New Orleans transforms into a holiday wonderland every December, blending its signature musical spirit and historic charm with glowing lights and cheerful decorations. What makes the city special during Christmas is its mix of tradition and whimsy—you can enjoy jazz-infused holiday music, explore beautifully decorated streets, or even get a little spooky with bayou ghost stories. Among the many options, we particularly like the Crescent City Christmas tour for its intimate stroll through the French Quarter, and the Mississippi Creepy Christmas Cruise for those who love a spooky twist on holiday traditions. Both experiences capture different facets of New Orleans’ holiday charm, whether you’re after warm nostalgia or ghostly tales.
If you’re after a comprehensive look at the city’s holiday highlights, the Festive Tour of New Orleans in the Crescent City Christmas offers a lively exploration of iconic locations like Jackson Square and Washington Artillery Park, with plenty of photo ops and local music. For a more unusual holiday adventure, the Mississippi Creepy Christmas Cruise combines a bayou boat ride with haunted stories and s’mores around a bonfire, perfect for those who enjoy a spooky twist. Each of these experiences offers something unique, so whether you’re a jazz lover, a history geek, or a thrill-seeker, New Orleans has Christmas tours to match your style.
1. Crescent City Christmas: A Festive Tour of New Orleans
At number one, the Crescent City Christmas tour stands out as a lively but relaxed way to soak in the holiday cheer. This 2-hour guided experience takes you through the festively decorated French Quarter, Jackson Square, Washington Artillery Park, and the Jazz National Historical Park. It’s perfect if you want to enjoy the holiday ambiance without strenuous walking or strenuous schedules. During the tour, expect to hear live holiday music at the New Orleans Jazz Park, which adds authentic local flavor to your experience. Guests have praised the tour for its intimate size and focus on local traditions, making it ideal for those wanting a taste of New Orleans’ holiday spirit in a manageable timeframe.
The tour’s highlight is the beautifully decorated French Quarter, where the historic streets sparkle with Christmas lights, garlands, and holiday displays. Jackson Square transforms into a colorful holiday scene with street performers and musicians, giving you plenty of photo opportunities. Washington Artillery Park offers panoramic views of Jackson Square and the Mississippi River, providing a scenic backdrop for holiday photos. The tour ends with a visit to the Christmas Quarters, a charming shop filled with ornaments and decorations that truly capture the local holiday vibe. Given its affordability and focus on key holiday sights, this tour is a great pick for families or first-time visitors.
Bottom Line: An easy, festive way to experience downtown New Orleans during Christmas, especially for those who enjoy music and historic scenery.
$734 per group up to 4
2. Mississippi: Creepy Christmas Cruise and Haunted Trail
Coming in at number two is the Mississippi Creepy Christmas Cruise and Haunted Trail—a perfect choice for thrill-seekers and fans of spooky stories. For around $79 per person, this 1-hour cruise takes you on the Pearl River, where the atmosphere turns eerie with holiday tales and ghostly lore. The cruise is led by a storyteller who shares a spooky Santa fairytale featuring Louisiana’s legendary Rougarou—a werewolf-like creature said to haunt the bayou. The storytelling is said to be masterful, creating a chilling yet festive vibe.
After the cruise, you’ll visit the haunted trail and enjoy a bonfire at Creepy Camp, where you can bring your own drinks and toast marshmallows for s’mores or hot chocolate available for purchase. The combination of the boat ride and the haunted trail makes this tour a unique blend of holiday fun and spooky adventure. Kids and adults alike are drawn to the unexpected twist of a Christmas story with a ghostly Louisiana flavor. The tour’s short duration makes it easy to fit into a night’s itinerary while offering a memorable, eerie holiday experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a holiday adventure with a spooky Louisiana twist. It’s short, fun, and perfect for families or groups who enjoy ghost stories.
$79 per person
3. Festive Tour of New Orleans in the Crescent City Christmas
The Festive Tour of New Orleans in the Crescent City Christmas is a lively, roughly 2-hour guided exploration that covers many of the city’s most iconic holiday sights. Starting in the French Quarter, you’ll enjoy holiday lights and decorations that turn the historic streets into a Christmas postcard. The tour then moves to Jackson Square, where the festive scene includes decorated trees, live music, and bustling crowds. From there, you’ll visit Washington Artillery Park for panoramic views of Jackson Square and the Mississippi River—all decked out for the season.
Next, the tour includes a visit to the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, where jazz renditions of holiday tunes highlight the city’s musical heritage. The final stop is the Christmas Quarters, a shop packed with ornaments and decorations that evoke a true New Orleans Christmas spirit. This tour is particularly good for travelers who want a comprehensive, well-rounded experience with plenty of photo opportunities and local culture. Although reviews are not available yet, its itinerary promises a lively, festive atmosphere perfect for holiday visitors.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for those wanting an in-depth, culturally rich holiday tour covering multiple landmarks and local traditions.
$372.49 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Christmas Tour in New Orleans
When deciding between these options, consider your interests and schedule. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic stroll with music and historic sights, the Crescent City Christmas tour offers an authentic, easygoing experience. For families or groups who enjoy a spooky, adventurous twist on holiday traditions, the Mississippi Creepy Christmas Cruise delivers a fun and memorable night on the bayou. Meanwhile, if you prefer a comprehensive look at key locations, the Festive Tour of New Orleans provides a lively, photo-friendly exploration of the city’s holiday spirit.
Booking early is advisable, especially during the busy holiday season, to secure your spot. Also, consider accessibility and your fitness level—most tours are manageable but check details for walking distances or outdoor conditions. Whichever you choose, each experience promises to add a memorable chapter to your New Orleans Christmas story.
Final Thoughts
New Orleans offers a variety of Christmas tours that range from relaxed city walks to spooky bayou adventures. The Crescent City Christmas tour is perfect for a festive city experience, while the Mississippi Creepy Christmas Cruise brings a fun, spooky twist perfect for thrill-seekers. For a comprehensive holiday overview, the Festive Tour of New Orleans covers key sights with lively commentary.
No matter your holiday style, booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on these unique experiences. Whether you’re into jazz, history, or ghost stories, New Orleans makes Christmas memorable in its own inimitable way. Happy holidays and enjoy your festive adventure in the Big Easy!