Christmas season is almost here. It's the time of year when Lakeside Mall is literally a zoo, the long-awaited J. Crew Christmas catalog comes out and the weather in southeast Louisiana FINALLY gets cold. Here are my top four Christmas traditions of New Orleans:
4. Miracle on Fulton Street
This holiday tradition started in 2007 as an effort to inspire residents after Hurricane Katrina. It was and continues to be a very well-liked attraction, mostly due to the dazzling boardwalk surrounding the attraction.
From standing by the 30-foot Macy's Tremendous Tree and writing a letter to Santa to getting your very own taste of faux snow (which is a miracle in itself), Miracle on Fulton Street is truly one of a kind.
The attraction is free to the public and opens later this month.
3. Caroling in Jackson Square
A tradition since 1946, hundreds of candles fill Jackson Square, with adults and children singing their favorite holiday songs.
Always on the Sunday before Christmas, the gates for the event open at 6:30, caroling begins at seven and candles and sheet music are always provided.
2. Celebration in the Oaks
People from across the country love this attraction so much that the last time I was there, a man from New York told me that this is one of the best Christmas attractions he's ever been to. Now that's saying a lot.
The park's famous oaks are adorned with twinkling lights, and there are many breathtaking Christmas displays from the Botanical Gardens to Storyland.
You can also take a two-mile train ride around the exhibits and see a life-size statue of famous New Orleans holiday character, Mr. Bingle.
This year, the attraction runs from November 27 to January 2, but closes from November 30 to December 3, as well as on Christmas and New Year's Eve.
1. The Magic of Christmas on Magic 101.9
This is a personal favorite for me, and it's probably because of the fact that I'm always listening to Christmas music.
The special thing about the Magic of Christmas is that the station plays Christmas music all day long from the end of November to Christmas Day.
It got me through finals week and it also provided me with road trip music. For as long as I can remember, the Magic of Christmas has been a staple in all of my holiday traditions.
