Mild Winter Weather Makes the Holidays in New Orleans Even Better
Some years, the city has experienced mild snow flurries, but most of the time Christmas Day (and December in general) is mild in New Orleans. With the average low for December at 45 degrees Fahrenheit and the average high at 65 degrees, our weather can’t be beat. The sun is usually shining all month long, too. We can’t boast the allure of a White Christmas like somewhere up north, but there’s a real advantage of getting out and about in the city without gloves and a heavy coat. However, when it is chilly, we’ve got something for that.
Around the holidays, New Orleans bars are big on offering festive cocktails, and because we can take our drinks to-go here, you can have one as a warming walking companion. A favorite from the list is the hot Irish coffee from Erin Rose, a fantastic bar at 811 Conti St. popular with both locals and tourists alike. What better way to take in the Christmas lights around town, go caroling in Jackson Square, or take in the holiday spirit than with a hot adult beverage in hand? Better yet, we’ve mapped it all out for you: check out our holiday cocktail crawl through the French Quarter here. Find Réveillon cocktails here.
Each December, the Preservation Resource Center, Patio Planters, and Friends of the Cabildo conduct holiday home tours featuring decorated homes in the French Quarter and Garden District. You can also visit hotel lobbies which are all decked out come December. Take a walk through the Garden District or French Quarter and you’ll come across bright lights, poinsettias, wreaths, and other seasonal decor.
NOLA ChristmasFest takes over the Convention Center every December for an indoor celebration of family fun. There will be live music, performances, concessions, visits with Santa and his friends, and New Orleans’ only ice-skating rink along with the ice slides. You won't want to miss out on this holiday celebration.
Try a Christmas King Cake in New Orleans
Carnival purists may scoff at the idea of eating king cake before Twelfth Night (January 6), the official beginning of Carnival, but if you’ve got a craving, you can get a seasonal version from Haydel’s Bakery. The famous Manny Randazzo King Cakes are also a great option if you want to indulge your Mardi Gras sweet-tooth at Christmastime. Both bakeries ship nationwide.
The Manning Family Children's Holiday Parade is a beloved holiday tradition that returns every first Saturday of December. The parade starts in the French Quarter and goes downtown, ending in Lafayette Square. Expect traditional Mardi Gras-style floats with riders and throws, plus enormous helium balloons, à la the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade.
Later in December, Jingle on the Boulevard parades through New Orleans East. This event is perfect for the whole family. For more on holiday season parades, see here.
Every Christmas Eve, Louisianans light the way for Papa Nöel to deliver toys to all the children. While this tradition most commonly takes place out in the River Parishes, you can get a glimpse of a bonfire in the city at the Algiers Bonfire + Concert held annually on the first Saturday in December. Enjoy food, shopping, performances, and community before the bonfire, which structure varies by year, is set ablaze. Best of all, it's free to attend!
Fall sports are in full swing come December, and our two professional leagues, the Saints and the Pelicans, are very busy playing at home. College football fans can also enjoy the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl held annually in December in New Orleans.
Thinking about ringing in the New Year in New Orleans? Between the food, music, and midnight celebrations, the options are endless for a festive soiree. One highlight is New Orleans Eve, held at Woldenberg Park in the French Quarter. Starting at 9 p.m., enjoy live music from local musicians, plus fireworks over the Mississippi River at midnight! Best of all, this open-air concert is free to attend!