Rathbone Mansions
Historic New Orleans Hotel, Steps From the French Quarter
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Insiders Guide of things to do, eats and drinks in New Orleans

Rathbone Mansions Insiders Guide

With its unique, vibrant history, award winning chefs, craft cocktail bars, and party atmosphere, there's no wonder NOLA is consistently ranked one of the best cities to visit. We've got you covered with insiders' tips on the best places to visit, eat and drink during your stay. Click through our blog for suggestions, current events and truly experience New Orleans like a local.

New Orleans has a unique, vibrant history, award winning chefs, craft cocktails galore, and a low-key, Southern fun atmosphere. There's no wonder NOLA is consistently ranked one of the best US cities to visit.  We've got you covered with tips on locals' favorite spots to check out during your stay. Scroll through our blog for suggestions, current events and truly experience New Orleans like a local.

 

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The Holidays in New Orleans

Can you believe another year has gone by? Once Thanksgiving is over and the last turkey leg has disappeared it seems that life speeds up even more. Just so you know: Thanksgiving is on Thursday, November 28th so it’s time to get cracking and think about spending Christmas in New Orleans and Rathbone Mansions this year.

 

HOW’S NOLA WEATHER IN DECEMBER?

 

Well, it’s winter of course, but certainly not like winters in New York or Boston. December weather in New Orleans can best be described as “mild” compared to other cities. The average high is 64° F (18° C) while the average low is 48° F (9° C).

 

OK, WHAT SHOULD I WEAR IN NOLA?

 

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A warm jacket or coat should do it – but no parkas with faux fur or snow boots. Focus on layering: long-sleeve sweaters along with wool scarves, hats and gloves. And don’t forget: one must dress up a bit for an outing at a posh bar or restaurant. For example, Commander’s Palace (no ripped jeans) and Antoine’s have dress codes, so be aware.

 

WHAT’S ONE OF THE GREATEST SIGHTS?

 

I would say that “Celebration in the Oaks” is one of New Orleans’ best.

CLICK HERE to read what I wrote about this spectacular creation last year.

This blog also has a link to the Carousel in City Park and its Flying Horses with real horsehair tails. Your kids will thank you for taking them to these fun spots. This year is the 33rd anniversary of Celebration in the Oaks. It runs from Friday, November 29th (the day after Thanksgiving) to Wednesday, January 1, 2020 (the day after New Years).

 

ARE THERE ANY FREE THINGS TO DO OR SEE?

The spectacular Luna Fête (stands for “Light Up NOLA Arts”) and is presented by the Arts Council of New Orleans on 12/12 to 12/15/19 from 6 to 10 pm at Lafayette Square

The spectacular Luna Fête (stands for “Light Up NOLA Arts”) and is presented by the Arts Council of New Orleans on 12/12 to 12/15/19 from 6 to 10 pm at Lafayette Square

Absolutely. One of our most unique festivals is named LUNA Fête (which stands for “Light Up NOLA Arts”). This is FREE and open to one and all. This year it will be held from Thursday, December 12th to Sunday, December 15th with nightly projections that will create a visionary wonderland in downtown New Orleans. Its ultimate aim is to highlight art in New Orleans through new and exciting video mapping technology.

 

Another FREE Xmas display that will set your eyes popping is the winter wonderland that appears in the Roosevelt Hotel lobby every year. CLICK HERE to see our write-up and a fantastic photo of this dazzling display of Christmas cheer.

 

Folks caroling in Jackson Square – 700 Decatur Street on December 22nd at 7 pm – it’s a lot of fun

Folks caroling in Jackson Square – 700 Decatur Street on December 22nd at 7 pm – it’s a lot of fun

Finally, here’s another FREE event the whole family can enjoy. On Sunday, December 22nd everyone will gather at Jackson Square for an old-fashioned, heartwarming sing-along of favorite Christmas carols. Don’t worry about knowing all the words: song sheets and candles are given out to those who want to blast away. This event has been around since 1946 so it’s a much-loved tradition. It starts at 7:00 pm and is VERY popular. I’ll say this again: it draws hundreds! Come early! You’ll have the best time ever!

 

MY KIDS ARE VERY ACTIVE – ANYTHING FOR THEM?

 

Nola Christmas Fest at 900 Convention Center Blvd – a wintery wonderland with an ice skating rink (bring your own skates or rent)

Nola Christmas Fest at 900 Convention Center Blvd – a wintery wonderland with an ice skating rink (bring your own skates or rent)

Of course! We love kids and they love us. We have an indoor festival that will be held from Friday, December 20th to Tuesday, December 31st. It’s held at the Convention Center and will offer an ice rink for skating, a carousel, and an ice slide --- this should wear out the little devils! The tickets for this event (called NOLA ChristmasFest) are $20 on weekdays and $25 on weekends.

 

I’ve got pages of notes on things to do in New Orleans at Christmas and I can’t stand not using all my hard work so I’ll be back next week with more ideas. Truth to tell: I wasn’t going to make this a two-part deal but I plan to roll with it. Waste not. Want not.

 

CLICK HERE to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing Silent Night.

 

Shaun Nelson-Henrick      

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