Updated Feb 18, 2023

These 9 Rare Photos Show New Orleans’ Mardi Gras History Like Never Before

Showcases nine vintage photos of New Orleans' Mardi Gras, highlighting the unique and historical aspects of the celebration.

Updated Feb 18, 2023

Written by

Kezia Kamenetz

Experiences|Events

Updated Oct 14, 2022

4 Christmas Light Displays Around New Orleans That Are Pure Magic

Discover some of the best Christmas light displays in Louisiana, from drive-thru experiences to immersive strolls.

Updated Oct 14, 2022

Written by

Kezia Kamenetz

As the holiday season approaches, you'll want to start filling up your calendar with all of the incredible holiday events going around in the city. One of the most popular holiday traditions is, of course, checking out all of the Christmas lights, and we've got some of our favorite places to go when you're on the search for the best Christmas lights near New Orleans. Whether it's date night or a whole family excursion, all of these events are excellent ways to celebrate the holidays.

1. The Roosevelt Hotel

A festive hallway adorned with sparkling lights, Christmas trees, and a central statue, creating a magical holiday atmosphere. — facebook.com/TheRooseveltNewOrleans

It's not Christmas in New Orleans until you take a stroll through The Roosevelt Hotel's lobby. For years now this beautiful display has delighted visitors offering one of the most gorgeous celebrations of light and celebration in New Orleans.

2. Canal Street Lighting Ceremony

A large Santa figure atop a chimney structure, surrounded by palm trees in a festive urban setting. — facebook.com/DowntownNOLA

This beautiful Christmas event in New Orleans will create a moment for the city to come together and celebrate the beauty of the Christmas tree. The ceremonial lighting takes place right around Thanksgiving and the lights shine through the New Year.

3. Celebration in the Oaks at City Park

A festive scene with colorful holiday lights on a cabin, featuring Santa and alligators, as two children admire the display. — facebook.com/CelebrationInTheOaks

A large tree adorned with sparkling white lights, surrounded by a festive atmosphere and people enjoying the display. — facebook.com/CelebrationInTheOaks

A glowing white unicorn made of lights leaps in a dark park, surrounded by festive decorations and twinkling lights. — facebook.com/CelebrationInTheOaks

Each year thousands of visitors flock to City Park for one of the most breathtaking light displays you'll find anywhere. There is truly something for everyone here--whether you decide to take the walking or the driving tour, this is easily one of the most popular Christmas light displays near New Orleans.

4. Luna Fete

A nighttime cityscape featuring illuminated buildings and a monument in the foreground, with traffic lights in the background. — https://www.lunafete.com

People watch a colorful light projection on a historic building during a nighttime event. — https://www.lunafete.com

For one of the most unique Christmas light displays in New Orleans, check out Luna Fete. Using the city as the canvas, Luna Fete combines holiday lights with laser lights and incredible displays peppered around downtown New Orleans for an incredible mash-up of technology and tradition that you just need to see for yourself. This year, the festivities take place December 15-18, 2022 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Pedestrian Park.

How many of these beautiful places have you enjoyed? Do you have a favorite display that you would like to investigate? Let us know what you think in the comments below. We love to hear your feedback! If you need some more convincing on spending your Christmas in New Orleans, here are seven reasons why Christmas in New Orleans is simply the best.

Experiences|Events

Published Jan 26, 2021

Float Houses Are Popping Up All Over New Orleans For Mardi Gras

Published Jan 26, 2021

Written by

Jackie Sutherlin

Mardi Gras may look a little different this year, that’s for sure. But in the face of losing one of the most iconic traditions in the Crescent City, New Orleans still found a way. When Megan Boudreaux posted a throw away comment on twitter, she had no idea the community would take it and run with it. The idea, Krewe of House Floats, keeps the spirit of Mardi Gras alive while still keeping everyone safe.

If you've been driving around the city, you've probably seen some spectacularly decorated houses recently.

House Floats are popping up all over the Greater New Orleans Area, and it's worth your while to jump in the car and see them in person.

The decorating of the house floats began on King’s Day, January 6th.

Which is the official start of Carnival season.

Since the original idea, 40 neighborhoods have joined in the fun, forming neighborhood subkrewes.

Now THIS is the spirit of New Orleans.

Each krewe has come up with their own parade theme.

For Example, St. Charles Parish’s theme is "St. Charles Parish Takes A Trip Around The World."

Metairie, Kenner, even Houma and the Northshore are jumping in on the action!

You’ll find yourself mesmerized by all of the details in some of these house floats.

Of course, some have a little fun with it.

This one might be our favorite.

But one thing is certain: New Orleans knows how to take a lemon and make some lemonade.

Stay awesome, New Orleans.

If you're interested in decorating your own home, be sure to check their website to join your neighborhood's subkrewe so you can join in on the fun! Their website has a detailed list of local float artists that would love to help decorate your home, but you can also do it yourself! They will also post a live map on February 1, 2021 so you'll have a full list of all of the Krewe of House Floats.

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on Nov 13

These 9 Rare Photos Show New Orleans’ Mardi Gras History Like Never Before

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4 Christmas Light Displays Around New Orleans That Are Pure Magic

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Float Houses Are Popping Up All Over New Orleans For Mardi Gras

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All Stories

Skip the Crowds: Explore Illinois’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month

The Audubon Center in Kansas Where You’ll See Dozens of Bird Species in a Single Afternoon

The Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Louisiana is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

The Iconic Trail in Northern California Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

The Iconic Trail in Southern California Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime