No-fear holiday cheer: Arcade’s guide to New Orleans holiday events

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Photo courtesy of Olivia Poletti

Homes around the city are decked out in lights, wreaths, bows and more to celebrate the season.

It may not be snowing in New Orleans, but there are still plenty of ways to feed your holiday spirit. The Arcade has compiled some of the best things to do to bring you some of the holiday cheer this season, whether it be running a 5K, exploring the city under dazzling lights or eating some delicious holiday snacks.

From Dec. 16-30, NOLA ChristmasFest will be happening in the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. There are dozens of activities at this mammoth event. From taking photos with Santa to ice skating, there is plenty of holiday spirit around. A perfect event for families, there are arts and crafts, a corn maze and carnival rides for the kids. The ChristmasFest also boasts more than 70 Christmas trees decorated by local organizations. Don’t miss out on the ice slide or the epic snowball fight to be had at this wonderful event.

If you love to marvel at the gorgeous homes in the French Quarter and imagine what they look like inside, this is your chance. The Patio Planters Holiday Home self-guided walking tour allows you to see interesting architectural styles, as well as a plethora of Christmas and holiday decorations. Tickets are $20 each, and the walking tour is from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18.

The Roosevelt New Orleans is a hotel famous for its Christmas decorations. The Arcade recommends stopping by the conveniently close Willa Jean to pick up a peanut butter hot chocolate and then heading over to see the Christmas lights at The Roosevelt. There are little nooks where you and your friends can sit down and chat or just people watch and admire the lights. People have also said that this is a common spot to catch a glimpse of celebs.

If you have been eating too many Christmas cookies and drinking too much eggnog, have no fear—on Dec. 17, you can run the Jingle Bell 5K in Audubon Park, benefiting the Arthritis Foundation. If a 5K is a little too long for you, the Reindeer Run and Romp will be held on Dec. 10. The Reindeer Run and Romp offers two options, a one-mile run and a half-mile run, which will be held along Canal Street. Both of these events encourage costumes, so pull out your ugly Christmas sweater and Santa hat.

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