The beginning of December in New Orleans means it’s time to completely immerse yourself in holiday events and activities. Don’t try to escape, because Christmas New Orleans Style won’t allow you, so there’s nothing to do but just embrace it. Always diverse, New Orleans welcomes an all-male dance troupe sharing the weekend with youth theater and the Crescent City’s official Christmas parade, the Krewe of Jingle.
Friday, December 2:
1. Boylesk! – Though conventionally, burlesque is a female dominated field, men are becoming more of a fixture in the vaudeville scene, evident with this Friday’s premier of Boylesk! at the House of Blues. The Chicago-based burlesque troupe does more than just shed clothing; this variety show of sorts features the guys on stage dancing, singing, performing stand-up comedy, and of course strip teasing. Don’t expect a clumsy display of testosterone, however, these dancing dudes are formally trained. See Boylesk! in two performances at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 3:
A happy parade attendee high fives a Christmas hornet at last year's Krewe of Jingle (Kerry Maloney / The Times-Picayune)
2. Krewe of Jingle Parade & Block Party – Mardi Gras comes early this year with the Krewe of Jingle Parade and Block Party. The ultimate Christmas parade complete with floats, Santa Claus, festive throws, costumed dance troupes and more will roll down Canal Street starting at 1 p.m. Celebrity parade riders include Hotel Monteleone’s Monte the Lion, Mr. Bingle and New Orleans native Bryan Batt of Mad Men. Head to the Roosevelt New Orleans afterwards for the Jingle Mingle Block Party, as fun for adults as it will be for kids!
3. Merriment on Magazine – The kickoff of the December shopping season on Magazine Street will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Christmas caroling, artistic trunk shows, exclusive sales, gallery openings and complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres are some of the festivities to look forward to. On the subsequent Saturdays of December, Merriment on Magazine will feature its merchants with extended store hours to maximize on holiday shopping adventures.
4. Christmas on Jackson Square – Spend the whole day Saturday before, during and after the Krewe of Jingle Parade in Jackson Square shopping, eating, drinking and indulging in Christmas New Orleans Style festivities. The fun begins at 11 a.m. when shops on Jackson Square invite everyone in for sales, book signings, gourmet tastings and more. From 6 – 8 p.m. a block party will include caroling and refreshments.
Sunday, December 4:
5. Peter and the Wolf by YAYA – The after-school artists of YAYA will perform their second annual Peter and the Wolf holiday show at NOMA on Saturday and Sunday. The impressive set design includes originally commissioned pieces by the Guggenheim. With Music Direction by Helen Gillet and performances by talented young artists, this is a special holiday event to behold. Tickets can be purchased online.
FREE Weekly Roundup!
Enter your email address for updates on all the best things happening in New Orleans.
Follow Along!