New Orleans Jingle Bells, Booze, History, Paranormal and Voodoo Walking Tour

If you’re considering a nighttime adventure in the heart of the French Quarter, this two-hour walking tour promises a blend of history, ghost stories, voodoo lore, and holiday spirit. It’s run by a family team that clearly loves sharing their city’s quirkiest tales, making it a fun, atmospheric way to spend an evening.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its balance between entertainment and education. You’ll get a good dose of New Orleans’ haunted reputation along with some local flavor—think cocktails at historic bars and the chance to spot paranormal activity with a special EMF detector. An added bonus is the illuminated cityscapes and festive decorations that really come alive after dark.

However, keep in mind the tour is moderate in pace and involves walking through uneven streets, so comfortable shoes are a must. Also, since alcohol is available for purchase, those expecting a more family-friendly experience should plan accordingly.

This tour suits those who enjoy spirited storytelling, genuine local history, and a touch of the supernatural—perfect for travelers who appreciate a mix of history, holiday cheer, and a little spooky fun.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling by local guides passionate about New Orleans’ history and hauntings.
• Nighttime scenery with city lights and holiday decorations creating a festive atmosphere.
• Paranormal detection using EMF meters, adding an interactive element to the ghost stories.
• Historical highlights including the site of the Louisiana Purchase and Jackson Square.
• Flexible experience with optional drinks at wine bars along the route, at your own expense.
• Family-friendly but with some adult-themed content, like cocktails and spooky tales.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Starting Point: Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar

The tour kicks off at 941 Bourbon Street, at the courtyard gate of Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar—an iconic, historic watering hole. The guide greets you here, and from this vantage point, you’ll already be soaking in the old-world charm of Bourbon Street’s lively, decorated facades. We loved the way guides weave stories into the surroundings, making history feel alive and tangible.

It’s important to note this isn’t a bar crawl; your visit to Lafitte’s is brief, mainly for ambiance and context. The 5-minute stop helps set the mood, and from here, you’ll head into the French Quarter proper.

French Quarter: Haunted Homes, Churches, and Voodoo Lore

The heart of the tour is meandering through the French Quarter’s picturesque streets, where you’ll see decorated homes, historic churches, and museums. Your guide will share stories about the buildings’ pasts, highlighting what makes them both charming and spooky.

A significant feature is the use of a real EMF Meter, which is passed around during this part of the tour. This device measures electromagnetic fields and adds a fun, interactive element—some guests have reported odd readings, which makes the stories all the more believable.

Ghost Stories and Paranormal Activity

The tour’s highlight is exploring the hauntings that have earned New Orleans its reputation as one of America’s most haunted cities. Guides share tales of Marie Laveau’s voodoo practices, vampire legends, and other supernatural stories that have persisted for generations.

One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way the guide explained the significance of Marie Laveau and showed us where to find her famous Voodoo House.” Another added, “Using the EMF meter was surprisingly fun, and I think we might have caught some paranormal activity on camera.”

Jackson Square and the City’s Historic Sites

A 15-minute stop at Jackson Square reveals the historic heart of New Orleans. Here, the guide points out the signing of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and shares stories about the square’s ghostly residents and its role as a gathering place for both history and hauntings.

Guests can take photos of the impressive St. Louis Cathedral lit up at night, making this a perfect spot for capturing the mix of history and holiday decor. The ambiance here, especially with the twinkle of lights and bustling street performers, adds a lively contrast to the ghostly tales.

Edgy but Fun: Mix of History, Holiday Cheer, and Drinks

Throughout the tour, there’s an opportunity to pop into local wine bars or pubs, where you can enjoy a Big Easy cocktail or glass of wine to unwind. These stops are at your own expense, but they add a relaxed, social element to the experience. One reviewer noted, “The bars were charming, and it was fun to relax while hearing more stories.”

The Overall Pace and Group Size

With a moderate pace and an average group size of 99, the tour maintains an engaging rhythm without feeling rushed. The tour lasts between 1 to 2 hours, depending on how long you linger in the bars or at stops. We appreciated the small family-run setup, which feels personal and passionate.

Analyzing the Value: What You Get for $55

At $55 per person, this tour offers an entertaining mix of history, ghost stories, and holiday spirit, making it a good value for those interested in the darker, more mysterious side of New Orleans. The inclusion of a knowledgeable guide, the use of paranormal detection devices, and the beautiful nighttime scenery make it comparable to several other specialized tours in town.

While alcohol isn’t included, the option to visit bars along the route allows flexibility—many guests found it added to the experience rather than detracting from it. The tour’s short duration makes it easy to fit into an evening plan, especially after a day of sightseeing.

What We Liked and What to Consider

One of the best aspects is the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides. Guests frequently mention how the guides make the stories come alive, blending humor, history, and local lore seamlessly. The use of actual paranormal detection adds a fun, interactive dimension that heightens the intrigue.

The stunning night views and festive decorations are especially memorable, turning a simple walk into a magical holiday experience. The historic sites like Jackson Square and the Louisiana Purchase signing location ground the tour in real history, balancing ghost tales with educational content.

On the flip side, the moderate walking pace and uneven streets mean it’s best suited for those comfortable on their feet. Also, since alcohol is purchased separately, it’s not a true “drinks included” tour—so budget accordingly if you plan to indulge.

Some reviewers pointed out that bars can be busy, which might delay parts of the tour. This isn’t necessarily a flaw—it’s part of the authentic New Orleans experience—but it’s good to keep in mind if you’re on a tight schedule.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history buffs, paranormal enthusiasts, and holiday lovers. If you enjoy stories that are spooky but fun, and appreciate a casual, engaging atmosphere, you’ll find this tour hits the spot. It’s also well-suited for families with older children, although the spooky themes might be a bit intense for very young kids.

Travelers seeking a unique evening activity that combines culture, humor, and a touch of the supernatural will find this tour a worthwhile addition to their New Orleans itinerary.

The Sum Up

The New Orleans Jingle Bells, Booze, History, Paranormal and Voodoo Walking Tour offers a lively, entertaining way to explore the French Quarter after dark. Its blend of haunted tales, historic sites, and festive lights creates a memorable experience that captures the city’s mysterious and joyful spirit. The knowledgeable guides and interactive paranormal detection make it stand out from typical walking tours.

While it’s not a deep dive into every historical nuance, it strikes a good balance between storytelling and sightseeing. It’s a perfect choice for travelers who want to combine a little spooky fun with holiday cheer, all within a manageable time frame and budget.

This tour is best for adults and older children who enjoy ghost stories, history, and a festive atmosphere, especially those who appreciate a story well told and a bit of paranormal intrigue.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for older children, especially those interested in ghost stories and history. Younger kids might find the spooky themes a bit intense.

Does the tour include any drinks?
No, drinks are available for purchase at the bars along the route. Some guests enjoy a cocktail or two during their stops.

How long does the tour last?
Between 1 to 2 hours, depending on stops and how long you linger.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 941 Bourbon Street, at the courtyard gate of Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, and ends in the French Quarter.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes a local guide and access to the paranormal equipment. Alcoholic drinks are not included.

Is this tour walkable for everyone?
The pace is moderate, and streets may be uneven. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Are private or group discounts available?
The maximum group size is 99, and discounts aren’t specified, but it’s best to inquire directly.

Can I join this tour if I have mobility issues?
Since it’s a walking tour, mobility issues could be a concern. Check with the provider for more details.

What’s the weather policy?
Tours are rain-or-shine, so dress accordingly. There’s no refund for weather, but tours are usually rescheduled or credited.

Is there an age limit?
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is designed with an adult audience in mind, given the themes and alcohol stops.

This walking tour offers a lively, spooky, and festive way to see what makes New Orleans so charming—and a little mysterious. Whether you’re into history, ghost stories, or just want to soak up the city’s holiday glow, it’s a fun, engaging experience worth considering.