Top 5 Must-See Spots in New Orleans for the Holidays - Bienville House

Bienville House’s prime location in the French Quarter gives guests an unforgettable New Orleans experience any time of year – but at Christmas, the scenery is even more magical.

We’ve put together a list of the must-see spots for the holidays in the area, all within walking distance of our hotel. Enjoy the holidays (and a scenic walk) with these five festive activities:

Christmas trees in Hotel Monteleone's lobby.

Hotel Monteleone has a lobby brimming with stunning holiday decor. (Photo by Paul Broussard)

View the holiday decor at Hotel Monteleone.

Our sister property, Hotel Monteleone, decks their lobby with trees, lights, and garlands to ring in the holidays. You’ll also find live music in their Carousel Bar & Lounge, caroling from local school choirs, and plenty of yuletide cocktails.

Check out the Riverwalk, too.

You’ll find a large, decorated Christmas tree and lots and lots of lights. This upscale shopping mall hosts three nights of free outdoor movie screenings during their Movies on the Mississippi celebration. Join them on the first three Fridays of December for screenings of Home Alone, Frozen and Elf. There’s also a Chanukah celebration on site, and you’ll also have sweeping views of the Mississippi River – and bedecked vessels like Steamboat Natchez dressed in their holiday best.

Canal streetcars adorned with holiday decorations.

At night Canal Street features twinkling holiday lights. By day the streetcars are adorned with holiday decorations. (Photo by Robert Kaufmann)

Follow the lights down Canal Street.

One of the best light displays in the city is Canal Street itself. You’ll find more than one million lights lining the street, whether they’re wrapped tightly around iconic palm trees or spiraling up lamp posts. The display spans the street from the Mississippi River to Elk Place.

Explore the Great Hall of Trees.

NOLA ChristmasFest at the Ernest N. Memorial Convention Center has more than 50 decorated trees on site. Whether themed or dressed in traditional Christmas cheer, each tree is between 10 and 15 feet tall. This family-friendly event also features plenty of activities for kids and adults including an indoor ice skating rink.

Carol in Jackson Square.

The New Orleans tradition of caroling in Jackson Square on the Sunday before Christmas continues this year on Sunday, December 18, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. Thousands of residents and visitors amass on the square to sing classic carols by candlelight using provided music and candles – plan to arrive early, as the amount of participants often exceeds the square’s capacity.

Our hotel still has rooms available for you to enjoy unbeatable access to all the merriment of New Orleans at Christmastime. Happy holidays!