Disclaimer: In the year of 2020 things change, are cancelled or postponed at a moments notice. I have tried to verify that all of the following things are happening this year but I would be prepared that things may change. I am doing my best to keep up and make changes when I hear of anything being cancelled.
Before we had kids Justin and I had a yearly tradition of going to New Orleans for an evening of good food and looking at Christmas lights. We started bringing the boys along a few years ago and our whole family looks forward to it each year.
Although many events ae being cancelled and things like visiting Santa are completely different we are still finding ways to bring that holiday joy.
Over the years friends have asked me which hotels we went to and what were the best stops. I started writing them down so we had a list to go back to each year. Last year I created this map so everyone can join in on the fun.
**Please remember to wear your mask, wash your hands often and keep your social distance. Please help to keep the city of New Orleans safe and open.**
Christmas Tree Scavenger Hunt Route
The Roosevelt Hotel – 130 Roosevelt Way – trees and a gingerbread house. This is the premier place in New Orleans for Christmas pictures. It is always beautifully decorated and just a sight to see as the entire lobby is covered in lights.
***The Roosevelt is asking that all passersby wear their masks, try to social distance and avoid staying for long periods of time.***
Ritz Carleton – 921 Canal Street – beautiful ceiling designs in the lobby (3rd floor) and outdoor décor. You can also walk through their gingerbread house and they have samples sometimes.
The Astor Crown Plaza – 739 Canal Street – we didn’t go in this one but it is on the route.
Canal Place – 333 Canal Street – Enormous multi story Christmas tree right outside of Saks.
Miracle on Fulton – 228 Poydras Street – Life Sized ornament to walk through and snow every 20 minutes.
The Loews Hotel – 300 Poydras Street – Gorgeous Gingerbread house and metallic trees.
Le Meridian New Orleans – 333 Poydras Street – take a picture on their fountain and tag them on social media
The Windsor Court – 300 Gravier Street – Always beautiful florals and you can stop for tea
The Sheraton – 500 Canal Street – Don’t miss out on the secret Rodrigue gallery. Let me know if you can find it!
What to do after…
With the pandemic so many of these events have been cancelled. I am keeping this section here in hopes that 2021 will see a healthier population and the return of so much holiday fun!
We have planned this trip out a few different ways. The hunt takes us about an hour to an hour and a half depending on how many stops we have to make. We try to make it work where we can have lunch or dinner after but these are a few ideas of other fun event we have incorporated into the day…
Celebration in the Oaks. This year there is only going to be a drive through display that is 2.5 miles long. You can purchase tickets in advance as well as the add on activities like the Carousel Garden.
Beignets and Shopping. Three years ago we finished the trip and then went to Cafe Du Monde by Jackson Square and then continued to Santa’s Quarters to go ornament shopping.
Audubon Zoo Christmas Lights. {Cancelled in 2020} This was also a new to us event last year. The Zoo Lights were breathtaking. Anything the Audubon Zoo does is usually beautiful and this is no exception.
Luna Fete. {Cancelled in 2020} Last year was our first experience with Luna Fete which is a festival of light, art and technology put on my the Arts Council of New Orleans. This event will take place December 12th – 15th and stretches from Lafayette Square to Fulton Street.
Looking to join in on all the holiday fun check out our Holiday Guide!
{Editors Note: This post was updated on 11/28/20 – 11/16/19}
This is beautiful! Would love to be able to do this with you guys maybe next year!