While most people know this Louisiana city for its food, jazz, and Mardi Gras, many travelers are unaware of just how spectacular a job New Orleans does putting its own spin on the winter holidays. With amazing food, abundant atmosphere, and plenty of free and inexpensive options to balance the cost of a splurge or two, it’s the perfect place to experience Christmas—complete with a Creole twist, of course. Here are my top tips for a high-value holiday in the Crescent City.
Lobbies
Want to get into the holiday spirit? Take a tip from the locals and go lobby hopping at some of The Big Easy’s most iconic hotels. With seasonal decorations, special cocktails, and other yuletide activities, this is one of the highest-value ways to get your Christmas groove on in style. It’s perfectly acceptable just to go in and see the lights, but if you want to make the most of the trip, elevate your lobby hopping by taking advantage of the offerings that are available to both visitors and hotel guests alike. This makes each lobby stop part of a mini travel itinerary. While there are a number of hotels to hit, a few, in particular, have perfected the experience to an art form.The Windsor Court Hotel is one. With over-the-top tree and lobby decorations, an exquisite art collection you can explore for free with a self-guided tour app, weekend jazz brunches, and live harpists and pianists playing traditional holiday tunes, it’s a must-see stop on any lobby tour of the city. They also serve a mean brandy milk punch if you have some extra time and want to experience a breakfast cocktail unique to New Orleans.
