New Orleans for Christmas / New Years

[Anonymous]

Searched old threads but looking for updated experiences. How is New Orleans during the holidays?

[Anonymous]

We went this year to NOLA 12/26-12/31 and had a great time. Weather was quite chilly. Decor/lights were up and we loved it. We left before NYE because we were traveling with ES/MS kids and didn't need to be in NOLA for the NYE celebrations. I've done that in my youth and don't need to relive.

I will say that the Xmas time réveillon dinners fill up well in advance so you must make reservations at most reservations. We found it nearly impossible to get reservations at some of the more well known places due to the special réveillon dinner traditions. Look it up. Pick where you want to go and enjoy the holiday fun.

Also, if you're going for swamp tours, plan in advance.

Finally, Sugar Bowl is every year in NOLA on new year's so it's always full of football fans.

[Anonymous]

*make reservations at most restaurants.

[Anonymous]

For a single person, couple, or family? New Year’s in New Orleans is absolutely bonkers – experienced it, survived it loved it would never expose children to that!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We went this year to NOLA 12/26-12/31 and had a great time. Weather was quite chilly. Decor/lights were up and we loved it. We left before NYE because we were traveling with ES/MS kids and didn't need to be in NOLA for the NYE celebrations. I've done that in my youth and don't need to relive.

I will say that the Xmas time réveillon dinners fill up well in advance so you must make reservations at most reservations. We found it nearly impossible to get reservations at some of the more well known places due to the special réveillon dinner traditions. Look it up. Pick where you want to go and enjoy the holiday fun.

Also, if you're going for swamp tours, plan in advance.

Finally, Sugar Bowl is every year in NOLA on new year's so it's always full of football fans.

Will say that we DID NOT stay in the Quarter. In fact, we avoided it almost entirely (only visited for an afternoon for about 1-2 hrs). We rented an Airbnb in the Garden District and stayed on that side of town. Much nicer for families. We went to Audubon Park, City Park, did Garden District tours, and basically spent most of our time outside. We did visit the WW2 museum, which was a great learning exp for the kids.

You don't have to do the "crazy NOLA" bit. In fact, most times when I go to NOLA, I never step foot in the Quarter.

[Anonymous]

Bourbon St is pretty wild on NYE.

[Anonymous]

Keep in mind the Sugar Bowl is happening then too. I was there this year cheering on my team and it was amazing. But yes, the most important thing to do is to get your restaurant reservations, even before hotel.

[Anonymous]

We've been over the holidays multiple times. (I grew up there). If you can leave the kids, definitely head over to Barrel Proof for the Christmas Miracle bar. It's awesome. The Roosevelt Hotel has lovely holiday decorations. The Pelicans are usually playing during that time too (if you're into basketball).
Agree with others on booking a swamp tour and restaurant reservations in advance.

[Anonymous]

We went two years ago with teens. Did a gray line bus tour on Christmas Day that went around the city and included the Roosevelt hotel decorations. The next day we did a swamp tour, but with the weather so cold, there were few animals out and it was a waste. We ate at some good restaurants. Stayed at Windsor Court hotel. It was a good time.