Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest Instagram

New Orleans Holiday Guide for 2020

Alyssa Ramos

Search

It’s usually the most wonderful time of the year for a New Orleans Holiday, but 2020 will be a little different. While there will be enhanced safety and sanitary measures, many of your favorite holiday festivities will still take place!

If you’re looking for a unique holiday experience this year, check out what New Orleans has to offer during the holidays! I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Covid Disclaimer: If you choose to travel right now, please be responsible and respectful of others. Wear a mask when around people, and sanitize your hands often. Do not go out in public if you feel sick!

This post is in collaboration with Hotels.com!

New Orleans Holiday Lights Displays

New Orleans is one of the most festive cities in the U.S. year round! So it’ll be no surprise that things get a little Extra around the holidays!

All throughout the city you can see over-the-top light displays, from people’s homes, to entire hotel buildings! And if you’re staying in a hotel, you’ll likely be impressed with how they deck their halls!

One of the best, most popular New Orleans Holiday lights displays is Celebration in the Oaks! This year There’s over a million twinkling lights throughout a 2.25 mile driving path! Check the website because this year you need tickets for assigned times and dates!

Here is a full list of places to see New Orleans Holiday Lights!

Holiday Teas, Caroling, and Concerts!

There is a plethora of options for caroling, concerts, and something I didn’t even know was a thing; Holiday Teas!

From a Jazz Bunch with Santa, to Holiday Tea at the Windsor Court (that also includes sparkling wine!), there’s so many festivities going on, you may not have time to do them all!

For an amazing complete list including dates, times, and contact info, I’d recommend checking out this epic post by NewOrleansMom! It will immediately convince you to head to New Orleans this holiday season!

If you’re opting to stay in and social distance, there’s a lot of virtual holiday concerts as well! Check out this list for the schedule!

New Orleans Holiday Parades

If it isn’t already obvious by Mardi Gras and the weekly Second Lines that New Orleans know how to throw an epic parade, wait until you see their holiday versions!

From Christmas on the Bayou on December 14th, to a Horse and Wagon Parade! The holiday parades in New Orleans are sure to please and get you in the holiday spirit! Get there early to get a good spot, and remember to wear your mask!

For a full list of holiday parades, check out this post by Nola Weekend!

Holiday Markets in New Orleans

If you need to do your holiday shopping still, head to one of the holiday markets in New Orleans! Get going quick because many of them are starting already and will end soon!

Coquille Parks is currently having a massive daily Christmas Extravaganza with over 300 vendor booths, 15 food booths, and a kids village with Santa (now until Dec 6).

Here is a full list of Holiday Markets in New Orleans!

Don’t Forget the Token New Orleans Things!

Although you may be heading to New Orleans for the holiday festivities, you can’t forget about the token things to do there! One of my all time favorites is of course getting beignets from Cafe Du Monde! And bar hopping around the French Quarter!

OR, if you want a completely different experience, try to catch the @caramelcurvesmc! And check out the video above for an unexpected tour of New Orleans I did a couple years ago!

This New Orleans Holiday Guide for 2020 has everything you need to know for festivities and happenings in NoLa! Come to New Orleans to see the amazing lights, shows, and of course, parades!

#holidaytravel #neworleans #nola #holidayfestivities #USAtravel

Search

Alyssa Ramos is one of the first original travel blogger/influencers who helped normalize solo female travel. She’s been to 146 countries so far, plus Antarctica 4x, and all of her tips are on this blog!

@mylifesatravelmovie
Alyssa Ramos | Most Traveled Women

@mylifesatravelmovie

One of the World’s Most Traveled Women 146 countries (solo, so far) • 7 Continents Expert • Activist • Entrepreneur GroupTrips: @mylifesatraveltribe
  • Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
  • Kyrgyzstan is rising in popularity as a unique travel destination and its easy to see why!

From the beautiful nature to the well preserved culture, plus being extremely safe, it really makes it an ideal destination, but definitely expect some logistical hurdles 😁

Horseback riding in Chon Kemin and visiting Ala Archa National Park are a must! That's also where we learned about the Golden Eagles, a centuries old tradition practiced by their nomad culture that is still done today, mostly to continue keeping the traditions alive and teaching visitors about it.

Do you want to visit Kyrgyzstan?

------

I'm currently hosting a custom created "luxe-adventure" through the 5 Stans of Central Asia with my group adventure community @mylifesatraveltribe! This trip is in high demand so if youd'd to join one of them, please follow there and sign up for our notifications email list linked on the bio, as we dont publicly announce or send out our itineraries. 😁
  • Kyrgyzstan is rising in popularity as a unique travel destination and its easy to see why!

From the beautiful nature to the well preserved culture, plus being extremely safe, it really makes it an ideal destination, but definitely expect some logistical hurdles 😁

Horseback riding in Chon Kemin and visiting Ala Archa National Park are a must! That's also where we learned about the Golden Eagles, a centuries old tradition practiced by their nomad culture that is still done today, mostly to continue keeping the traditions alive and teaching visitors about them!

Would you visit Kyrgyzstan?
  • KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently!

This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically)

Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! 

The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners!

Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
  • I was one of the last foreigners permitted in Virunga National Park in D.R. Congo before it was closed due to many armed and dangerous groups occupying it. 

That experience was one of the most memorable ones in my life, and part of why I’ll always say DRC is one of my favorite destinations I’ve been to (4 times).

But DRC is also one of the most corrupt countries, with some of the most horrific ongoing atrocities committed on the local Congolese people, the environment, and the animals by greedy, heartless humans.

Deforestation, illegal mining for minerals used to make your electronics, and destruction (plus human abuse) are a part of why the animals there suffer.

Poaching for bushmeat and to steal baby primates to sell as pets is another.

If you’ve ever seen a primate, especially chimpanzees, kept as a personal pet or on display, its parents were likely killed so it could be kidnapped. UAE and Gulf countries, Thailand, China, Eastern EU countries, and even people in the USA are all guilty of this.

That’s why one of the organizations I’ve become an ambassador for in D.R.Congo is @lwiro_primates . 

Lwiro Primates take in injured, abandoned, and smuggled primates, and they rehabilitate and care for them, even during a time when their own homeland is a very scary please.

So I am kindly asking today on World Giving Day for Apes, to send them a donation, or at least share their story or the info in this post. Anything helps, nothing does not.

And if you ever see a chimp as a pet, please ask the owner if they’re aware that its parents were likely killed just for it to be kidnapped and forced to be a pet. 😡

The link to the fundraiser is on Lwiro’s page and I’ll share on my Stories!

I’ve brought about 100 travelers to D.R.Congo, and they all can attest to what a beautiful and unique place it is. I pray and dream for the day that we can safely return there and bring tourism back.

Napenda Congo 🇨🇩💖
  • The highlight reel of Skardu, Pakistan! If you'd like the behind the scenes, see my previous posts or the story highlight! But also, yes, it really is this beautiful!

Do you like pretty highlight reels or do you prefer the struggle clips? 

Asking for a friend...who has a lot of both... 😬
  • The Photo VS the Moment in Skardu, Pakistan (wait for the videos after the photo) for anyone who thinks getting photos is easy, behold, freezing water, climbing on rocks, and magical geese who apparently want to be featured in the pics.!

(Comment "Skardu" and ill DM you my full travel guide plus how to get notifications for the group trip next year!)

What's the wildest thing you've done for a photo??

Thank you Destination Pakistan for the offer to work together and for helping get this footage so I didn't have to always use my tripod or selfie stick!
  • Just confirming that Haveli restaurant has the best rooftop view in Lahore! Make a reservation because it's always busy and ask to sit closest to the mosque!

The entire building of Haveli is beautiful and fascinating! A former mansion that's ornately decorated, and located in an area that was formerly infamous for..brothels!

Now, largely thanks to tourism demand, this area of Lahore is a lot cleaner and safer than it used to be, and it offers some of the most spectacular sites to see, both from above and below!

What would you rate this view from 1 to 10??
  • Made it to Skardu without any flight issues! Flights to and from the mountain region of Pakistan have a pretty high rate of cancellation due to unpredictable weather...

And speaking of unpredictable weather, the reports said it would be really cold, but it was warm, so i "had to" go shopping for shalwar kameez as soon as I arrived 😍

Then it was off to the Shangri La Lake for some pink tea before making the drive to Shigar cold desert for a sunset horseback riding session, before settling into a beautiful riverfront boutique resort!

Everyone says you have to go to the northern mountains of Pakistan, and now I see why! This place is magical and I only have a few days to explore!

PS did you know that this region has the highest number of world's tallest mountain peaks, it has has both deserts and lakes at extremely high altitudes, and also the largest glaciers in the world aside from the polar regions??

More coming soon! Do you want to visit Skardu??
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it!

Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬

We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!!

Photography company tagged as a collaborator!

Would you do this or nah?

———

Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
Samarkand the second time was even more magical! Since I went here last year, they’ve now started doing these “flying dress” photoshoots at Registan Square for around $67, which was definitely worth it! Go super early (6:30-8) to avoid anyone in your photos AND to avoid annoying other travelers trying to take photos 😬 We also got a few group pics with the Travel Tribe! It’s definitely been extremely fun being here a second time with them!! Photography company tagged as a collaborator! Would you do this or nah? ——— Uzbekistan, Registan Square, Samarkand, group trips, solo female traveler, mylifesatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
4 days ago
42557
View on Instagram |
1/9
Kyrgyzstan is rising in popularity as a unique travel destination and its easy to see why! From the beautiful nature to the well preserved culture, plus being extremely safe, it really makes it an ideal destination, but definitely expect some logistical hurdles 😁 Horseback riding in Chon Kemin and visiting Ala Archa National Park are a must! That's also where we learned about the Golden Eagles, a centuries old tradition practiced by their nomad culture that is still done today, mostly to continue keeping the traditions alive and teaching visitors about it. Do you want to visit Kyrgyzstan? ------ I'm currently hosting a custom created "luxe-adventure" through the 5 Stans of Central Asia with my group adventure community @mylifesatraveltribe! This trip is in high demand so if youd'd to join one of them, please follow there and sign up for our notifications email list linked on the bio, as we dont publicly announce or send out our itineraries. 😁
6 days ago
22710
View on Instagram |
2/9
Kyrgyzstan is rising in popularity as a unique travel destination and its easy to see why! From the beautiful nature to the well preserved culture, plus being extremely safe, it really makes it an ideal destination, but definitely expect some logistical hurdles 😁 Horseback riding in Chon Kemin and visiting Ala Archa National Park are a must! That's also where we learned about the Golden Eagles, a centuries old tradition practiced by their nomad culture that is still done today, mostly to continue keeping the traditions alive and teaching visitors about them! Would you visit Kyrgyzstan?
7 days ago
41
View on Instagram |
3/9
KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently!

This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically)

Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! 

The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners!

Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently!

This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically)

Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! 

The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners!

Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently!

This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically)

Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! 

The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners!

Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently!

This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically)

Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! 

The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners!

Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently!

This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically)

Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! 

The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners!

Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently!

This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically)

Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! 

The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners!

Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently!

This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically)

Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! 

The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners!

Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
KYRGYZSTAN! A destination many travelers are talking about this year, especially with the recent World Nomad Games happening here recently! This is country 1 of 5 of my custom created 5 'Stans Group Adventure itinerary for my Travel Tribe, and it has already been an incredible journey so far (albeit, extremely difficult logistically) Kyrgyzstan is a gem for those who love pristine nature and unique well preserved cultures! The Golden Eagles are a staple of ancient nomadic culture here, and today are showcased in the National Parks and other areas to keep their culture alive and educated about! These giant birds were used to hunt and as status symbols, and are like family members to the owners! Is Kyrgyzstan on your to-go list?
1 week ago
53430
View on Instagram |
4/9
I was one of the last foreigners permitted in Virunga National Park in D.R. Congo before it was closed due to many armed and dangerous groups occupying it. That experience was one of the most memorable ones in my life, and part of why I’ll always say DRC is one of my favorite destinations I’ve been to (4 times). But DRC is also one of the most corrupt countries, with some of the most horrific ongoing atrocities committed on the local Congolese people, the environment, and the animals by greedy, heartless humans. Deforestation, illegal mining for minerals used to make your electronics, and destruction (plus human abuse) are a part of why the animals there suffer. Poaching for bushmeat and to steal baby primates to sell as pets is another. If you’ve ever seen a primate, especially chimpanzees, kept as a personal pet or on display, its parents were likely killed so it could be kidnapped. UAE and Gulf countries, Thailand, China, Eastern EU countries, and even people in the USA are all guilty of this. That’s why one of the organizations I’ve become an ambassador for in D.R.Congo is @lwiro_primates . Lwiro Primates take in injured, abandoned, and smuggled primates, and they rehabilitate and care for them, even during a time when their own homeland is a very scary please. So I am kindly asking today on World Giving Day for Apes, to send them a donation, or at least share their story or the info in this post. Anything helps, nothing does not. And if you ever see a chimp as a pet, please ask the owner if they’re aware that its parents were likely killed just for it to be kidnapped and forced to be a pet. 😡 The link to the fundraiser is on Lwiro’s page and I’ll share on my Stories! I’ve brought about 100 travelers to D.R.Congo, and they all can attest to what a beautiful and unique place it is. I pray and dream for the day that we can safely return there and bring tourism back. Napenda Congo 🇨🇩💖
2 weeks ago
56125
View on Instagram |
5/9
The highlight reel of Skardu, Pakistan! If you'd like the behind the scenes, see my previous posts or the story highlight! But also, yes, it really is this beautiful! Do you like pretty highlight reels or do you prefer the struggle clips? Asking for a friend...who has a lot of both... 😬
2 weeks ago
47135
View on Instagram |
6/9
The Photo VS the Moment in Skardu, Pakistan (wait for the videos after the photo) for anyone who thinks getting photos is easy, behold, freezing water, climbing on rocks, and magical geese who apparently want to be featured in the pics.! (Comment "Skardu" and ill DM you my full travel guide plus how to get notifications for the group trip next year!) What's the wildest thing you've done for a photo?? Thank you Destination Pakistan for the offer to work together and for helping get this footage so I didn't have to always use my tripod or selfie stick!
2 weeks ago
43630
View on Instagram |
7/9
Just confirming that Haveli restaurant has the best rooftop view in Lahore! Make a reservation because it's always busy and ask to sit closest to the mosque! The entire building of Haveli is beautiful and fascinating! A former mansion that's ornately decorated, and located in an area that was formerly infamous for..brothels! Now, largely thanks to tourism demand, this area of Lahore is a lot cleaner and safer than it used to be, and it offers some of the most spectacular sites to see, both from above and below! What would you rate this view from 1 to 10??
2 weeks ago
39
View on Instagram |
8/9
Made it to Skardu without any flight issues! Flights to and from the mountain region of Pakistan have a pretty high rate of cancellation due to unpredictable weather... And speaking of unpredictable weather, the reports said it would be really cold, but it was warm, so i "had to" go shopping for shalwar kameez as soon as I arrived 😍 Then it was off to the Shangri La Lake for some pink tea before making the drive to Shigar cold desert for a sunset horseback riding session, before settling into a beautiful riverfront boutique resort! Everyone says you have to go to the northern mountains of Pakistan, and now I see why! This place is magical and I only have a few days to explore! PS did you know that this region has the highest number of world's tallest mountain peaks, it has has both deserts and lakes at extremely high altitudes, and also the largest glaciers in the world aside from the polar regions?? More coming soon! Do you want to visit Skardu??
2 weeks ago
55043
View on Instagram |
9/9

Join My Group Trips

Available Group Trips

If you like New Orleans Holiday Guide for 2020you might also be interested in...

Best Things to do in Seattle: First-Timers Guide

11 Christmas Markets in USA That Look Like Europe

Best Photo Spots in Yellowstone National Park

Epic Adventures at Jackson Hole in Summer 2022

Where to See Niagara Falls Spring Super Blooms in 2021

2 Day Fort Lauderdale Staycation Itinerary

Best Things to do in Palm Beach in 2024

Key West Winter Vacation Guide in 2024

Easy Grand Canyon Planning Guide in 2021

12 U.S. Hidden Gems to Travel to in Fall 2020