Louisiana in December: A Festive Winter Wonderland

As the year draws to a close, Louisiana transforms into a magical winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, joyous celebrations, and unique holiday traditions. While the Bayou State may not see much snow, December in Louisiana offers visitors a chance to experience Southern hospitality at its finest alongside one-of-a-kind seasonal events. From dazzling light displays to savory Cajun feasts, Louisiana embraces the holiday spirit with open arms and a festive flair all its own.

Weather and What to Pack

December weather in Louisiana can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to mid-60s Fahrenheit. While snow is rare, visitors should be prepared for the possibility of chilly, damp days as well as milder temperatures more typical of autumn in other parts of the country. Packing layers is key – bring a warm coat and sweaters, but don’t forget short-sleeved shirts for unexpectedly balmy afternoons. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring festive markets and light displays. An umbrella or light rain jacket is also advisable, as December sees its fair share of rainy days in the Pelican State.

Holiday Lights and Decorations

One of the highlights of visiting Louisiana in December is taking in the dazzling holiday light displays and decorations adorning cities and towns across the state. In New Orleans, the French Quarter and downtown areas sparkle with twinkling lights and festive decor. Don’t miss the lobby of the historic Roosevelt Hotel, which is transformed into a winter wonderland with over 60,000 lights, 46 Christmas trees, and 2,200 glass ornaments.

The Celebration in the Oaks at New Orleans’ City Park is a must-see holiday tradition, featuring magnificent light displays illuminating the park’s majestic oak trees. Visitors can walk or drive through over 25 acres of magical holiday scenes. Another can’t-miss light spectacular is LUNA Fête in downtown New Orleans, which turns the Convention Center into a high-tech wonderland of illuminated art installations and interactive light displays.

Outside of New Orleans, the Holiday Trail of Lights connects eight northern Louisiana cities with millions of twinkling bulbs. Highlights include Natchitoches, which puts on a dazzling Christmas Festival of Lights featuring over 300,000 lights and 100 set pieces along the banks of Cane River Lake.

Unique Holiday Traditions

December in Louisiana brings several unique holiday traditions visitors won’t find anywhere else. One of the most iconic is the lighting of the bonfires on the levees along the Mississippi River on Christmas Eve. This centuries-old tradition supposedly lights the way for “Papa Noel” (the Cajun Santa Claus) as he makes his way down the river in a pirogue (canoe) pulled by alligators. Dozens of 20-foot-high wooden pyres are set ablaze simultaneously, creating a spectacular sight.

In New Orleans, Réveillon dinners are another cherished holiday custom. Dating back to the mid-1800s, Réveillon (French for “awakening”) was traditionally a feast held after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Today, many of the city’s top restaurants offer special multi-course Réveillon menus throughout December, allowing diners to indulge in decadent Creole cuisine.

Visitors to Louisiana in December may also encounter “Cajun Christmas” traditions like the appearance of the Cajun Santa Claus “Papa Noel” or decorations featuring alligators pulling Santa’s sleigh instead of reindeer. Some areas even host “Running of the Santas” pub crawls featuring costumed revelers.

Festive Events and Activities

Louisiana’s festival calendar doesn’t slow down in December – if anything, it kicks into high gear with holiday-themed events across the state. In New Orleans, don’t miss:

– The Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade: This relatively new tradition features massive floats, marching bands, and appearances by Santa and other holiday characters.

– Caroling in Jackson Square: Thousands gather in the heart of the French Quarter with candles and songbooks for this beloved community caroling event.

– NOLA ChristmasFest: This indoor winter festival at the Convention Center features ice skating, carnival rides, a gingerbread house display, and more.

– New Year’s Eve celebrations: From a fleur-de-lis drop in Jackson Square to fireworks over the Mississippi, New Orleans knows how to ring in the new year in style.

Outside of New Orleans, popular December events include:

– Festival of the Bonfires in Lutcher: A weeklong celebration leading up to Christmas Eve featuring a nightly bonfire lighting, carnival rides, local food, and live music.

– Christmas Festival of Lights in Natchitoches: The oldest community holiday celebration in the state, featuring over 300,000 lights, fireworks, parades, and tours of historic homes.

– Baton Rouge’s Downtown Festival of Lights: The capital city’s riverfront comes alive with light displays, an ice skating rink, holiday village, and more.

Holiday Shopping and Markets

December is the perfect time to find unique Louisiana-made gifts and handicrafts at holiday markets across the state. In New Orleans, the French Market hosts special holiday night markets featuring local artisans, live music, and seasonal treats. The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk offers extended holiday hours for bargain hunters.

For a more traditional holiday market experience, check out the Christkindl Market in Roberts Cove, which brings a taste of German Christmas traditions to Cajun country. In north Louisiana, the Les Boutiques de Noel in Shreveport-Bossier City features over 100 merchants selling everything from gourmet foods to handcrafted jewelry.

Seasonal Cuisine and Cocktails

Louisiana’s renowned culinary scene takes on a festive flair in December. Many restaurants offer special holiday menus showcasing seasonal ingredients and Cajun/Creole holiday traditions. Look for dishes like oyster dressing, mirliton casserole, and decadent desserts like Creole cream cheese cheesecake.

The aforementioned Réveillon dinners are a great way to sample a variety of traditional holiday dishes. These multi-course feasts often feature luxurious ingredients like foie gras, truffles, and Champagne. For a more casual holiday meal, try a po’boy stuffed with fried oysters – December marks the height of Louisiana’s oyster season.

Don’t forget to sample some of Louisiana’s seasonal cocktails while visiting in December. Classics like milk punch and hot buttered rum are popular this time of year. Many bars also offer their own creative holiday-themed libations featuring flavors like peppermint, cinnamon, and cranberry.

Outdoor Activities and Nature

While December may not be prime beach weather, it’s actually an excellent time to explore Louisiana’s natural wonders. The cooler temperatures make outdoor activities more comfortable, and migrating birds flock to the state’s coastal wetlands.

Visitors can take swamp tours to spot alligators (which remain active in the milder Louisiana winters), go birding in wildlife refuges, or enjoy peaceful hikes through state parks adorned with fall foliage. December is also a great time for fishing, with species like speckled trout and redfish abundant in coastal waters.

For a uniquely Louisiana outdoor experience, consider taking an airboat tour through the swamps and marshes. Many tour operators offer special holiday-themed excursions complete with hot chocolate and appearances by “Cajun Santa.”

Sports and Entertainment

Sports fans visiting Louisiana in December have plenty to cheer about. The NFL’s New Orleans Saints play home games at the Superdome throughout the month. College football reaches a climax with bowl games like the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl and the Allstate Sugar Bowl.

Basketball lovers can catch the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans in action or check out top college teams competing in holiday tournaments. For a different kind of sporting event, Harrah’s New Orleans hosts a New Year’s Eve boxing showcase.

On the entertainment front, December brings a packed calendar of holiday concerts, theatrical productions, and comedy shows to venues across the state. The historic Saenger Theatre in New Orleans hosts touring Broadway productions and big-name musical acts. Smaller clubs and theaters offer intimate performances of Christmas classics and original holiday-themed shows.

Accommodations and Travel Tips

December is considered part of the high season in many parts of Louisiana, particularly New Orleans. It’s advisable to book accommodations well in advance, especially for stays around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Many hotels offer special holiday packages that may include perks like welcome cocktails, tickets to seasonal events, or discounts on holiday meals.

When choosing where to stay, consider hotels that go all out with their holiday decorations. In New Orleans, properties like The Roosevelt, Hotel Monteleone, and Royal Sonesta transform into winter wonderlands. Outside the city, historic plantation homes along River Road often offer special holiday tours and events for guests.

To make the most of a December visit to Louisiana:

– Book popular restaurants and events in advance, as they can fill up quickly during the holiday season.
– Take advantage of Papa Noel hotel rates, which offer discounts at participating properties throughout December.
– Use public transportation or ride-sharing services when possible, as parking can be challenging during busy holiday periods.
– Be prepared for potential weather changes by packing layers and rain gear.
– Check operating hours carefully, as some attractions may have limited schedules around holidays.

Conclusion

From dazzling light displays to centuries-old traditions, Louisiana offers visitors a wealth of unique experiences in December. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly holiday fun, romantic Creole feasts, or outdoor adventures, the Pelican State has something for everyone during this festive season. By embracing both time-honored customs and contemporary celebrations, Louisiana creates a holiday atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the country. So bundle up (but maybe pack some shorts too), and get ready to laissez les bon temps rouler this December in Louisiana!