New Orleans has long been known as one of the great Christmas cities in America, despite tending to be on the warmer side. You can ride one of the decorated streetcars to one of New Orleans’ classic restaurants such as Antoine’s, Brennan’s, Café Degas, Arnaud’s, or a bevy of others. There is also plenty of lesser-known fare for those looking to spend Christmas Day a bit off the beaten path. Kelly Schulz, Senior Vice President New Orleans and Company says that while pickings for restaurants may be a bit slimmer this year, you still have a host of options. “Taking advantage of one of the great New Orleans restaurants is a great way to spend the holiday in New Orleans,” Schulz notes. “There are so many wonderful, iconic restaurants where families have (in many cases) for generations chosen to have their Christmas Eve or Christmas Day meals there,” she goes on to add.
If you’re hosting friends or family for the holidays and looking to bring them out on the town for a taste of New Orleans, there are a bevy of sights to see beyond the restaurant scene. Schulz points out that NOLA Christmas Fest will be happening at the Morial Convention Center, allowing New Orleanians who may not see snow very often the rare chance to ice skate. She also adds that Celebration in the Oaks is an institution in the city at this point and has expanded to offering driving tours as well. “When it’s colder weather like we’ve been experiencing, it’s nice to get in the car and see all the beautiful lights and oak trees. They’ve done a wonderful job at City Park of making the park, which is beautiful on any day, really special for the holidays,” Schulz adds. She is also quick to note that Celebration in the Oaks is actually City Park’s largest fundraiser and is a huge driver for the success of the park…