Luckily, Santa Claus makes time in his busy schedule to pass a good time down in NOLA during the weeks leading up to Christmas. This holiday season, Santa brings his North Pole entourage of elves and reindeer to come play some jazz, eat some seafood and have some French Quarter spiked punch. Hanging out with Santa is just one way to have a New Orleans style Christmas; we haven’t even scratched the surface of all the Christmas music, dining, shopping and only-in-NOLA fun there is to be had! But to start, here are five special opportunities to see Papa Noel in New Orleans and get photo evidence.
Santa Second Lining in New Orleans (David Richmond / NewOrleansOnline.com)
1. Santa at Pat O’Brien’s – Every Friday and Saturday night in December, Jolly St. Nick stops by the world famous French Quarter establishment to have a Hurricane and take photos with the bar flies. It’s half price to purchase the photos which make for fun and goofy Christmas cards to send out to your friends and family.
2. Singing Santa and the Riverwalk Jazz Band – Whether you love or loathe holiday shopping, Santa and his swing band will be at the Riverwalk Marketplace to bring some musical Christmas cheer to your shopping experience. Singing Santa and the Riverwalk Jazz Band will be performing from Black Friday, November 25 – Christmas Eve, December 24. Santa will also be at the Riverwalk Marketplace on those days to take pictures with, as well as a special night on December 13 to take pictures with your pet!
3. Brunch with Santa and His Elves – For three days in December, Santa will be dining at the Bourbon Orleans in the French Quarter along with his trusty worker elves. Besides the delicious New Orleans brunch menu, special Christmas surprises include a stocking filled with treats for each table and a chance to divulge your Christmas wish list to Santa himself! Dine with Santa December 4, 11 and 18 at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Spots fill up quickly! Call 504-571-4672 to make your reservation.
4. Photos with Santa at Deanie’s – Deanie’s goes all out for the holidays. They display award winning Christmas window decorations and the entire interior is decked with Christmas joy. From Dec. 9-11 and 16-18 Santa will be stationed at Deanie’s to pose for pictures. Photos with children 12 years old or younger are free. Enjoy Deanie’s famous BBQ Shrimp in a festive atmosphere and get your picture taken with Santa!
5. Reindeer Run and Romp – On Dec. 10 at 8 a.m., Santa and Rudolf will ring their jingle bells to signal the start of the Reindeer Romp fun run on Canal Street. Santa will give racers bells for their shoes, antler ears, a t-shirt and a holiday goodie bag. An after race party at the Aquarium of the Americas will have yoga for kids and parents, arts and crafts, games, music and lots of fun activities.
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