Christmas is a fun-filled time in most parts of the world but never more so than in New Orleans where the city resounds to the sound of magical concerts and carols and where the holiday season ushers in a range of gastronomic delights.
- NOLA’ St Louis Cathedral ————————————- w4nd3rl0st (InspiredinDesMoines) / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND
NOLA’s St Louis Cathedral, in the historic French Quarter, hosts some magnificent concerts throughout December. You can enjoy these free concerts every evening between December 1st and 23rd; this year’s concerts are usually held at about 8pm. Check here for more details. The ecumenical celebration will make Christmas New Orleans Style one of your treasured holiday memories. And on Christmas Eve itself you can enjoy traditional Midnight Mass in St Louis Cathedral.
Talking of Midnight Mass – NOLA also offers a wide range of wonderful foods that stem from longstanding traditions. In the 19th century, New Orleans was predominantly populated by Catholics – with roots extending back to France, Spain and the Caribbean. Creole families (those descended from colonial settlers) would celebrate Christmas Eve before attending Midnight Mass together. They were also supposed to fast beforehand. The famished Creoles would then end the Mass with a sumptuous meal that might consist of classic Creole Turtle Soup, followed by (perhaps) a duck casserole and then lavish puddings.
Today, this post-Mass feast – Reveillon – is celebrated every day during the holiday season. And you don’t have to be a Creole to partake! Many restaurants have special menus in honor of Reveillon. Some of the city’s participating restaurants are: Tujague’s, Zoe Bistro, the Prince Conti Hotel and the Bombay Club – to name but a few. You can see a complete list here.
New Orleans also continues its tradition of high tea during the Christmas season. These teas are a sophisticated way to spend an afternoon. Enjoy freshly baked scones, chocolate-covered strawberries and other delicacies, with all the lavish trimmings, decorations and comforts you would expect. Why not enjoy tea at the luxurious Ritz Carlton hotel?
If you would like to visit New Orleans in the run-up to the festive season and require a ride around town, or need to get to a restaurant or hotel – we can help you. Simply give us a call at (877) 592-2226 and we will take care of the rest.