Holidays New Orleans Style (HNOS) will return for 2021 with a series of free concerts at St. Louis Cathedral and, for the first time, St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, located in the Treme neighborhood. Jazz musicians, gospel choirs, classical ensembles, and others will perform the sounds of the season with nearly three weeks of live performances.
A Christmas tree is lit at Oscar Dunn Park above Jackson Square throughout the month of December.
Concerts at St. Louis Cathedral located in Jackson Square take place at 6 p.m. on December 1, 5, 6 ,13 and 15 with a special Christmas Concert at 5:30 p.m. on December 19. Concerts at St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, 1313 Esplanade Ave., take place at 4 p.m. on Saturdays, December 4, 11 and 18. All concerts are free and open to the public. Featured performers will include Susan Cowsill, The Zion Harmonizers, Vivaz Trio and Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes and the Louisiana Sunspots.
Wednesday, December 1, 6-7 p.m. | Susan Cowsill at St. Louis Cathedral
Saturday, December 4, 4-5 p.m. | Louis Ford & His New Orleans Flairs at St Anna’s Episcopal Church
Sunday, December 5, 6-7 p.m. | The Zion Harmonizers at St. Louis Cathedral
Monday, December 6, 6-7 p.m. | Wanda Rouzan & Friends at St. Louis Cathedral
Saturday, December 11, 4-5 p.m. | Vivaz Trio at St. Anna’s Episcopal Church
Monday, December 13, 6-7 p.m. | Original Tuxedo Jazz Band at St. Louis Cathedral
Wednesday, December 15, 6-7 p.m. | Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots present a Créole Zydeco Christmas Holiday Concert at St. Louis Cathedral
Saturday, December 18, 4-5 p.m. | Betty Winn and One Accord at St. Anna’s Episcopal Church
Throughout the season, HNOS will also offer Réveillon feasts at over 25 of the city’s finest restaurants, nearly 40 special holiday events, Papa Noël discounts providing affordable stays in the city’s finest hotels, and a shopping guide to navigate gift-givers through the many options of local retailers. The festivities began November 10 with the decoration of Jackson Square and will continue through Twelfth Night, January 6, 2022, when the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc parades through the French Quarter.
“We are really looking forward to ushering in this season in a big way in 2021.” said Emily Madero, president and CEO of French Quarter Festivals Inc. “Last year, many of us were unable to celebrate together. This holiday season will be very special and we welcome our locals and visitors to make new memories by enjoying all that Holidays New Orleans Style has to offer.”
Listed below are other events happening in the New Orleans area in through late December. Check OffBeat‘s live music listings for updates on holiday-themed concerts.
THROUGH JANUARY 2
City Park’s largest fundraiser, Celebration in the Oaks presented by Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust, is the New Orleans holiday family tradition. This incredible light festival has enchanted park visitors since the 1980s and is vital to the park’s maintenance, care, and beautification year round.
Looking for the picture-perfect event this holiday season? Look no further than JAMNOLA. With the holidays in full swing, the team at JAMNOLA has announced new additions to their 12-room exhibition starting in December through January 2, 2021.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19
Arts New Orleans’ LUNA Fête 2021 is presented by the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and New Orleans & Company offers a fresh new take on the fete, exploring a new venue New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Pedestrian Park. Celebrating Earth and Space and the science and scientists that share their secrets, the eight edition of the festival remains free and open to the public.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17 – WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22 and SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25 – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30
ChristmasFest, a dazzling, family-friendly seasonal event, offers your group the perfect opportunity to get into the holiday spirit, make a little joy, and spread a little cheer. Experience a real indoor ice skating rink, ice slides, carnival rides, Santa and friends, Gingerbread houses, decorated trees and more inside the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18
Handmade wreaths will be auctioned at the Wacky Wreath Party at Abita Springs Hotel, 7 p.m., in Abita Springs.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21 and WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22
Visit The Sazerac House and make spirits bright throughout the month of December with cocktail focused pairings, tastings and seminars that will become a part of your holiday traditions for years to come.
