Christmas New Orleans Style 2008 –

More cathedral concerts, new Reveillon menus, and festive events!

It’s an exciting time to come out and play in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS- French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI), in partnership with New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation presents the 23rd annual Christmas New Orleans Style.  Throughout the month of December, FQFI actively enlists local businesses, restaurants, hotels, and community organizations to produce quality holiday events and a celebration that is uniquely New Orleans.  Originally founded as a way to attract tourists during the traditionally slow month of December, Christmas New Orleans Style has grown into a very successful month-long festival helping New Orleans businesses, arts community, and the tourism industry – with activities drawing in locals and visitors alike, generating tremendous economic impact for the city and state.  FQFI Executive Director Marci Schramm commented, “People who visit us in December enjoy not only the wide array of activities, but also enjoy the incredible sense of tradition, southern hospitality, and community celebration.   We also can’t forget the beautiful weather in Louisiana during this festive time of year.”

Christmas New Orleans Style continues the popular tradition of free concerts at St. Louis  Cathedral -with music for every taste; candlelight caroling in Jackson Square is an annual favorite, along with events such as: nightly excursions through the magnificent lighting display at City Park’s Celebration in the Oaks; free cooking demonstrations at Canal Place; levee bonfire celebrations welcoming Papa Noel; family activities including children’s teas and craft workshops; historic characters strolling and caroling in the French Quarter, holiday cruises on the Steamboat Natchez; festive theatrical and musical performances; special tours of private residences decked out in holiday cheer; tours of antebellum homes dressed in 19th century holiday finery; museums, bowl games, great shopping, and more!  Visitors can learn the secrets of local cuisine from acclaimed chefs from throughout the area as they share their favorite recipes at free cooking demonstrations with samplings that are guaranteed to spice up the holidays. More than 100 activities are planned, with plenty of opportunities to come out and play in New Orleans during Christmas New Orleans Style.

Reveillon Dinners

Reveillon, an adaptation of a traditional Creole holiday dining custom, will be celebrated nightly during the Christmas season in 36 restaurants throughout the city. Menus combine ageless Creole cuisine with more contemporary New Orleans dishes, and the spirit of the past remains.  In fact, four of the Reveillon restaurants – Antoine’s, Commander’s Palace, Galatoire’s and Tujague’s – are more than 100 years old!  Reveillon menus are only offered once a year, during December, and guests can enjoy the authentic taste of New Orleans during Christmas New Orleans Style.

Cathedral Concerts

Throughout the month of December, jazz musicians, gospel choirs, classical ensembles and other New Orleans musical groups herald in the season with concerts in one of the country’s most historic churches, St. Louis Cathedral, in the heart of the French Quarter on Jackson Square.  This year’s concerts take place at 6:00 p.m. on December 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22, and 23, 2008

Cooking Demonstrations

Throughout the month of December, Christmas New Orleans Style offers up a series of free cooking demonstration by some of the finest chefs from New Orleans’ most beloved restaurants. French Quarter Festivals, Inc, in partnership with New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, and The Shops at Canal Place, bring 12 unique dishes and acclaimed chefs from throughout the area including Chef Ben Thibodeaux of Palace Cafe, Chef Isaac Pappion of The New Orleans Grill at the Windsor Court, and Zoe’s Chef Robert Bustillo Jr. to share their favorite holiday recipes at free cooking demonstrations and samplings that are guaranteed to spice up the holidays. The Chef’s Holiday Cooking Demonstrations take place at the Shops at Canal Place, on weekdays at 3 p.m. and 10 a.m. on Saturdays.    Cooking demonstrations are December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 2008.

Papa Noel Rates

Christmas New Orleans Style offers visitors (and locals too) an exciting and memorable holiday encounter that can only be experienced in New Orleans.  Travelers can take advantage of special offers at over 40 of the city’s finest hotels as they offer very attractive Papa Noel discount rates to visitors as their gift of the season.

For complete information and schedules, visit www.neworleansonline.com or www.fqfi.org.  For a free booklet and calendar, call 504-522-5730, e-mail info@fqfi.org,  or write to French Quarter Festivals, Inc., 400 North Peters Street, Suite 205 New Orleans, LA, 70130.

For more information about all the things to see, do and eat year-round in New Orleans, visit: www.neworleansonline.com, the official tourism website for the city.    For more information about French Quarter Festivals, Inc., please visit www.fqfi.org or call 504-522-5730.