crusade, a special Christmas Concert at 5:30pm on December 17, and more. Concerts at Ashé Powerhouse Theater take place at 6pm on Thursday, December 7, 14 and 21, and include Erica Falls, Alexey Marti & Cuban Afrogumbo, and Big Chief Donald Harrison with special guest, Deezle.. All concerts are free and open to the public. Start planning your concert schedule here.
Réveillon Dinners
Réveillon, an adaptation of a traditional Creole holiday dining custom, will be celebrated nightly in over 40 restaurants throughout the city beginning December 1st. Réveillon menus are offered only once a year, making HNOS the only time guests can enjoy this authentic taste of New Orleans. Menus showcase the feasts of Christmas past with Traditional Réveillon menus at Arnaud’s and Sylvain; present, and future with Contemporary Réveillon menus that encourage innovative ingredients and techniques at Costera and Jewel of the South and The Grill Room.. Prepare your tastebuds with a full list of menus.
Réveillon on the Rocks
The Réveillon dinner has been celebrated in homes and restaurants all over New Orleans since the 1850s. Local bartenders also capture the spirit of Réveillon, one-sip-at-a-time, with festive cocktails. Beginning December 1st and continuing until the last toast on New Year’s Eve, and at some spots lasting through Twelfth Night (January 6th), bars and restaurants will say “Cheers to the Holiday Season!” Enjoy special crafted cocktails like ‘Twas the Night at Dickie Brenna’s Steakhouse or the Holly Berry Martini at Commander’s Palace and many more. View the full cocktail menu.
Cooking Demonstrations
Holidays New Orleans Style serves up a series of cooking demonstrations from many of New Orleans’ finest chefs. FQFI and WWL-TV team up to bring the “12 Days of Réveillon.” For three weeks, leading up to Christmas Eve, WWL-TV will showcase New Orleans’ great chefs, preparing items from their 2023 Réveillon menus each morning. Restaurants include: Kingfish, Boulevard American Bistro, Miss River, King Brasserie and more.
Papa Noël Hotel Rates
Holidays New Orleans Style gives the gift of a memorable holiday encounter that can only be experienced in New Orleans. Travelers can take advantage of special offers at more than 40 of the city’s finest hotels that feature attractive nightly Papa Noël discounted rates and luxurious value packages to visitors as their gift of the season. 2023 participants include hotels such as The Four Seasons, Maison de la Luz, Selina Catahoula Hotel, and Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, Bourbon Orleans hote. Whether it’s a staycation or a full vacation, find your next home away from home here.
Shopping Guide
Holidays New Orleans Style is the gift that keeps on giving. The guide provides locals and tourists with special holiday deals at local shops to help curate their shopping experiences with one-of-a-kind New Orleans antiques, souvenirs, art, clothing and more. Find the perfect gift for friends and family right here in NOLA at shops like Mignon Faget, StudioBe, Glassblower Ben, Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience Museum Store and many more.
The HNOS online guide, available at holiday.neworleans.com is the central resource for locals to discover what to explore and visitors to plan their stay. Visit fqfi.org for more information.
Holidays New Orleans Style is produced by French Quarter Festivals, Inc. in collaboration with New Orleans & Company. FQFI’s purpose is to uplift and sustain our local cultural economy and those who create it, with a mission to promote the Vieux Carre and the city of New Orleans through high quality special events and activities that showcase the culture and heritage of this unique city, contribute to the economic well-being of the community, and instill increased pride in the people of New Orleans. FQFI also produces French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron (April) and Satchmo SummerFest presented by New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (August).