The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans is always spectacularly decorated for the holidays, but the hotel is pulling out all the stops this year with the display of two special gingerbread structures. On the first-floor lobby, guests will be able to see a tugboat named the  S.S. Bingle in honor of the beloved holiday mascot of Maison Blanche department store (the former occupant of The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans’ building). Continuing up to the third-floor lobby, guests will be greeted by elaborate holiday decor, with the centerpiece being a to-scale replica of the Canal Street streetcar with notable New Orleanians from the city’s past and present being portrayed as passengers in each of the windows.

Stars of the culinary and visual arts, music, literature and sports depicted are: New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner and philanthropist Gayle Benson; record-breaking New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees; comedienne and television star Ellen DeGeneres; Rex, King of Carnival; award winning chef and master of Creole and Cajun cuisine Emeril Lagasse; popular bounce artist Big Freedia; legendary rhythm and blues musician Allen Toussaint; The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans’ resident entertainer Jeremy Davenport; ‘Grande Dame Restaurateur’ Ella Brennan; Ashley Longshore, Louisiana-based painter, gallery owner and entrepreneur; New Orleans Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson; legendary singer, songwriter and keyboardist Art Neville; John Goodman, award winning actor and New Orleans resident; six-time Grammy Award winner and New Orleans icon Dr. John, the Night Tripper. Papa Noel himself is shown as the conductor of the streetcar, wishing everyone a festive ‘Merry Christmas, y’all!’

The adornment of the tugboat and streetcar, consisting largely of gingerbread, has been months in the baking. Both structures will be covered from end to end in gingerbread, frosting and other confections.  Holiday décor and displays will debut with a festive ribbon cutting reception at 11:00am on Tuesday, November 26.

For more information about The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans holiday happenings please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/neworleans or call (504) 524-1331.

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About The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
At The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, located on the edge of the French Quarter, the experience of the city comes to life as soon as guests cross the threshold of the historic hotel. Set within the 1908 Beaux Arts Maison Blanche building, our luxury hotel highlights traditional Southern ambiance with an interior that reflects the graciousness of antebellum mansions. The sensory experience weaves its way throughout, with live music at the Davenport Lounge, local culinary experiences with our M Bistro, more than 100 treatments at our award winning luxury spa and 527 sleeping rooms dressed in rich fabrics and modern amenities. Set in the heart of New Orleans on Canal Street, just a block from Bourbon Street, our hotel offers a charming venue for weddings, meeting and events, with unique spaces including the lush French Quarter Courtyard filled with tropical plants, gas-lit lanterns and an elegant fountain. 

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates more than 90 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. For more information or reservations, visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com<http://www.ritzcarlton.com/>, for the latest company updates, visit news.ritzcarlton.com<http://news.ritzcarlton.com/> and to join the live conversation using #RCMemories. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR). 

Media Contact:
Annie Jones
Communications Manager
annie.jones@ritzcarlton.com
504-670-2842