If you are feeling festive or need something to get in the holiday spirit before leaving town for Christmas vacation, here are a few events to help you experience the holidays like a New Orleanian.
Celebration in the Oaks
When: Nov. 27 – Dec. 30
Where: City Park — enter at amusement park
This traditional holiday celebration, which fills City Park trees with more than 2 million lights, is a favorite among many New Orleans natives.
For $7 per person (children under 3 are free), you get access to walk through the beautifully decorated Botanical Gardens, Storyland and the Carousel Garden.
Rides in the amusement park are $3 each or $15 for an unlimited one-night pass.
A Creole Christmas
When: Dec. 1-30 (closed Mondays and official state holidays), 9 a.m.-5p.m.
Where: 1850 House, 523 St. Ann St.
Every December the 1850 House, now operated by the Louisiana State Museum, demonstrates what Christmas was like in antebellum New Orleans. The historic home is decorated in period adornment that represents a less extravagant, more religiously oriented holiday.
Tickets are $3 for adults and $2 for seniors and students.
Christmas New Orleans Style
When: Dec. 1-Dec. 21
Where: St. Louis Cathedral, 615 Pere Antoine Alley
The St. Louis Cathedral will host concerts co-sponsored with French Quarter Festivals’ “Christmas New Orleans Style” month-long event series. These celebrations will include gospel choirs, jazz vocalists and ensembles.
The concerts are free and open to the public and begin at 6 p.m.
For more information, log on to http://neworleansonline/christmas.
Chanukah at the Riverwalk
When: Sunday, Dec. 13, 4-6 p.m.
Where: Riverwalk — Spanish Plaza
Chanukah at the Riverwalk will be celebrating 20 years of Jewish pride on the Mississippi River with live music and performances. The Grand Menorah lighting will take place at 5 p.m.
Canal Street Shopping
When: December 18-20
Where: Canal Street
For those last minute shoppers, the Canal Street streetcar will be free to ride with $10.00 purchases from participating Canal Street stores.
New Orleans Bowl
When: Sunday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m.
Where: Louisiana Superdome
Televised live on ESPN, the 2009 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl will take place at the Lousiana Superdome with kickoff starting at 7:15 p.m.
Officials announced Sunday, Dec. 6 that the University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles will take on the Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raiders.
Tickets will be available online at http://www.neworleansbowl.org.
Caroling in Jackson Square
When: Sunday, Dec 20., 6:30 p.m.
Where: Jackson Square
For its 63rd year, Caroling in Jackson Square will take place outside of the St. Louis Cathedral. Candles and song sheets will be provided.
Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and caroling will begin at 7p.m.
Amanda Jeffries can be reached at [email protected]
