French Quarter Festivals Inc. - Christmas New Orleans Style

Come celebrate the yuletide with the Ginja Jar. An exciting collection of unique dolls and their accessories is featured in one of the oldest doll shops of the French Quarter. Nestled among the dolls are Webkinz®, luxurious teddy bears, jewelry, and home accent pieces. We invite you to toast the Holidays while you shop the Ginja Jar. 5pm-8pm. Call (504) 523-7643 for more information.

Beauregard-Keyes House in Holiday Trim
December 3-30, except December 25 (closed at noon 8, 24, 31) Beauregard-Keyes House, 1113 Chartres St.
Step into Christmas past for a look at the house in Victorian-style trim, dresses in greenery, velvet, ribbons, and lace. Hourly tours include the 1856 House, Frances Parkinson Keyes’ Doll Collections, Folk costumes, fans, and Veilleuses (teapot/nightlight). Monday-Saturday, 10am-3pm on the hour.
Call (504) 523-7257. $5 adults, $4 students, $2 children 6-12.

Blue Winds Dancing: The Whitecloud Collection
of Native American Art Exhibition
November 12, 2007-February 17, 2008
New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, City Park
Unique traditions, culture and creativity from the original creators of American Art are captured in one remarkable art collection and celebrated in the exhibition Blue Winds Dancing: The Whitecloud Collection of Native American Art. The exhibition includes over 400 objects collected over the last 30 years by Dr. Thomas and Mercedes Whitecloud that capture the stories and legacies connecting generations of Native Peoples. For more information call (504) 658-4100 or go to www.noma.org. Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-4:30pm. Free to Louisiana residents with valid ID; otherwise: adults $8, seniors (65+) $7, children 3-17 $4.

Café Beignet in New Orleans Musical Legends Park
Throughout December • 311 Bourbon St.
New Orleans Musical Legends Park honors local entertainers Al Hirt, Pete Fountain, Fats Domino and Chris Owens. Take a photograph next to the life-size, bronze statues immortalizing the musical legends of which we are so proud. We invite you to enjoy the holidays over café au lait and beignets or a traditional New Orleans meal from Café Beignet, nestled in the park. Throughout December the park and Café Beignet will offer live music, holiday choirs and maybe even a visit from the jolly “Legend” in the red and white suit! Visit www.cafebeignet.com for more details.

Candlelight Tour of Historic Homes and Landmarks
December 13 • French Quarter Homes and Landmarks
Experience the romance and heritage of New Orleans on a tour of 19th-century homes and landmarks. Walk through the treasured Beauregard-Keyes House, Gallier House and the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, all decorated in the style of Christmas past. Self-guided tour with refreshments. 5pm-8pm. Call (504) 522-5730 or visit www.fqfi.org for advance tickets or purchase tickets at any of the properties on tour night. $10 adults, $5 children 12 and under.

Caroling in Jackson Square
December 16 • Jackson Square
Join in a truly moving 61-year-old tradition as Jackson Square brims with candlelit faces and song-lit spirits as high as the spires of the St. Louis Cathedral. Led by Patio Planters, the Social and Garden Club of the French Quarter. Candles and song sheets provided. Gates open at 6pm and caroling begins promptly at 7pm. For more information, call (504) 523-7047 or visit www.patioplanters.org. Free and open to the public.

Local choirs and New Orleans artists herald the season with nightly concerts of Christmas carols and gospel favorites in one of the country’s most historic churches. The ecumenical celebration will make Christmas New Orleans Style one of your treasured holiday memories. 6pm. See page 13 for schedule. Free.

Celebration in the Oaks
November 23-December 30 • New Orleans City Park
A month-long holiday show that is the foremost family holiday tradition in southern Louisiana. Celebration 2007 will have a “bigger and brighter” walking tour, light exhibits displayed throughout the park and along the miniature train route, as well as the complete restoration and opening of our historic Carousel! For more information call (504) 483-9415 or visit www.celebrationintheoaks.com. Sunday-Thursday 6pm-10pm, Friday and Saturday 6pm-11pm. $6.00 per person, children 3 and under free.

Chefs’ Holiday Cooking Demonstrations
December 5, 6, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 • The Shops at Canal Place
Learn the secrets of local cuisine from the chefs who make New Orleans the culinary capital of the world! Acclaimed chefs from throughout the area share their favorite recipes at free cooking demonstrations and samplings that are guaranteed to spice up your holidays. Brought to you by Williams-Sonoma and The Shops at Canal Place. Space is limited, so come early! Demos start at 3pm and last about 45 minutes. Free. For more information call (504) 522-5730. Christmas Day at St. Louis Cathedral December 25 • Jackson Square at Chartres St. On Christmas Day, Masses will be held at 9am and 11am. For more information, please call (504) 525-9585.

Christmas Day “Jingling Through the Crescent”
December 25 • Departs from the Marriott Hotel, 555 Canal St.
Give yourself a holiday treat with a fully narrated tour of New Orleans! This motor coach tour covers the French Quarter, Esplanade Avenue, City Park, Lake Pontchartrain, St. Charles Avenue, and the elegant Garden District decorated for the holidays. Advance guaranteed reservations are required. Call early. Departs 10am. Call (800) 535-7786 or (504) 569-1401 or visit www.graylineneworleans.com. Show your AAA card and save.

Christmas Eve at St. Louis Cathedral
December 24 • St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square at Chartres St. Come celebrate, as we have for generations, by capping off your Christmas Eve with the pageantry of the traditional Midnight Mass. Doors open at 11:15pm. Christmas carols, with the St. Louis Cathedral Concert Choir, begin at 11:30pm. Vigil Mass at 5pm on the 24th. Christmas carols with the St. Louis Cathedral Boychoir begin at 4:30pm. On Christmas Day, Masses will be at 9am and 11am. For information, please call (504) 525-9585.

Christmas Eve “Bonfire Adventure”
December 24 • The Lighthouse at Toulouse Street and the Mississippi River
Celebrate a time-honored Louisiana tradition—The Lighting of the Bonfires on the banks of the Mississippi. Includes narrated motor coach tour, a guided tour of a River Road Plantation, a “Cajun Country” dinner, and viewing the bonfires that light the way for Papa Noël (our Cajun Santa). Some walking is necessary. Advance guaranteed reservations are required—call early. Departs at 3pm. Call (800) 535-7786 or (504) 569-1401 or visit www.graylineneworleans.com.

Celebrate with friends or family on a beautiful nighttime cruise on the Mississippi River. Our New Orleans Jazz Trio and holiday décor will add even more atmosphere to the festive holiday buffet featuring a beer, wine and sodas open bar (additional cocktails available for purchase). Docked in the heart of the French Quarter, our authentic steamboat will take you back to the holidays of New Orleans in the 1800s. Reservations a must! Boarding begins at 6:30pm and the boat returns at 9:30pm. Call (504) 586-8777 or (800) 233-2628 or visit www.steamboatnatchez.com for additional events and reservations.

Take a walk with the Friends of the Cabildo to visit three historic houses dressed in Creole Christmas decorations, followed by the Creole Christmas story and refreshments. Tours start at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. both days.

Festival of Trees
November 30-December 1 • Exchange Alley
The Exchange Alley Project invites you to the first “Art in the Alley” November 30 and December 1. Local artists have been selected to create a custom holiday tree and sculptures that will be displayed in Exchange Alley and auctioned off on Saturday, December 1. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to the COPS 8—Citizens’ Organization for Police Support dedicated to the 8th District New Orleans Police. Some of the participating artists include Michael Cain, Adam Ferrington, Mitchell Gaudet, and James Vella. For more information call (504) 524-9900 or go to www.tripsmarter.com. November 30 at noon until December 1 at 5pm.

Savor the holiday spirit as Patio Planters, the Social and Garden Club of the Vieux Carré, presents five beautiful French Quarter residences/patios dressed for the season. Features include interesting architectural styles and home furnishings, as well as a variety of collections of Christmas decorations plus a visit from Papa Noël. The tour is a prelude to the highly anticipated 61st annual Caroling in Jackson Square later in the evening. Tickets available after November 16 at Creole Delicacies (533 St. Ann St.) and New Orleans Gem & Lapidary (527 St. Philip St.). Tickets will also be available by phone at (504) 524-9595 or (800) 356-6252. Visit www.patioplanters.org. Tickets are $15. All proceeds benefit Caroling in the Square.

Gingerbread Junction
December 1 & 8 • Louisiana Children’s Museum, 420 Julia St.
Build fond memories and construct a distinctive gingerbread house at a festive workshop that is fun for the entire family. Plus, catch the holiday spirit with seasonal arts and crafts, music and more. Workshop space is limited and advance reservations are suggested. Call (504) 523-1357 or visit www.lcm.org for workshop times and information. $35 house fee and admission for up to four people.

The Crescent City’s grand history comes alive this holiday season with guests from the past. Listen to tales of old from infamous historic characters—all transported into the present with the dress and mannerisms of their period. See complete schedule on page 71 of this booklet, visit www.fqfi.org or call
(504) 948-0323. Free.

Holiday Book Signings
December 6, 13, 20 • 606 Royal St.
The New Orleans Crab Bag Company will be featuring book signings of New Orleans authors during the holiday season. These Cajun-themed books are sure to be perfect for someone on your shopping list. For more information on these events please visit www.crabbag.com or call (504) 552-2722.

Holiday Carnival at the Cabildo
December 8, 5-8pm • The Cabildo on Jackson Square
Holiday celebration New Orleans style hosted by several French Quarter business associations. Held in the historic Cabildo right next to St. Louis Cathedral. For more information call (504) 269-2558 or visit www.fqba.com.

Holiday Dress at the Hermann-Grima/Gallier
Historic Houses
December 3-27, closed December 24, 25. Gallier House, 1132 Royal St. (Wednesdays) Hermann-Grima House, 820 St. Louis St. (Thursdays)
Hermann-Grima and Gallier Historic Houses will be decking the halls for the holidays. From the Empire grandeur of the Hermann-Grima House to the Victorian splendor of the Gallier House, we invite you to experience an old fashioned Creole Christmas. Guided tours of the completely restored houses offer a wealth of sights and smells that recall the rich traditions of New Orleans’ past. For more information call (504) 525-5661 or go to www.hgghh.org. Monday-Friday, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, and 3pm. $6 admission.

Visit the festively decorated residence and courtyard of General and Mrs. L. Kemper Williams, founders of The Historic New Orleans Collection. Browse through The Shop at The Collection for unique gift items on your holiday list. Residence tours at 10am, 11am, 2pm, and 3pm. Closed Mondays. Admission $5. For more information call (504) 523-4662 or go to www.hnoc.org. Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30am-4:30pm, Sunday 10:30am-4:30pm.
Admission $5.

Holiday Home Tour
December 8 & 9 • Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Ave.
We are excited to welcome guests to continue to be a part of rebuilding New Orleans by touring seven of the most magnificent private homes in the Garden District at the 32nd annual Holiday Home Tour. The money raised from the tour will fund the PRC’s Homeowner Assistance and Neighborhood Recovery Fund. The event features live musical performances at each home, more than 40 local vendors selling unique New Orleans gifts at the holiday boutique, and a café provided by Palate Catering. For more information call (504) 581-7032 or visit www.prcno.org. 10am-4pm. Admission for PRC members is $25 in advance. Nonmembers $30 in advance. For groups of 10 or more, advance tickets are $22 each. Day of the tour is $35 for everyone.

Nineteenth-century culinary and visual delights await! Families bake, decorate, and enjoy old-fashioned holiday treats in the fully restored 1830s kitchen as well as explore the Hermann-Grima House in “holiday dress.” Dress to cook. Advance reservations required. Only one parent/guardian per child. For children 8-13. 1pm-4pm. For more information call (504) 525-5661 or go to www.hgghh.org. $20 family members, $25 nonmembers.

Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party
December 31 • Louisiana Children’s Museum, 420 Julia St.
The Louisiana Children’s Museum’s New Year’s Eve Party is back! The Museum celebrates with a countdown to noon, a confetti drop and a balloon launch. Paper bag party hats, bow ties, and live music add to the festivities. Please call (504) 586-0725 ext. 200 for more information or visit www.lcm.org. 9:30am-2pm. Admission $8 for nonmembers and $2 for members.

Living History at the Hermann-Grima
and Gallier Historic Houses
December 5, 12, 19, 26 (Gallier House), December 6, 13, 20, 27 (Hermann-Grima)
Gallier House, 1132 Royal St. (Wednesdays)
Hermann-Grima House, 820 St. Louis St. (Thursdays)
Throughout the month of December, living history demonstrations will be offered on Wednesdays at the Gallier House (1132 Royal St.) and cooking demonstrations on Thursdays at the Hermann-Grima House (820 St. Louis St.). Watch as the 19th century is brought to life at these weekly events. Call (504) 525-5661 or go to www.hgghh.org.

A perfect prelude to the holidays! Take a tour of the decorated home, enjoy a festive tea with friends, listen to lovely holiday sounds and find all of your holiday gift needs in The Shop at Longue Vue. Reservations are required: space is limited, so reserve your seat today! 1:30pm-3:30pm. For more information call (504) 488-5488 ext. 339 or visit www.longuevue.com. $30 for nonmembers, $25 for members.

Merriment on Magazine Street
November 23-December 30 • 6-mile stretch of Magazine St.
The 160 members of MSMA kick off the holiday spirit on Friday, November 23, through December 30 with special events on Saturday, November 24 throughout the street. Look for entertainment, refreshments, and specials. Don’t get mall’d—join us for a unique shopping experience. Happy Holidays. Check the website for more information, www.magazinestreet.com, or call (504) 342-4435. 10am-5pm. Admission is free. National Park Service Holiday Programs Throughout December • 419 Decatur St. Join National Park Service rangers for a variety of holiday programs. For more information visit www.nps.gov/jela or call (504) 589-2636 ext. 1. Admission is free.

New Orleans Bowl
December 21 • Louisiana Superdome
The 2007 New Orleans Bowl will match the Sun Belt Conference champion against a Conference USA opponent. 7pm. For more information or tickets, call (504) 525-5678 or visit www.neworleansbowl.org. $20-$40.

New Year’s Eve on the Mississippi River? There is nothing better. Good food, good spirits, dancing to a renowned local band, party favors, and the very best seat in town for the midnight Fireworks Show. Docked in the French Quarter, our authentic steamboat and its terrific crew will start off your new year better than ever before. Reservations a must! Boarding begins at 9:30pm. Cruise the river from 10:30pm until 12:30am. Call (504) 586-8777 or (800) 233-2628 or visit www.steamboatnatchez.com for additional events and reservations.

A NOLA New Year’s Eve
Jackson Square in the French Quarter • December 31, 2007
The Crescent City Countdown Club will present the traditional New Year’s Eve festivities in the New Orleans French Quarter including live local music and a gumbo pot drop to launch the midnight barrage of fireworks over the mighty Mississippi River. Please call (985) 630-4604 for more information or visit www.crescentcitycountdown.com. Admission is free and begins at 9pm.

Reveillon, A Creole Dining Tradition
Throughout December
Creole families of yesteryear celebrated this traditional dining custom twice during the holiday season—on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Today’s Reveillon has been expanded to include various dates during December so that everyone can share in this special holiday meal. Menus have been adapted to combine ageless Creole cuisine with more contemporary New Orleans dishes, but the spirit of the past remains. Reveillon menus and featured dates for participating restaurants may be found on pages 22-34 of this guidebook.

Riverview Room New Year’s Eve Celebration “N.O. at Its Best!”
December 31, 2007 • 600 Decatur St., Ste. 400, 4th level of the Jackson Brewery
Celebrate the arrival of the New Year in style at the elegant Riverview Room in Jackson Brewery, the center of the city’s New Year’s Eve festivities! Your reserved seats for this “Times Square of the South” celebration include a full buffet dinner, premium open bar, champagne, favors, music by the Top Cats, and great views of the midnight gumbo pot drop and fireworks. All seating is reserved and sells out every year, so please call early. Cocktail attire, black tie encouraged. 9pm-1am. For reservations, call (888) 236-8260 or (504) 525-3000. www.riverviewroom.com. $160 per person, inclusive.

December 8, 2007 • Beauregard-Keyes House, 1113 Chartres St. Boys and girls enjoy a Christmas tradition at the Beauregard-Keyes House. Bring a doll or toy and take part in a sing-along, listen to a story in the elegant ballroom by the old-fashioned Christmas tree, see dolls “at tea” and a Victorian doll house. Parents tour house and then all guests have refreshments and meet Santa Claus. 2pm-3pm, doors open at 1:45pm. Call (504) 523-7257 for more information. $5 children and parents.

Vieux Carré Children’s Tree
December 3 • Eighth District Police Station, 334 Royal St.
Share the holiday fun as children from the French Quarter Schools decorate the neighborhood tree with handmade ornaments. Christmas music adds to the festivities. Refreshments for children provided. Call (504) 522-5730 for more information. Free.

Wellington & Company Fine Jewelry
“Rings in the Season with Jewelry Trunk Shows”
November 23-December 24 • 505 Royal St.
Wellington & Company Fine Jewelry of Royal Street will be “ringing in the holiday season” each weekend from Thanksgiving until Christmas with expanded selections of antique, estate and contemporary fine jewelry pieces to assist the most savvy shoppers in their gift buying needs. Each weekend Wellington & Company Fine Jewelry will feature a trunk show of jewelry from a different designer or collection. Open 10am-5pm daily, 7 days a week. For more information call (504) 525-4855 or visit www.wcjewelry.com.