New Orleans Hotels & Vacation Rentals for Christmas

Where else in the world can you enjoy a Cajun Holiday Tea with Santa Claus on board a vintage paddleboat? Seasonal holiday tea will be served and you will be entertained by costumed characters while children have their faces painted and the city rolls by on your Mississippi River cruise.

Drink a cup of cafe brulot, the Christmas concoction of dreams. Orange and lemon peel, dark coffee, cognac, brandy, cinnamon and cloves are involved in this traditional drink, which is served at classic establishments like Antoine's Arnaud's and Galatoire's.

So iconic it deserves its own listing, Galtoire's was founded in 1905 at its famous Bourbon Street address by Frenchman Jean Galatoire. Now in its fifth generation, this family restaurant represents New Orleans fine dining royalty and has served sentators and presidents.

In the heart of the historic French Quarter, Vacherie serves an authentic Cajun Christmas feast, with all the traditional trimmings. Choose from roast turkey and blazed backed ham, roast beef and other meats at this classic New Orleans diner.

It wouldn't be a holiday in New Orleans without music. Throughout December, this historic church plays host to the city's top musicians. Hear zydeco, independent and gospel music as part of the thrilling festive program, which draws visitors from around the world to New Orleans hotels for Christmas.

One of the oldest African American churches in the city is also situated in the heart of the picturesque historic Treme district. Enjoy intimate performances throughout December in this atmospheric location.

A New Orleans institution, the Christmas comedies at Le Petit Theater have featured stellar special guests such as John Goodman, Martin Short and Tom Hanks. Curated by The Simpsons and Spinal Tap humorist Harry Shearer and his musician wife Judith Owen, it's the hottest ticket in town.

This spectacular and hilarious event sees a pack of Santas gather at Generations Hall for a liquor and holiday cheer-fuelled fun run through the city. Where else can you watch hundreds of Santas take to the streets?

Nothing says 'it's Christmas' like a parade of monster men from the forests of central Europe. Check out New Orleans' most countercultural attraction on December 2nd at the Bywater.

The pedestrian street is transformed as if by magic into a Christmas wonderland, complete with snow despite New Orleans' typically balmy temperatures. Expect LED light shows, giant gingerbread sculptures and festive drinks for young and old.

City Park is the locus of an incredible lighting show featuring 42,000 twinkling bulbs. Your family will be wowed by the vast, ruby-red Poinsettia Tree, made from roughly five hundred live plants. Children can go wild in this sparkling winter wonderland.