The holiday season is in full swing in New Orleans and there is no shortage of festive ways to get in the mood. If you’re looking

for a guide to where and when to go, we’ve got you covered. 

Barrel Proof: Miracle on Magazine 

A classic for a reason, Miracle is a traveling company that puts on holiday takeovers at  bars across the country. Known for their elaborate decorations, upside down Christmas tree and holiday themed drinks, Barrel Proof on Magazine Street delivers on the hype. The glassware is the cherry on top, with cute mugs and glasses as the perfect vessel for your holiday beverage. It does get packed on the weekends, so try to visit on a weeknight, come early or be patient. 

The Bower: Bar Humbug 

Not far from Barrel Proof is the lesser-known Bar Humbug takeover at The Bower. The back bar is transformed into a holiday explosion with lights and wrapping paper galore. With holiday drinks and glassware, this is a great option for a more lowkey Christmas experience, especially since you can guarantee your spot with a reservation. If you’re not interested in drinking, you can order food at the full-service restaurant while enjoying the vibes. This is a great alternative to the bustling Barrel Proof.  

The Eliza Jane Hotel 

The Eliza Jane Hotel is a beautiful space, transformed from a collection of 19th-century warehouses, including The Times-Picayune newspaper’s former headquarters. Their namesake, Eliza Jane Nicholson, made history as the first woman publisher of a major metropolitan newspaper in the country. ⁠For Christmas, they have holiday decorations throughout the hotel well as the seasonal cocktail menu.  

Roosevelt Hotel 

One of my favorite holiday decorations in the city, the trees in the lobby at the Roosevelt Hotel are breathtaking. With the famous Sazerac Bar right inside, it’s a perfect opportunity to have their Christmas Cookie Martini and enjoy the lights — maybe even a quick photoshoot while you’re at it. 

City Park: Celebration in the Oaks 

The incredible light festival Celebration in the Oaks at City Park has enchanted visitors since the 1980s and is the park’s largest fundraiser — vital to the park’s upkeep and beautification year-round. With over one million twinkling lights, either choice of the two-mile driving tour or the short walking tour with unlimited amusement park rides and access to the botanical garden will satisfy your holiday itch. 

St. Charles and Uptown Holiday Lights 

While the Halloween decorations around New Orleans are hard to top, the Christmas décor is beautiful in its own right. Whether you ride the streetcar or brave the 70-degree southern winter by foot, strolling down St. Charles is a great way to just enjoy the holiday lights and get into the spirit completely free of cost. I highly recommend wandering down some side streets as well.  

Beachbum Barry’s Latitude 29: Sippin’ Santa 

Rated in the top 100 best bars in North America is 2025, this North Peters Street Tiki bar serves drinks to honor cocktail historian Jeff “Beachbum” Berry. The Sippin’ Santa company Beachbum Barry’s Latitude 29 transform the bar into a holiday wonderland and top their year-round selection of creative drinks and glassware with holiday twists. They only do seated service, so make a reservation and head to Beachbum. This is another great spot to do some snacking with food that matches the Tiki vibes.