Extending Your Christmas Celebration in New Orleans

The light display inside The Roosevelt hotel is one of many festive experiences in New Orleans. (Photos courtesy of Geoff Worden)
Are you feeling overwhelmed with the approach of Dec. 25? Running out of time to shop? Missing events with the family? Lucky for you, many Christmas displays continue after the big day. Read on for New Orleans ideas to delight your loved one(s) and still get you, and them, to Fair Grounds this coming weekend.
The ideal Christmastime celebration might mean you are done with shopping and have days on end free to spend with your family, but how often does that happen? Most of us race about fulfilling obligations and trying desperately to acquire ideal presents while also seeking to deliver holiday experiences that warm the heart and help us all enjoy the season.
Get your shopping done. This is important. Not so much the commercial aspect but the feeling you share with someone when you give something that makes them feel loved and appreciated. Rest assured that plenty of excellent Christmas adventures await once you finish.
New Orleans City Park’s “Celebration in the Oaks” made Travel and Leisure’s listing of the best light shows in each state. The experience is not open on the eve of Christmas or New Year’s but is open on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Wander through portions of City Park while enjoying some gorgeous light displays.
There are all sorts of items not to be missed but the must-see, in my opinion, is the Cajun Night Before Christmas (you can also get this delightful story in book form). The accent might need some interpretation but the story needs no explanation. Plus, the lights illuminate and tell the story visually as it progresses. If you’re confused after one showing, stay for the next, no worries. The cycle continues with only a few minutes in between each show. You have to love the idea of alligators pulling Santa’s sleigh!
A GATOR REINDEER

There are plenty of places to explore, so it might even be easier to take your time if you go on Christmas Day or later. The event closes on Jan. 2 and buying tickets in advance is always a good idea to avoid long lines. Go early, get tickets and then head to City Putt (across the street but still within the park) and try some miniature golf before seeing the lights. Two courses are available, Louisiana and New Orleans.
The latter features a still-beloved Christmas mainstay, Mr. Bingle, from a local department store, Maison Blanche, that is no longer in business. You could easily take in a few races before any of this as Fair Grounds is right around the corner from the park. Carousel Gardens offers rides for the kids at Celebration in the Oaks if you want to add a bit of adrenaline to the outing.
MR. BINGLE

CAROUSEL GARDENS

Don’t miss The Roosevelt’s lobby display! Although finding parking takes longer than walking from one end to the other, there is no need to rush. Take your time, take some selfies or ask someone else to take your picture. A few seats exist in the lobby, set back from the traffic. If you’re lucky you might be able to sit and enjoy the seemingly endless parade of people for a while in addition to the magnificent display. I always feel like I have entered some magical kingdom when I stroll into the Roosevelt (from either entrance, Baronne Street or O’Keefe Avenue). If you find a perch, go get a cocktail and bring it back, the people watching will be even better. Or immerse yourself in the lobby experience and then head to the Sazerac Bar and order the signature drink or one of many other specialties. With all the cocktails priced in the mid­teens you may not want to make a night of it right here, but there are lots of other choices in the area.
ROOSEVELT LIGHT DISPLAY

Under the same roof you can go get a bite at Domenica, Alon Shaya’s Italian restaurant. Wood-fired pizza is the signature but don’t pigeonhole this as a simple pizza joint. You will find lots of familiar dishes but expect top notch ingredients and attention to detail in preparation and service. Feel free to pop in but reservations are recommended.
Also downtown is Miracle on Fulton, a stretch of shops and restaurants decorated with lights and even featuring occasional “snow.” While the grandeur of this stop might pale in comparison to the others here, the dining and drinking possibilities expand dramatically. The French Quarter is only a few blocks away but even closer are Drago’s (home of the charbroiled oyster), Grand Isle (Louisiana seafood) and Manning’s (sports bar with plenty of food). There are plenty of bars nearby as well; it is New Orleans after all. Gordon Biersch has a location right there if beer is your thing or walk about three blocks and explore the amazing array of wines at W.I.N.O. (Wine Institute New Orleans). You can select small tastes or cut right to the chase and get a glass … or a bottle. The website is winoschool.com, but don’t worry, they won’t force you to learn, though they’ll be happy to educate you if you ask.
FESTIVE FULTON STREET

Opting for a drive (or streetcar ride) on St. Charles Avenue to see some light displays at private homes, some of which are quite impressive even without lights, would be a good choice as well. Let the night guide you to food and drink and maybe further adventure. Fair Grounds has live racing Dec. 26-28 and Dec. 31-Jan. 3. Go take in a few races (regular grandstand entry is free) and then head out for some, or all, of these options. Fair Grounds is open for simulcast racing other days if you want, and they even have a selection of clothes, merchandise and mementos if you choose to complete some of your shopping there.
Don’t try to convince your loved ones that Christmas is on the 27th so you can take advantage of after­-Christmas sales but please feel free to make that holiday spirit last longer! After all, there shouldn’t be a post time on Christmas spirit. These ideas will help keep it alive for a while, even if you only get to them after the big day.