Christmas NOLA Style Walking Tour

Exploring New Orleans During the Holidays: A Walk Through the French Quarter’s Festive Spirit

A walking tour of New Orleans during Christmas promises a combination of historic sights, lively storytelling, and seasonal decorations, all wrapped in the city’s signature charm. This particular tour, offered by New Orleans Drunk History Tours, takes you on a 1 to 2-hour stroll through the French Quarter, showcasing holiday cheer in a city known for its vibrant culture and colorful history.

What we really like about this experience is how it blends the city’s legendary landmarks with seasonal flair — from decorated historic homes to lively Jackson Square. Plus, the inclusion of fun ghost, vampire, and voodoo stories adds an extra layer of intrigue that keeps the tour engaging. But one thing to consider is that the tour’s focus can shift quite a bit; some reviewers felt it leans more toward history and spooky tales than pure Christmas lights.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of history, local traditions, and a lively, humorous atmosphere. If you’re after a straightforward holiday lights tour, this might not be the most traditional choice, but if you’re open to a broader cultural experience with a festive twist, it could be just right.

Key Points

• Duration & Price: About 1-2 hours at $35 per person, making it an affordable, quick overview of the French Quarter’s holiday charm.
• Theme & Content: A mix of Christmas spirit, history, ghost stories, voodoo lore, and celebrity homes—appealing for curious travelers.
• Guide & Atmosphere: Led by knowledgeable guides, often described as friendly, engaging, and full of fun stories.
• Stops & Highlights: Features iconic sites like St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, museums, and the LaLaurie Mansion, decked out in festive decor.
• Additional Perks: Stops at bars for restroom breaks and drinks are part of the experience, adding a laid-back vibe, though some bars may not allow children.
• Reviews & Expectations: Mixed reviews—some found it a fun, informative tour, while others expected a more traditional Christmas light display. Noted for great views and storytelling but sometimes inconsistent in Christmas theme emphasis.

A Deep Dive into the Christmas NOLA Style Walking Tour

The Itinerary & Highlights

The tour kicks off at the gate of the courtyard attached to Lafittes Blacksmith Shop Bar on Bourbon Street, a lively starting point in the heart of the French Quarter. From there, your guide, presumably someone with a knack for storytelling (like Cody, who some reviews mention positively), will lead you through streets where historic homes are adorned with Christmas garlands and twinkling lights.

The tour’s focus on seasonal decorations is a big draw. You’ll see the beautifully decorated St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest active church in the U.S., and Jackson Square, which often becomes a focal point for holiday festivities. Expect to hear stories about how locals celebrate the holidays, along with some amusing and spooky tales about the city’s darker side—ghosts, vampires, and voodoo lore that have become part of New Orleans’ unique character.

The walk also includes visits to historic sites like the LaLaurie Mansion, known both for its architecture and its haunted reputation. Along the way, the guide shares insights into the buildings’ historical significance and their role in shaping the city. As one reviewer noted, “We loved the way the guide explained the importance of these historic homes during the tour,” making it both educational and entertaining.

What to Expect at Each Stop

• St. Louis Cathedral & Jackson Square: Expect the highlight of the tour with its stunning architecture and festive decorations. During the holiday season, the square often has Christmas-themed displays, making it perfect for photos.
• Historic Homes & Celebrity Residences: The tour includes stories about notable residents and filming locations, adding a Hollywood twist to the historical walk.
• LaLaurie Mansion: Known for its history and paranormal reputation, some tours offer paranormal equipment for those interested in ghost stories, which adds a fun, spooky element.
• Bars & Breaks: Periodic stops at local bars offer restroom breaks and the chance to grab drinks. Some reviews mention the guide standing at bar doors to accommodate children, which adds to the relaxed atmosphere. However, not all bars may admit children, so plan accordingly.

The Guide & Atmosphere

Many reviewers, such as Deah, praise the guides for their knowledge and friendliness. Cody, in particular, gets mentions for his excellent timing and engaging storytelling style. The tour’s casual, fun vibe encourages conversation, and the mixture of history, ghost stories, and holiday cheer makes it a lively experience.

Value & Cost Analysis

At $35 per person, this tour offers a cost-effective way to see key French Quarter sights with a festive twist. For travelers interested in a quick overview of iconic sites, coupled with entertaining stories, the price feels reasonable. The inclusion of bar stops and the chance to enjoy a drink or soft drink along the way adds value, especially if you’re seeking a relaxed, social experience.

However, some reviews note that the tour is not strictly focused on Christmas lights or decorations. One reviewer simply said, “We expected a tour of Christmas Lights, but it turned out to be more about history and spooky stories.” So, if your priority is a classic holiday lights tour, this might not fully meet those expectations.

Pace & Group Size

The moderate walking pace means you won’t feel rushed, but you should be ready for some standing and walking for up to 2 hours. The group size can be quite large—up to 999 travelers—though in practice, most experiences are smaller and more intimate, with guides adjusting to the crowd.

Weather & Practical Tips

Since the tour is outdoors and weather-dependent, check the forecast before booking. Tours are rain-or-shine, so come prepared with rain gear or layers to handle varying temperatures. Tours start at a precise time, so arriving a few minutes early is essential to avoid missing out. Late arrivals generally aren’t refunded, so punctuality is key.

Why Choose This Tour?

This walking tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who want more than just pretty holiday lights. If you enjoy a mix of history, local legends, and a humorous, spirited guide, you’ll find this tour a good fit. It’s also suitable for those who appreciate a laid-back atmosphere, with bar stops and casual storytelling.

However, it’s worth noting that some guests have mixed feelings—some expected a more traditional Christmas light display and were disappointed when the focus shifted toward ghost stories or city history. It’s best to approach this tour with an open mind and a curiosity for all things New Orleans, both festive and spooky.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For travelers seeking a lively, informative walk through the French Quarter with a holiday vibe, this tour offers a fun blend of sights, stories, and social stops. The guides’ knowledge and engaging style make it memorable, especially if you enjoy ghost tales and local legends. The affordability and the chance to see major landmarks decorated for Christmas provide good value for a short, sightseeing experience.

It’s especially suited for those who want an entertaining overview of New Orleans’ holiday customs combined with a bit of spooky fun. If your holiday plans include a desire to understand the city’s unique character while soaking up some seasonal spirit, this tour is a solid choice. Just keep in mind that it may lean more toward history and ghost stories than pure Christmas lights.

FAQ

• How long does the tour last?
  The tour is approximately 1 to 2 hours long.

• What is the price of the tour?
  It costs $35 per person.

• Where does the tour start?
  It begins at the gate of the courtyard attached to Lafittes Blacksmith Shop Bar on Bourbon Street.

• Is the tour suitable for children?
  Yes, some bars allow children inside, and the guide can stand at bar doors to accommodate families. However, not all bars permit children.

• Are drinks included?
  No, drinks can be purchased along the route at the bar stops.

• What sites are visited?
  Highlights include St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, museums, the LaLaurie Mansion, and celebrity homes.

• Is this a Christmas lights tour?
  Not exclusively. While the French Quarter is decorated seasonally, some reviewers felt it was more about history and ghost stories than Christmas lights.

• What should I wear?
  Dress comfortably for walking, and check the weather forecast—Tours are rain or shine.

• Can I join the tour if I have mobility issues?
  Since it’s a walking tour, mobility considerations depend on your comfort with outdoor walking on uneven streets.

• What if I’m late or want to cancel?
  Late arrivals are typically not refunded. Cancellations are non-refundable, but the tour will be rescheduled or credited if canceled due to weather or other issues.

In summary, the Christmas NOLA Style Walking Tour offers a lively, engaging way to explore the French Quarter’s holiday spirit, blending stunning sights, spooky stories, and local traditions. It’s a versatile choice for those wanting a fun, social tour that highlights the city’s unique character—especially if you’re open to a mix of history, humor, and ghostly tales.