Seasons Greetings in NOLA
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Living in NYC, I have been spoiled by out-of-this-world Christmas decorations, but New Orleans is no slouch either! This entire week, I’ve been able to see the city transform into a holiday lover’s paradise. Just like everything else, they have their own spin on doing things. There may be a zero percent chance of snow, but today I’m sharing my seasons greetings in NOLA. If you get to visit the city before the new year, here’s what should be on the top of your to-do list!
Find a Pop-Up Christmas Bar:
When chatting with a local the other night, we learned that Christmas themed pop-up bars are starting to come to New Orleans. There are a few options to choose from, but my personal recommendation would be Barrel Proof. Located on Magazine Street in the Lower Garden District, it was a great find when David and I visited a few years ago. An incredible cozy sport, I can only imagine how festive it looks now. For a French Quarter destination, that would have to be the transformed tiki-bar, Latitude 29.
Have a Réveillon Dinner:
This Creole tradition and a must if you’re in the city during the holidays. It comes from the French word for “awakening” and is meant to be eaten after Midnight Mass on Christmas. After all, New Orleans is an incredibly Catholic city. Now, the term can be applied to most meals during the holidays. My family and I had Révellion on New Years years ago. To get a true Creole meal, I recommend eating at the historic restaurants in the French Quarter. Bayona, Arnaud, Galatorie‘s, and Tujague would be my restaurants of choice.
Hotel Hop:
Similar to the luxury spots in New York, which I talk about here, New Orleans hotels take on a whole new persona during the holidays. Although the outside decor are subtle, it’s what on the inside that counts. Words can’t even begin to describe how beautifully the lobbies are decorated. Before I walked through the Roosevelt Hotel lobby yesterday, I wasn’t particularly in the Christmas season yet. Now, I’m ready to start decorating and blast all of the classics! You also need to visit the Royal Sonesta, and Hotel Monteleone. Don’t forget to visit the more residential neighborhoods for truly inspirational Christmas decor.
There is just so much going on in New Orleans during the holidays. From Saints games to Christmas Caroling in Jackson Square and celebrations at Audubon Park, the list in virtually endless! Next year, David and I will have to do some serious soul-searching to decide if we want to celebrate in our hometowns or in our home-away-from-home.
Love from New Orleans,
Katie
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