I love a good weekend away with my girlfriends and New Orleans at Christmastime checks all of the boxes for a festive favorite.
Even though the Crescent City is widely known for her raucous party-until-dawn shenanigans, she has a much softer, sweeter side and she loves to get dolled in seasonal swag.
Step Back in Time
During the holidays, I love staying right in the French Quarter. You can catch a quick uber or taxi in the airport and explore the city on foot. Walking is truly the best way to experience this city, especially after dark. Bask in the beauty of the old world architecture, sway to the city's soulful sounds and chase the ghosts of centuries past.
For a place to rest your head, look past the larger chains and you'll discover a sprinkling of charming hotels and inns nestled in the sleepy north end of the Quarter. My personal favorite is Soniat House, a darling gem with tons of character. Each morning, the friendly staff delivers a pot of freshly brewed chicory coffee and a basket of flaky handmade biscuits. Others you may want to check out include: The Olivier House, The Saint Philip Hotel or The Cornstock Hotel .
Always time for shopping!
The French Quarter offers no shortage of shopping options, especially during the holiday season. Our go-to is Royal Street, sprinkled with fun shops and galleries, offering up art, antiques and local one-of-a-kind finds. Because I have a deep affinity for paper and pens, my very favorite shop in the city is Papier Plume, where I can easily spend hours fawning over deliciously decorative stationary and their carefully curated collection of fountain pens. For a delightfully playful stocking stuffer, spring for an Italian insignia seal and some gemstone hued sealing wax.
Join a Holiday Home Tour
During the holidays, locals open their hearts and homes to strangers to spread the magic of the season. Throughout the month of December, historical societies and neighborhood associations offer self-guided walking tours of the French Quarter and the Garden District. One of the very best French Quarter tours is offered by Patio Planters. Featured homes showcase NOLA's unique architectural style, served with a side of local charm and true Southern Hospitality.
Eat and Drink and Be Merry
Of course, New Orleans is one of the country's - if not the world's- top food destinations and we would be remiss if we didn't give a little love to some of our favorite local haunts. NOLA is home to countless fine dining establishments, but we tend to seek out diamonds in the rough. Our top pick is Felix's Oyster House where the bartenders shuck oysters to-order and place them on the stone bar in front of you. It's across the street from the better known Acme Oyster House, but in our opinion, a much better choice. For a drink and a cup o' gumbo, stop off at Coop's Place. It's a dark, no-frills kind of joint, but if it's local flavor and good food you're after, you'll find it here. Looking for a traditional NOLA jazz supper club? Then head to the Palm Court Jazz Cafe for the blackened redfish served with a heaping side of toe-tapping, knee-slapping soul.
Take part in a beloved Christmas Tradition
Since 1946, on the Sunday before Christmas, Jackson Square transforms into a magical open air concert hall. Set against the backdrop of the city's adorned St. Louis Cathedral, thousands gather together, song books and candles in hand, to sing carols and celebrate the season. It's a magnificent and moving spectacle and a true testament to the power of the human spirit.
Joyeux Noël, Y'all! Until next time...