We’ll talk about greeting 2020 a little later. Right now I’m going to offer more ideas about spending Christmas in New Orleans and, as before, include things one can do for FREE. Everyone loves freebies – I’ll bet that even Jeff Bezos, the billionaire owner of Amazon loves it when he’s given a freebie gift bag at an event. That said it’s time to buckle down and give you lots of info. And don’t forget: take a gander at last week’s blog, too.

THE “KREWE OF JINGLE CHRISTMAS” PARADE

Everyone loves a parade and they’re always FREE! New Orleans is famous for them – especially this official holiday parade that takes place in Downtown New Orleans and rolls along Canal Street. You’ll see and cheer holiday floats, marching bands, stilt walkers and many Christmas characters such as the city’s Mr. Bingle. Enjoy this on Saturday, 12/7/19 at 1:00 pm.

THE ST. LOUIS HOLIDAY CONCERTS

On Jackson Square in the heart of the French Quarter, the historic St. Louis Cathedral plays host to an annual tradition of staging FREE concerts by New Orleans musicians, church choirs and singers in the jazz, classical, gospel and pop genres. These concerts are open to everyone and usually run for an hour: from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. CLICK HERE for a look at the schedule that starts on December 2nd. In recent years there have been as many as 15 concerts from early December to just before Christmas. CLICK HERE to hear Y’a Du Train Dans La Maison.

HANUKKAH IN NEW ORLEANS

Living in New York I believe it’s only fair to mention Hanukkah and how it is celebrated in New Orleans -- which has one of the oldest Jewish communities in the New World and where Jewish life is thriving. Hanukkah 2019 begins in the evening of Sunday, December 22nd and ends in the evening of Monday, December 30th. You’ll find concerts and other events that are hosted by Chabad, Touro Synagogue and the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans.

THE “HOLIDAY HOME TOUR” IN THE GARDEN DISTRICT

When I read about the 44th annual Garden District Home Tour that takes place on Saturday, December 14th and Sunday, December 15th my interest really shot up. This event is a fundraiser for the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans. It offers outsiders a rare glimpse into some of the Garden District’s most beautiful private homes (I have been attending the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club events here in New York for years – and they’re all great). Day-of-tour tickets: $50. Hours for the home tour are:

10 am to 4 pm.

A HOLIDAY FOOT TOUR OF THE FRENCH QUARTER

This is a FREE walking tour where you can learn about the history of Christmas in New Orleans. It focuses on the holiday traditions of NOLA and the origins of the Carnival Season while taking you on a stroll through the French Quarter. CLICK HERE to learn more.

THE “NEW YEAR FOR KIDS” IN NEW ORLEANS

*Zoo Year’s Eve for children at the Audubon Zoo located at 6500 Magazine Street in New Orleans*

Surprised? I told you we like children! On December 31st you can take your kids to the Audubon Zoo (located at 6500 Magazine Street) so they can count down to 2020 during the day (this event is known as Zoo Year’s Eve). Then call the babysitter and head downtown to see how NOLA grown-ups ring in the New Year.” Hours for the youngsters on Tuesday 12/31/19 are 10 am to 12:30 pm.

NEW YEAR’S EVE IN THE FRENCH QUARTER

It’s not the ball dropping in Times Square but it’s still a lot of fun. Now, don’t be alarmed when you read that – in New Orleans a baby is dropped instead of a ball – because it’s not the real thing. The FQ baby looks like the tiny babies that are hidden in King Cakes. After the countdown to 2020 there will be fireworks over the Mississippi River and lots of partying.

JANUARY 6TH MARKS THE KICKOFF TO CARNIVAL IN NEW ORLEANS. CLICK HERE to hear The Mardi Gras Mambo.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick

Insiders Guide of things to do, eats and drinks in New Orleans

New Year’s Eve in NOLA