A Virtual Christmas in New Orleans

Close-up of a Decorated Christmas tree at Hotel St. Pierre

New Orleans is home to many fun Christmas traditions and activities, like holiday concerts and festive singalongs. However, this year, Covid-19 has undoubtedly thrown a lump of coal into the mix; or at least it tried. But, in true NOLA fashion, the city has found a way for the spirit of Christmas to endure, and that’s through virtual concerts that help keep the traditions merry and bright.

Here’s a rundown of how you can join in the virtual holiday fun!

Christmas Concerts at St. Louis Cathedral and St. Augustine Church

Every year these two glorious churches hold beautiful concerts featuring amazing local talents and invite family and friends to gather and celebrate the season together. This year, the concerts carry on virtually thanks to French Quarter Festivals, Inc. and other sponsors.* Plus, since they’re on a virtual platform, it opens up the doors to people from all over the globe to tune-in and enjoy. 

French Quarter Festivals, Inc. will stream the concerts live via their Facebook page and YouTube Channel, or you can watch them afterward on FQFI’s website. The shows will air again on Christmas day. 

Christmas Concert Series Schedule

Here’s a quick peek at the concert dates and where each concert will be filmed. All concerts are from 6 pm to 7 pm, with the exception of the replay on Christmas day, which is from 10 am to 3 pm. 

  • December 20th - Rachel Van Voorhees  (St. Louis Cathedral)

  • December 21st - Tim Laughlin  (St. Augustine Church)

  • December 22nd - Amanda Shaw (St. Louis Cathedral)

  • December 23rd - Don Vappie  (St. Augustine Church)

  • December 24th - Irma Thomas (St. Louis Cathedral)

  • December 25th - All concerts

*New Orleans Business Alliance, New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, WWL-TV, Fidelity Bank, Dorignac’s Food Center, Louisiana Fish Fry, WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans Jazz Museum, OffBeat Magazine, The Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate and NOLA.com, and Clarion Herald. 

Caroling in Jackson Square

This beloved holiday tradition is sponsored by the Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré every year. It has been going on since 1946, and this year plans to continue, but with a few changes. The community organization has been trying to find a way to keep this tradition alive and has finally decided on the best way to do it. 

Tickets are being offered to Patio Planters members only via a lottery system. However, the event will be streamed for the public to enjoy for free. To participate virtually, visit https://www.facebook.com/patioplantersvieuxcarre,  New Orleans Jazz Museum – Home | Facebook or https://www.facebook.com/offbeatmagazine.  For those who do not have Facebook, please join in the caroling by visiting https://fb.me/e/1YpYUjpem. The event takes place on December 20, from 7 pm to 8 pm. 

This year, Christmas is all about finding unique ways to keep the spirit of the season alive and well, no matter what challenges may come. So whether you’re singing from your sofa, or you’re curled up in your cozy hotel room at the Hotel St. Pierre, ‘tis the season to stream and sing and celebrate Christmas safely, NOLA style!