Top Holiday Displays at New Orleans Hotels

Holidays are magical in Louisiana. Twinkling lights weave through oak trees and architectural jewels, traditional carols spring through bayous and levees glow by bonfire. 

But the hotels, homes and streetcars of New Orleans go all out (and we do mean ALL out) with elaborate holiday displays that will leave you speechless. Think: a forest of trees, giant gingerbread houses and thousands upon thousands of twinkling lights. 

With fully festooned lobbies that invite you to stroll through an enchanting winter wonderland, the city’s historical and swanky hotels lead the way. While you’re there, warm up with a seasonal cocktail, too. Here are some of the highlights. 

The Roosevelt New Orleans

At the top of almost everyone’s list is this grand dame of epic proportions. For more than 80 years, The Roosevelt New Orleans has captured the imaginations of countless holiday visits, thanks to a display featuring some 60 trees, 30 yards of garland and more than 60,000 lights. There’s even a gingerbread village featuring Santa and his sleigh of…alligators. After all, this is Louisiana!

Try: Jim’s Cajun Eggnog | Find a riff on a holiday classic at Sazerac House, The Roosevelt’s world-famous bar. This beverage highlights Southern Comfort’s soft spice, which spikes velvety, vanilla-rich eggnog.

Windsor Court

Windsor Court is home to many merry happenings, from seasonal teas and menus to dazzling holiday décor. That splendor includes a nearly 20-foot Christmas tree sparkling with more than 25,000 white lights and a classic toy train circling its base. Keep looking, though! You’ll find 10 more trees adorned with more than 3,000 ornaments, six-foot magnolia wreaths hanging in the main lobby windows and more than 1,500 feet of gold magnolia garland draped throughout the hotel.

Try: Red Ryder | Windsor Court’s divine holiday menus course out everything from beef Wellington to black forest cake. Don’t leave without trying the Red Ryder, where clove- and cinnamon-infused Templeton Rye meets sweet Vermouth and holiday pie bitters.
 

Hotel Monteleone

The nearby Hotel Monteleone features giant wreaths, red bows and lights flanking its windows, offering a peek at the equally festive lobby inside. 

Try: Cranberry Mule | You’ve probably heard of The Carousel Bar & Lounge, a rotating social house inside of Hotel Monteleone. While you should definitely sample their signature Vieux Carré cocktail, try a Cranberry Mule, where bright and zingy notes of lime, ginger and cranberries shine.

The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

Already a feast for the eyes, the elegant Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans decks its lobby halls and walls with a gingerbread tugboat and sparkly lights strung across its ceilings.

Try: Davenportini | Ultra-premium vibes await within The Davenport Lounge, located within The Ritz-Carlton. Try a Davenportini, where limoncello gives zesty dimension to Grey Goose.

Royal Sonesta

Just a few blocks away, Royal Sonesta New Orleans adds the intoxicating smell of real Christmas trees and holly, garland-lined halls and a Christmas choir to entertain you every weekday at noon.

Try: Charred Citrus Old Fashioned | At Royal Sonesta’s Bar R’evolution, fresh winter oranges are richened by charring, which adds a savory-smokiness to this classic cocktail.

More Holiday Views

• For dazzling city views, cozy up by the fireplace at Le Pavillon and check out The Troubadour’s rooftop bar.
• Looking to explore homes outside of the Big Easy? Road-trip through Louisiana’s Holiday Trail of Lights.
• Experience the state’s 12 holiday must-do’s.